There’s a certain magic to stepping into a Japanese ryokan — a world where the bustle of modern life falls away and tradition, nature, and heartfelt hospitality embrace you at every turn. In Nagato, Yamaguchi, that magic is elevated to an art form at Bettei- OTOZURE, one of Japan’s most serene and refined retreats.
Part of The Ryokan Collection, Bettei- OTOZURE offers guests an experience that is less a hotel stay and more a profound journey into the essence of Japanese living.
Yamaguchi Prefecture: Japan’s Undiscovered Treasure
Tucked into the westernmost tip of Honshu, Yamaguchi Prefecture is a hidden gem of coastal beauty, ancient pottery, and rich history. It played a crucial role in the Meiji Restoration, the movement that transformed Japan into a modern nation.
In the 19th century, Yamaguchi — then called the Chōshū Domain — became a hub of reform. Local samurai, alongside allies from Satsuma (modern Kagoshima), led the fight to end Japan’s feudal era and restore imperial rule. Visionaries like Yoshida Shōin from Hagi inspired future leaders, including Japan’s first prime ministers, shaping the country’s new path.
Image Credit: Expedia
Dassai Sake and the Spirit of Yamaguchi
The region also boasts some of Japan’s purest and most celebrated sake. Chief among them is Dassai, an internationally renowned brewery revered for pushing the boundaries of traditional sake-making.
Using meticulous techniques and the highest-grade Yamada Nishiki rice, Dassai crafts sakes of extraordinary elegance — delicate, aromatic, and refined, with a smoothness that captures the very essence of Yamaguchi’s understated beauty.
In every sip, you taste the pristine waters, the careful stewardship of generations, and the spirit of innovation that helped shape modern Japan.
Here, the Sea of Japan laps gently against sandy beaches, pine-clad islands dot the Seto Inland Sea, and mountains cradle quiet villages — all waiting to be explored.
Bettei- OTOZURE Ryokan: Facilities and Experiences
Grande Spa Otozure
A tranquil oasis where onsen waters, intuitive treatments, and natural surroundings converge. Private spa rooms create an immersive, deeply restorative experience.
Grand Bath
Relax in solarium-like settings where a Japanese open-air bath offers a front-row seat to the stars. A fitness center is also available for guests seeking a mindful workout.
Lobby & Library
Image Credit: The Ryokan Collection
A haven of cascading sunshine and river breezes, Bettei- OTOZURE’s elegant lobby leads to a cosy library stocked with books, CDs, and DVDs. A business centre is available for any work needs.
Traditional Tea House
Discover the spirit of hospitality over a meticulously prepared cup of green tea, celebrating the beauty of simplicity and imperfection.
Dining at Bettei- OTOZURE
- Unyu (Kaiseki): Multi-course Japanese dining with seasonal, local ingredients, highlighted by specialties like fugu and sea urchin.
- Choshu (Teppanyaki): Just 13 seats nightly, featuring live preparation of Choshu wagyu beef with garden waterfall views.
Bar
Image Credit: The Ryokan Collection
A serene space framed by lofty windows and warm wood, perfect for enjoying a curated selection of sake, wines, and cocktails.
The OTANISANSO Suite
Otani Sanso is located next to Bettei- OTOZURE. While Bettei- OTOZURE can be seen as the annex of Otani Sanso, the latter one has been one of the most well known onsen ryokans in the area since the 1960s. In total, Otani Sanso offers 23 types of rooms, ranging from suites with your own private outdoor hot spring bath, to classic style Japanese rooms, and premium rooms that blend in Western tastes, and more.
Nestled away in the mountains, amongst the seasons and natural surroundings of Nagato, you’re guaranteed to experience pure bliss and relaxation in this ryokan.
One of its highlights is The OTANISANSO Suite which has its own private outdoor bath with natural hot spring water, overlooking the garden. This luxurious 120 square meter suite features four beds divided amongst two rooms to accommodate multiple people or a family travelling together. As if this wasn’t enough, The OTANISANSO Suite also comes with a sauna, cold water bath, shower and terrace.
Quiet Beauty and a Taste of Old Japan: Your Journey Begins
3 Days, 2 Nights at Bettei- OTOZURE Ryokan
Day 1: Arrival and Scenic Encounters
Upon arriving at Ube Airport or Shin-Yamaguchi Station, your journey into Japan’s hidden heartland begins. Before checking in at Bettei- OTOZURE, treat yourself to kawarasoba — “roof-tile noodles”— where tea-flavored soba, beef, egg, and nori are served sizzling atop a traditional heated tile.
The afternoon is an invitation to explore the area further:
- Tsunoshima Bridge: A ribbon of road arching over vivid blue waters, leading to a tranquil island.
- Higashi-Ushirobata Tanada: Terraced rice paddies cascade gracefully toward the Japan Sea.
- Motonosumi Shrine: Walk through 123 vibrant red torii gates rising from the ocean’s edge, a site believed to bring good fortune.
Image Credit: japan-guide.com
- To finish your day on a relaxing note, enjoy the public onsen bath in Nagato Yumoto Onsen called “Ontō,” where you can immerse yourself into the symbol of Nagato Yumoto. The owner of the ryokan Bettei- OTOZURE has been involved in renovating this public onsen and it is one of the town’s proudest features. The Ontō bathhouse features wonderfully calming natural hot spring waters.
As evening falls, you finally arrive at Bettei- OTOZURE Ryokan, nestled beside the Otozure River in the historic hot spring town of Nagato Yumoto Onsen which is symbolised by the historic “Ontō” public bathhouse. It marks the beginning of a 600-year tradition, and the proud Hagi-yaki pottery culture boasts a 360-year history.
After changing into a yukata, indulge in an exceptional dining experience—choosing from refined kaiseki or theatrical teppanyaki, served on Hagi-yaki pottery. We particularly recommend the outstanding Japanese kaiseki course dinner for your first night at Bettei- OTOZURE and the teppanyaki course dinner for the second night.
Post-dinner, stroll under the crystal-clear rural skies or visit the astronomical observatory at Otani Sanso to admire the constellations.
Day 2: Cultural Immersion and Hands-On Craft
Following a leisurely breakfast overlooking serene gardens, prepare for a truly intimate cultural encounter.
The morning features a VIP visit to a Hagi-yaki master potter’s studio. With deep connections to Bettei- OTOZURE’s owners, this 12th-generation artist offers guests a rare glimpse into UNESCO-recognised craft traditions. You may even try your hand at molding a keepsake.
The afternoon invites you to wander Hagi City:
- Explore narrow streets lined with samurai residences and merchant houses.
- Visit museums rich with Meiji-era artifacts.
Optional seasonal activities include:
- Barbecuing on the grassy plains at Senjojiki.
- Scuba diving around Aomi Island’s clear waters.
- Sea kayaking along the dramatic Yuya coast.
In the evening, return to Bettei- OTOZURE for another unforgettable meal (our personal favourite was the delicious teppanyaki course dinner). This unique dinner experience blends traditional hospitality with modern culinary artistry. Guests are seated around a polished iron grill, where a master chef prepares each course with precision and theatrical flair.
The menu often features the finest local ingredients, such as tender Yamaguchi Wagyu beef, fresh seasonal seafood, and vibrant organic vegetables, all cooked to perfection before your eyes. Each sizzling bite is paired thoughtfully with regional sake or fine wine, enhancing the flavours and the immersive atmosphere. The experience captures the essence of Japanese omotenashi—genuine, heartfelt service—making dining at Bettei- OTOZURE not just a meal, but a deeply memorable cultural journey.
After this culinary delight, unwind with a soak in your private open-air bath, watching river mists rise under the moonlight.
Day 3: Departure Through Natural Wonders
Having enjoyed one final sumptuous breakfast, it’s time to check out.
En route to the airport or station, explore the dramatic Akiyoshidai Plateau — a surreal landscape of limestone spires and rolling grasslands. Don’t miss the chance to venture into Akiyoshido Cave, Japan’s largest limestone cavern, with its underground waterfalls and dazzling formations.
Image Credit: Wikipedia
If time allows, a stop at the Akiyoshidai International Art Village offers a last glimpse of Yamaguchi’s creative spirit before your departure.
Bettei- OTOZURE: Where Modernity and Tradition Meet
Bettei- OTOZURE is a masterclass in the art of ryokan hospitality reimagined for modern sensibilities. Designed by renowned architect Hiroshi Naito, the property offers an understated elegance where architecture dissolves into nature: wide glass walls open to forests and rivers, interiors of stone, cedar, and tatami breathe tranquility into every moment.
With just 18 guest rooms in a spacious complex, privacy is paramount. Each room features either an en-suite open-air bath, a sunken lounge, or a tea alcove — all designed to evoke deep relaxation.
The Ryokan Collection: Curators of Japan’s Finest Inns
Choosing a stay through The Ryokan Collection ensures your experience is nothing short of extraordinary. Carefully curated since 2004, this prestigious consortium includes only Japan’s most exceptional ryokans — those that combine authentic tradition, world-class service, and a deep sense of place.
Travelling with The Ryokan Collection also unlocks exclusive insider experiences, from artisan studio visits to special gastronomic events, turning a trip into a story you’ll tell for years to come.
Getting to Bettei- OTOZURE: A Journey Worth Savouring
Bettei- OTOZURE feels worlds apart from Japan’s crowded cities — but getting there is easier than you might think.
- From Tokyo Haneda Airport, a 1-hour 45-minute flight takes you to Ube Airport, followed by a 1-hour 10-minute private car transfer through the lush landscapes of Yamaguchi.
- From Fukuoka Airport, the journey is a comfortable 2 hours and 15 minutes by car.
- From Hakata Station (Fukuoka city centre), it’s a swift 30-minute ride on the Shinkansen bullet train plus a 50-minute drive.
- From Osaka, a 2-hour 20-minute Shinkansen journey plus 50 minutes by car brings you to this tranquil hideaway.
Each transfer is smooth and beautifully scenic — a fitting prelude to the tranquility that awaits.
Final Thoughts: A Journey Beyond Travel
In a world racing ever faster, Bettei OTOZURE offers a rare and precious gift: the luxury of stillness, of nature’s quiet rhythms, of human connection in its purest form.
For those seeking not just a trip, but a transformation—a reawakening of the senses, a deep breath for the soul—Bettei OTOZURE in Yamaguchi is waiting, timeless as the stars that watch over its river.
Here, modern luxury and ancient spirit meet—and for a few unforgettable days, you live not just in Japan, but in its very heart.
For more remarkable luxury ryokans to experience in Japan, explore The Ryokan Collection.
