For our trip in January 2025, we're planning to go from Kyoto as a hub location to Fukuoka.
I wanted to have a ryokan/onsen stay somewhere during the trip, and I figured that Beppu would suit well. The idea is to arrive in the afternoon, settle in/relax at the ryokan, and then tour a few Jigoku springs on the next morning before heading to Fukuoka.
The complication is that our group is 9 adults, 2 of whom have lower mobility. I want to avoid bringing 9 luggage cases to Beppu – it seems ridiculous to try and fit all that on a bus from the station to our stay, and then back again the next day.
My intended solution: when changing trains at Kokura/Kitakyushu (Shinkansen to Ltd. Exp. Sonic), leave most/all luggage in the station coin lockers, bring the essentials to Beppu, and then retrieve the luggage the next day when heading from Beppu to Fukuoka.
Does my idea work – has anyone tried something similar? Can we count on there being enough available station lockers (at Kokura station)? Is there a better solution?
Finally, if anyone has recommended ryokan in Beppu, I'm all ears! If you had dinner at the ryokan, was it impressive (was it a kaiseki meal)? Did your ryokan have an in-room onsen (was it worth it)?
Your thoughts are much appreciated!
by knowc
