Suginoi Hotel Beppu strengthens its platform for the Korean group market with 791 rooms
Located in Beppu, Oita Prefecture, Beppu hot spring resort Suginoi Hotel has completed a major renovation, strengthening its ability to accommodate Korean groups and incentive travel demand. According to an announcement by ORIX Real Estate, the hotel completed its room inventory in January 2025 with the opening of its final accommodation building, Hoshi-kan, bringing the total to 791 rooms.
For a property targeting not only Korean FIT travelers but also large groups such as corporate training trips, incentive tours and social organizations, Suginoi Hotel’s combination of room capacity, banquet facilities and leisure amenities is expected to be a key competitive advantage.
A large 791-room hot spring resort with three accommodation buildings
Suginoi Hotel comprises three accommodation buildings: Niji-kan with 155 rooms, Sora-kan with 336 rooms and Hoshi-kan with 300 rooms. The major renovation project, which began in 2019, was completed with the opening of Hoshi-kan.
ORIX Real Estate said the renovation transformed Suginoi Hotel into a large-scale hot spring resort. Guests can choose their accommodation building based on room category and travel purpose, allowing the property to serve a wide range of demand, from family trips to group tours.
Banquet facilities for large groups
According to the hotel’s official information, Suginoi Hall Hikari is a standalone grand banquet hall that can accommodate up to 500 people in a seated arrangement. Equipped with a 400-inch large LED screen, live kitchen and open terrace, it can be used for corporate events and incentive programs.
The ability to operate large room blocks and banquet facilities within a single property is a major advantage for group itineraries designed to minimize travel between venues. The hotel can also accommodate a range of event formats, including award ceremonies, welcome dinners and corporate presentations.
Beppu, a hot spring tourism hub with a strong profile in Korea
According to lecture materials from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Suginoi Hotel has long been cited as a flagship property introducing Beppu and Kyushu hot spring tourism to Korean visitors. The region’s geographic proximity to Korea and established demand for hot spring travel have supported that profile.
Building on this recognition, Suginoi Hotel could expand beyond the FIT segment into group and incentive travel by deepening partnerships with Korean travel agencies, local operators and corporate travel planners.
Incentive travel appeal built around hot springs, leisure and dining
Suginoi Hotel operates the panoramic open-air bath Tanayu, the scenic hot spring bath Sorayu and the swimsuit-required Aqua Garden. Alongside accommodation and dining, these facilities are well suited to extended stays that combine hot springs and leisure activities.
The hotel also offers a range of dining venues, including buffet and Japanese cuisine options, as well as entertainment facilities such as SUGINOI BOWL & PARK. Groups can take part in a variety of activities without having to leave the property, which is a notable advantage.
Challenges in expanding the Korean group and incentive market
To compete effectively in Korea’s group travel market, operational details such as room assignments, meal-time coordination, coach routing, Korean-language information and dedicated group check-in will be crucial. The hotel will also need to efficiently allocate guests across its multiple accommodation buildings and coordinate access to event spaces and dining facilities.
For travel agencies and local operators, the key will be designing products that link stays in Beppu with wider Kyushu itineraries. Combining hot springs, banquets and local experiences into a regional route connecting Fukuoka, Yufuin and Beppu could help create incentive products that stand apart from conventional sightseeing tours.
The outlook for Beppu Suginoi Hotel in the Korean market
With 791 rooms and a banquet hall for up to 500 people, Suginoi Hotel has secured the physical capacity to host large groups. Combined with Beppu’s established reputation as a hot spring destination and the hotel’s in-house leisure facilities, this gives operators a wider range of options for developing products aimed at Korean companies and organizations.
Future performance in the Korean market will depend not only on the scale of the facilities but also on the development of local sales networks, dedicated group operations and services tailored to Korean guests. Attention will now turn to whether Suginoi Hotel can build on its image as a hot spring resort to capture both Korean FIT and group and incentive demand.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How many rooms does Suginoi Hotel have?
The hotel has 791 rooms in total: 155 at Niji-kan, 336 at Sora-kan and 300 at Hoshi-kan.
Can Suginoi Hotel host large group events?
Yes. According to the hotel’s official information, Suginoi Hall Hikari can accommodate up to 500 people in a seated arrangement.
What are the hotel’s main facilities for groups?
Groups can use Suginoi Hall Hikari, the grand banquet hall; the large accommodation buildings; dining venues offering buffet and Japanese cuisine; and the resort’s hot spring and entertainment facilities.
Why is the hotel suitable for incentive travel by Korean companies?
The hotel can provide accommodation and banquet facilities within a single resort, while its hot springs, pools and leisure amenities support the creation of extended, activity-based programs.
Where is Suginoi Hotel located?
It is located in the Kannawa district of Beppu, Oita Prefecture, Japan. Its location makes it well suited to itineraries combining Beppu hot spring tourism with travel across Kyushu.
