A 150-Year-Old Ryokan Becomes a “Home” Connecting the World

25 Years of Stories Forged between APU Students and Ebisuya’s Okami, Ms. Honda

Oyado Ebisuya, located in Beppu’s Myoban area, is a ryokan (Japanese-style inn) with a proud history spanning 150 years. For the 25 years since APU first opened, the inn has continuously welcomed APU students—including many international students—who have developed a special, almost family-like relationship with the okami (proprietress), Ms. Honda.

We spoke with the energetic and inspiring okami who has long supported Ebisuya.

A 25-Year Connection That Began with a Simple Job Posting

“ When APU first opened, a friend encouraged me to post a part-time job opening with the university. That was the beginning. Since then, for 25 years without fail, we have accepted student workers every year, including international students. Because the inn is located along their route to campus, it is easy for them to commute here, so many students have worked at the inn and our hot spring. ”

From her words, it becomes clear that her involvement with APU students is not a special “something”, but rather a natural part of her everyday life.

Her connection with students goes far beyond teaching them the work. It blends into the details of daily living, forming a unique sense of closeness—something different from family, yet also distinct from friendship.

“ I’m really close with all of them. When I find a delicious restaurant, we go together—just like hanging out with friends. I remember there was a girl who was right in the middle of a romance. We made sweets together for her to give to her boyfriend. That was before we rebuilt the inn, in the old kitchen. She was so adorable. ”

From the countless stories she recalls, a relationship emerges that cannot be captured with a single word—best friend, teammate, older sister figure. And these bonds don’t end at graduation.

“ It’s the 25th anniversary of APU, right? Graduates come back with their partners, or bring their families from their home countries. These relationships have continued in such a wonderful way. It truly makes me happy. ”

From Putting Down Futons to Japanese Etiquette — Trust Built Through Shared Learning

As the okami, Ms. Honda believes an important part of her role is to teach Japanese culture and the ways of a traditional ryokan.

“ Of course, as the okami, I teach students all aspects of the inn’s work. At first, there were moments when I was surprised—like when they didn’t know how to put down a futon or when cultural differences made certain things feel unfamiliar to them. But teaching them was fun, and because it’s a job that involves interacting with guests, I made sure to teach them everything thoroughly. ”

Her teaching, however, was more than simple instruction; it came from a place of warmth.

“ Students have later told me how the Japanese manners I taught them helped them in their lives. One student said that when she got married in Japan, the greeting she gave to her partner’s parents left a wonderful impression, and she thanked me for what I taught her. I taught them with the feeling of a parent; I wanted them to thrive no matter where they went. Hearing that this truly helped them in life makes me so happy. ”

What impressed her most, though, was the attitude of the students. They didn’t just receive guidance. They sought to understand the culture and the work deeply on their own, and they actively tried to be helpful. Their sincerity would later manifest in a remarkable way: an event none of them expected.

Bonds Tested by the Kumamoto Earthquake and Deep Respect for Their Parents

One memory she will never forget comes from the 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes.

“ I was truly saved by the students. The building didn’t collapse, but we suffered a critical problem—the hot spring water stopped filling up. And it happened right before Golden Week*. The students took turns coming here after their classes, rushing over on their way home to help with the recovery efforts. Without them, we would never have been able to reopen so quickly. ”
* a series of national holidays in Japan that take place from late April to early May.

Sharing the hardship of the disaster made her realize just how strong her bond with the students had become. This deep bond is closely connected to the respect she holds for the students’ parents.

“ They all have such strong communication skills and are truly wonderful young people. I often find myself thinking, ‘How did their parents raise them so well?’ I genuinely respect their families. Sending your child abroad to study already says a great deal about how incredible those parents are. And I feel grateful that they entrusted their precious children to the city of Beppu. Because I feel that way, I have naturally come to care for the students even more deeply. ”

A “Second Home” for APU Students — The Okami and the Geothermal City

We asked the okami, who remains active and energetic—so much so that she even started learning the violin at the age of sixty—where her vitality comes from.

“ Maybe my tendency to keep trying new things is a little similar to APU students. I think I’ve really been influenced by them. ”

She also says that the source of her energy comes from the “unique qualities of this land”.

“ And then, there’s the geothermal energy! There’s this kind of ‘heat’ that flows through Beppu. I think that’s why everyone here—students and locals alike—loves this city, lives together in harmony, and supports each other while enjoying life. When you think about it, there aren’t many places where human relationships have such warmth and are so deeply rooted. ”

The okami describes Oyado Ebisuya as a place she hopes will always feel like “a second home” for APU students—somewhere they can return to anytime.

“ I want to keep protecting this place forever, so I tell all the students who have ever worked for me to please come back anytime! ”

Like the geothermal heat of Beppu, the okami’s kindness and constant encouragement continue to warmly support the students who study in this city. Even after they leave, this Japanese-style inn remains a place they can always return to, like a family home with a warm light that never goes out.