Yufuin Lamp no Yado
8,6/10 Excellent - Based on 868 reviews
Yufuin Lamp no Yado sits in the quiet lanes of Yufuin, in the city of Yufu, Ōita Prefecture, and presents a Japanese‑modern take on a traditional inn. The property centres on a restored, thatched main house said to be around 180 years old, complemented by a newer annex and a handful of garden‑facing rooms; the layout mixes compact, polished guest rooms with more spacious annex units. The atmosphere is informal and welcoming, with resident cats and dogs noted as part of the property’s character and a front‑of‑house team that highlights local ingredients in its hospitality.
Bathing is a defining feature: the ryokan operates six flowing, kakenagashi-style private hot spring baths and two footbaths, along with open‑air bathing options and small spa facilities. These onsen are described as continuously fed from the source and offered for guest use as private, reservation‑free spaces in many instances, making the property a practical choice for travellers seeking a ryokan with private onsen in Ōita. The bathing areas are set into terraces and garden pockets so that soaking feels secluded while remaining close to the rooms.
Rooms are appointed with everyday conveniences—refrigerator, TV and complimentary Wi‑Fi—while dining focuses on local Ōita produce, with seasonal courses such as a Wagyu yakiniku kaiseki and hand‑rolled sushi and grill options; the kitchen is prepared to discuss allergies or dietary requests. Practical for exploring Yufuin on foot, the inn is a short walk from the station and within easy reach of Kinrin‑ko Lake and other town attractions, which makes it a well‑placed ryokan with onsen in Yufuin for travellers wanting easy access to both baths and the town’s sights.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Yufuin Lamp no Yado
Positive Reviews
Very friendly, helpful staff
Multiple reviewers highlight welcoming, attentive staff who go out of their way to assist guests (including English-speaking help and flexible support such as allowing use of the lobby after checkout).
Private onsen facilities (multiple, 24/7)
Guests praise the private hot-spring baths—several on-site onsens are available, often operable 24 hours, supplied with natural spring water and easy to check for availability.
Delicious and generous meals
Many comments note very good dinners and varied breakfasts; meals are described as plentiful and memorable (some mentioning a particularly good second-night meal or grilled wagyu).
Charming, comfortable ryokan atmosphere with pets
The property’s quaint, traditional layout and comfortable rooms are appreciated; on-site animals (a dog and several cats) are repeatedly mentioned as adding warmth and character to the stay.
Convenient location and useful amenities
Reviewers value the location (within walking distance of the station for many), free parking, available rental bikes and easy access to the town and nearby attractions.
Negative Reviews
Occasional minor cleanliness or initial odor
A few guests reported light dust in rooms or a mild unpleasant smell upon arrival that improved after airing; these were described as minor and sometimes temporary.
Small bathroom/shower and compact toilet
Several reviews mention cramped in-room shower cubicles and small or cold toilet spaces that some guests found uncomfortable.
Lighting and ambience issues in some areas
Some onsen rooms and indoor areas were described as dim; additionally a few guests found motion-sensor lights in rooms (and short timer lights in toilets) distracting or hard to disable.
Heating control problems and perceived value
At least one guest noted difficulty regulating room heating (either too cold or too hot), and another felt the stay was somewhat pricey for what was offered.
Soundproofing and occasional noise
A small number of guests felt soundproofing was limited, leading to occasional noise from other areas or neighboring rooms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms range from single and double layouts to family and annex suites; some rooms sleep up to five using beds and futons, and cots or extra beds are not available.
The ryokan has six private onsen baths supplied by natural spring water; guests report round‑the‑clock access, but please check availability and booking with staff at check‑in.
The closest airport is Oita Airport (about 50–52 km); the simplest route is the train to Yufuin Station followed by a 4–5 minute walk to the property, or by car it is about 5 minutes from Yufuin IC.
There is no regular airport or station shuttle listed; the ryokan is an easy 4–5 minute walk from Yufuin Station and can advise or arrange private transfers on request.
Staff are noted as friendly with some bilingual team members able to assist in English; they can help with common requests and dietary needs if informed in advance.
The ryokan offers on‑site meals including a Wagyu yakiniku course and seasonal menus, and it can accommodate vegetarian choices or common allergy requests when notified ahead of time.
Kinrin (Kinrinko) Lake, Yunotsubo Kaido shopping street and several small museums are within a 10–20 minute walk, with the town centre close by for galleries, cafes and shops.
The property provides free bicycles, Yufuin Station is within walking distance, and local taxis and buses serve destinations beyond the town.
Standard check‑in runs from 15:00 to 19:00 and check‑out is by 10:00; contact the ryokan in advance if you expect to arrive after the stated check‑in window.
Booking information lists pets as not allowed, so confirm with the ryokan if you must travel with an animal; convenience stores and small supermarkets are within a short walk of the property.