Yufuin Onsen Ryokan Hananomai
9,2/10 Exceptional - Based on 41 reviews
Set on a quiet side street a short walk from Yunotsubo Street and Kinrinko Lake, Yufuin Onsen Ryokan Hananomai is a small garden-front ryokan with traditional timber details and intimate communal spaces. The property emphasizes relaxed pacing with a sheltered courtyard and simple seating areas that highlight seasonal greenery. A free pick-up service from JR Yufuin Station and on-site parking make it practical for independent travelers, while galleries, craft shops and museums lie within easy walking distance. This small-scale ryokan with onsen in Yufuin focuses on calm, locally rooted stays.
Rooms include family layouts and configurations listed as quadruple or triple; amenities commonly include a kettle, air-conditioning, safe and TV, with some room types offering private baths. Bathing facilities are central: gender-separated indoor/outdoor baths plus two family-use reserved baths are supplied from the on-site hot spring source, allowing a choice of public bathing or a private soak. Staff coordinate arrivals and can respond to requests given in advance; morning service provides a straightforward Asian-style breakfast.
Complimentary Wi‑Fi, luggage support and a garden setting complement walks into town, making this ryokan with private onsen in Ōita a practical base for exploring Yufuin’s galleries and cafés. The intimate scale suits couples and families who prefer spacious, quiet rooms and multiple bathing options over large-hotel facilities. For a smooth stay, reserve the station shuttle and note any dietary requirements before arrival; staff typically handle coordination and practical requests.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Yufuin Onsen Ryokan Hananomai
Positive Reviews
Excellent onsen facilities
Multiple bath options were frequently praised — private in‑room baths, outdoor baths and family/private baths — offering a very relaxing onsen experience suitable for groups and those who cannot use regular public baths.
Friendly, attentive staff
Staff were described as warm, helpful and accommodating (including shuttle service), making guests feel welcome and assisting with requests such as dietary needs and transport.
Delicious breakfast and food
Breakfast and other meals were repeatedly noted as tasty and well presented; the ryokan also made efforts to accommodate special diets (e.g. vegan options).
Spacious, clean and nicely decorated rooms
Family and quadruple rooms are reported as large, clean and tastefully furnished — some guests felt the room felt like a small house and very comfortable for groups or couples.
Quiet, intimate setting close to attractions
Guests appreciated the peaceful, small‑scale atmosphere (few rooms), the pretty surroundings and the convenient location — a short walk or short taxi ride to the station, floral village and shopping district, plus station pickup in some cases.
Negative Reviews
Firm beds and flat pillows
Several guests found the mattresses quite hard and the pillows small/flat (noting this can be typical in Japan), which affected sleep comfort for some visitors.
No dinner service / limited meal options
A number of reviewers noted the property does not serve dinner or wished for an option to add dinner, making evening meal planning necessary elsewhere.
Location can be hard to find or somewhat distant
Some guests found the ryokan slightly off the beaten path or not easy to locate on maps; others mentioned it is a 10–15 minute walk from the shopping street or requires a short taxi ride.
Room comfort issues (temperature and humidity)
A few reports mentioned rooms feeling cold even with heating on, noticeable humidity, or that the in‑room onsen temperature was not always as hot as expected.
Outdoor insects
One review mentioned mosquitoes/insects in the outdoor areas, which could affect comfort when using exterior baths or outdoor spaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types include triple, family and quadruple layouts and the ryokan has a small number of rooms (around eight); there are no extra beds or baby cots, so book a room that matches your party size. Children aged 6 and over are treated as adults for occupancy.
The property offers communal indoor and open-air hot spring baths plus reservable private family baths; private baths are available by reservation and are the recommended option for guests with tattoos. Baths use natural onsen water and are part of the ryokan experience.
A complimentary pick-up/drop-off service from Yufuin Station is offered; guests should request the shuttle in advance when confirming their arrival time. There is no regular airport shuttle—airport transfers are usually by taxi or public transport to Yufuin Station.
Most visitors arrive at JR Yufuin Station (served by local and limited‑express services); the ryokan is roughly a 10–15 minute walk from the station. From Hakata or Beppu take the appropriate JR limited‑express train to Yufuin.
Standard check-in is between 15:00 and 19:00 and check-out is by 10:30. If you expect to arrive outside those times, contact the ryokan in advance.
Staff primarily speak Japanese and English ability is limited; many practical matters are handled with simple English or gestures, so prepare key details in writing if needed. Advance requests made through your booking can help staff prepare.
An Asian-style breakfast is served daily; on-site dinner is not guaranteed for every rate or room type, so confirm meal options when you book. The town of Yufuin has many nearby restaurants and cafés within a short walk.
Pets are not permitted at the ryokan. Convenience stores, bakeries and local shops on Yunotsubo Kaido are within walking distance, though there is no large supermarket on the ryokan grounds.
Kinrin Lake, Yunotsubo Kaido (the main shopping/street area), several small museums (Trick Art, Norman Rockwell) and craft shops are all about a 5–15 minute walk from the ryokan. The area is also good for short hikes and views of Mount Yufu.
Yes; the property offers a traditional ryokan atmosphere with Japanese-style rooms, garden views, in-room tea facilities and onsen bathing, suited to guests seeking an authentic, quiet stay. Expect personalized, low-capacity service rather than a large hotel experience.