山荘 紗羅樹 Syaranoki
9,5/10 Exceptional - Based on 133 reviews
Set on a quiet, wooded rise just outside Yufuin, this compact mountain villa sits within a generous gardened plot and faces seasonal trees and birdsong rather than a busy street. The property occupies a main building and two separate cottages, creating a low-density layout of four guest rooms that emphasizes privacy and slow-paced relaxation. Located in the hot-spring district of Yufuin in Ōita, the atmosphere leans toward understated traditional design rather than modern boutique gloss; visitors will find a simple, well-maintained base for exploring nearby onsen towns and lakes. This ryokan with onsen in Ōita positions itself as a restful alternative to busier town-center hotels.
Each room is arranged in a Japanese style with tatami or mixed flooring, simple furnishings, a small garden-facing terrace or balcony, and conveniences such as climate control, a compact refrigerator and a flat-screen television. A defining feature is that every room includes its own dedicated hot-spring bath supplied from the natural source, allowing guests to bathe on their own schedule; the baths are described as private and continuously fed by the spring. For travellers specifically seeking intimate thermal privacy, this is a clear example of a ryokan with private onsen in Yufuin, combining the feel of a country cottage with the direct access to onsen water from your room.
Practical details reflect the property’s intimate scale: there are only a few parking spaces on site, and check-in is timed in the late afternoon to early evening with standard morning checkout; meals are not provided so guests normally plan their own dining or use nearby restaurants and convenience stores. The approach involves a short uphill drive and some unpaved sections, so a car or taxi from Yufuin station is the most convenient option. The small number of rooms, quiet grounds and in-room hot springs make the accommodation particularly suited to couples or small families seeking privacy and a nature-facing stay rather than a full-service ryokan experience.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: 山荘 紗羅樹 Syaranoki
Positive Reviews
Private in‑room onsen with scenic views
Many guests praise the private onsen in the room and balcony/forest views — relaxing, peaceful and suitable for couples or families.
Spacious, clean traditional rooms
Rooms are described as larger than expected, very clean, with separate living/washing/sleeping areas and comfortable futons/beds for a restful stay.
Warm, attentive hospitality
Owners and staff are repeatedly noted as friendly, helpful and attentive (warming rooms and onsen before arrival, arranging taxis, offering local guidance).
Quiet natural setting ideal for relaxation
Guests appreciate the tranquil, nature‑surrounded location (birdsong, garden, autumn foliage) that provides a calm escape from town crowds.
Good value and practical amenities
Reviewers mention good value for a quality onsen stay and useful in‑room amenities (fridge, microwave, air conditioning/heater, air purifier, stable Wi‑Fi).
Negative Reviews
Remote location and transport required
The property is outside the town center and most guests say you need a car or taxi to get there; public‑transport access is limited.
Unpaved, narrow or changeable access road
Several reviews warn the road to the ryokan includes narrow, gravel or unpaved sections that can be confusing or challenging—especially at night.
Cold in winter / limited heating in some rooms
Some guests found rooms too cold in winter and noted heating can be insufficient without extra heaters or preparation.
Limited nearby shops and signage
There are few nearby shops and signage can be easy to miss, so guests recommend stocking up beforehand and being prepared when driving.
Room views and insects can vary
A few guests reported that views depend on the room (some face overgrown vegetation) and that opening windows can lead to insects or small animals entering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Syaranoki is a very small ryokan with four guest rooms, typically arranged for couples or small parties; check your booking for exact occupancy limits per room.
Each room has its own in-room onsen fed by the natural spring, so bathing is private and available for your exclusive use.
The ryokan does not advertise a regular shuttle; guests usually arrive by car or taxi from Yufuin Station, and Oita Airport is roughly 50–55 km away by road.
Staff are primarily Japanese; English may be limited, so basic Japanese phrases or advance requests for assistance are recommended.
Expect a quiet, rural hilltop setting with traditional Japanese rooms and private hot-spring baths; the property focuses on privacy and a relaxed stay rather than on-site dining or large facilities.
Yufuin town center, Kinrin Lake and several small museums (including the Norman Rockwell museum) are within a short drive or taxi ride from the ryokan.
The ryokan sits on a small hill outside town; walking is not recommended — take a taxi from Yufuin Station (about 8–10 minutes) or drive from the Yufuin IC (about 5 minutes).
Standard check-in is in the late afternoon (around 16:00) with last arrivals typically by 20:00, and check-out is in the morning (around 10:00); confirm exact times with the property when you book.
The ryokan’s structure and four-room size mean full-property rental is uncommon; pets are not permitted, while each room’s private onsen functions as your own private bathing space.
Syaranoki operates as a room-only ryokan with no on-site meals, so guests dine in nearby Yufuin where there are restaurants and small shops, and convenience stores are available in town.