Yufuin Akarinoyado
7,9/10 Very good - Based on 961 reviews
Yufuin Akarinoyado sits in the spa town of Yufuin, offering a compact blend of contemporary and traditional Japanese design. The property has a small number of guest rooms arranged around simple communal spaces; rooms pair tatami with Western bedding in some layouts and include air conditioning, flat-screen TV and in-room safes. Located within easy walking distance of galleries and the lakeside promenade beneath Mount Yufu, this ryokan with onsen in Yufuin presents a relaxed, informal atmosphere suited to couples, families and travellers arriving with pets on request.
Bathing includes a rooftop open-air bath plus outdoor and indoor communal onsen fed by local thermal sources; baths are shared and run on a schedule. Amenities include free Wi‑Fi, private parking, bicycle hire and an Asian-style breakfast served each morning. Rooms are modest, some with garden or mountain views, and the property’s compact scale keeps public areas quiet. As a ryokan with onsen in Ōita, it provides an authentic hot-spring stay closely tied to the town.
Staff provide a casual, service-minded reception with bilingual assistance available at times; standard check-in is mid‑afternoon with mid‑morning check‑out, so confirm arrival details in advance. The property lies a short walk from the station, making day trips and connections straightforward, and nearby attractions include craft shops, small museums and the peaceful lake. Practical notes: pet policies and room layouts vary by plan, parking is limited, and the ryokan suits travellers seeking an unfussy, centrally located onsen experience rather than a large resort.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Yufuin Akarinoyado
Positive Reviews
Excellent onsen facilities
Multiple hot-spring baths (including a rooftop bath and three different types of onsen) were mentioned as a highlight. Guests appreciated the quality, the views from the ladies' onsen and the ability to book private family baths.
Friendly and helpful staff
Many reviews praised the welcoming, professional and accommodating staff who provided good customer service and assistance during stays.
Very convenient location
The property is close to the train station, shops and restaurants while remaining relatively quiet. Guests also noted available parking and easy access to local amenities.
Clean, well-kept communal areas and extras
Guests reported clean rooms/common areas, a pleasant lobby with complimentary drinks, free bicycles for use, a kitchenette/pantry for hot drinks and useful extras like yukata for the baths.
Good food and value for money
Several guests complimented the evening and morning meals as plentiful and tasty and described the overall stay as good value, recommending staying longer to relax.
Negative Reviews
Uncomfortable beds and futons
Multiple guests found bedding uncomfortable — futons described as too thin or hard, mattresses for some bunk beds inadequate, and some dorm-style rooms feeling cramped for couples.
Onsen booking limits and scheduling issues
Private baths and some onsen slots sell out quickly or have restricted timetables (first-come/first-served and limited bookings per day), which frustrated guests who arrived to find times already taken.
Noise, odors and minor maintenance problems
Reports of noisy air-conditioning or fridges, leaking toilets (continuous water noise), humid or stale smells in some rooms and occasional odors from air conditioning affected sleep and comfort.
Small rooms and lack of en-suite facilities in some room types
Several reviews noted very small rooms (e.g., ~7 m²) without private toilets or showers in lower-priced room types, which disappointed guests expecting more space or privacy.
Connectivity and missing amenities
Some guests experienced unreliable Wi‑Fi and communication issues via booking channels. Others noted missing or limited in-room amenities (for example no hairdryer provided) and inconsistent information about facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types vary from single/couple rooms to family-style Japanese rooms; some family rooms sleep up to four people. Check each room description when booking for exact maximum occupancy and bedding arrangements.
Yes — the property offers multiple hot spring facilities, including a public bath, outdoor (rotenburo) baths and a rooftop open-air bath. Ask reception about any private-bath options and current operating hours.
There is no regular hotel airport shuttle advertised; most guests arrive by train or regional bus. If you need assistance with transfers, contact the property in advance for local options.
The nearest major airport is Oita Airport (about 45–55 km by road). From the airport take a bus or train toward Yufuin then walk a few minutes from Yufuin Station to the ryokan.
Staff can assist in Japanese and English. For other languages, request support in advance.
Expect a modern-Japanese ryokan with tatami-style rooms, free Wi‑Fi, a small garden, multiple onsen baths and an included Asian-style breakfast. The atmosphere mixes traditional elements with modern conveniences.
Kinrin Lake, Yufuin’s main shopping street (Yunotsubo), and several small museums (stained glass, trick art, Norman Rockwell exhibits) are all within easy walking distance. The area is compact and walkable for half- or full-day sightseeing.
Yufuin Station is a short walk (around 3 minutes) from the ryokan, making regional trains the simplest option. Local buses and taxis also serve Yufuin from nearby cities like Beppu and Oita.
Standard check-in usually begins at 15:00 and check-out is by 10:00; notify the property if your arrival is significantly later than scheduled. Reception can advise on late-arrival procedures.
Private or rooftop-bath use may be available—ask at reception to reserve if needed; pet-friendly rooms are offered but must be requested in advance and may have restrictions. Convenience stores and a variety of restaurants are a short walk from the ryokan.