Yufuin Gettouan
8,8/10 Excellent - Based on 278 reviews
Yufuin Gettouan is a small, gardened ryokan in the hills around Yufuin, composed of 18 villas set across roughly 33,000 square metres of forested grounds. Each villa stands as a separate house with its own private open‑air hot spring so guests can soak outdoors in privacy; the property, branded Gettouan, emphasises seasonal views and night skies. It is positioned as a ryokan with private onsen Yufuin, combining traditional tatami layouts with modern conveniences.
Accommodation divides between a main building — a relocated Japanese house dated to about 300 years — and an annex of six deluxe villas styled like tea houses. All 18 units include private open‑air baths, and rooms typically feature tatami flooring, futon or Western‑style beds depending on layout, a tea set, refrigerator and ensuite facilities. A small common room with a hearth sits by the main building, and the property also maintains larger communal indoor and outdoor baths in addition to the villa baths, reflecting its role as a ryokan with private onsen Ōita that still offers shared onsen options.
Meals focus on seasonal, rustic Japanese cuisine served in dining areas assigned by room type; dinner generally requires advance reservation and dietary needs should be advised before arrival. Practical points include free on‑site parking and a short drive from Yufuin station, while quiet hours and a restrained service style protect the tranquil setting. With Mt. Yufu visible from parts of the grounds and walking paths through the trees, the property suits travellers seeking a quiet hot‑spring escape framed by the rhythms of the seasons.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Yufuin Gettouan
Positive Reviews
Beautiful, peaceful setting
Multiple guests praised the property's location amid forests, cedar trees and mountain views near Yufuin, noting tranquillity, lovely grounds and easy access to the town's attractions.
Warm, attentive staff and service
Reviewers repeatedly mentioned friendly, professional and helpful staff who assisted with taxis, restaurant bookings and provided excellent hospitality throughout the stay.
Excellent onsen experience
Private outdoor baths attached to many rooms were highlighted as a major plus, alongside pleasant public onsen options—guests enjoyed night baths, privacy in villa-type rooms and the overall relaxing hot-spring experience.
Traditional, comfortable rooms
Guests enjoyed authentic Japanese-style accommodations: clean, well-equipped, spacious rooms or standalone villas with backyard/nature access, comfortable bedding (futons) and cozy interiors.
High-quality meals and dining
Many reviewers praised dinner and breakfast as delicious and beautifully presented, with staff accommodating dietary needs; several recommended booking the hotel's meals in advance for the best experience.
Negative Reviews
Remote location and transport challenges
The ryokan is secluded and a fair distance from the train station; reviewers advised taking a taxi or driving (free parking available) since walking with luggage is inconvenient.
Must pre-book meals / limited dining availability
Several guests noted that dinner and breakfast must be reserved in advance and that on some dates the restaurant may be closed, limiting last-minute dining options.
Outdoor bath exposure (insects & weather)
Because many baths are open-air, guests mentioned issues with mosquitoes and exposure to cold, drizzle or low lighting in cooler seasons—some said an option to enclose the bath would help.
Some facilities feel dated or need maintenance
A few reviews pointed out that certain areas and facilities show age and could use upkeep, though guests generally felt the staff and overall concept outweighed this.
Limited in-room bathing and occasional noise
Some rooms lack an indoor shower (bathing is via the onsen outside the room), which can be inconvenient in some weather; a few guests also reported noisy neighbours in the public bath area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most rooms accommodate 2–3 guests (twin or 2–3 futon layouts); room capacity varies by type, and some suites are adult-only—confirm occupancy when booking.
Yes — the property has public indoor and outdoor hot-spring baths and every room features a private open-air bath for exclusive use.
Guests with tattoos are not allowed to use shared bathing areas; you can still use your room’s private open-air bath.
The property does not advertise a regular hotel shuttle; most guests take a taxi (about 7–8 minutes from Yufuin Station) or use public limousine buses from the airports to Yufuin Station.
Limousine buses run to Yufuin Station (about 55 minutes from Oita Airport and about 100 minutes from Fukuoka Airport); from Yufuin Station a taxi is the usual option to reach the ryokan in roughly 7–8 minutes.
Staff primarily speak Japanese; English support may be limited, so it helps to prepare key requests in advance or contact the property before arrival.
Meals are seasonal Japanese cuisine served in the property’s dining areas (restaurant assignment varies by room type); please notify the ryokan of allergies or dietary requests at least a few days before arrival.
Check-in starts at 3:00 PM (the property requests advance notice of arrival time and last check-in is typically in the early evening) and check-out is by 11:00 AM; contact the ryokan if you expect to arrive late.
Pets are not allowed; each room’s private open-air bath is for exclusive use by that room’s guests, while the public baths are communal and generally cannot be reserved for private use.
The ryokan is a short drive from Yufuin town and attractions such as Lake Kinrinko, Mount Yufu and the floral village, with local shops, restaurants and convenience stores a short walk or drive away.