Sanso Matsuya
8,5/10 Excellent - Based on 20 reviews
Sanso Matsuya is a small, owner-run ryokan tucked into the Yunohira hot-spring district near Yufuin, where the proprietors combine simple hospitality with home gardening and local produce. Accommodation follows a traditional style with tatami and futon arrangements and a choice of rooms that range from shared-bathroom layouts to annex rooms featuring bathtubs. Guests are offered yukata and a chance to enjoy a quieter, more rural onsen experience away from the main town; a pickup service from the nearby Yunohira station is available by prior arrangement to ease access.
The property centers on its bathing options: several communal baths plus a small number of rooms with private outdoor bathtubs, and two external onsen facilities that can be reserved in short time blocks so families or couples can enjoy privacy. Water is drawn from local springs and the setup favors an intimate, low-key rhythm rather than large public bathing complexes, making this a viable choice if you seek a ryokan with private onsen in Ōita. Practical amenities include complimentary Wi‑Fi and on-site parking, and the staff-run layout keeps services personal and straightforward.
Meals emphasize local ingredients and straightforward multi-course presentations that lean on seasonal vegetables and rice produced nearby, reflecting a farm-to-table approach to ryokan dining without extravagant flourishes. Check-in is typically in the mid-afternoon and hosts ask for arrival times in advance to coordinate transfers; rooms range from compact twin layouts to larger multi-futon family rooms. Quiet natural surroundings, hands-on hosts and the mix of communal and reservable baths make this ryokan with onsen in Kyushu well suited to travelers seeking a relaxed, traditional stay rather than a large resort atmosphere.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Sanso Matsuya
Positive Reviews
Private in‑room and communal onsen
Several guests praised the private open‑air bath in some rooms and noted there are also communal onsen facilities and rentable semi‑private baths, which were clean and enjoyable.
Delicious, generous meals
Multiple reviews highlight very tasty, well‑presented breakfasts and kaiseki dinners with plentiful portions — described as sumptuous and a major highlight of the stay.
Very friendly and helpful staff/owners
Guests repeatedly mentioned warm, attentive hosts and staff — from polite service and helpful local advice to assisting with unexpected issues (for example, helping with an accident) and providing pick‑up when needed.
Peaceful, traditional ryokan atmosphere and comfortable rooms
Reviewers appreciated the quiet mountain setting, traditional/cozy ryokan interior, spacious comfortable rooms, options like a variety of yukata, and thoughtful touches (evening lanterns) that made the stay relaxing.
Cleanliness and well‑maintained facilities
Many guests reported high standards of cleanliness for the accommodation and onsen, good water quality, and modern amenities such as western‑style toilets where expected.
Negative Reviews
Remote location and transport inconvenience
Several guests noted the ryokan is out of town and requires additional train transfer and a roughly 15‑minute car ride from the nearest station; many relied on the host's pickup service to avoid difficulty.
Difficult to find and limited nearby shops
Some reviewers said the property can be a little tricky to locate without directions and pointed out there are no nearby convenience stores or shops, although hosts provide detailed prearrival information.
Smaller baths in some room types
At least one guest commented that the bath in their room felt small, suggesting size may vary by room type.
Temporary construction noise and maintenance notes
One review mentioned nearby construction (noted as of Dec 2023) that could cause daytime noise, and another suggested a heater needed cleaning — indicating occasional maintenance/noise issues during certain periods.
Limited local amenities/isolated setting
While many guests enjoyed the peaceful setting, a few noted the isolated, mountain location means fewer conveniences nearby, which may be inconvenient if you expect nearby shops or services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types include twin rooms for 2 and Japanese-style rooms with up to 4 futons; children aged 5 and over are accepted and guests over 13 are treated as adults. No extra beds or baby cots are available.
Yes — the property has natural hot-spring baths including outdoor onsen and communal bathing areas. Several room types also feature private open-air bathtubs.
Yes — some outdoor baths can be reserved for private use and certain rooms include private open-air baths; private-use slots are limited so request them when booking or at check‑in.
The ryokan offers pick-up from Yunohira Station on request; you must provide your arrival time in advance and the host asks guests to aim to arrive by about 17:00 when possible.
Oita Airport is the closest major airport (around 65 km). Most visitors travel via Oita/Beppu or Yufuin by train or bus and use the local link to Yunohira, then arrange the ryokan pickup.
Japanese is the primary language spoken by staff; English proficiency may be limited, so please notify the ryokan in advance if you need language help.
Check-in is between 15:00 and 18:00 and check-out is between 08:00 and 10:00. You must inform the ryokan of your expected arrival time ahead of your stay.
Pets are not permitted on the property. Guests with tattoos cannot use communal bathing facilities but may use private or in-room baths where available.
The ryokan offers traditional Japanese meals, typically a multi-course dinner and breakfast prepared with local ingredients; please state any dietary requirements when you book.
Yunohira has limited shops while Yufuin town (about 9 km) offers more stores and cafes; nearby sights include Kinrinko Lake (~16 km) and several local shrines (around 13–14 km).