Taisho Yufu no Hana
8,2/10 Excellent - Based on 55 reviews
Taisho Yufu no Hana is a compact, stay-only ryokan set on the fringe of Yufuin town in Yufu, Ōita Prefecture. The property occupies a restored building furnished with period fittings and a small planted area, and it operates with eight guest rooms that blend simple western conveniences and traditional tatami touches. The location places guests within a short walk of Yufuin’s main streets and Kinrinko Lake while retaining a quieter, residential feel. Check-in is from 15:00 with check-out at 10:00; rooms are fitted with air conditioning, TV, refrigerator and provided toiletries.
The defining feature is the onsen: the establishment emphasises a silica- and metasilicic acid–rich source that gives the spring a distinct cobalt-blue hue and is delivered to baths as kake-nagashi (continuous-flow) water. Bath areas are arranged for relaxed, uncrowded use, and the water’s viscous texture is highlighted for its skin-smoothing qualities; shampoo, conditioner and body soap are available in the bathing facilities. For visitors searching specifically for a ryokan with onsen in Ōita, the mineral profile and the open-flow management are central to the bathing experience offered here.
The property is entirely self-catering and does not include meals, so guests typically eat in town or bring provisions; staff can provide local directions and can arrange station pick-up within specified hours. Rooms include washlet toilets, hairdryers, towels and linens, and the property provides Wi‑Fi and on-site parking. With a focus on bathing quality and a restrained, low-key atmosphere rather than full-board service, the ryokan suits travellers who prioritise direct access to mineral waters and easy walking access to Yufuin’s galleries and lake.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Taisho Yufu no Hana
Positive Reviews
Outstanding onsen and baths
Many guests praise the hot spring facilities as gorgeous, relaxing and one of the highlights of their stay — quiet, well-maintained outdoor and annex baths that allow long, restorative soaks.
Friendly, helpful staff
Multiple reviews note attentive, welcoming and helpful staff who guide guests and contribute to a warm, homely atmosphere.
Peaceful, traditional setting
The ryokan’s location in the woods and traditional Japanese rooms create a soothing, authentic experience valued by visitors seeking tranquility.
Clean, comfortable rooms and good sleep
Guests commonly describe rooms and public areas as clean and comfortable, and several mention having an excellent night’s sleep.
Conveniently located to local sights and an adjacent onsen
Reviewers appreciate that the property is near Yufuin attractions and that a beautiful onsen/annex is adjacent to the accommodation, making it easy to enjoy the baths.
Negative Reviews
Remote / uphill location and limited nighttime access
Several guests found the property hard to reach on foot (steep uphill paths, narrow roads, few streetlights), making it difficult with luggage and potentially unsafe or unpleasant to walk alone at night; many recommend traveling by car.
Little visible reception / limited front-desk presence
Some visitors reported seeing no staff or reception on arrival and only receiving a key, which can feel impersonal or confusing for check‑in and questions.
Mosquitoes around water features
Multiple reviews mention significant mosquito activity near waterfalls and outdoor onsen areas, with reports of insects entering rooms despite keeping doors closed.
Noise and limited privacy in some rooms
Guests noted thin walls and light/visibility issues in ground-floor rooms (curtains, lighting), meaning noise from adjacent rooms and limited privacy or inadequate room lighting.
Practical/amenity problems and restricted onsen hours
Complaints include short onsen opening hours (early closing), occasional cleanliness issues (e.g., an unclean kettle), lack of hot drinking water in changing areas, weak heating in winter, inconsistent Wi‑Fi and some missing amenities (mood/indirect lighting).
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types accommodate 1–4 adults depending on the layout (single, twin, Japanese rooms with lofts); children are not accepted and the minimum check-in age is 18.
Yes — the ryokan has gender-separated natural hot spring baths fed by a silica-rich source noted for a cobalt-blue tint; baths are public (not listed as private rentals).
There is no published airport shuttle service; guests normally arrive via public bus or train to Yufuin Station and walk to the ryokan, or come by private car.
The nearest major airport is Oita; travelers typically take an airport bus or train toward Yufuin and then walk from Yufuin Station to the ryokan (station is a short walk from town).
Staff primarily speak Japanese; English proficiency is limited, so contact the ryokan in advance if you need assistance in English.
Expect a retro Taisho-era atmosphere with tatami floors and traditional decor; rooms vary from single/twin beds to Japanese-style rooms with futons and lofts, and the property emphasizes a quiet, stay-only (no meals) experience.
Several main sights are within easy walking distance, including Kinrinko Lake, the Yufuin Chagall Museum, Yufuin Showakan and the Yufuin Retro Motor Museum.
Yufuin is very walkable and served by Yufuin Station; the ryokan offers free on-site parking for guests arriving by car, and local taxis and buses operate in town.
Private onsen rentals are not listed; pets are not allowed at the property; convenience stores and restaurants are available within walking distance in Yufuin town for supplies and dining.
Standard check-in is 16:00–20:00 and check-out is 08:00–10:00; the property entrance is closed between 00:00 and 07:00 and quiet hours are enforced in the late evening/early morning.