Assi House
9,3/10 Exceptional - Based on 249 reviews
Assi House is a traditional Japanese-style vacation house in Yufuin that reopened in March 2025 and now operates as a whole-house rental rather than a shared guesthouse, offering private use of the property and a quiet, ground-floor layout. The interior retains tatami elements and a compact, lived-in atmosphere, and the plot includes a garden, terrace and a small barbecue area; guests are advised that the owner keeps a resident cat and to consider allergies before booking. The setup suits small groups or families seeking an authentic, self-catered ryokan experience.
Sleeping arrangements comprise four Western-style bedrooms plus a traditional Japanese room, with six single beds and four futon mattresses; guests prepare futons themselves. The house provides two shower rooms, two toilets and an external bathtub room, alongside a kitchenette with basic cooking equipment, a washing machine, air conditioning, flat-screen TV and complimentary Wi‑Fi. Onsite wellness is delivered by a single hot spring bath that operates as a solo onsen (one user at a time), enabling private soaking for the party on prearranged turns.
Located within easy walking reach of Yufuin’s main street and attractions — around 500 metres from the station and under twenty minutes on foot to the lakeside walk — the house balances town access with a residential setting. Practical details include free on-site parking (reservation required), quiet hours and the need to notify arrival time in advance; the property is presented as a self-contained base rather than a full-service inn. For travellers specifically seeking a ryokan with private onsen in Yufuin or a ryokan with onsen in Ōita prefecture, this property pairs traditional rooms and garden space with a private-use hot spring bath.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Assi House
Positive Reviews
Warm, helpful host and strong hospitality
Multiple guests praised the owner's kindness and helpfulness; even with limited English she used translation apps and went out of her way (e.g. guiding guests to the station) to provide welcoming, thoughtful service.
Very clean, cozy and well‑decorated rooms
Reviewers repeatedly described the accommodation as spotless, homely and tastefully decorated. Rooms (both Japanese tatami and Western options) were noted as comfortable, spacious and smelling nice, with extras like a porch or massage chair in some rooms.
Adorable resident cat that guests love
The on‑site cat was frequently mentioned as a highlight — playful, friendly (though independent), and a memorable part of the stay that many guests enjoyed.
Private onsen and bathing facilities
Guests appreciated the in‑house hot bath/onsen and private booking option. Many used the onsen regularly and found it a relaxing benefit of the property.
Excellent location and good value
The property is an easy 5–10 minute walk from the station and the main tourist street, in a quiet, safe neighborhood. Reviewers noted nearby convenience stores, restaurants, and that the stay offered good value for the price.
Negative Reviews
Shared bathroom/shower arrangements
Several guests noted that bathrooms and showers are shared and the shower facilities are outside; while generally clean and acceptable, this was a minor inconvenience for some and could be less convenient for those expecting en‑suite facilities.
Noise, light and sleep disturbances for sensitive guests
A few reviewers reported issues affecting sleep: thin ryokan walls letting in noise from other areas, a common‑area light left on at night that bothered light‑sensitive guests, and occasional humming from in‑room refrigerators.
Cat may be problematic for some visitors
While many loved the cat, reviewers warned that guests with cat allergies should be aware the cat has full access to the house; some described it as sassy or not overly cuddly, which may not suit every expectation.
Onsen temperature and seasonality limitations
Some guests mentioned the hot bath was cooler than other springs (still usable) and that shower facilities may not be available in winter, so temperature and seasonal availability can vary.
Minor comfort issues in certain rooms
A few guests found specific bedding choices uncomfortable (e.g. sofa bed or beds that were too soft) or noted small inconveniences like having to wait for the single private onsen or no on‑site parking; these were described as minor by reviewers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Assi House sleeps up to 10 guests with 6 single beds across three rooms and 4 futons in a traditional Japanese room; futons are provided but guests prepare them themselves.
Yes — the property has a private on-site hot spring bath and additional shower rooms; the onsen fits one person at a time so guests take turns for use.
There is no regular airport shuttle listed; the nearest transport hub is Yufuin Station about a 5–10 minute walk, and trains/buses run from Oita and Beppu.
Staff speak Japanese and English, and hosts often use translation tools to assist guests with limited English.
You’ll stay in a traditional Japanese-style house with a garden, tatami room, kitchenette, BBQ space, massage chair and a homely atmosphere enhanced by a resident cat.
Kinrinko Lake, the Norman Rockwell Yufuin Museum and the Yufuin main street with shops and restaurants are all within about a 5–10 minute walk.
Yufuin Station is about 500 metres away for trains and buses; the property offers one private parking space (reservation needed) for guests who drive.
Check-in is from 15:00 to 20:00 and check-out from 06:00 to 10:00; guests must inform the property of their expected arrival time in advance.
The property reopened as a whole vacation rental available for private use; pets are not allowed, but a resident cat lives on site so notify the host if you have allergies.
There is no full on-site restaurant but a kitchenette and BBQ area (BBQ available until 19:00); an Aeon supermarket and multiple restaurants on Yufuin’s main street are a roughly 7–10 minute walk away.