Baien
8,7/10 Excellent - Based on 756 reviews
Baien sits on a gentle slope just south of Yufuin’s centre, set within landscaped gardens and oriented toward the surrounding hills. The property is arranged across a main building and detached pavilions, with roughly two dozen guestrooms that blend tatami areas and Western comforts; several room types include an in-room open-air bath while standard rooms use shared facilities. Interiors favour natural materials, low tables and sliding screens, and many accommodations open onto small verandas or patios, creating a calm, nature-facing base for exploring the valley and town.
The bathing facilities are a principal feature: the ryokan offers multiple rotenburo (open-air) baths and indoor bathing areas for communal use, alongside reserveable outdoor baths intended for families or small groups. Several room categories advertise private baths—either semi-open or fully open-air—so guests seeking solitude can opt for an accommodation with its own thermal basin. Bathing etiquette is observed throughout, and staff provide towels and basic onsen amenities; the layout emphasises views across the garden and nearby slopes rather than a large commercial spa complex.
Meals are served in a dedicated dining area and commonly follow seasonal kaiseki-style menus showcasing local produce, with a simpler breakfast available. Onsite conveniences include multilingual front-desk staff, a small self-service evening bar and complimentary parking, which make arrivals straightforward for drivers. Located a short taxi ride or roughly a 15–20 minute walk from Yufuin’s lakeside promenade and shops, Baien is well suited to couples and families seeking a traditional inn experience— a ryokan with private onsen Ōita.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Baien
Positive Reviews
Excellent onsen facilities (public, private, in-room)
Multiple guests praised the variety and quality of the hot spring offerings — large outdoor and indoor public onsen, private family pools (first‑come basis), and private in‑room open‑air baths that provided a relaxing experience and scenic views.
Friendly, helpful staff and good English support
Reviewers highlighted exceptional service from staff, including the manager; many staff spoke English which made communication easy and staff were noted as helpful with inquiries and problem resolution.
Delicious meals and kaiseki dinner experience
Many reviews mentioned outstanding food — memorable kaiseki dinners and plentiful, varied breakfasts. Dinner and breakfast were frequently described as a highlight of the stay.
Complimentary evening drinks and pleasant lounge
Guests appreciated the free drink/self‑service bar in the evenings and the lounge time after dinner, which added to the relaxing atmosphere and guest enjoyment.
Comfortable, spacious rooms with scenic setting
Rooms were described as spacious and comfortable, often with attractive gardens, scenic sunset/mountain views and overall a beautiful, quiet property that enhanced the onsen stay.
Negative Reviews
Location and transport inconvenience
Several guests noted the ryokan is a walk from the station (about 20–30 minutes) and not convenient without a rental car; taxis are recommended if arriving with luggage.
Some room types lack private bathrooms
Multiple reviewers stayed in rooms without a private bathroom and pointed out that certain room types do not include private facilities, which may be an issue for some travellers.
Limited availability and no reservation for private onsens
Private family onsens are offered but frequently in use; access is first‑come/queue‑based with no reliable reservation system, so guests sometimes couldn't use them when desired.
Occasional facility shortcomings or maintenance issues
Comments included older rooms in need of refurbishment, isolated incidents (e.g. a toilet not working on arrival), and some guests noting missing amenities (no lotions/moisturizers in some public areas and no towels provided at private pools).
Miscommunication and staffing pressure
A few reviews reported booking/messaging miscommunications (language/translation issues) leading to incorrect room or meal setups, and others noted the team appeared understaffed at times which affected service consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room capacity varies by type; some rooms offer 2 single beds plus up to 3 futons (accommodating up to 5 guests), while other room types are smaller — check the selected room’s capacity before booking.
Yes — Baien offers hot spring baths including public indoor and outdoor onsen, plus family/private bathing options.
Some room types include private open‑air baths and the property also provides private/family baths; availability depends on the room and should be confirmed when you book.
There is no regular hotel shuttle listed; the ryokan is a short taxi ride (around 5 minutes) from JR Yufuin Station, and transfers from Oita Airport are usually by car, taxi or public transport.
The nearest airport is Oita Airport (about 53 km); travel time by car is roughly an hour depending on traffic, while Beppu is about 24 km away and Yufuin Station is within a short taxi ride.
Staff commonly speak English and the property offers multilingual service; many guests report English‑speaking staff on site.
Breakfast is served in an Asian style and the ryokan offers traditional multi‑course (kaiseki) dinners using local ingredients; meals are provided on site and may require advance selection or reservation.
You’re close to Kinrinko Lake, Yunotsubo Kaido shopping street, Yufuin Stained Glass Museum and Unaki Hime Shrine, with Mount Yufu views — most are a short walk or a quick taxi ride away.
Pets are not permitted at the property. Convenience stores, shops and small supermarkets in Yufuin town are within a short walk or a few minutes by taxi.
Check‑in is typically from 15:00 to 20:00 and check‑out from 07:00 to 10:30; the ryokan provides free on‑site parking and complimentary Wi‑Fi.