Ryotei Tanokura
9,5/10 Exceptional - Based on 139 reviews
Ryotei Tanokura is a compact, traditionally styled ryokan tucked into the Yufuin townscape, a short walk from the lakeside promenade and local craft streets. The property presents a calm, low-rise profile with garden views and tatami-floored guest rooms that blend classic Japanese fittings and modest modern comforts. Accommodation is limited in number, which keeps the atmosphere intimate and allows staff to provide personalised attention; many rooms include private sitting areas and sliding screens that open onto small courtyard gardens designed for quiet privacy.
Bathing is a defining feature: the property operates multiple hot-spring facilities including an outdoor rotenburo and indoor communal baths, while a selection of rooms offer their own private open-air tubs, making it straightforward to reserve a tucked-away soak. This makes the property a practical choice for travellers searching specifically for a ryokan with onsen in Yufuin, and for those who prioritise seclusion there are room types marketed as having private onsen, aligning it with expectations for a ryokan with private onsen Ōita. Water is drawn from local sources and the layout separates public and in-room bathing to suit different privacy preferences.
Dining follows a kaiseki-style approach: multi-course meals prepared from regional produce and served in-room to preserve intimacy and timing, with seasonal menus that emphasise local seafood and vegetables. Practicalities are straightforward — the ryokan offers station pickup by arrangement and on-site parking — and its position close to Kinrin Lake places it within easy reach of Yufuin’s galleries, museums and cafés. Overall the experience privileges measured hospitality, uncluttered traditional design and easy access to the town’s main sights.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Ryotei Tanokura
Positive Reviews
Friendly, attentive staff
Many reviews praise the warm Japanese hospitality and helpful, attentive staff — including personalized service, shuttle/arrangement support and staff who speak good English.
Excellent food (dinner & breakfast)
Numerous guests describe the meals as excellent or incredible, highlighting both dinner and breakfast served in-room as standout aspects of the stay.
Private and varied onsen experience
Guests enjoyed the hot springs — in-room cypress baths, open-air baths and communal onsens — noting spacious in-room baths suitable for groups and an overall awesome onsen experience.
Great location near lake and attractions
The ryokan’s location is repeatedly praised for being close to Yufuin Floral Village, Kinrin Lake, local streets and walking areas, while remaining tucked away and peaceful.
Spacious, comfortable traditional rooms
Reviews mention large, comfortable Japanese-style rooms (tatami/bed options), traditional atmosphere and conveniences such as on-site parking and in-room dining that create a memorable stay.
Negative Reviews
Booking/menu selection issue
At least one guest reported a problem with the third‑party booking system (Booking.com) that prevented selecting the desired food menu during reservation.
Onsen access limited by construction
A guest noted hotel renovation/construction which temporarily reduced the number of onsens available to try.
Thin walls / noise
Some rooms have thin (paper) walls and guests occasionally heard people walking or talking nearby, although it tends to quiet down at bedtime.
Property shows signs of age
A few guests commented that parts of the ryokan feel a bit aged and could benefit from updates.
Occasional staff/shuttle incident
One review described an unpleasant interaction with a shuttle driver who raised his voice at a guest, which left a negative impression despite generally high service standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms vary from twin and family layouts to mezzanine-style suites; most are suitable for couples or small families. Please state the exact number and gender of guests when booking so the ryokan can prepare bedding and meals.
The property offers public indoor and open-air hot spring baths, and several room types — especially in the separate Nanakawa annex — feature private open-air/on‑room baths. Ask at booking which room types include a private bath if that is important to you.
A free shuttle service from Yufuin Station is available but requires advance reservation. For airport travel, most guests come via Oita Airport to Yufuin by public transport and use the station shuttle or a short taxi ride.
Oita Airport is about 52 km away; take a train or airport bus toward Yufuin and use the ryokan’s station shuttle or a 5‑minute taxi from Yufuin Station. The ryokan’s address and phone number are listed on the official site for arranging arrivals.
Staff primarily speak Japanese; English is limited. If you need language help, notify the ryokan in advance or bring a translation app.
Meals focus on seasonal Japanese kaiseki using local Oita ingredients; many plans include in‑room or private dining. Special dietary requests and allergies should be communicated when booking.
Kinrinko Lake and the Yufuin Floral Village are within a few minutes’ walk, and museums such as the Chagall Museum and the Retro Motor Museum are close by. The ryokan is well placed for a short stroll through Yufuin’s shopping streets.
Standard check-in is from 15:00 and check-out by 11:00; arrivals after 18:00 should be notified in advance and there is a curfew around 23:00. Guests with tattoos may be restricted from using public bathing areas.
Some rooms include private in‑room baths for exclusive use, but public baths are typically shared and not routinely privatized; contact the ryokan for private‑use requests. The ryokan does not advertise pet‑friendly rooms, so confirm directly if you plan to travel with an animal or need event arrangements.
The property offers free on‑site parking and is a short walk from Yufuin’s restaurants, cafés, convenience stores and souvenir shops around Kinrinko Lake. Guests can easily explore local dining and shopping on foot.