Yufuin Bettei Itsuki
9,3/10 Exceptional - Based on 811 reviews
Yufuin Bettei Itsuki is a small collection of detached, all-suite cottages set on the wooded slopes near Mt. Yufu, offering a calm alternative to the town center. Each standalone cottage is designed as a private residence with a separate living area and bedroom, handcrafted interiors and curated furniture that emphasize comfort and restrained luxury. The property markets itself as a ryokan with private onsen in Yufuin, where every cottage includes an exclusive hot-spring bath to use at leisure, providing a quietly private onsen experience for couples or families.
Guest accommodations are unusually spacious for a ryokan, with many suites exceeding conventional room sizes and featuring a pool-like hot spring set directly in the living room, plus a range of indoor, semi-open or open-air bath configurations across the cottages. Some suites also include an in-house sauna and contemporary conveniences such as room service and tailored meal options; evening dining follows a creative fusion kaiseki approach focused on seasonal, local ingredients, with an optional Bungo beef upgrade available by request. Descriptions and room plans reflect the emphasis on private bathing and suite-style layouts, positioning the property as a ryokan with private onsen in Ōita.
Practically, the cottages sit within easy reach of Yufuin’s main attractions, making it straightforward to stroll to the Yunotsubo hot-spring street and Kinrin Lake or to drive a short distance to the station, and the property provides on-site parking and concierge-style assistance for local transfers and reservations. Service notes advise advising the inn of arrival times for dinner service, and the staff handle in-room arrangements and special requests, so stays tend to center on privacy, in-room relaxation and local dining experiences rather than extensive communal facilities.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Yufuin Bettei Itsuki
Positive Reviews
Exceptional service and hospitality
Multiple guests praised attentive, polite and helpful staff who provided excellent customer service throughout the stay, making the experience relaxing and memorable.
Outstanding meals (dinner and breakfast)
Many reviews highlighted multi-course dinners and breakfasts as a highlight—described as superb, restaurant-quality, beautifully presented and possibly the best meal in Japan; some meals include free-flow drinks.
Private indoor and outdoor onsens
Private ensuite hot spring baths (indoor and outdoor) were repeatedly noted as excellent, enjoyable and a major draw for guests seeking relaxation and a true ryokan onsen experience.
Spacious, well-equipped rooms and villa concept
Guests enjoyed roomy cottages/rooms with comfortable living areas, thoughtful amenities (complimentary drinks in the fridge, fully-equipped rooms), and flexible sleeping options (beds and tatami futons) that accommodate different needs.
Convenient location and transport options
Many reviewers appreciated the location—peaceful setting close to nature and not far from the main street—and the complimentary/available transport from Yufuin station, making arrival and departures easy.
Negative Reviews
Pricey/steep rates
Several guests commented that the accommodation feels expensive; multiple reviews explicitly described the price as steep or pricey.
Breakfast options limited (Western focus)
A number of guests wished for a Japanese-style breakfast option or the ability to choose between Western and Japanese breakfasts, noting the served breakfast was Western-style.
Location can feel isolated / car recommended
Some reviewers noted the ryokan is a bit removed from the main tourist area and that having a car is useful, despite shuttle/taxi options; this may affect accessibility for some travellers.
Outdoor onsen privacy and coverage
At least one guest mentioned limited coverage around outdoor hot springs, noting visibility to passers-by and suggesting better screening for privacy would improve the experience.
Minor maintenance and booking issues
A few isolated issues were reported such as a non-working coffee machine, slight wear-and-tear in parts of the facility, and one guest’s negative experience with third-party (partner) Booking.com handling of complaints.
Frequently Asked Questions
The property has 14 independent cottages with varying capacities; most are designed for two adults while some rooms accommodate small families — extra beds and cribs are not available, so check the specific room description before booking.
Yes — each cottage features its own semi-open or indoor hot spring bath supplied with natural Yufuin onsen water, providing private in-room bathing for guests.
Guests with tattoos may be restricted from public bathing areas; using the private in-room baths avoids this restriction.
There is no regular airport shuttle; guests typically travel to Yufuin Station by train and then take a short taxi or walk (about 20 minutes) to the property — contact the ryokan in advance if you need assistance arranging transport.
Staff primarily speak Japanese; the ryokan can assist with basic English requests but guests requiring extensive language support should notify the property in advance.
Dinner is served as a seasonal Japanese kaiseki in the dining room and breakfast is offered in an American style; dinner times are usually at 18:00 or 19:00, so inform the ryokan of your arrival time to ensure service.
Standard check-in is from 15:00 with last check-in around 18:00, and check-out is by 11:00; the front desk operates limited hours so notify the ryokan if you expect to arrive late.
Kinrin Lake and the Yunotsubo hot-spring shopping street are within easy walking distance, and Mt. Yufu and local museums/galleries are nearby for short excursions.
From Yufuin Station the ryokan is about a 20-minute walk or a short taxi ride; major airport access is via train or car to Yufuin (trains from Hakata/Fukuoka or Oita then onward to Yufuin Station).
Pets are not allowed (service animals accepted); each cottage has a private onsen but public facility privatization is limited, and convenience stores and small supermarkets are available within Yufuin town for essentials.