Enokiya Ryokan
9,2/10 Exceptional - Based on 129 reviews
Enokiya Ryokan sits on a quiet lane beside the river in Yufuin, blending contemporary minimalism with traditional Japanese details. The property maintains a small scale with twelve non-smoking rooms offered in two bed-type configurations, many arranged to capture river or mountain views. Public areas include a compact lobby, a shop with local goods and two on-site eateries that serve breakfast, lunch and dinner in convivial, counter-orientated spaces; one corner functions as a relaxed café and evening pub. The ryokan is pet-friendly and provides free Wi‑Fi and parking.
Its thermal facilities are oriented toward private bathing: three named baths are available without prior reservation and guests check availability on an in-room tablet. All baths use source-flowing water described as a mildly alkaline simple hot spring (pH 8.4) with a metasilicic acid content associated with skin benefits and muscle relaxation; operating hours run from mid afternoon to early morning. For travellers seeking an intimate soak, this ryokan with private onsen in Yufuin, Ōita offers repeatable, unshared bathing opportunities.
Rooms emphasize light, local textiles and practical comforts — kettles, refrigerators and flat-screen TVs — while some units open to the riverside. Dining focuses on regional ingredients across a dining room and a casual tea-house area where guests and locals mingle; a morning buffet is offered on site. Practicalities include multilingual staff, luggage storage, free parking and pet amenities, plus a front-desk tablet with local information. For a short stay in the hot-spring town, this ryokan with private onsen in Ōita provides an accessible, quietly modern base.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Enokiya Ryokan
Positive Reviews
Friendly, helpful staff
Multiple reviewers praised the staff for being very friendly, helpful and English-speaking, going out of their way to assist with bookings, recommendations and special requests.
Excellent food and breakfast
Guests repeatedly mentioned delicious breakfasts and memorable dinners (including a pub/restaurant meal), recommending the half-board option when available for convenience and quality.
Private onsen experience
Private onsen rooms (some with outdoor pools) were described as clean, pristine and enjoyable; the booking tablet and lock system give a near-private onsen experience that guests loved.
Spacious, contemporary rooms with Japanese touches
Rooms were frequently described as large, well lit and attractively designed, combining modern amenities with traditional Japanese elements (studios/raised futon areas, books, tea/coffee).
Very good location
The ryokan is praised for its central, convenient location with river and mountain views, close to shopping streets, Kinrin Lake and easy access/parking.
Negative Reviews
Beds considered too hard
Several guests found the mattresses uncomfortably firm compared with their preference, noting Japanese-style firmness that reduced sleeping comfort for some.
Limited hot-spring capacity / no in-room showers
A few reviewers noted there are only a small number of hot-spring rooms (three) and rooms lack showers (only toilets), which can be inconvenient for guests who want frequent or private bathing.
Occasional cleanliness lapses
Isolated reports mentioned problems such as trash left in a private hot spring and a toilet that smelled, indicating occasional lapses in cleaning attention.
Price/room-size mismatch for larger groups
One guest noted that a room for three (two single beds plus futon) was the same size as a double but charged substantially more, suggesting perceived poor value for some room types.
Dining availability and strict schedules
A few guests reported limited dining options when half-board wasn't offered on their dates and mentioned strict operating hours or schedules (making dinner reservations or finding evening meals in town more difficult).
Frequently Asked Questions
Most rooms are Japanese‑Western twin layouts that accommodate up to four guests; some family room options with additional futon bedding are available—check the specific room description for exact capacity.
The ryokan provides three private (kashikiri) hot‑spring baths that are source‑flowing and free for guests; they operate roughly from 15:00 until 09:00 and availability is shown on the in‑room tablet.
There is no shuttle service; Yufuin Station is reachable by about a 5–15 minute taxi ride or roughly a 15‑minute walk from the ryokan.
The property is approximately 52 km from Oita Airport; travelers typically use airport buses or trains to Oita and then local trains or buses to Yufuin, or take a direct taxi for the most direct transfer.
Staff can assist in English and many guests report helpful English‑speaking service, though Japanese is the primary language on site.
There are two on‑site dining venues offering Japanese and regional meals; dinner is served but guests should check in by about 18:00 if they plan to dine at the ryokan.
Pets are accepted in designated pet‑friendly rooms; you must inform the ryokan in advance and follow their pet guidelines.
Check‑in typically begins at 15:00 and check‑out is by 10:00; please notify the ryokan if you expect a late arrival.
The three hot‑spring baths are private‑use and available without advance reservation via the in‑room tablet; for whole‑ryokan rental or large private events, contact the property directly to discuss availability and arrangements.
The ryokan sits beside the Oita River close to Yunotsubo shopping street and Kinrin Lake, with nearby attractions including small museums and galleries; the easiest ways to get around are walking, local buses or taxis from Yufuin Station.