Livemax Resort Yuhigaura Kitu Onsen
8,3/10 Excellent - Based on 18 reviews
Livemax Resort Yuhigaura Kitu Onsen occupies a renovated traditional ryokan complex in Kyotango, blending Taisho-era architecture with contemporary interiors. The property reopened under the Livemax Resort brand after a recent rebrand, with the main building retaining period features such as stained glass and a small bamboo courtyard; one historic annex is associated with the writer Matsumoto Seicho. Guest accommodation is compact and deliberately domestic in scale, with a modest number of rooms that open onto balconies or patios and overlook the garden or nearby coastline, making it suited to short stays focused on local sights rather than lengthy resort-style programmes.
Bathing is a central feature: the property offers communal hot-spring bathing alongside reservable private baths, so it functions as both a ryokan with onsen Kyoto visitors can access and, for guests who prefer seclusion, a ryokan with private onsen Kyoto by reservation. The local spring—part of the Kitsu/Yuhigaura onsen area—is described in regional guides as mildly alkaline and gentle on the skin, and the hotel operates its public bathing facilities on a schedule while allowing guests to book private tubs for a quieter experience. Amenities around the bathing area are straightforward and focused on comfort rather than luxury.
Practical features include free in-room Wi‑Fi, self-parking and a complimentary station pick-up service; rooms typically provide basic modern fittings such as refrigerators and en suite wet areas with bathtubs. Meals emphasise local Tango ingredients—seasonal seafood and regional vegetables—with dining served in a light-filled restaurant that faces the courtyard, and the hotel’s location places beaches, a morning market and Sanin Kaigan coastal scenery within easy reach for day trips. The property’s size and facilities suit travellers seeking an authentic coastal ryokan experience with easy rail access to the Amanohashidate area.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Livemax Resort Yuhigaura Kitu…
Positive Reviews
Friendly, attentive staff
Multiple guests praised the staff for being polite, helpful and courteous, noting attentive service during check-in and meals which made their stay pleasant.
Tasty meals with good portions and strong value
Dinner and breakfast were frequently described as delicious and generous; one guest highlighted local Tango rice. Several reviewers felt the food and overall offering provided excellent cost-performance.
Comfortable, relaxing baths
Many guests enjoyed the onsen and found the bathing experience pleasant and relaxing, with some noting they could use the open-air baths without crowding.
Spacious rooms and comfortable pajamas
Rooms were reported as roomy by guests, and the provided pajamas were specifically mentioned as high quality and comfortable.
Nostalgic atmosphere and family-friendly grounds
The Taishokan building’s nostalgic atmosphere was appreciated, and families noted that the bamboo garden and small wildlife (e.g., frogs, lizard hatchlings) were enjoyable for children.
Negative Reviews
Onsen/outdoor bath temperature issues
Several guests reported that the outdoor/on-site hot spring was lukewarm or too cool, reducing comfort for bathing.
Accessibility concerns for elderly guests
Reviewers mentioned practical issues for older visitors: a faucet that did not fully shut off, the distance from rooms to bath areas, and bathtub heights that may require handrails or additional assistance.
Parking and wayfinding unclear
Some guests found the parking area hard to locate or poorly signed, causing confusion on arrival.
Limited breakfast options
At least one guest was disappointed that breakfast lacked bread and coffee and would have preferred a buffet-style breakfast with more variety.
Nighttime staff availability and emergency preparedness
A guest experienced difficulty reaching the front desk late at night during a child’s fever; on-duty staff were not aware of the location of a thermometer, prompting a request to review emergency procedures and nighttime communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most rooms are designed for two guests, and the property also offers family-style rooms that can accommodate small groups; check the specific room description when booking for exact capacity.
Yes, the ryokan offers on-site hot spring baths using local Kitsu Onsen water for guests to use; private baths are not guaranteed and should be requested directly with the property.
Yes, a complimentary pick-up service is available from Kyotango Yuhigaura-Kitsuonsen Station; you should notify the property of your arrival time in advance.
Major airports serving the area are Itami (Osaka), Kobe and Kansai International; travel to Kyotango typically takes about 2–3 hours by a combination of train or car depending on connections—plan routes via the Kyoto Tango Railway or highway buses.
Staff are primarily Japanese with only limited English support, so non-Japanese speakers may want to prepare simple phrases or ask for assistance when booking.
Expect tatami-style rooms, communal onsen bathing, seasonal local cuisine served in the ryokan’s dining area, and elements of local history and atmosphere that reflect a traditional ryokan stay.
Nearby highlights include Sanin Kaigan National Park, Amanohashidate, Yuhigaura Hot Springs, Goshiki Beach and the local Yukemuri Morning Market, all reachable within a short drive or public-transport ride.
The property is a short walk from Kyotango Yuhigaura-Kitsuonsen Station, offers free self-parking, bicycle rentals, luggage storage, free Wi‑Fi and an elevator for guest convenience.
Standard check-in begins at 15:00 (3:00 PM) and check-out is by 10:00 AM; if you expect a late arrival, contact the property ahead of time to confirm arrangements.
Private bath reservations are subject to availability—ask the ryokan directly; pets are not permitted except for certified service animals; convenience stores (for example a nearby Lawson) and local restaurants are within walking distance and the ryokan also serves seasonal meals on-site.