Okuhita Onsen Umehibiki
9,2/10 Exceptional - Based on 191 reviews
Okuhita Onsen Umehibiki sits in Oyama, Hita, framed by the Hibiki Gorge and groves of plum trees, offering a calm retreat. The property blends modern Japanese design with local materials and views that open toward the valley; many guest rooms feature their own outdoor bath or Jacuzzi so visitors can soak privately while looking over the landscape. Meals emphasize local Kyushu ingredients with seasonal menus prepared by the in-house kitchen, and accommodation ranges from intimate Japanese-style rooms to larger suites. ryokan with private onsen Ōita
Guest facilities extend beyond in-room bathing: the property operates multiple public bathing options and three reservable sauna lounges introduced in 2024, each paired with cold-plunge facilities, terrace seating and a quiet lounge for post-sauna relaxation; bookings for sauna lounges are handled on site and may require advance reservation. Communal spaces include dining rooms that offer table and course service tailored to seasonal produce, plus lounge areas framing valley views. The renovation retained regional motifs and used local timber and plaster finishes to reinforce a sense of place.
Located roughly ninety minutes by car from Fukuoka Airport, the ryokan is also positioned for day trips to nearby Yufuin, Aso and Beppu, and provides scheduled pick-up from the nearest station by prior arrangement. The setting suits travellers seeking a wellness-focused stay with accessible outdoor activities—hiking, sightseeing and seasonal plum-grove walks—paired with private bathing and quiet communal bathing options. Overall, the property positions itself as a countryside ryokan with onsen Kyushu focused on restorative time, regional food and unobstructed valley views.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Okuhita Onsen Umehibiki
Positive Reviews
Outstanding service and hospitality
Multiple reviewers praised attentive, friendly and helpful staff who provided warm welcomes, clear explanations and good guest support (including station pickup/drop-off). Service was repeatedly described as excellent and a highlight of the stay.
Beautiful, high‑end facilities and clean rooms
Guests described the ryokan as very new, stylish and upscale with tasteful decoration. Rooms were noted as comfortable, spacious in some types, impeccably clean and well designed.
Relaxing onsen experience with great views
Private indoor/outdoor onsen in many rooms, plus public baths, were repeatedly highlighted. Reviewers enjoyed the outdoor baths facing mountains, the serene/zen atmosphere and privacy that made the stay very relaxing.
Delicious, well‑prepared food
Many guests complimented sophisticated, fresh and tasty dinners and breakfasts. Several mentions of private dining rooms and local snacks/drinks (e.g., local tea, plum products) added to the positive culinary experience.
Special facilities (sauna, ceramic sauna, extras)
Visitors appreciated additional amenities such as ceramic saunas, massage chairs, sauna and complimentary drinks/snacks in the room fridge, which improved relaxation and recovery after activities.
Negative Reviews
Remote location / requires long drive
A number of reviews noted the property is far from major cities and a bit off the main route; while some saw this as part of the appeal, others mentioned long travel as a downside.
Occasional staff/service issues in specific outlets
A few guests reported inconsistent service experiences—examples include a refusal to warm snacks at the restaurant and an unfriendly staff member at the wine bar—detracting from an otherwise strong service record.
Food concerns for some guests
While many praised the cuisine, some reviewers felt dinner portions were small or that the meal quality did not always match the price, indicating variable expectations around dining value.
Facilities or room shortcomings (size, construction, mosquitoes)
Specific issues included small private onsen in some suites, a fitness room under construction during a stay, and mosquitos preventing use of terrace hot tubs at certain times—practical drawbacks for some guests.
Language / communication barriers
A few guests experienced minor communication obstacles with staff; these were typically overcome using translation tools, but language limitations were noted as an inconvenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types vary: standard and suite layouts suit couples or families, with some rooms sleeping up to six (combinations of beds and futons). Always check the specific room occupancy when booking.
The property has a public indoor onsen and a large open-air bath with valley views; many room types also include private open-air baths or Jacuzzi tubs.
There are rooms with private baths and the property offers rental/private-use bathing options, which are suitable for guests who prefer privacy or have tattoos; request details when reserving.
Pick-up from Hita Station is available at 15:15 and 16:15 and return transfers depart the hotel at 10:00 and 11:00; reservations must be made in advance (typically at least three days prior).
The ryokan is about a 1.5-hour drive from Fukuoka Airport; you can take the limited express train to Hita or Yufuin then use the hotel shuttle or a taxi (about 25 minutes, roughly ¥3,000).
Check-in is usually from 15:00 to 18:00 and check-out from 08:00 to 11:00; the hotel provides luggage storage before check-in and after check-out.
Dinner and breakfast are served on-site, typically seasonal Japanese (kaiseki) cuisine using local ingredients; notify the hotel of dietary restrictions in advance.
Staff communication is primarily in Japanese and English assistance may be limited; guests are advised to prepare key requests in advance or use a translation app if needed.
Pets are not permitted at the property; certain rooms and some facilities (private baths, reserved sauna lounges) can be booked for private use—contact the hotel to arrange group or private bookings.
The ryokan is set by the Hibiki Gorge and is convenient for day trips to Yufuin, Aso and Beppu; driving or combining train to Hita followed by the hotel shuttle/taxi are the usual ways to reach nearby attractions.