Ryokan Tenryu
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Ryokan Tenryu is a small, riverfront ryokan that was refurbished and relaunched in spring 2024, preserving a long local history while updating guest rooms and public spaces. Located in the Amagase onsen area of Hita, the property presents a calm, timber-accented atmosphere with rooms that open toward the river and sliding screens that frame views of the water. The accommodation emphasizes quiet comfort and a traditional Japanese rhythm of service, making it an appealing ryokan with onsen in Amagase, Ōita for travellers seeking a compact, authentic stay rather than a large resort experience.
Room types range from twin and family configurations with tatami areas to three newly completed rooms fitted with their own in-room natural hot-spring baths sourced directly from the ryokan’s spring. In addition to gender-separated public baths, the property operates river-facing private (family) baths that guests can reserve; registered overnight guests are normally allocated a complimentary 40-minute slot for a private bath during their stay. Practical comforts include air conditioning, free Wi‑Fi in communal areas, and a mix of Western beds and futon options, reflecting a balance between modern convenience and traditional layout at this ryokan with private onsen in Ōita.
Meals focus on local ingredients and seasonal set courses rooted in Bungo regional cuisine, with the ryokan highlighting hand-made soba and multi-course dinners prepared on site to suit the season. The front desk provides English support and staff assist with arranging local excursions; the property also offers free on-site parking and lies a short walk from the nearest JR station, which makes it straightforward to combine a hot-spring stay with wider exploration of the Hita and Amagase area. The overall offering is practical and place-focused, geared toward guests who prioritise hot-spring bathing, simple regional dining and direct access to the riverside onsen setting.
Highlights of this ryokan
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Ryokan Tenryu
Positive Reviews
Warm, attentive staff
Multiple reviews highlight very friendly, welcoming and helpful staff who go out of their way (e.g. assisting with onsen bookings, arranging birthday cake/song, preparing takeaway breakfast when needed), creating a homely atmosphere.
Excellent food (dinner and breakfast)
Many guests praised the Japanese dinner and breakfast as delicious, high quality and generous, often calling meals one of the best they had at a ryokan.
Private and public onsen options
Guests appreciated private family onsens you can reserve and a pleasant public onsen; baths are described as authentic, very hot, relaxing and skin-softening.
Clean, spacious and well-equipped rooms
Rooms are frequently described as large, modern/renovated, spotless and comfortable — with extras like AC, TV and convenient charging points — leading to very good sleep and comfort.
Peaceful riverside location and scenery
The ryokan’s riverside setting, views of the water and nearby nature (including a waterfall) were repeatedly mentioned as beautiful and contributing to a relaxing, authentic stay.
Negative Reviews
Remote location with few nearby shops/restaurants
Several guests noted the property is in a quiet, remote area with very few shops or restaurants nearby; if you don’t eat at the ryokan you may need to drive (one comment noted a 20–30 minute drive to Hita).
Kitchen/meal availability can be limited
A few reviews reported the ryokan could not serve dinner or breakfast on certain days due to limited capacity or kitchen closures, so guests who require meals should book/confirm in advance.
Occasional issues with breakfast/service items
A minority of guests mentioned issues around breakfast quality or specific items (for example, morning yudofu that wasn’t fully warmed), suggesting some inconsistency in small details.
Very large meal portions for some guests
Some guests found dinner portions very large and suggested offering portion adjustments or pre-checking preferences to avoid overeating.
No open-air bath for some visitors
At least one guest noted the property lacks a rentable outdoor/rotenburo bath, which may be a disappointment for travelers specifically seeking an open-air onsen experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
The ryokan has 11 rooms in total, including family and twin-style rooms; some rooms are designed for small families. Check the specific room listing for exact maximum occupancy before booking.
Yes — there is a large public hot-spring bath, two reservable private (kashikiri) baths, and three guest rooms feature their own in-room natural onsen. The spring is a mild, skin-friendly local hot spring used for centuries.
There is no regular airport shuttle listed; most guests arrive by train or car. Contact the ryokan in advance if you need assistance arranging a private pick-up.
Major access options are Oita or Fukuoka airports; from either airport take regional trains or buses toward Hita/Amagase and then the JR line to Amagase Station. The ryokan is within a short walk from Amagase Station or about a 30-minute drive from the Hita interchange.
Staff primarily speak Japanese; English support may be limited, so guests with specific needs are advised to contact the ryokan ahead of arrival. The ryokan tries to assist international guests when possible.
Rooms feature tatami and comfortable beds or futons; the ryokan serves seasonal Bungo kaiseki dinners and hand-made soba, plus a lunch service. The property was renovated for comfort while retaining traditional onsen and dining elements.
You are in the Amagase Onsen area with riverside scenery and local onsen attractions; nearby Hita offers cultural sites and markets, and the ryokan also notes collaborations with local attractions such as a nearby motor-park activity. Day trips by car or train are convenient for exploring the region.
Take the JR line to Amagase Station and walk roughly five minutes to the ryokan. Trains are the common public-transport route; taxis are available from larger stations if needed.
Standard check-in begins at 15:00 with a latest check-in in the evening (please confirm at booking), and check-out is by 10:00. Notify the ryokan if you expect to arrive late.
You can reserve the two private family baths and book one of the rooms with a private onsen; pets are not permitted. Convenience stores and local shops are a short drive away for basic supplies.