Ryoso Yufuin Yamadaya
9,2/10 Exceptional - Based on 437 reviews
Ryoso Yufuin Yamadaya is a compact, traditionally styled Japanese inn set in Yufuin, offering an intimate stay across just 14 guest rooms. Located within easy walking distance of the town’s main shopping street and station, the property frames views of Mount Yufu and a quietly landscaped garden. Rooms range from simple standards to suites that combine tatami spaces with modern comforts; many include yukata and thoughtful toiletries. As a ryokan with onsen in Yufuin, it balances classic ryokan customs with straightforward contemporary conveniences for an unhurried stay.
The property centres on a variety of hot spring facilities: men’s and women’s communal baths, multiple outdoor garden baths named for seasonal motifs, and two family baths that can be reserved for private use. The springs are fed directly from source, and several room types provide their own indoor or open-air baths so guests may enjoy in-room soaking. For those seeking privacy, this ryokan with private onsen Ōita highlights reservable family baths and rooms with direct onsen access while retaining the social rhythms of shared bathing.
Dining follows a course-led kaiseki approach prepared by the inn’s chef, who emphasises fresh Ōita seafood and seasonal mountain produce; meals can be served in-room or in the dining hall. Practical amenities include free Wi‑Fi, bidet-equipped toilets, in-room refrigerators and staff-served futons, and the team manages daily housekeeping and guest requests. Positioned for easy exploration of Yunotsubo Street, Lake Kinrin and nearby museums, the inn suits travellers seeking a measured, traditional onsen experience with convenient access to Yufuin’s key sights.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Ryoso Yufuin Yamadaya
Positive Reviews
Exceptional, attentive staff
Multiple reviewers praised the warm welcome and highly attentive service — staff are helpful, friendly and go out of their way to guide guests and personalise the experience, which many described as memorable.
Excellent meals (kaiseki) and generous portions
Food received consistently strong praise: well‑prepared kaiseki dinners and tasty Japanese breakfasts, described as fresh, varied and plentiful.
Wide selection of clean onsen (public and private)
Guests appreciated the variety of hot‑spring baths — indoor/outdoor and several private options — noting they are clean, comfortable and that private baths can be prebooked (often with no extra charge).
Convenient location and comfortable rooms
The ryokan is very close to the train station (walkable), rooms are well appointed, warm and cozy, and the property offers a peaceful, homely atmosphere that guests enjoyed.
Clean, quiet atmosphere and good overall value
Many reviewers highlighted the cleanliness, calm environment and an overall sense of good value — great service and facilities relative to price.
Negative Reviews
Rigid schedules and limited flexibility
Several guests mentioned strict timetables (early dinner times around 6pm, baths closed between breakfast end and checkout) and an early checkout (reported at 10:30), which felt inflexible for some travellers.
Public bath capacity and some facility inconveniences
A few reviewers found the public bath area lacking or busy (limited shower seats causing waits) and noted that some private baths are relatively small.
Minor issues with lighting, water flow and soundproofing
Occasional facility complaints included a very bright outdoor light affecting a private tub, slow washbasin faucet flow, and some road‑side noise where soundproofing could be improved.
Limited spoken English
Staff generally speak Japanese; while the ryokan provides notices and cards in English to explain rules and facilities, some guests noted limited spoken English ability.
Occasional variability in dishes/seasonal reflection
Although food is widely praised, a few guests found particular items (e.g., sashimi or autumn seasonal dishes) to be average or not strongly reflective of the season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types range from twin/traditional double layouts for two up to a Japanese-style family room with four futons; many standard rooms are best for 2 guests. Check the specific room description when booking for exact capacity.
The ryokan offers both public and outdoor onsen plus private hot-spring baths; private baths can be reserved. Staff will explain usage and onsen etiquette on arrival.
There is no regular shuttle listed; the property is within a short walk of Yufuin Station so rail plus a short walk or taxi is the usual option. The hotel asks guests to indicate their mode of transport when booking.
Oita Airport is the nearest (about 48–52 km) and typically takes roughly 45–60 minutes by car. Yufuin Station is much closer for rail travellers and is within a short walking distance.
Staff operate primarily in Japanese, and English is commonly used for basic guest communication; many international guests report helpful English support. Contact the property ahead of arrival for complex requests or language assistance.
The ryokan serves traditional Japanese meals, often kaiseki-style dinner and a local breakfast; many guests book dinner and breakfast at the property. Notify the ryokan in advance about dietary needs or allergies.
Kinrin Lake, the Norman Rockwell Yufuin Museum, Yufuin Stained Glass Museum and the pedestrian streets around Yufuin Station are all within easy reach. These are walkable or a short taxi ride from the property.
Yufuin is compact and largely walkable; local buses and taxis are available for longer trips, and the ryokan provides free on-site parking for guests with cars. The station is close enough for convenient rail connections to the region.
Check-in is from 15:00 to 19:00 and check-out is until 10:30. The ryokan asks guests to inform them of their expected arrival time in advance.
Private onsen can be reserved and some room types include private baths; pets are not permitted on the property. Convenience stores and local shops are within a short walk in the Yufuin town area.