Takaosou
9,2/10 Exceptional - Based on 6 reviews
Takaosou (presenting itself as "Clear Stream and Firefly Inn Takaosou") sits in the quiet Yunohira Onsen pocket of Yufu, offering a compact, family-run ryokan experience framed by a clear stream and riverside greenery. The building retains Showa-era character and an informal, hospitable tone; hosts focus on attentive service and seasonal meals. Guest rooms are Japanese-style with tatami and futons; some rooms look out to the mountain or river while the public areas emphasize a lived-in, traditional atmosphere rather than modern minimalism.
Facilities centre on thermal bathing: the property operates two reservable, private onsen baths—one indoor hinoki cypress bath and one outdoor open-air bath—so visitors can book secluded dips rather than sharing large communal pools, making it a choice as a ryokan with private onsen in Yufu. The thermal source is a sodium‑chloride–carbonate spring known locally for gentle skin benefits. Rooms provide basic moderns—air conditioning, TV, storage and shared-bathroom options for some room types—while on-site conveniences include free Wi‑Fi, parking and a shuttle from the nearby station by prior arrangement.
Practical details reflect the inn’s small scale: the property typically accepts only adult guests, enforces a no-smoking policy and asks guests to arrive within a mid‑afternoon check‑in window so meals can be served; check‑out is in the morning. Staff speak limited English and will help arrange local transport and sightseeing suggestions around Yufu and wider Ōita prefecture. For travellers seeking an intimate, traditional stay with private bathing options, this compact ryokan with onsen Ōita offers a quiet, locally rooted alternative to busier resorts.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Takaosou
Positive Reviews
Outstanding cuisine
Multiple guests praised the meals (dinner and breakfast) as exceptional for a ryokan — carefully prepared, delicious and a highlight of the stay.
Excellent onsen experience
Reviewers enjoyed both indoor (hinoki) and open-air baths; onsens described as great, private and beneficial for the skin.
Warm, attentive hospitality
Staff and owners received consistent praise for meticulous attention to detail, generous omotenashi and a welcoming, home-like atmosphere.
Authentic traditional atmosphere
The ryokan’s traditional rooms and historic-feeling buildings were appreciated for authenticity and comfort, including calming natural sounds like the nearby river.
Peaceful, private location
Guests valued the tranquil, less crowded setting compared with nearby tourist spots, allowing a more relaxed and private stay.
Negative Reviews
Remote location and limited infrastructure
The village is small and still recovering from past flood damage; local infrastructure is limited compared with larger towns.
Transportation requires planning
Because the area is small with infrequent trains, guests should carefully check train times; the ryokan offers timetable guidance and timed pickup but planning is needed.
No nearby convenience stores
There are few or no convenience stores locally, so visitors are advised to buy any necessary supplies in advance before arriving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms are traditional Japanese‑style and typically accommodate 1–4 guests; confirm exact capacity when booking.
Yes — the property features an indoor mineral hot spring and an outdoor private onsen for guests.
The ryokan provides complimentary train station pick‑up; please arrange your arrival time with the property in advance.
The nearest major airport is Oita Airport, about a 50–65 km drive (roughly 50–60 minutes); common options are taxi, rental car, or arranging a transfer through the ryokan.
Check‑in is from 15:00 and check‑out is by 10:00.
Staff primarily speak Japanese; limited English may be available, so notify the ryokan in advance if you need English assistance.
Expect a traditional Japanese ryokan stay with tatami flooring, futon bedding, simple communal baths, and views of the river or surrounding hills.
Takaosou is in the Yunohira/Yufuin area, within walking distance of Yunohira Onsen and a short drive to Yufuin town and Kinrin Lake.
Private open‑air baths are available at the property; request and reserve private use with the ryokan before arrival.
There are local shops and restaurants in the Yufuin area, and the ryokan offers Japanese breakfast and can recommend nearby dining options.