Yufuin Onsen Hinoharu Ryokan
9.6/10 (Based on 329 reviews )
879-5102 Oita, Yufu, Yufuin-cho Kawakami 1082-1 , Japan
Yufuin Onsen Hinoharu Ryokan is a small, traditional ryokan in Yufu (Oita), with 11 Japanese-style tatami rooms set around green gardens. Onsen bathing is central to the stay: guests have access to large public hot-spring baths, including an open-air option, plus outdoor family baths in the courtyard. Some room categories also include a private hot-spring bath, offering a more personal soak without relying on shared facilities. Meals focus on seasonal kaiseki cuisine, served for dinner, with a Japanese set breakfast. Practical amenities include free on-site parking, free Wi‑Fi, non-smoking rooms, and optional massage services.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Exceptional service and very friendly, attentive staff (often able to communicate in English; personal touch).
- Excellent, quiet location just off the main tourist street; easy access to shops/attractions and walkable from the station.
- Onsens/baths are a highlight: multiple private and public options, often available without waiting; lovely outdoor baths.
- Meals (kaiseki dinner and breakfast) frequently described as delicious/outstanding, varied, and served with care (sometimes in private dining rooms).
- Rooms are spacious, clean, well-kept, traditional style; comfortable futons; good facilities/amenities.
Negative reviews
- Some guests found dinner/food disappointing or not to their taste/quality (e.g., fish/sashimi average, food too fishy, dinner very disappointing).
- Dietary accommodation issues: hotel did not proactively confirm dietary preferences; unable to change dinner on short notice (e.g., guests who don’t eat beef), leading to poor experience; child meal not provided (only rice).
- Access/transport inconveniences: no shuttle/luggage transfer from station; driving to the ryokan can be annoying due to cramped, busy tourist streets; no elevator (hard with heavy luggage).
- Onsen-related inconveniences: private onsens are first-come-first-served and can be occupied; public bath washing area was very cold; public bath facilities could be more refined; hot spring fee charged at checkout (150 yen).
- Room/facility issues mentioned: room heating/temperature felt cold or lighting too dim; some shower heads had low water pressure; no on-site vending machines for cold drinks/milk; dinner course waiting time long.
Kutsurogi-no-Yado Nanakawa
9.5/10 (Based on 255 reviews )
879-5102 Oita, Yufu, Yufuin-cho Kawakami 1551-8, Japan
Kutsurogi-no-Yado Nanakawa is a small ryokan in Yufuin Onsen, Oita, set slightly back from the street and within short walking distance of Lake Kinrin. The property has just five maisonette-style guest rooms, each with its own private hot-spring baths: an indoor bath and an open-air bath supplied by free-flowing spring water. For additional bathing options, guests can also use shared public onsen baths within the same affiliated complex. Dining focuses on Japanese cuisine, typically served at a sister property’s dining venue, with kaiseki-style courses and local Oita (Bungo) beef featured depending on the plan. A garden and terrace areas contribute to a quiet, low-key atmosphere, and free parking is available.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Exceptional, friendly and welcoming service from staff/hosts (e.g., Hina, Chie, Takeuchi-san) who check on guests’ needs and help despite language barriers (e.g., using translation apps).
- Private in-room onsen baths (indoor and outdoor) are a highlight; also access to public onsen in the wider complex.
- Meals are frequently praised (kaiseki/10-course private dinner, breakfast and dinners described as delicious/sumptuous, high quality seasonal ingredients).
- Great location near Lake Kinrin and close to the shopping street / Yufuin Floral Village; peaceful setting and pleasant morning walks.
- Rooms described as spacious/large (often two-storey) with good facilities; property described as clean, well maintained and traditionally styled.
Negative reviews
- Some areas feel dated.
- Difficulty contacting the hotel before check-in to arrange car transfer (phone busy), leading to taking a taxi instead.
- Hard to find initially (carpark away from main street, signage/name in Japanese different from booking); requests for more directions/info for non-Japanese guests.
- Distance from Yufuin station is a bit far (walking/taxi).
- Food-related issues mentioned by some: salmon over-grilled/cold at breakfast; dinner lighting too bright; limited dinner/breakfast timeslot availability when not booked in advance; some feel price/value is poor or expensive.
Yufuin Souan Kosumosu
9.5/10 (Based on 162 reviews )
879-5102 Oita, Yufu, Yufuin-cho Kawakami 1500, Japan
Yufuin Souan Kosumosu (Soan Kosumosu) is a ryokan with hot-spring bathing in Yufuin Onsen, in Oita Prefecture. The property is set just off Yunotsubo Kaido, a lively shopping street, yet it sits on a quieter side lane for a more settled atmosphere. Onsen facilities focus on privacy: there are two reservable private baths (each combining an indoor bath and an open-air bath) that can be used when available, and selected detached rooms feature their own open-air baths. The hot spring is described as a weakly alkaline simple spring. Dining is centered on Japanese-style kaiseki for dinner and a Japanese breakfast, typically served in a dedicated dining setting.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Nice hotel, very clean and comfortable
- Dinner was very delicious / food was absolutely amazing; high quality dinner and breakfast
- Very calm and peaceful place; nice ambience
- Staff were very friendly, helpful, welcoming; excellent/five-star service
- Private bath/onsen was wonderful; good facilities (including family baths); convenient extras like fully stocked complimentary mini fridge
Negative reviews
- Beds/bedroom on the 2nd floor (duplex layout; lots of stairs)
- Confusion about whether dinner was served in-room or at the restaurant
- No international TV channels; dated TV without Chromecast/Airplay
- Noise from staff cleaning around 9am; poor soundproofing in an old wooden house
- Some issues with room/bathroom comfort: cold (no heating), small water flow/no hot water in sink; outdoor bath water not warm enough
Yufuin Santoukan
9.4/10 (Based on 176 reviews )
879-5103 Oita, Yufu, Yufuincho Kawakami 1553, Japan
Yufuin Santoukan is a small, traditional Japanese ryokan in Yufuin (Oita), set close to Lake Kinrin and within easy walking distance of the Yunotsubo area. The onsen is a central part of the stay: guests can use the public baths, which rotate by time slot between a hinoki-wood bath and a rock-built bath, both using Yufuin hot spring water (simple hot spring). Some rooms also include a private open-air hot spring bath, allowing in-room soaking at your own pace. Dinner and breakfast are served in the guestroom in a kaiseki style, featuring seasonal ingredients and local Bungo beef. Practical amenities include free on-site parking, luggage storage, and an on-site gift shop; in-room massage can be arranged for an additional fee.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Wonderful, helpful and friendly staff/service (attentive attendants mentioned)
- Exceptional/fabulous meals (dinner and breakfast; varied, creative, well-curated; kaiseki praised)
- Hot springs/onsen highly appreciated (4 public baths; outdoor/indoor options; private in-room onsen; soaking outside on a chilly night)
- Great location (close to popular tourist/shopping streets and Kinrin Lake)
- Convenient free shuttle/pickup & drop-off service to/from the train station
Negative reviews
- A bit far from the train station (though walkable; shuttle needed/used)
- Facilities/rooms described as old/outdated; some areas need renovation/maintenance (e.g., washroom)
- Onsen shower facilities could use renovation/sprucing up
- Public onsens described as small; one onsen mentioned as under renovation
- Futon/bed comfort issues mentioned (very hard at first; extra layers available)
Yufuin Bettei Itsuki
9.3/10 (Based on 800 reviews )
879-5102 Oita, Yufu, Yufuin-cho Kawakami 2652-2, Japan
Yufuin Bettei Itsuki is a ryokan-style property in Yufu (Oita), around a 20-minute walk from Yufuin Station. The stay is centered on privacy: the site is made up of 14 independent cottages, each with its own bathing spaces. For onsen, every cottage includes a semi-open-air hot spring bath as well as an indoor bath, supplied with natural hot spring water and available throughout the stay. Dining is offered on site, with set meal times and advance requests supported for dietary needs; some plans include a creative fusion kaiseki-style dinner, and a wine cellar selection is also presented. Free on-site parking is available.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Outstanding facilities, onsen, hospitality, and food; highly recommended
- Extremely attentive and courteous staff; delicious and appetizing meals
- Spacious, clean rooms/villas with private indoor and outdoor baths/onsen
- Excellent multi-course dinners and breakfasts; meals described as exceptional highlights
- Convenient perks mentioned: free drinks in the fridge, private meals/dining rooms, and transportation from Yufuin Station
Negative reviews
- A bit far from Yufuin train station (about 15–30 minutes walk); some found the commute inconvenient
- Price considered steep/pricey by some guests
- Breakfast style: some wanted Japanese-style options or a choice; some noted it was Western style
- Privacy/safety concerns: more coverage desired around outdoor hot spring; some felt exposed to people walking by
- Room/property condition & upkeep issues mentioned: room felt a bit old; uneven path to rooms at night; door lock difficult due to being out of order; room lighting not bright enough
AMANE resort GAHAMA
9.3/10 (Based on 278 reviews )
874-0023 Oita, Beppu, Shoningahamacho 5-32, Japan
AMANE resort GAHAMA (also known as GAHAMA Terrace) is a seaside ryokan-style resort in Beppu, Oita, set along Shoningahama with views toward Beppu Bay. The onsen experience is centered on in-room bathing: guest rooms are equipped with private baths supplied with natural hot spring water, allowing flexible soaking times in a more personal setting. The property combines villa-style accommodations with the multi-story GAHAMA Tower, and places strong emphasis on quiet common spaces such as its club lounge. Dining is offered on site, including kappo-style Japanese cuisine focused on local seafood and seasonal ingredients, as well as French-inspired meals. A spa is also available for relaxation-focused treatments, and parking is provided for guests arriving by car.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Staff are very attentive; wonderful staff all round.
- Very clean; amazing onsen; outside and inside onsens are nice.
- Breakfast is great/excellent; great breakfast spread.
- Spacious rooms/apartment-style rooms; plentiful amenities; private onsen/bath in room.
- Lovely sea view; property/resort is beautiful, inviting, clean and quiet.
Negative reviews
- Breakfast not good as expected / didn’t find anything good for breakfast; coffee average.
- Location is far from the train station; inconvenient without driving.
- Very noisy main road nearby / busy street and not much around.
- Bugs/insects found in room / in private open-air bath.
- Some service issues (could be more considerate; no staff to help with luggage at departure; took a long time to find staff to store luggage).
Ryoso Yufuin Yamadaya
9.2/10 (Based on 451 reviews )
879-5102 Oita, Yufu, Yufuin, Kawakami 2855-1, Japan
Ryoso Yufuin Yamadaya (Ryoso Yufuin Yamadaya / 旅想 ゆふいん やまだ屋) is a traditional ryokan in Yufuin, Oita, close to Yufuin Station and within walking distance of the town’s main sightseeing streets. The core feature is its hot-spring bathing: shared indoor baths and open-air bathing options, plus reservable private family baths. Some room categories also include an in-room hot-spring bath, allowing private soaking at any time. Rooms mix tatami-style comfort with practical amenities such as Wi‑Fi, air conditioning, and a refrigerator. Meals are typically served on site, with Japanese set menus for dinner and breakfast in a dining area.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Accessible location (walkable/close to Yufuin station and train station)
- Staff described as wonderful, extremely friendly, attentive and helpful (including restaurant staff)
- Rooms described as spacious, clean/immaculately clean, comfortable beds; well-equipped bathroom/amenities (e.g., ReFa hairdryer)
- Food praised as delicious/excellent (dinner and breakfast; traditional Japanese breakfast)
- Onsen highly appreciated: private in-room onsen and multiple public/private baths; relaxing/serene and good temperature
Negative reviews
- Only stayed one night (guest wished they stayed longer)
- Outdoor light was too bright in the private tub
- Public bath felt slightly lacking
- Inflexibility/strict scheduling: extra pillow refused (one per guest); dinner felt rushed/too early at 6pm with no flexibility; fixed meal times mentioned
- Noise/comfort issues: soundproofing could be better for road-side room; air-conditioning system too loud (couldn’t sleep); footsteps from upstairs; wash basin faucet water running too slow; onsen shower area had only two shower seats leading to waiting
Yufuin-Sanso Waremokou
9.1/10 (Based on 413 reviews )
879-5103 Oita, Yufu, Yufuin Kawa-minami 589, Japan
Yufuin-Sanso Waremokou is a ryokan on a quiet hill in Yufuin (Oita), offering natural hot-spring bathing as a central part of the stay. The official information indicates that every guest room is equipped with three private baths using 100% free-flowing spring water: an indoor bath plus two open-air baths (cypress and rock). In addition, there is a reservable private family bath with a large open-air bath, with views toward Mt. Yufu. Rooms follow a traditional Japanese layout with tatami and futon bedding, and the property also welcomes pets (conditions apply). Dining focuses on Japanese cuisine, including kaiseki-style multi-course dinners and a Japanese breakfast, using local ingredients. Free on-site parking is available.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Friendly, attentive and welcoming staff; excellent hospitality/service (including photo souvenir).
- Private in-room/outdoor onsens (some rooms with multiple baths) with great/magnificent views; very relaxing.
- Food (kaiseki dinner and breakfast) frequently described as fresh, delicious, spectacular, well-presented and plentiful.
- Rooms/suites are spacious, comfortable, clean; futons/bedding very comfortable; relaxing amenities like massage chair.
- Quiet, peaceful environment/nature; beautiful scenery and atmosphere.
Negative reviews
- Meals can feel rushed or meal time too short; service pace sometimes hurried; meal schedule/timing not flexible.
- Food portions often too large/overwhelming; hard to finish.
- Some baths are small or not hot enough (e.g., small indoor hot bath; public/private onsen lukewarm) or sometimes too hot.
- Location is far from town/center; pick-up service could be more frequent/flexible or hard to reach; waiting reported.
- Property/rooms show age or need updates (decor/furniture/amenities); some issues like bugs/spiders, narrow shower/bathroom, old/thin pillows, weak heating, slippery outdoor steps/ice, window dirt.
Okuhita Onsen Umehibiki
9.1/10 (Based on 184 reviews )
877-0201 Oita, Hita, 4587 Nishioyamamachi, Japan
Okuhita Onsen Umehibiki is a ryokan-style onsen retreat in Hita, Oita Prefecture, set in a quiet natural area of Oyama near the Hibiki Gorge. The property features two large communal hot-spring baths with both indoor and open-air bathing areas, designed around valley views, plus sauna facilities with a cold bath and a lukewarm bath area. In addition to the main baths, some guest rooms include their own open-air bath. Dining is served on site, and the ryokan also offers practical services such as advance-only pick-up from JR Hita Station and on-site parking. Day-use bathing is also available on certain days and hours.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Beautiful place with warm people and delicious food
- Staff, view, food and onsen were praised
- Relaxing, quiet, Zen vibe with excellent food and great hospitality
- Spacious, comfortable and very clean rooms; well-designed facilities; onsen with massage chairs, sauna, and mountain views
- Luxurious feel; sophisticated and delicious dinner and breakfast (including private dining room and mountain-view breakfast)
Negative reviews
- Disappointed with restaurant service: request to warm snacks was refused
- Communication was a bit of an obstacle (used Google Translate)
- Fitness room was under construction
- Outdoor public onsen is a bit dark in the evening (suggest more lights)
- Hot tub on terrace couldn’t be used due to mosquitos and guests wanted to be informed before booking
AMANE resort SEIKAI
9/10 (Based on 846 reviews )
874-0023 Oita, Beppu, Shouningahama 6-24, Japan
AMANE resort SEIKAI (also known as Shiosai no Yado Seikai/Harumi) is a seaside ryokan-style resort in Beppu, Oita, in the Shouningahama area. The onsen is central to the stay: all guest rooms are ocean-facing and include a private open-air hot-spring bath with free-flowing natural spring water. There are also public bathing areas, designed for sea views close to the horizon, plus spa and treatment services for relaxation. Dining is offered through three on-site restaurants, including Japanese kaiseki, seafood-focused cuisine, and a casual French bistro using local ingredients. Free on-site parking is available.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Spacious rooms/suites, often with private onsen (open-air bath), tatami area and large living spaces
- Superb sea/ocean views (including sunrise) from rooms, lobby and onsen; relaxing vibes
- Friendly, attentive and polite staff; helpful service (incl. valet parking mentioned)
- Breakfast widely praised: large selection/variety and high quality (some note Japanese & Western options)
- Facilities praised as clean and well kept; public onsen by the sea and sauna highlighted
Negative reviews
- Location not convenient: far from town/train station/restaurants; often need car/taxi (bus stops help for some)
- Rooms/showers can feel dated/aged (peeling wallpaper/mold mentioned); some room/balcony netting criticized
- Food/dinner value and quality inconsistent: some found dinner okay/overpriced/bland/terrible; service at dinner sometimes lacking
- Breakfast limitations for Western tastes; limited western options or desire for more variety/novelty (and coffee criticized)
- Operational/service issues: breakfast can be busy/slow; long check-in; dinner requires advance reservation; rooftop onsen closed for maintenance; occasional inconsistent help with luggage
Summary Table
| Position | Hotel | Rating | #Reviews | Stars | Staff | Cleanliness | Comfort | Location | Value for money | Facilities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yufuin Onsen Hinoharu Ryokan | 9.6▲ | 329 | 5▲ | 9.9▲ | 9.7 | 9.7 | 9.7▲ | 9.1▲ | 9.6 |
| 2 | Kutsurogi-no-Yado Nanakawa | 9.5 | 255 | 4▼ | 9.8 | 9.5 | 9.6 | 9.5 | 9.0 | 9.6 |
| 3 | Yufuin Souan Kosumosu | 9.5 | 162▼ | 5▲ | 9.9▲ | 9.8▲ | 9.9▲ | 9.6 | 9.0 | 9.7▲ |
| 4 | Yufuin Santoukan | 9.4 | 176 | 4▼ | 9.8 | 9.5 | 9.6 | 9.4 | 8.9 | 9.3 |
| 5 | Yufuin Bettei Itsuki | 9.3 | 800 | 4▼ | 9.5 | 9.4 | 9.4 | 9.2 | 8.6 | 9.3 |
| 6 | AMANE resort GAHAMA | 9.3 | 278 | 5▲ | 9.5 | 9.5 | 9.7 | 9.1 | 9.0 | 9.6 |
| 7 | Ryoso Yufuin Yamadaya | 9.2 | 451 | 4▼ | 9.6 | 9.5 | 9.5 | 9.2 | 8.5 | 9.3 |
| 8 | Yufuin-Sanso Waremokou | 9.1 | 413 | 5▲ | 9.5 | 9.3▼ | 9.3▼ | 8.8▼ | 8.7 | 9.1▼ |
| 9 | Okuhita Onsen Umehibiki | 9.1 | 184 | 5▲ | 9.4 | 9.6 | 9.4 | 9.1 | 8.6 | 9.6 |
| 10 | AMANE resort SEIKAI | 9▼ | 846▲ | 5▲ | 9.3▼ | 9.3▼ | 9.3▼ | 8.9 | 8.4▼ | 9.2 |
FAQ
Kutsurogi-no-Yado Nanakawa is a strong pick if you want total privacy, because each maisonette-style room comes with its own indoor bath and open-air bath fed by free-flowing hot spring water. You can also use shared public onsen baths within the affiliated complex for a change of scenery. It’s set back from the street and is an easy walk to Lake Kinrin.
Yufuin Santoukan is well located near Lake Kinrin and the Yunotsubo area, and it puts the hot-spring experience front and center. The public baths rotate by time slot between a hinoki-wood bath and a rock-built bath, both using Yufuin hot spring water. Some rooms add a private open-air bath, and kaiseki dinner and breakfast are served in your room.
Yufuin Onsen Hinoharu Ryokan delivers a classic, garden-set ryokan atmosphere with Japanese-style tatami rooms and a strong focus on onsen bathing. Guests can use large public hot-spring baths including an open-air option, and there are outdoor family baths in the courtyard for more privacy. Dinner features seasonal kaiseki cuisine, with a Japanese set breakfast to start the day.
AMANE resort SEIKAI is a standout for an oceanfront onsen stay in Beppu, because every room faces the sea and includes a private open-air hot-spring bath with free-flowing natural spring water. There are also public bathing areas designed for sea views, plus spa and treatment services. Dining is handled by multiple on-site restaurants, including kaiseki and seafood-focused options.
Okuhita Onsen Umehibiki is a peaceful choice in the Hita area, surrounded by nature near Hibiki Gorge. The property features large communal hot-spring baths with indoor and open-air areas, along with sauna facilities and a cold bath. Some rooms include their own open-air bath, and pick-up from JR Hita Station can be arranged in advance.