Yufuin Hoteiya
9,2/10 Exceptional - Based on 269 reviews
Yufuin Hoteiya is a village‑style ryokan at the foot of Mount Yufu in the Yufuin hot spring area of Ōita. The property presents a "welcome home" concept with a main building and detached folk‑house guest houses, some with thatched roofs. Room options run from traditional Japanese futon rooms to renovated annex houses with beds and private outdoor tubs, making it suitable for travellers seeking a ryokan with onsen Ōita experience near the town centre.
The spa uses a simple hot spring with a smooth, moisturising feel in a large open‑air bath facing Mt. Yufu and in several smaller baths. Two private baths and a family rock bath can be used free for 40‑minute slots when vacant, and many detached rooms include their own open‑air or cypress tubs available from check‑in to check‑out. These options allow the property to operate as a ryokan with private onsen Ōita for guests who value privacy.
Meals focus on Kyushu and Ōita ingredients in multi‑course dinners and morning plates served in the restaurant or private settings. The lobby hearth and casual Yoppitei corner provide steamed sweet potatoes and simple activities on arrival, while a post‑bath salon offers cooling drinks and seasonal treats. Practical amenities include a free shuttle for short transfers, on‑site parking and easy access by a brief drive or walk to Lake Kinrin, local galleries and the town’s main street, all supporting a relaxed, restorative stay.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Yufuin Hoteiya
Positive Reviews
Authentic traditional atmosphere
Multiple reviewers praised the ryokan’s traditional architecture, tranquil rural setting, historic main building and overall ‘old Japan’ atmosphere that creates a relaxing, immersive experience.
Attentive and friendly staff
Staff are consistently described as warm, helpful and accommodating — arranging shuttle pickups, catering to food preferences, assisting with transport and going out of their way to make stays pleasant.
Excellent kaiseki meals
Dinner and breakfast (kaiseki) received frequent compliments for variety, quality and generous portions; many guests enjoyed private dining rooms for meals.
Private outdoor onsen and bathing options
Guests liked the private outdoor onsen pools provided with many rooms and the pleasant outdoor rotenburo; onsens and hot-spring facilities were highlighted as a major draw.
Convenient location and extra touches
The ryokan is quiet yet within short walking distance of Lake Kinrin and the main shopping street; extras such as shuttle service, evening campfire/popcorn, onsen eggs and morning fresh milk were also appreciated.
Negative Reviews
Limited onsen availability and no reservation system
Several guests reported difficulty gaining access to the private onsens because they were often in use and there’s no clear booking system or schedule, which can cause waiting and disappointment during busy times.
No large public bath
Some visitors expected a larger communal onsen and noted the property relies mainly on small private tubs, which may be inconvenient if both partners want to bathe simultaneously.
Price concerns
A number of reviewers described the ryokan as pricey for what’s offered; guests mentioned cost as a potential drawback despite enjoying the stay.
Minor maintenance and room comfort issues
Occasional comments about aging furniture, doors needing upkeep, rough onsen tub bottoms and subpar toiletries were raised; a few guests also reported insects and weak air-conditioning in some rooms.
Potential language and staffing inconsistencies
While many staff are helpful, some guests noted a language barrier for non-Japanese speakers and that some temporary/intern staff can cause slight variability in service consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
The property’s booking policy states children are not permitted; please check room-specific rules when booking or contact the ryokan to confirm.
There are large public indoor and outdoor baths, family baths and reservable private baths, and several detached rooms feature private open-air baths; note that public-bath access may restrict guests with visible tattoos.
Yes — the ryokan offers a free shuttle between JR Yufuin Station and the property; you should request or reserve the shuttle in advance.
Common routes are via Oita or Fukuoka airports, then onward by regional train or bus to JR Yufuin Station; the ryokan is a short drive from the station and can meet guests by shuttle.
The hotel provides English-language information and some staff can assist in English; contact the ryokan ahead of your stay for specific language needs.
Dinner is a traditional creative kaiseki using local Kyushu ingredients, and breakfast is offered as a plated Japanese or Western option; meals are served in the ryokan’s dining areas.
Lake Kinrin, the Marc Chagall Museum and the Yunotsubo Kaido shopping street are nearby and reachable by short walk or a few minutes’ drive.
Standard check-in begins at 3:00 PM and check-out is by 10:00 AM; please inform the ryokan in advance if your arrival time will differ.
Yes — private and family baths are available for reservation, and the property offers detached 'hanare' guest houses, some with private open-air baths; request these when booking or at check-in.
Pets are not permitted; Yufuin’s cafes, shops and convenience stores are within walking distance, while larger supermarkets are a short drive from the ryokan.