Yufuin Kotobuki Hananosho
8,3/10 Excellent - Based on 516 reviews
Yufuin Kotobuki Hananosho sits on a quiet plot near the centre of Yufuin, a short walk from the JR station, and offers straightforward access to the town’s gallery streets and scenic walks. Rooms follow a traditional Japanese ryokan layout, with tatami floors and futon configurations alongside a selection of mountain-view and garden-view rooms; some room types include an outdoor bathtub. The property’s planted garden with a floating stage and views toward Mount Yufu underline a measured, classical atmosphere that suits travellers seeking an authentic ryokan with onsen in Ōita.
The bathing facilities consist of sizeable communal thermal pools with both indoor and open-air sections and an on-site sauna, presented as shared public bathing areas rather than individual, reservable private baths; rooms with outdoor bathtubs provide a semi-private option for in-room soaking. Spa and massage services are available alongside standard guest amenities, and public bathing hours and sauna access are scheduled to balance privacy and turnover. Practical bath etiquette and tattoo policies should be checked before arrival when planning a soak at this ryokan with onsen in Ōita Prefecture.
Meals are served in-house with a focus on traditional multi-course Japanese dinners and a cooked-style Japanese breakfast at the hotel dining area, and the property provides luggage storage, complimentary Wi‑Fi in public areas, and on-site parking. Check-in and check-out follow standard ryokan times, with local staff able to advise on walking routes to Lake Kinrin and Yunotsubo Kaido; the straightforward location and full-service dining make it a practical base for exploring Yufuin’s cultural sights while experiencing regional hot-spring bathing.
Highlights of this ryokan
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Review summary for: Yufuin Kotobuki Hananosho
Positive Reviews
Relaxing onsen and hot baths
Multiple guests praised the onsen (indoor and outdoor) as a highlight — relaxing, comfortable and a key part of the stay, with the outdoor bath often noted as especially pleasant.
Friendly, helpful staff and smooth service
Reviewers reported polite, professional staff, smooth check-in/check-out and assistance when arriving late; staff interactions were repeatedly described as welcoming and helpful.
Convenient location and parking
Many guests found the ryokan within easy walking distance of the train/bus station and main street (typically 4–10 minutes). Several reviews also mentioned free or ample parking, making arrival and departure convenient.
Spacious, clean traditional rooms with nice views
Guests appreciated the roomy tatami-style rooms, cleanliness, welcoming tea on arrival, seating areas, and views of the mountains or sakura trees; the traditional atmosphere was seen as authentic and comfortable.
Good breakfast and dinner
Numerous reviewers described the meals as very good or delicious, often highlighting the Japanese full-course dinner and satisfying breakfast experiences.
Negative Reviews
Aging facilities and need for refurbishment
Several reviews noted that parts of the hotel and its facilities feel old and would benefit from maintenance or updates to improve comfort and value.
Inconsistent food expectations/limited variety
While many praised the meals, some guests felt dinner and/or breakfast were below expectations compared with other hotels or that the dinner set lacked variety.
Occasional cleanliness issues in rooms
A few guests reported cleanliness problems such as spots in the room and small insects (including a spider and tiny insects on bedding), indicating occasional lapses in housekeeping.
Poor signage and low lighting at night
Some guests reported unclear signage when walking from the station, especially at night, and low lighting around the outdoor bath area, which made navigation and visibility more difficult after dark.
Onsen water temperature can be very hot
A few reviewers mentioned that certain baths (particularly the indoor onsen) were very hot, or too hot to relax in for long, which may not suit all guests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Check-in is from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM and check-out is from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM.
Room types include Japanese-style rooms with capacities typically for 2, 4 or up to 6 guests (futon layouts); some twin rooms include a sofa bed and extra beds can be requested where available.
The property offers large public hot spring baths both indoor and open-air and a sauna for guest use.
Some room types feature private open-air tubs or in-room baths and the property may offer reservable family/private baths; request confirmation when booking.
The tattoo policy is not specified online; because many Japanese public baths restrict visible tattoos, contact the ryokan in advance or use a private/reservable bath if you have tattoos.
Most visitors travel by train or highway bus to JR Yufuin Station, then walk about five minutes to the ryokan; trains and buses connect Yufuin with major regional airports and cities.
No regular shuttle is listed—Yufuin Kotobuki Hananosho is an easy five-minute walk from JR Yufuin Station; contact the property if you need assistance with luggage or special pickup arrangements.
Staff assist in Japanese and can provide help in English, though the level of English may vary by staff member.
The ryokan serves traditional Japanese set dinners (including regional wagyu options on some menus) and a Japanese-style breakfast in the on-site dining room; please notify the ryokan in advance of dietary restrictions.
Yunotsubo Kaido shopping street is about a 15-minute walk and Lake Kinrin about 20 minutes; the area around JR Yufuin Station has restaurants, shops and convenience stores for essentials.