Yufuin Onsen Hinoharu Ryokan
9,5/10 Exceptional - Based on 322 reviews
Yufuin Onsen Hinoharu Ryokan sits quietly just off the main walking street in Yufuin, offering a compact, traditionally styled stay across eleven Japanese-style rooms. Rooms are arranged with tatami floors and futon bedding, and the accommodation maintains an earth‑toned, low‑key décor that opens onto a sheltered garden courtyard. Room types include suites with private open‑air baths and rooms with en-suite hot‑spring tubs, alongside simpler guestrooms for travellers who prefer to use the communal facilities.
The property operates source‑spring, free‑flowing hot springs and presents a mix of public and reservable family baths: a pair of family open‑air baths and a family cypress bath are located in the courtyard, plus gender‑separated large outdoor baths. Guests can also reserve room‑attached outdoor baths for private bathing, which makes the ryokan with private onsen Ōita a practical option for travellers seeking solitude; as a small ryokan with onsen in Yufuin it balances shared bathing culture with the option of intimate, private use when needed.
Meals follow a seasonal kaiseki approach, with local seafood, vegetables and regional beef prepared to reflect changing harvests; dinners are served in dining rooms or private meal spaces to suit different party sizes. Practical amenities include on‑site parking, wheelchair‑friendly access on the ground floor, a small reception lounge and basic in‑room conveniences such as refrigeration and tea service. The house policy keeps operations deliberately small and guest‑focused, making it suitable for visitors prioritising a relaxed, traditional hot‑spring experience in Ōita prefecture.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Yufuin Onsen Hinoharu Ryokan
Positive Reviews
Very attentive and friendly staff
Multiple reviewers highlighted polite, helpful staff who provide personal service (meal service, room care, explanations) and can communicate in English, making the stay comfortable and easy.
Excellent central but quiet location
Guests praised the ryokan’s position on a charming side street in the heart of Yufuin — close to shops, museums and riverside walks yet tucked away from noise; roughly a 12–15 minute walk from the station.
Multiple onsen options, including private baths
The property offers several onsen (public and multiple private baths, indoor and outdoor). Reviewers called the private outdoor onsen a highlight and appreciated that baths were generally accessible without long waits.
High-quality Japanese meals (kaiseki)
Many guests enjoyed the kaiseki dinners and Japanese-style breakfasts — praised for presentation, variety and overall quality; several described the meals as excellent or among the best they’ve had at a ryokan.
Clean, spacious traditional rooms and comfortable bedding
Visitors liked the traditional Japanese-style rooms, finding them spacious, clean and comfortable, with good futons and a cozy boutique atmosphere conducive to relaxation.
Negative Reviews
Some guests found the food too fish-forward or variable
A few reviewers noted that certain dishes were very fishy or that sashimi/fish quality was average compared with other ryokans, suggesting menu variability in seafood preparation.
Limited English explanation from some service staff
Several comments asked for more English explanations from room helpers or dining attendants about dishes and customs — while front desk/staff generally speak English, some service staff could provide clearer English guidance.
No on-site vending for cold drinks
Guests mentioned there are no milk or cold drink vending machines on-site, so after using the onsen you may need to walk off-property to find vending machines.
Access and transport inconveniences
The ryokan is a manageable walk from the station but there is no shuttle; driving can be awkward due to narrow, crowded streets near the tourist area, which some found annoying in busy times or wet weather.
Onsen availability limits and small extra fees
A few reviewers noted that private onsen use can be limited by popularity or time limits (e.g., ~45 minutes) so you may not get to try every bath, and there is a small hot-spring fee charged at checkout (reported as 150 yen).
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms are traditional Japanese style and typically accommodate 2 to 4 guests; some room types sleep up to four on futons. Family rooms are available for larger groups.
Yes — the ryokan has public indoor and outdoor onsen, a family/private bath that can be reserved, and some rooms include a private open-air hot spring. Private baths are available for guest use and can be booked during your stay.
The property does not advertise a dedicated airport shuttle; the nearest major access points are Oita Airport (about 60 minutes by car) and Fukuoka Airport (about 90 minutes by car). Guests usually arrive by train to JR Yufuin Station (around a 15-minute walk) or by taxi from the airports.
Staff welcome international guests and the website and booking information are available in English; staff can assist in English and Japanese to help with arrival and local recommendations. For specific language needs it is best to contact the ryokan in advance.
Meals are seasonal kaiseki (multi-course) dishes; dinner and breakfast are served as part of most plans, typically in the dining area or a private dining space depending on the booking. Local ingredients and traditional presentation are emphasized.
Lake Kinrin is about a 10-minute walk and the main Yufuin sightseeing streets, shops and galleries are nearby for strolling. Other local spots such as temples and craft shops are a short taxi ride away.
The ryokan is approximately a 15-minute walk from JR Yufuin Station; taxis are readily available and free private parking is offered on site for guests arriving by car. Roads in the town center can be narrow, so allow extra time when driving.
Standard check-in is from 15:00 (3:00 PM) and guests are asked to arrive by 19:30 (7:30 PM); check-out is by 11:00 AM. If you expect to arrive late, notify the ryokan in advance.
Private family baths can be reserved for exclusive use and some rooms have in-room hot spring baths; pets are not permitted at the ryokan. Convenience stores and small supermarkets are within walking distance in the town centre for basic supplies.
Hinoharu is a small, traditional ryokan with tatami rooms and futon bedding, seasonal kaiseki cuisine, landscaped gardens and communal hot springs, designed to showcase authentic Japanese hospitality. The property’s small scale and location in Yufuin make it suitable for a quiet, culturally focused stay.