Yufuin Onsen Toshoan
9/10 Exceptional - Based on 155 reviews
Yufuin Onsen Toshoan is a compact, guest-focused ryokan set on the quieter slopes around Yufuin, framed by views of the surrounding mountains. The property operates on an intimate scale with a handful of rooms, each designed to emphasise privacy and a restful pace, and many units feature their own hot-spring bathing facilities. This setup makes the property a distinctive ryokan with private onsen in Yufuin, Ōita, appealing to travellers who prioritise solitude, scenery and direct access to a soaking experience without the bustle of a large bathhouse.
Guest rooms combine traditional touches with practical conveniences: a private bathing area fed from spring water or a dedicated in-room tub, flat-screen television, kettle and complimentary toiletries, plus seating or small terraces where mountain vistas can be enjoyed. Meals are an important part of the stay—dinner is typically served as a multi-course seasonal menu prepared in-house and breakfast options are available—so many stays are offered on a half-board basis to showcase local ingredients and classic presentation. Housekeeping and front‑of‑house service focus on discreet, attentive care rather than constant interaction.
Positioned a short drive from Yufuin’s main sights, the ryokan provides easy access to lakeside walks, museums and the town’s shopping lane while preserving a sense of getaway at the property itself. Onsite practicalities include complimentary parking and Wi‑Fi, and the small scale of the inn makes advance booking advisable for popular travel dates. For visitors seeking a quiet, private bathing experience and a scenic base for exploring the area, this ryokan with onsen in Ōita offers a concentrated, service-led option that centres on in-room relaxation and seasonal cuisine.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Yufuin Onsen Toshoan
Positive Reviews
Warm, attentive staff
Many guests praise the friendly, professional and helpful team — warm reception, assistance with luggage, personalized service and staff who remember guest preferences.
Excellent, plentiful meals (kaiseki)
Multiple reviewers highlight the high-quality, varied and generous dinners and breakfasts (kaiseki); several recommend booking a half-board plan as meals are a standout.
Private in-room onsen with beautiful views
Guests appreciate private onsen baths in rooms (including open-air baths), often noting relaxing experiences and spectacular views of Mt Yufu, the valley and nearby train line.
Traditional, clean and accurately presented rooms
Rooms are described as spacious, traditional in style, very clean and matching the online photos, with good facilities and amenities.
Peaceful setting and convenient station transfer
The ryokan offers a tranquil, restorative atmosphere away from busy areas; several reviews note the free taxi transfer from the station and overall quiet, cosy environment.
Negative Reviews
Inconsistent bed comfort
Several guests reported bed issues — some found beds too hard (feeling the springs), while others felt beds were too soft, indicating variable mattress comfort across rooms.
Remote location and access/parking challenges
The property is set away from the town center; approach roads can be narrow and tricky to find, parking can be expensive and stairs between carpark and entrance make luggage handling inconvenient for some guests.
Limited public facilities / small property
This is a relatively small ryokan with few communal facilities; some guests noted there is no public onsen and that overall space is limited compared with larger properties.
Occasional language limitations
A few reviewers mentioned limited English spoken by staff, which could make communication about certain details less easy for non-Japanese speakers.
Minor room/fitting inconveniences
Reported small but noticeable issues include small hotel slippers, shower/toilet layout requiring crossing the room, difficulty setting up a table to eat in-room in some configurations, and a few comments that curtains or in-room onsen fittings could use updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most rooms are designed for two guests; some larger room types accommodate up to three or four—check each room’s maximum occupancy when booking. Children aged 12 and over are accepted; cribs and extra beds are not provided.
Yes — the property has hot spring facilities including public and open‑air baths, and several room types include a private in‑room onsen. Availability of in‑room baths depends on the room you book.
There is no regular public shuttle; the ryokan arranges taxis for arrivals and departures and commonly assists with or covers taxi transfers between Yufuin Station and the ryokan. Please notify the ryokan in advance of your arrival time to confirm pickup arrangements.
Oita Airport is the nearest (about 50–55 km). Most guests travel by train to Yufuin Station and take a short taxi to the ryokan; the property can assist with taxi arrangements.
Staff generally offer polite, helpful service with a limited level of English; they can assist with directions, dining arrangements and local recommendations but very complex requests may need additional translation support.
The ryokan offers traditional multi‑course meals (kaiseki) for dinner and set or a‑la‑carte breakfast; meals are usually booked as part of your room plan and should be reserved in advance. The kitchen can often accommodate common dietary requests if informed prior to arrival.
Standard check‑in is between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM, and check‑out is between 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM. If you need a different time, contact the ryokan ahead of your stay to request an arrangement.
Some rooms provide private in‑room onsen for exclusive use; ask the ryokan if you want to reserve exclusive use of a facility. Pets are not permitted, and guests with visible tattoos are not allowed to use shared/public bathing areas (private in‑room baths are a separate case—confirm with the ryokan).
Lake Kinrinko, Ogosha Shrine and Yufuin’s main walking street and shops are the most visited nearby sites; Yufuin Station and the town center are a short taxi ride or a 15–20 minute walk. The ryokan can advise on day trips and local transport options.
The property offers free on‑site parking. Yufuin town has convenience stores, local shops and restaurants within a short walk or drive; for a larger supermarket you may need to travel into central Yufu—the ryokan can give directions.