Yufuin Onsen Tsukanoma
9,3/10 Exceptional - Based on 244 reviews
Yufuin Onsen Tsukanoma sits quietly among the wooded slopes of Yufu, offering a measured blend of traditional ryokan character and straightforward modern comforts. Rooms are arranged to take advantage of mountain views and the green setting, and the property is within easy reach of the town’s main sights, including the lakeside promenade and museums. Footsteps from local walking routes, this ryokan with onsen in Ōita presents a low‑key base for exploring the Yufuin basin without the bustle of the town centre.
Accommodation ranges from tatami rooms with futon bedding to twin and western hybrid layouts, and many room types include an en‑suite private bathing area; several listings identify rooms specifically as having a private bath. Guest rooms are equipped for independent stays with in‑room amenities such as a microwave, refrigerator, electric kettle and a tea/coffee maker, plus complimentary Wi‑Fi. On the wider property guests can use public thermal facilities: an open‑air bath, a communal hot spring bath and dry/steam sauna options, while free on‑site parking and multilingual staff support arrivals and luggage handling.
The setting favours a calm, restorative stay: light gardens, mountain silhouettes and straightforward service create a relaxed rhythm that suits couples, families and small groups. Proximity to Kinrinko Lake and local craft shops makes short outings easy, while rooms with private bathing allow private onsen time at any point in the day. Practical details such as flexible check‑in windows and self‑check procedures are commonly offered, making this ryokan with private onsen in Yufu a practical choice for travellers seeking authentic bathing and simple, well‑equipped rooms.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Yufuin Onsen Tsukanoma
Positive Reviews
Outstanding hot springs (private and public)
Many guests highlight the onsen as the standout feature — large, clean outdoor public baths and private in-room onsens that feel special, relaxing and sometimes exclusive (guests often found them nearly empty at off-peak times).
Spacious, clean accommodations like a private house
Rooms and units are repeatedly described as roomy and well maintained, often including separate tatami and Western-style areas, kitchenettes, ample storage and a layout that feels like your own small villa or family home.
Peaceful, scenic mountain setting
Reviewers praise the quiet, charming mountain location with beautiful views and proximity to Kinrin Lake — the remote setting contributes to a relaxing atmosphere and great scenery.
Friendly, helpful staff and smooth check-in info
Multiple guests report kind, helpful staff and clear pre-arrival instructions or an effective contactless/self check-in process; staff answered questions and provided necessary guidance.
Good value for private onsen experience
Several guests felt the property was affordable relative to comparable onsen properties, noting the private bath and spacious rooms offered strong value for price.
Negative Reviews
Remote location and uphill access
The hotel is set well above town; guests repeatedly mention a 20–30 minute uphill walk from Yufuin/downtown or the station and recommend taking a taxi (especially with luggage).
No on-site meal service / few nearby restaurants
Many reviews note the property does not provide meals and there are no restaurants nearby, so guests must plan to bring or pick up food in town; rooms do include a kitchenette and microwave/fridge.
Heating/air-conditioning and cold spots in rooms
Some guests experienced weak air conditioning or areas of the unit not covered by heating (kitchenette, certain room parts felt cold on chilly nights).
Occasional maintenance and operational issues
A few reviews report problems such as blocked onsen taps leading to cold water, a non-locking door behind an in-room onsen (privacy concern), and small appliance faults (e.g. kettle not working).
Minor comfort issues (pillows, lighting, older decor)
Some guests mentioned hard/high pillows, slightly dark guest rooms or older-looking main buildings — generally minor issues but worth noting for comfort-sensitive visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room capacities vary by type; options include twin, Japanese-style and family configurations, and children are welcome. The property does not provide extra beds or cribs, so check the room description for exact maximum occupancy.
Yes — the ryokan offers public indoor/outdoor hot-spring baths and some rooms feature private in-room or reservable baths for exclusive use.
Tattoos are generally not allowed in public baths, but private baths (in some rooms or by reservation) can be used by guests with tattoos; please confirm when booking.
There is no regular hotel shuttle listed; most guests take a taxi from Yufuin Station (about 1.8–2.2 km) or travel by car from Oita Airport (around 50 km, roughly a 50–60 minute drive).
Staff can assist in Japanese and English.
Expect traditional elements such as tatami floors and futons in many rooms, mountain views from a hillside setting, communal and private onsen bathing, and a quiet, small-inn atmosphere; some rooms offer kitchen facilities.
Kinrin Lake is about 1.5–1.8 km away and local attractions like the Yufuin Retro Motor/Motorcycle museums, cafes and galleries are within a short walk or brief taxi ride.
Yufuin is walkable for central sights; taxis from the station are convenient for further trips and local buses or sightseeing buses operate on common routes for visitors.
Standard check-in is from 15:00 to 21:00 and check-out is by 10:00 (some listings note early-morning check-out windows); the property requests that you inform them of your expected arrival time in advance.
The ryokan has an on-site restaurant serving set meals for guests, and Yufuin town offers many cafes, restaurants and small shops within walking distance; larger supermarkets are a short drive away.