Yufunoyado Kifu
9,4/10 Exceptional - Based on 114 reviews
Set beneath the slopes of Mount Yufu in the rural outskirts of Yufuin, Yufunoyado Kifu presents a quietly traditional stay that blends tatami rooms and Western-style bedrooms with unobtrusive service. The property is compact and family-run in feel, with many rooms arranged to maximise views over the surrounding rice fields and hills; rooms are offered in classic Japanese layout with futons or in Western bed configurations, and standard in-room amenities include air conditioning, a small refrigerator and complimentary Wi‑Fi. Located a short walk or quick drive from Yufuin’s main street and its lakeside attractions, the ryokan is positioned for easy access to local galleries and the town’s walking routes while remaining set back enough for a peaceful evening ambience. This ryokan with onsen in Yufuin is described by guests as attentive and quietly welcoming, making it suitable for couples and adults seeking a calm onsen stay.
The bathing facilities combine an indoor bath and an outdoor rotenburo carved into a garden setting; both are fed from local hot springs and the property allows guests to reserve the baths for exclusive use in short sessions when needed, so couples or small groups can arrange privacy. Massages are available on request, and the house rules indicate a non‑smoking, adults‑only policy; on‑site conveniences include free private parking, communal dining rooms, and staff assistance for local directions. Check‑in is typically in the mid‑afternoon with checkout by mid‑morning, and the scale of the ryokan means bath bookings, meal times and arrival logistics are handled directly with the team to fit individual schedules — a practical approach for a ryokan with private onsen in Ōita.
Meals emphasise seasonal, regional produce and are served in a set, multi‑course style that reflects local culinary traditions: evening kaiseki showcases Oita ingredients and breakfast is prepared in a simple, home‑style manner that many guests cite as a highlight. Practical details — clear paths to nearby sights such as Lake Kinrinko and the small cluster of art museums, the short distance to JR Yufuin Station (around 1.3 km), and the availability of on‑site parking — make the property a convenient base for exploring the Yufuin valley by foot or car. The overall proposition is straightforward: a modest, well‑maintained ryokan focused on warm service, seasonal meals and uncomplicated access to Yufuin’s hot‑spring culture.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Yufunoyado Kifu
Positive Reviews
Warm, attentive hospitality
Multiple guests praised the owners (owner, daughter and grandmother) for being exceptionally welcoming, helpful and responsive — offering pickup from the station, assistance with luggage, explanations and attentive service throughout the stay.
Excellent traditional meals (kaiseki)
Several reviews highlight very good home-style kaiseki dinners and breakfasts, well‑prepared and varied dishes, with guests specifically noting delicious meals and even extra touches like morning onigiri.
Nice, well‑maintained onsen options
Reviewers praised the onsens — especially the outdoor onsen — describing clean water, pleasant temperatures, private booking options (30‑minute private slots), and both indoor and outdoor baths available for relaxing experiences.
Cozy, authentic ryokan atmosphere and cleanliness
Guests enjoyed the traditional, slightly retro charm, quiet peaceful setting, comfortable and clean rooms, good mountain views at breakfast, and many reported excellent sleep; multiple comments noted great value for money.
Charming extras and thoughtful service
Visitors appreciated small extras that enhanced the stay: a friendly resident cat, helpfulness with special needs (e.g. providing allergy medicine), availability of bicycles, and hosts going beyond expectations to ensure comfort.
Negative Reviews
Distance from train station / limited transport
Several guests found the ryokan a fair walk from Yufuin station with few bus options; some recommend buying supplies before arrival or arranging a pickup (which hosts sometimes provide).
Bedding and room aging
A few reviewers mentioned that some bedding felt a bit old and that pillows were firm; while rooms were generally described as clean and comfortable, a minority noted dated beddings.
Not ideal for mobility‑limited guests
At least one reviewer pointed out there are no high chairs and that the layout can be inconvenient for elderly or mobility‑challenged guests.
Minor onsen usability issues
Some guests noted complaints related to bathing facilities: occasional fluctuations in shower water pressure/temperature in the outdoor washing area, and one comment that the indoor bath was less appealing than the outdoor one; another wished for longer available outdoor onsen time.
Traditional kaiseki may include unfamiliar items
A couple of reviewers warned that some kaiseki components might be unfamiliar or not to every guest's taste, so diners should be prepared for traditional dishes they may not usually eat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms vary from single/twin setups to Japanese-style rooms that can sleep up to four guests using futons; children are not accepted at this property.
Yes — the property has indoor hot spring baths and an outdoor (open-air) onsen, and private-use sessions are offered subject to availability.
No — the ryokan does not provide shuttle or pick-up services; guests should arrange taxis or private transport.
The ryokan is roughly 50–55 km (about 30–33 miles) from Oita Airport, so expect a taxi or transfer of around 45–70 minutes depending on traffic.
Staff primarily speak Japanese; English proficiency is limited, so contacting the property in advance for special requests is recommended.
Expect traditional Japanese-style rooms with tatami and yukata, communal hot spring baths, and home-style meals served in the dining area; the property is adults-only and non-smoking.
Kinrin Lake, Yufuin Stained Glass Museum and local shrines are nearby, with Kinrin Lake reachable on foot in about 15–20 minutes from the property.
Take the train to JR Yufuin Station then walk about 15–25 minutes or take a short taxi ride (around 5 minutes) from the station; there is free on-site parking for private cars.
Check-in is typically between 15:00 and 17:00 and check-out is by 10:00; guests arriving after 17:00 should notify the property in advance.
Private onsen reservations are possible but limited and may be timed; pets are not allowed; there are supermarkets and many restaurants in Yufuin within walking distance, and dinner at the ryokan requires advance reservation (usually at least one day).