If you’re seeking a serene escape in Japan, look no further than Yufuin Onsen. Nestled at the foot of Mount Yufu, this charming onsen town offers a unique blend of traditional ryokans, modern hotels, and therapeutic hot springs. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, our guide to Yufuin Onsen is designed to help you navigate the myriad of options available for a truly unforgettable experience. From the health benefits of the mineral-rich waters to the culinary delights of the town, we’ve got you covered. So sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the rejuvenating world of Yufuin Onsen.
From boutique ryokans with private onsens to larger establishments offering panoramic mountain views, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re a first-timer to Japan or a seasoned traveler, this guide is tailored to help you navigate the myriad of options available. We’ll delve into the unique features, locations, and dining options each ryokan offers, ensuring you make an informed decision for an unforgettable experience.
So, grab a cup of tea, sit back, and let’s embark on a virtual journey to discover the hidden gems of Yufuin’s onsen scene. Trust us, by the end of this guide, you’ll be packing your bags and counting the days to your dreamy Yufuin getaway.
Table of Contents
Accommodation & Attractions Map
Oyado Den Rikyu: An Exclusive Onsen Retreat with Just Seven Rooms
Check Availability: Agoda, Booking.com
Tucked away in the scenic backdrop of Yufuin is Oyado Den Rikyu, a luxurious ryokan that offers an intimate and exclusive experience. With only seven rooms in total, this ryokan emphasizes privacy and personalized service. What sets it apart even further is that each of these seven rooms boasts its very own private onsen, allowing guests to indulge in the therapeutic waters of Yufuin in complete seclusion.
Nestled with views of the majestic Mt. Yufu, Oyado Den Rikyu is a sanctuary of serenity. The enchanting morning mist that graces the area during winter further elevates the ambiance, making every moment, especially those spent in your personal onsen, truly magical.
The rooms, while limited in number, are a masterclass in blending traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern-day comforts. This ensures that guests are cocooned in luxury and authenticity throughout their stay.
Complementing the stay is the ryokan’s culinary offerings. Guests are treated to seasonal Japanese cuisine, meticulously prepared with the freshest ingredients, ensuring a gastronomic delight with every meal.
Yufuin Santokan: A Premier Onsen Experience with a Personal Touch
Check Availability:
Santokan: Agoda
Ryotei Tanokura Ryokan: Agoda, Rakuten
Kutsurogi-no-Yado Nanakawa: Agoda
In the heart of the picturesque town of Yufuin, Yufuin Santokan stands as a testament to Japan’s rich onsen tradition and impeccable hospitality. This ryokan, with its harmonious blend of nature and architecture, offers a truly immersive Japanese experience.
Each of the 13 elegantly designed traditional Japanese rooms at Santokan comes equipped with its own private onsen, ensuring guests can indulge in Yufuin’s therapeutic hot springs in the comfort of their room. Adding to the allure, six of these rooms feature open-air baths, allowing visitors to soak amidst nature’s embrace.
Strategically positioned near the iconic Kinrinko Lake and the vibrant Yufuin shopping street, Santokan is a perfect base for those keen to delve into the town’s attractions.
Adjacent to Yufuin Santokan are its sister ryokans, Ryotei Tanokura Ryokan and Kutsurogi-no-Yado Nanakawa, forming a trio of inns that offer a comprehensive onsen experience in Yufuin. Yufuin Santokan boasts two public onsen baths, and similarly, Ryotei Tanokura Ryokan also offers two public onsens. Guests from all three ryokans have the privilege to freely access and enjoy the onsen facilities across these establishments.
Ryotei Tanokura Ryokan offers a blend of traditional and modern comforts. The ryokan has a mix of pure Japanese-style rooms and rooms that combine both Japanese and Western elements. All rooms are equipped with their own onsen, with some featuring the luxury of private open-air baths. The ground floor rooms, in particular, offer views of private gardens, allowing guests to experience the changing beauty of the seasons.
Kutsurogi-no-Yado Nanakawa is a haven of relaxation and luxury. All rooms are designed as duplex-style accommodations, blending Japanese aesthetics with Western comforts, notably beds. This design ensures guests experience the best of both worlds. Furthermore, every room boasts its own open-air bath, allowing guests to enjoy the therapeutic waters of Yufuin’s hot springs while being surrounded by nature.
Together, these three interconnected ryokans offer a diverse and unparalleled onsen experience in the heart of Yufuin.
Nurukawa Onsen: Prime Location & Value Steps from Kinrinko Lake
Check Availability: Agoda, Trip.com
Situated just a short stroll from the iconic Kinrinko Lake and along Yufuin’s main thoroughfare, Nurukawa Onsen beckons travelers with its promise of relaxation and rejuvenation. This onsen ryokan boasts a total of nine therapeutic hot spring pools, each designed to provide guests with a unique and soothing experience.
Guests staying at Nurukawa are granted complimentary access to the Outdoor Hot Spring Bath, where they can soak amidst nature’s beauty, and the Family Bath, offering a more intimate setting for relaxation. These baths harness the natural healing properties of Yufuin’s hot springs, ensuring every dip is both invigorating and restorative.
One of the standout features of Nurukawa Onsen is its strategic location. Being in close proximity to the main tourist street, guests have the convenience of exploring Yufuin’s attractions with ease. Recognizing the desires of travelers who wish to dine out and explore local culinary delights, the ryokan offers accommodation plans without dinner. This thoughtful approach allows guests to book rooms with attached open-air onsens at a relatively affordable price, ensuring a luxurious stay without breaking the bank.
In essence, Nurukawa Onsen is a perfect blend of traditional charm, modern amenities, and strategic location, making it a must-visit for those exploring Yufuin.
Yufu Ryochiku: A Cozy Retreat in the Heart of Yufuin
Check Availability: Agoda, Booking.com
Nestled just 100 meters off Yufuin’s bustling onsen street and a mere 10-minute walk from the train station, Yufu Ryochiku beckons travelers with its promise of a serene and intimate experience. The iconic Kinrinko Lake, a must-visit for any Yufuin traveler, is also conveniently located just a 10-minute stroll away.
Yufu Ryochiku offers a unique onsen experience tailored for privacy and relaxation. The ryokan boasts four family onsens, ensuring guests can indulge in the therapeutic waters of Yufuin in a secluded setting. Adding to its charm, two rooms come with their very own open-air onsen baths, allowing guests to soak amidst the beauty of nature from the comfort of their quarters.
The ryokan’s architecture pays homage to Japan’s rich history, having been meticulously transformed from a traditional house. While the rooms are cozy and do not have in-room bathing facilities, they radiate an authentic charm that resonates with the town’s ambiance. However, for added convenience, each room is equipped with its own toilet.
Given its prime location, traditional allure, and private onsen offerings, Yufu Ryochiku emerges as a top choice for those seeking an intimate and value-for-money ryokan experience in Yufuin, complete with two delectable meals included in the stay.
Yufuin Souan Kosumosu: An Upscale Onsen Experience Designed by Renowned Architect
Check Availability: Agoda, Rakuten
Located just a 5-minute walk from the iconic Kinrinko Lake and a 17-minute walk from the train station, Yufuin Souan Kosumosu stands as a high-end onsen ryokan in the heart of Yufuin’s main onsen street. Designed by Eiji Mitooka, the same architect behind JR Kyushu’s famous Yufuin no Mori train, this ryokan exudes a sense of sophistication and elegance.
Guests can enjoy complete privacy as each of the 12 rooms comes with its own en-suite bathroom. For those seeking an even more luxurious experience, rooms in the annex building feature their own open-air onsen baths.
When it comes to communal bathing, the ryokan offers separate public onsens for men and women, both indoor and outdoor. Additionally, two Family Onsen Baths are available for guests seeking a more intimate experience.
Culinary excellence is another highlight of Yufuin Souan Kosumosu. For guests staying two nights, a special kaiseki & selectable chef’s selected wagyu beef set can be booked via Rakuten. The first night features a kaiseki meal with fresh fish from the Bungo Strait and local Bungo beef. On the second night, guests can choose between wagyu shabu-shabu and wagyu sukiyaki. Those who prefer not to have beef can opt for locally sourced chicken.
In summary, Yufuin Souan Kosumosu offers an unparalleled blend of luxury, privacy, and culinary delights, making it a top choice for discerning travelers.
Yufuin Ubl Hotel: A Tranquil Retreat with Affordable Luxury
Check Availability: Agoda, Rakuten
Situated on the outskirts of Yufuin’s bustling main street, Yufuin Ubl Hotel offers a serene escape that’s still within walking distance of the town’s attractions. The iconic Kinrinko Lake is just a 6-minute walk away, and the scenic Butsuzan Temple is also nearby, making the hotel a convenient base for exploring Yufuin.
The hotel offers three types of rooms, including a basic Japanese-style room. What sets this ryokan apart is that apart from the basic room, all other room types come with their own in-room onsen. Guests can also indulge in the hotel’s large communal baths, where the outdoor onsen offers stunning views of Mount Yufu.
When it comes to pricing, Yufuin Ubl Hotel offers a more budget-friendly option for rooms with private onsens compared to other ryokans in the area. While not located directly on the main street, it’s still within a comfortable walking distance. However, guests should be cautious when selecting their accommodation plan, especially concerning meals. It’s advisable to opt for a plan that includes dinner, as restaurants in the area tend to close early.
In summary, Yufuin Ubl Hotel offers an excellent blend of affordability, luxury, and convenience, making it a top choice for travelers looking to experience the best of Yufuin without breaking the bank.
Yufuin Onsen Kishokaiuntei Muzinzo: A Boutique Onsen Experience in the Heart of Yufuin
Check Availability: Agoda, Rakuten
Nestled quietly along the Yuno Tsubo Road, Yufuin Onsen Kishokaiuntei Muzinzo offers a unique blend of traditional and modern Japanese aesthetics. With only four rooms, this ryokan provides an intimate and exclusive experience for its guests. Each room comes with its own private onsen, allowing you to soak in the natural hot springs in the comfort of your own space.
Location Advantage: Despite being in the heart of Yufuin, the ryokan offers easy access to dining options, making it convenient for guests who prefer to explore local eateries. It’s also within walking distance to popular attractions.
Flexible Plans: Unlike many ryokans that only offer half-board plans, Muzinzo provides various options, including plans without breakfast or dinner. This flexibility is particularly beneficial given the ryokan’s central location, which offers a plethora of dining options.
Note on Dining: If you opt for a plan without meals, be aware that restaurants in Yufuin tend to close early. It might be a good idea to dine at the ryokan if your plan includes dinner.
This ryokan is perfect for those looking for a personalized and flexible onsen experience in Yufuin. With its limited number of rooms and private onsens, Yufuin Onsen Kishokaiuntei Muzinzo ensures a tranquil and luxurious stay.
