Yufuin wasn’t supposed to become one of my favorite onsen towns in Japan. It’s popular, tour buses roll through, and the town can get busy with day-trippers. But even with all of that, I left Yufuin completely charmed, and it has since shot into my top three favorite onsen towns I’ve visited in Japan!
The reason? Yufuin is ridiculously green, lush, and picturesque. Set against the mountains of Oita Prefecture, the town has a rare mix of hot spring culture and scenery that makes you want to slow down without even trying.
Misty mountains rise behind the town, rice fields and greenery stretch between the buildings, and little lanes lead to cafés, shops, galleries, and traditional inns. It’s countryside charm at its finest.
There’s enough to keep you busy for a day, too. Wander the main streets around Yunotsubo Kaido, browse the little shops and cafés, take a peek at Kinrin Lake, soak your feet in a public foot bath, or just get lost walking through the quieter edges of town.
Afterward, check into your ryokan, change into your yukata, sink into the hot spring, linger over dinner, and let yourself do absolutely nothing for a while. After a day of wandering around Yufuin, there’s something pretty perfect about knowing you have nowhere else to be.
If you’re on the hunt for a little privacy (don’t want to bathe naked in front of strangers, have tattoos, want to soak with your partner, etc.), the ryokans I’ve included here all offer private onsen baths, which means you can soak whenever you want, without sharing the bath with others.
I’ve handpicked these Yufuin ryokans for their private onsen options, beautiful settings, food, and the kind of hospitality that makes you wish you’d booked another night.
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Table of Contents
1. Yufudake Ichibo no Yado Kirara
Price: $$
Yufudake Ichibo no Yado Kirara is an enchanting ryokan hotel in Yufu. Situated in the hills of Shirahama, high up in the Yufuin area. This tranquil retreat offers a much-needed respite from the hustle and bustle of urban life.
The ryokan’s traditional Japanese design, warm hospitality, and stunning mountain views make it a perfect destination for those seeking to experience true Japanese culture. The warm and woody furniture choices used to decorate the rooms add to the traditional feel of the ambiance too!
All of the luxurious rooms at Yufudake Ichibo no Yado Kirara feature modern amenities such as terraces, air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, toilets with bidets, and semi open-air baths that open up to incredible views of the mountains.
And while the ryokan’s location is a bit further from town (about a 5-minute drive away), you wouldn’t be graced with such great views if you weren’t.
Guests can also enjoy meals cooked with local ingredients served by the most attentive staff in their room. You can expect the included dinner/breakfast meals to be filling, well thought-out, and presented on plates/bowls almost like art!
After a day exploring the region’s attractions, visitors can relax in one of the spacious public hot spring baths or retire to their rooms to enjoy a private soak.
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- Bed Options: Twin beds and full beds
- Free shuttle service?: Yes
- Free parking: Yes
- Distance from Yufuin Station: 4-minute drive
2. Yufuin Bettei Itsuki
Price: $$ – $$$
If you can’t decide whether you want to soak in an onsen outdoors or indoors, Yufuin Bettei Itsuki offers the best of both worlds.
Yufuin Bettei Itsuki features not one, but two in-room private hot spring baths, one indoor and one open-air bath. Now that’s what you call good amenities!
All of the luxurious contemporary rooms come with a living room with a wooden floor, a sofa, flat-screen TV, mini-bar, toiletries and yukata robes that you can don on and wear throughout your time at the property. And because the rooms are larger, it’s the perfect place to stay no matter if you’re traveling as a couple or with your family.
In terms of the food, expect nothing else but excellence here. You’ll get to enjoy a wide selection of delicious food and drink during your stay.
An American breakfast is served at Dining Towakura, while at night, it offers a traditional kaiseki-style Japanese dinner. Guests can request to upgrade their dinner to Bungo beef steak course dinner at an additional charge (but advance reservations are needed).
Should you choose to stay multiple nights, you’ll be offered a different dinner every night.
The property is private and secluded, yet still relatively close to the main shopping strip in the area. The property is a 5-minute drive from Yufuin Station, and a 10-minute walk from Kinrin Lake. So if you don’t mind being a bit farther away from the JR stations, then we’d definitely recommend staying here.
Ultimately, the quality and luxury you get to experience for the price is unbeatable.
- Bed Options: Twin beds and futon beds
- Free shuttle service?: Yes
- Free parking: Yes
- Distance from Yufuin Station: 3-minute drive
3. Ikkoten
Price: $$$
The name Ikkoten means a paradise on earth, and that’s exactly how the property feels. With just 10 cottages spread across expansive 7,600-square-meter grounds, you’ll feel at ease and relaxed here—like a true home away from home!
The intimate setting feels like an exclusive paradise for just 10 groups of travelers per day. And because each group will get an entire cottage, Ikkoten is great for families and larger groups.
This elegant Japanese-modern ryokan offers detached cottages, each with a semi-open-air bath filled directly from a natural spring, plus the most picturesque views of Yufu Mountain!
As for food, you guessed it — breakfast and dinner are included with your stay. Expect kaiseki cuisine made with carefully-selected local ingredients, including lots of Oita and Bungo delicacies. Each dish is served when you are ready, so that you can savor the local seasonal ingredients at your leisure without feeling rushed.
There’s even a private dining room that you could opt to dine it for just you and your group! Guests staying multiple days can enjoy different Japanese and Western items every day.
The rooms, hot springs, food, and staff are all first-class here!
At the time of writing, there is no pick-up or drop-off service, so you’ll need to take a taxi to get to the property. Ikkoten is a 5-minute drive from Yufuin Station.
- Bed Options: Twin beds and futon beds
- Free shuttle service?: No
- Free parking: Yes
- Distance from Yufuin Station: 5-minute drive
4. Hinoharu Ryokan
Price: $$
Hinoharu Ryokan offers a perfect blend of modern comfort and historical charm, thanks to its thoughtful renovations in the 2000s.
Just a 10-minute walk from Yufuin Station, this intimate ryokan has only 11 rooms, ensuring personalized attention from the all-Japanese staff, who guide guests through every detail of their stay, from wearing a Yukata to explaining each dish during the exquisite Kaiseki dinner and traditional Japanese breakfast.
The spacious rooms feature tatami floors, a separate sitting area, and modern amenities like a shower and toilet, while the ryokan’s private and public onsens provide a relaxing retreat.
In addition to private onsen baths in some rooms, there are also larger private baths for families or those who aren’t comfortable using the public ones.
The location is pretty nice too — located near the Floral Village and Kinrinko Lake, Hinoharu Ryokan is ideally situated for exploring Yufuin’s main attractions.
- Bed Options: Japanese-style beds (futon)
- Free shuttle service?: No
- Free parking: Yes
- Distance from Yufuin Station: 4-minute drive, 10-minute walk
5. Yufu Ryochiku
Price: $$
Yufu Ryochiku is a gem for anyone seeking comfort and convenience in Yufuin. The location is ideal, nestled in the heart of the tourist area, just a 10 to 12-minute walk from the station and close to the beautiful Kinrin Lake.
The service is top-notch, with staff who speak English and Korean, always ready to help with a smile. The ryokan boasts two indoor and two outdoor hot springs, and with only 8 total guestrooms, it’s easy to find your own private moment in the hot springs.
You can choose from Japanese-style rooms (futon beds on the floor) or go with rooms that have twin beds elevated off the ground. Some rooms come with private bathrooms, while others have a shared bathroom with other guests. Some have private onsen baths, while others do not.
Since the rooms are all so different, be sure to get the room type that fits you best when you book.
The Kaiseki dinner and breakfast are delicious and filling, with staff explaining each dish so you can fully enjoy the experience.
- Bed Options: Twin beds and futons
- Free shuttle service?: No
- Free parking: Yes
- Distance from Yufuin Station: 4-minute drive, 12-minute walk
6. Yufuin Yasuha
Price: $$
If you want a real escape from civilization, consider Yufuin Yasuha, located far from the center of Yufuin.
This ryokan is famous for its signature natural hot spring — the rare “blue bath”, hot spring waters that flow bright cobalt blue with a rich and moisturizing texture. Again, this is rare and the only one at Yufuin is at this ryokan!
Surrounded by lush vegetation, Yufuin Yasuha offers traditional Japanese accommodations with tatami (woven-straw) flooring and futon bedding. You’ll also get to enjoy a massive lounge fireplace and bar, all of which contribute to the villa-like accommodation experience.
You have the choice of opting for a room either within the hotel complex or in a separate house, with or without a private open-air bath. Should you choose a room without a private bath, there is still a large public onsen you can use and enjoy during your stay.
For dinner, you’ll get a 10-dish course meal that changes every month depending on the seasonality of the ingredients. Everything is made with local ingredients, including farm-fresh vegetables, the famous Bungo beef, and delicious seafood.
Breakfast and dinner can be enjoyed in one of two restaurants on the property.
From JR Yufuin Train Station, the property can be accessed by a 5-minute complimentary shuttle ride.
- Bed Options: Twin beds and futon beds
- Free shuttle service: Yes (advance reservations required)
- Free parking: Yes
- Distance from Yufuin Station: 5 minute-drive
7. Ryoso Yufuin Yamadaya
Price: $$
Ryoso Yufuin Yamadaya is a renowned onsen hotel located in the picturesque town of Yufuin. This luxurious resort features a range of relaxing onsens for guests to enjoy during their stay.
There are 4 onsens at the ryokan hotel, 2 private baths and 2 public baths (both indoor and outdoor options). As long as nobody is using the private onsen, any guest at the ryokan can use it. You also have the option to book a room with a private onsen as well.
There are a total of 14 spacious rooms across 2 floors, some with mountain views, too. The inside of the building will give you a sense of being in nature, and you can expect the entire property to be beautifully maintained by the helpful staff.
The highlight of your stay will probably be the kaiseki-style dinner, where you can experience the finest of fine dining in your room for just about 90 to 120 minutes.
Both dinner and breakfast will be unforgettable experiences, with your only complaint being that there’s too much food! If you’d like to enjoy a private dining experience, you’re in luck because dinners are served in your room.
In terms of location, this ryokan is near the center of everything. Yufuin Station is just a 7-minute walk away, and the main street is just a 10-15 minute walk from the property. Norman Rockwell Yufuin Museum, Yufuin Stained Glass Museum, and Yufuin Trick Art Meikyukan Museum are all within a 2-8 minute walk.
All in all, the facilities, the meals, and the amenities at Ryoso Yufuin Yamadaya are top-notch!
- Bed Options: Twin beds and futon beds
- Free shuttle service?: Yes
- Free parking: Yes
- Distance from Yufuin Station: 2-minute drive, 6-minute walk
Need To Know: Basic Onsen Etiquette + Rules
Your first onsen can feel a little intimidating, especially when you’re trying to remember which towel goes where and whether you should shower before or after getting in.
The good news? Onsen etiquette is actually pretty simple once you know the basics. The biggest thing to remember is that an onsen is a place to soak and relax, not a swimming pool or a communal shower!
Yes, you really do get naked.
This is probably what makes first-timers most nervous, but in 99% of cases, there’s no swimsuit option here. You’ll undress completely in the changing room and leave your clothes in a locker or basket before heading into the bathing area.
And once you’re inside, nobody is paying attention to anyone else. In Japan, it’s completely normal for no one to give it a second thought.
Shower before you soak.
Here’s the cultural distinction that trips people up: the bath is for soaking, not washing. Before you get anywhere near the hot spring, sit at a shower station and thoroughly rinse and wash yourself.
Most have a little stool, handheld showerhead, shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. Once you’re clean, you’re ready for the good part.
Keep your towel out of the water.
You can bring your small face towel into the bathing area, but don’t let it touch the onsen water! You’ll often see people folding it up and balancing it on top of their head while they soak. It’s partly to keep the head cool, and partly because there isn’t anywhere else to put it. Everything else stays back in the locker / changing area.
Final tip: Keep voices low, don’t splash, and avoid treating the bath like a social swimming pool. Then, enjoy and let the tensions melt away.
How To Get To Yufuin Onsen
We personally started our week-long Kyushu road trip in Fukuoka (nearest major airport is Fukuoka Airport (FUK)), then slowly made our way through the countryside toward Yufuin, stopping at a few other magical, memorable places along the way.
That said, you absolutely don’t need to rent a car to experience Yufuin. If you’re not quite ready to brave Japan’s roads (I get it, we were nervous at the beginning too), there’s a much more scenic way to get there: the Yufuin no Mori sightseeing train.
The Yufuin no Mori is one of Kyushu’s most beloved sightseeing trains where the journey is as worth it as the destination, or whatever that quote is…!
Its distinctive deep-green exterior gives way to a warm, wood-paneled interior inspired by Kyushu’s forests, while large panoramic windows frame the countryside as you travel from Hakata Station (Fukuoka) to Yufuin. The trip takes roughly 2 hours and 15 minutes, turning what could be a simple transfer into a leisurely introduction to the landscapes you’re about to explore.
Even better, the JR Kyushu Rail Pass covers Yufuin no Mori, though all seats are reserved. Pass holders just need to reserve a seat.
If you’re flying into the region and want to just get there as fast as possible, Oita Airport is the closest airport to Yufuin, about 55 kilometers away. From Oita Airport, you can take a bus to Yufuin.
Japan Travel Insurance
This is a no-brainer. When traveling internationally, be sure to get yourself some travel insurance.
I’ve heard of too many unfortunate experiences where friends and family have had baggage lost/stolen, hotels canceled, or have had unexpected medical emergencies while traveling where they’ve had to cut their trips short.
True story alert — in 2022, my partner even had his shoulder completely dislocated while surfing in Mexico, resulting in a $950 USD emergency room bill that we had to pay out of pocket for! Not fun… and most definitely not cheap.
Without travel insurance, you would have to pay out of pocket for these mishaps. This is why I get travel insurance for all my international trips now!
One of the best budget-friendly travel insurances for those traveling outside their home country is SafetyWing.
SafetyWing Insurance provides coverage for unexpected illness or injury, including eligible expenses for hospital, doctor or prescription drugs. This means that if you get ill or injured, THEY will cover the medical expenses.
In addition, it provides emergency travel-related benefits such as:
- emergency medical evacuation – very much needed if you like to go hiking or backpacking in the wild.
- travel delay
- lost checked luggage
- adventure sports coverage (add-on) – so you can rappel down waterfalls, cave dive, mountain bike, scuba dive, etc. with peace of mind.
- electronics theft (add-on) – get reimbursed if your laptop, phone, camera or other electronics get stolen.
Click here to price out how much travel insurance would be for your trip.
Looking for more Japan travel tips? You may also like:
- 10 Reasons Kyushu Is Japan’s Best-Kept Secret: Volcanoes, Onsen, and More!
- Fukuoka 101: 15 Things That Make Japan’s Coolest City Worth Visiting
- 3 Days In Fukuoka: Hakata Ramen, Flower Gardens, and Seaside Fun!
- Everything We Did On Our Week-Long Kyushu Road Trip
- How To Spend A Perfect Day At Yufuin Onsen, Japan
- 15 Unmissable Things To Do In Beppu For First-Timers
- 7 Best Ryokans In Beppu, Japan (With Private Onsen)
- How We Spent 2 Days Relaxing In The Mount Aso Area
