The Best Hotels & Ryokans In Yufuin Onsen
- Nov 8, 2025
- 6 min read
An expert list showcasing the best hotels and ryokans in Yufuin Onsen, based on customer analytics and knowledge of Kyushu
Overview
Yufuin Onsen is a charming hot spring town located at the base of the stunning Mt. Yufu, and only 40 minutes from the city of Beppu. You can happily spend a few nights here while enjoying the local attractions, soaking in the charming atmosphere, and hiking Mt. Yufu.
Its popularity has led to a wide selection of onsen hotels and ryokans which cater to all types of travellers. But finding the right accommodation can be a very time-consuming process. How can you be sure it will be worth the price? How do you know which location to choose? And how can you trust the recommendations on other websites? We aim to solve these problems and save you time.
Our Expertise
I've lived, worked, and travelled all over Japan for many years. Frustrated with the generic recommendations of other websites, I decided to publish these hotel articles based on my personal knowledge and experience. On top of this knowledge, I've analysed thousands of customer reviews to determine an accurate selection of the best hotels in Yufu-in Onsen.
Instead of providing a subjective opinion full of sponsored content and Google Ads, this article gives you measurable data and metrics.
To ensure there's no disappointment, all of the options on this list must adhere to our strict criteria:
- An average review score above 8.5/10
- A minimum of 50 reviews
- Location must be convenient for sightseeing
- The property must have quality photos
- This list will be updated yearly
Our listing for each place has an efficient overview which includes a:
Gallery
Description
Highlights
Price Range (peak and off-peak)
Review Score
Review Example
Luxury
$400 - $900
The Nihon-no-Ashitaba — 9.6
The Ryotei Tanokura — 9.5
Mid-Range
$200 - $400
The Yawaragi-no-Sato — 9.3
The Makibanoie — 9.2
Best-Value
$100 - $200
The Shuhokan Hotel — 8.5
The Best Luxury Ryokans In Yufuin
1.
The Nihon no Ashitaba
The Ashitaba receives the highest customer reviews out of all the ryokans in Yufuin Onsen. Even at this high price range, the Ashitaba still manages to exceed expectations. All 13 rooms on the property are individual detached buildings, each with its own unique atmosphere. The individual rooms are located inside a 15,000 square meter Zen garden, with gorgeous maple trees, bamboo, and mossy pathways. Private hot springs, all with different themes, are scattered throughout the gardens, offering an unbelievable onsen experience that makes you feel like you're in another world. And finally, the food is beyond impressive, offering innovative modern Japanese cuisine, exclusively served to guests who stay at this magnificent property. If you're looking to splurge on something truly special, spending a few nights here will be an unforgettable experience.
• Highlights:
─ Incredible private hot springs are situated throughout the property, each offering a different theme and a unique atmosphere.
─ Innovative Japanese cuisine offering a variety of delicacies from all over Japan, with a focus on local ingredients, and served exclusively to guests.
─ Ultra luxury ryokan experience, with 13 detached rooms located inside an expansive Zen garden.
• Price Range: $600 - $1000 per night
• Review Score: 9.6 ★ (290+ reviews)
• Review Quote:
"Nihon-no-Ashitaba is the most incredible place! The gardens are spectacular, filled with Japanese maples and moss carpets surrounding multiple private natural onsens. The meals were outstanding, better than 5-star restaurants in Tokyo, with an amazing variety, from fugu to shabu-shabu. The staff go way beyond what we expected, always being so helpful by suggesting experiences in the district, driving us around and assisting us with our very limited Japanese. One highlight is the private onsen in the middle of the forest, which feels like a dreamy fairy tale. It's breathtaking both at night and in the morning!"
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
2.
The Ryotei Tanokura
The Ryotei Tanokura has an amazing location, right next to the trailhead for Mt. Yufu and the beautiful Lake Kirin. You'll be within easy walking distance to all of the best sights and attractions around Yufuin. It has a nostalgic atmosphere that makes you feel like you've stepped back in time, with beautiful rooms and lovely onsen baths. There are multiple onsen options on the property, and 6 detached rooms to choose from. Dinner and breakfast feature some of the finest kaiseki cuisine, and are served directly in your room, providing a more cozy and intimate experience.
• Highlights:
─ Incredible location, right next to Lake Kirin and the Mt. Yufu trailhead, and within walking distance to all of Yufuin's attractions.
─ Amazing full-course kaiseki cuisine directly served in the guest rooms.
─ Multiple hot spring baths located around the property.
• Price Range: $500 - $700 per night
• Review Score: 9.5 ★ (100+ reviews)
• Review Quote:
"We loved everything about this ryokan. Amazing service, facilities, meals, and hospitality. So nice to have a couple of hot spring options on site, as well as the private one attached to our room. Gorgeous garden and delicious dinner and breakfast. Everyone there made our stay so special and extraordinary. I did a lot of research in the area and am so glad we chose this place. Highly recommend."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
The Best Mid-Range Ryokans In Yufuin
1.
The Yawaragi-no-Sato
The Yawaragi-no-Sato offers amazing value-for-money. It's conveniently located in the heart of Yufu, so it's easy to walk anywhere and wander around the town. The rooms are beautifully designed while still remaining humble, and offer lovely views of Mt. Yufu. Their restaurant serves really nice kaiseki cuisine in private dining booths. And they offer a range of private onsen baths, each with unique mineral properties to soften your skin after a long day of sightseeing.
• Highlights:
─ Great value-for-money, an upmarket experience without the steep price.
─ Multiple private onsen baths with a variety of different spring water.
─ An awesome location in the heart of Yufuin, convenient for walking around and exploring the town.
• Price Range: $150 - $400 per night
• Review Score: 9.3 ★ (900+ reviews)
• Review Quote:
"From the moment I arrived, this ryokan exceeded every expectation. The hospitality was impeccable. The room was extremely comfortable, offering the perfect balance of traditional charm and modern comfort. The private onsen was a highlight - peaceful, beautifully maintained, and offering a stunning view. The dining experience was nothing short of extraordinary. Every meal was a work of art, with immaculate plating and unforgettable flavours. You can truly taste the care and craftsmanship in every dish."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
2.
The Ryoso Makibanoie
The Makibanoie is an amazing up-market ryokan at an affordable price point. The outdoor onsen area is one of the best, with a truly beautiful design and a relaxed, spacious atmosphere. The rooms are gorgeous, with a combination of Japanese tatami and wooden floor boards, complete with nice and comfy Western-style beds. Their food is equally impressive, featuring a wide range of modern kaiseki cuisine which takes you on a journey through locally sourced ingredients. Absolutely loved this property.
• Highlights:
─ One of the nicest outdoor onsens, relaxing and spacious, with views of Mt. Yufu.
─ Really nice modern kaiseki cuisine, which changes regularly based on the seasons.
─ Great location in the heart of Yufuin, easy to walk around and explore the local sights and attractions..
• Price Range: $280 - $500 per night
• Review Score: 9.2 ★ (200+ reviews)
• Review Quote:
"The bedroom is spacious, comfortable, beautiful and cozy! The open air bath is amazing, perfect temperature and a lovely views of the Yufu mountain. The location is also very good, 10min walk from the station, there are markets and cafes/restaurants close by. And finally, the staff are very friendly."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
The Best-Value Hotel In Yufuin
1.
The Shuhokan Hotel
The Shuhokan is one of the best value-for-money hotels in all of Japan, this standard of accommodation would be more than double the price in many Western countries. You get spacious and beautifully designed rooms, really nice food with a variety of different dishes, and incredible onsen facilities with stunning views of Mt. Yufu. It's hard to believe they can offer such high standards at such a low price.
• Highlights:
─ Gorgeous onsen facilities with stunning views of Mt. Yufu.
─ Spacious and charming rooms with comfy Western-style beds, and the option for mountain views.
─ Insane value, the best budget option in Yufu, and one of the best value-for-money hotels in Japan.
• Price Range: $130 - $230 per night
• Review Score: 8.5 ★ (1000+ reviews)
• Review Quote:
"This is probably the best value for money hotel I have ever stayed at. The public baths were fantastic. I really enjoyed the outdoor and indoor baths, especially after a long day of travelling and walking. Watching the scenery while bathing was a real treat! The room was way larger than I had expected and I loved the lovely view from the windows. I was very surprised by the little gift and postcards that I received when I checked out. It made the short stay so much more memorable."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
