4-Star Hotels in Yufu

We were a family of four staying in a two-story room. Upstairs, there were two bedrooms and a restroom: one tatami room with two futons and another with two single beds. Downstairs, there was a very spacious tatami living room and an outdoor open-air garden. The morning sun streamed into the living room, making it very pleasant. The room also had one indoor and one outdoor hot spring bath, as well as a restroom. The outdoor onsen was large enough for four people to soak together, while the indoor one could accommodate two. We had the kaiseki dinner and breakfast plan, and the food quality was exceptionally high. The dinner featured top-grade wagyu shabu-shabu and premium fresh sashimi – absolutely delicious! The ryokan also had four public onsen baths, divided into two for men and two for women. These baths would swap at midnight, meaning that after men enjoyed their two designated baths in the evening, those same baths would become women's baths after midnight. In the morning, men could then use the two onsen that had been for women the day before. We'll definitely go back in winter if we get the chance, to enjoy the hot springs while admiring the snow.

Great! The night before, I told them I wasn't good with fish, and the next morning they thoughtfully changed my meal to something else. The service was excellent, and the food was delicious. It wasn't crowded either. The private hot spring was absolutely divine! Overall, I give it a solid thumbs-up. My verdict: See you next time!

Food – The food here is on a Michelin level — honestly even better than the two-star Furukawa we visited in Fukuoka. Both breakfast and dinner are absolutely outstanding. Do not skip either meal! Location – Perfectly situated right beside Kinrin Lake and the main street. Couldn't ask for a better spot in Yufuin. Service – Exceptional. A huge shoutout to Miko (hope I got your name right!) — she speaks great English and was an absolute ray of sunshine throughout our stay. 10/10! Room – The combination of a private onsen and tatami room is just perfect. Exactly what a ryokan experience should feel like. Conclusion – One of the best stays we've ever had. Highly, highly recommend!

The environment was great, the food was delicious, and everything was perfect. It was also a great way to enjoy the outdoor family hot springs with your partner or spouse. If the weather is nice in the evening, you can even see the stars.

We chose this gorgeous Ryokan because after backpacking in Japan for a month we felt like a treat to end our trip. It was a beautiful place to reflect upon our adventures. We hired a car so that we could explore the region and go into town when ever we wanted to (it’s located approximately 3km out of town up a hill). We bought a bottle of wine and snacks in the local supermarket and enjoyed a glass each evening in the garden. Sadly we were unable to experience their restaurant as they had not seen our email requesting this; however we found a some cute restaurants and cafes ate there instead. The hot springs really were 🥵 but great for our aches. Highly recommend as a beautiful private place to reconnect with your loved ones. It would be an amazing place for a wedding as everyone would be together and the gardens are so tranquil.

Both the Japanese and foreign staff were very polite and friendly. They also provided clear explanations in English. When I encountered an issue, they were quick to assist me. Despite a full house, the restaurant was surprisingly quiet and comfortable. They perfectly accommodated my special advance requests. I would definitely love to visit again.

The owner and staff were incredibly friendly, which I really appreciated. I was also amazed that the meals offered during our two-night stay were all different, with no重複ing ingredients! We could freely use the open-air hot spring right in our private villa, and the family bath was also exclusive to us when in use, ensuring a private and enjoyable experience. The pick-up and drop-off service to Yufuin Station made getting around very convenient, so the accessibility was great. This was my first time staying at a Japanese ryokan, and I truly felt well taken care of. I had such a wonderful and relaxing time that I definitely want to go back!

All the hotel staff were fantastic! I didn't book the half-board option on Trip.com, but I successfully added it via email, and the staff were very thoughtful, asking about any food allergies. The room was generally very clean, and toiletries were provided. The only slight drawback was the moss in the onsen. The inn also has a car park. The food was delicious and beautifully presented. There's a convenience store just a few minutes' drive away, which is super convenient! Already looking forward to my next stay!

The room is fully equipped with amenities, so you can literally just bring yourself. The hot spring bathhouse has two indoor pools and one outdoor pool. Towels and a water dispenser are provided on-site, and there are lockers with electronic locks for your belongings. The massage service is available in-room, and the masseuses are very professional, meticulously asking about areas to focus on or avoid beforehand.

Baien is truly the best. The private open-air bath and the large public bath are both excellent. (Note: Be sure to confirm the private open-air bath when booking your ryokan stay.) The ryokan is spacious, so walks around the property are lovely. Both breakfast and dinner (kaiseki) are also superb. However, there's no entertainment nearby, so if your sole purpose is to enjoy the hot springs, you definitely won't regret it. I'd love to visit again in winter.