7 Best Ryokans In Yufuin With Private Onsen
If you’re planning a trip to Yufuin, you’re in for something special. This little onsen town in Oita is full of charm, with quiet streets, art galleries, mountain views, and some of the most relaxing hot springs you’ll ever experience.
One of the best ways to enjoy it all is by staying in a ryokan. These traditional Japanese inns are where you can slow down, soak in natural hot spring water, and enjoy beautifully prepared meals made with local ingredients.
I’ve picked out some of the best ryokans in Yufuin with onsen baths. So if you’re dreaming of a peaceful soak with no one else around, you’re in the right place.



Yufuin Baien
If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat with mountain views, Baien is a solid choice. It’s tucked inside a large garden filled with cherry and plum trees, and the setting alone is worth the visit.


You’ll find both traditional rooms and detached pavilions, some with private open-air baths. The architecture mixes warm wood and large windows, so even when you’re inside, you still feel connected to nature.


Breakfast is served in a glass-walled dining room overlooking the garden. Expect seasonal dishes and excellent service. The on-site spa and public hot spring baths are also a bonus if you want to unwind.
The ryokan is just a short walk from JR Yufuin Station, and there’s free parking if you’re driving. You’re close to Lake Kinrin and the main shopping street too, but it still feels quiet and private.




Yufuin Gettouan
Gettouan gives you that mix of privacy and luxury that’s hard to beat. The villas here are hidden in a quiet forest near Mt. Yufu, and each one has its own private outdoor onsen.


The design is beautiful, with lots of natural wood, soft lighting, and simple lines. You can relax on the terrace, soak under the stars, or just enjoy the view of the mountains from your room.
Dinner is a highlight. They serve a seasonal kaiseki meal with fresh ingredients from Oita, and you can taste the care that goes into every dish. You’ll also have breakfast included, with traditional options served in a relaxed setting.
The atmosphere here is peaceful. You feel taken care of but never crowded, and the setting makes it easy to slow down and breathe.



Ikkoten
If you want quiet luxury in Yufuin, Ikkoten is it. With only ten cottages spread out across the hillside, it feels like your own little hideaway.

Each villa has a private open-air bath fed directly from the spring. Inside, the design is simple and elegant, with tatami floors, warm wood, and big windows that frame Mt. Yufu.
There’s a cozy reading room where you can enjoy tea or a quiet afternoon, and the grounds are lovely for a morning walk. It’s peaceful, personal, and designed to help you fully relax.
The food here is refined. Dinner is a beautifully prepared kaiseki meal using Oita-grown ingredients, served with care and attention to detail.




Yawaragi-no-Sato Yadoya
Yadoya is a great choice if you want comfort, calm, and a bit of everything. It’s in a quiet part of town, just a short walk from Lake Kinrin and Yufuin’s main street, but still feels tucked away.


The rooms are traditional but simple, with tatami floors and garden views. Some even have private onsen baths, so you can soak in the hot spring water without leaving your room.


This ryokan is also very welcoming for families and older travelers. There’s an elevator, lounge areas, and even a small kids’ space downstairs.
Meals here are generous and thoughtful. You can try beautifully cooked local Bungo beef for dinner and enjoy a mix of Japanese and Western breakfast options in the morning.


Hinoharu Ryokan
Hinoharu Ryokan is one of the best ryokans in Yufuin, Japan. As soon as you walk in, the mood shifts. It’s calm, a little nostalgic, and deeply Japanese in the best way.
You’ll love the outdoor baths here. They’re tucked between trees and stones, and feel especially dreamy at night when the steam rises and everything goes still.

Inside, the rooms are classic: tatami mats, sliding doors, and wooden details that give it a warm, timeless look.
Meals are served in your room, and they’re beautifully prepared with seasonal ingredients like steamed crab, fresh sashimi, and hot pots.
If you want something intimate, traditional, and very Japanese, Hinoharu delivers.

Yufuin Bettei Itsuki
If you want privacy and a bit of romance, you’ll love Bettei Itsuki.
Each guest stays in a villa with its own private onsen bath; some with mountain views, others surrounded by trees. You can open the doors, step out barefoot, and soak right there on your deck.
The vibe is modern-meets-traditional. Clean architecture, warm wooden interiors, and a layout that makes you feel like the space was made just for you. It’s peaceful, it’s quiet, and honestly, it’s kind of dreamy.
Dinner is served in your room. It’s a multi-course kaiseki meal made with local ingredients, but you eat in your own time. No schedule, no dining hall. Just you, your meal, and the sound of nature outside.
It’s one of the best options in Yufuin if you’re celebrating something, or just want to feel a little spoiled.


Yurari Rokumyo
Yurari Rokumyo is another excellent place to stay in Yufuin.
If you like places with a bit of character and charm, this one stands out. The buildings are crafted with wood, clay, and stone, and everything feels close to nature.

When you slide open the door to your room, you’ll see thoughtful details everywhere: exposed beams, soft paper walls, and low lights that invite you to slow down.
The shared baths are simple but beautiful, surrounded by greenery that changes with the seasons.
This ryokan doesn’t serve meals, which gives you a bit more freedom. You can walk into town and try different restaurants, then come back to your quiet room at night.
It’s a lovely choice if you want something laid-back, with real craftsmanship and a peaceful setting.



FAQs about ryokans in Yufuin
What makes Yufuin ryokans different from other hot spring towns in Japan?
Yufuin ryokans tend to be smaller, more personal, and surrounded by nature. Many have views of Mt. Yufu or quiet gardens, and the town itself is walkable and peaceful. It feels more like a retreat than a tourist spot.
Do all ryokans in Yufuin have private onsens?
Not all of them, but many do, especially the higher-end or villa-style ryokans. Some have private outdoor baths attached to each room, while others offer private baths you can reserve by the hour. If privacy matters to you, be sure to check before booking.
Are meals included at Yufuin ryokans?
Most ryokans include both dinner and breakfast, usually served in your room or in a small dining area. The meals are often kaiseki-style, featuring local ingredients like Bungo beef, seasonal vegetables, and fresh fish. Some simpler ryokans or house rentals might not serve food, so always double-check.
How many nights should I stay in Yufuin?
One night is enough to enjoy the onsen and a nice dinner, but if you want to fully relax, two nights is ideal. That gives you time to soak, explore the art museums and local cafes. Add a day if you plan a day trip to Beppu.





