Nestled in the serene town of Yufuin in Oita Prefecture, Yufuin Onsen Hinoharu Ryokan offers a refined ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) experience. With its soothing ambiance, soothing onsen baths, and warm service, it is a favorite among travelers seeking both comfort and authenticity.

Table of Contents

Yufuin Onsen Hinoharu Ryokan I © Hinoharu Ryokan 由布院温泉 日の春旅館

Accommodation & Rooms

Yufuin Onsen Hinoharu Ryokan maintains a relatively small and intimate scale, which helps preserve tranquility and personal attention.

• Number of rooms: Approximately 10 to 11 rooms
• Room style: Traditional Japanese (washitsu) with tatami flooring and futon bedding. Many rooms design to evoke calm and minimal elegance.
• Amenities in rooms:
  • Air conditioning
  • Refrigerator, safe, electric kettle
  • Some rooms feature private onsen baths (indoor or outdoor) for exclusive use by the guests staying in that room
  • For rooms without private baths, guests can use the communal baths.
• Views and ambiance: Rooms often look out onto garden or nature views, lending a soothing and immersive experience with nature.

Yufuin Onsen Hinoharu Ryokan I © Hinoharu Ryokan 由布院温泉 日の春旅館

Onsen & Facilities

The hot-spring (onsen) experience is one of the biggest draws of this ryokan.

• Public baths: The ryokan offers indoor and outdoor communal onsen baths, where guests can relax in natural mineral water.
• Private baths: As mentioned, select rooms come with private baths. Also, there are private onsen facilities that guests can reserve (often at no extra cost) to enjoy a quieter bathing experience.
• Massage services: Relaxing massages are offered (for extra charge) to complement the onsen experience.
• Garden / grounds: The property has a peaceful, well-tended garden area that enhances the ambiance, with walking paths and views that create a harmony with nature.
• Wi-Fi & connectivity: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.
• Parking: There is private on-site parking available for guests at no additional charge.
• Other services:
  • Luggage storage
  • Concierge / front desk services
  • Some business services (copy / fax)

Yufuin Onsen Hinoharu Ryokan I © Hinoharu Ryokan 由布院温泉 日の春旅館

Dining & Food

One of the delights of staying at a high-end ryokan is the cuisine, and Hinoharu is no exception.

• Meals served:
  • Dinner: Traditional kaiseki-style multi-course Japanese meals, often featuring local produce, seasonal ingredients like sashimi, wagyu beef, vegetables, etc.
  • Breakfast: A Japanese-style set menu breakfast.
• Presentation & quality: Many guests mention that the food is artfully presented, fresh, and of high quality — one of the stand-out features of their stay.
• Dietary requests: Some guests note that English explanations of dishes are limited, so guests with allergies or special diets may want to communicate this ahead of time.
• Nearby dining options: Given its central location, it’s easy to walk to nearby cafés, restaurants, and shops in Yufuin for lighter meals or snacks. The area is known for cute cafés, local sweets, and small eateries. (Though the ryokan aims to provide full meals so you often don’t need to venture out.)

Yufuin Onsen Hinoharu Ryokan I © Hinoharu Ryokan 由布院温泉 日の春旅館

Rates & Booking

• Typical pricing: The nightly rate depends heavily on the season, the room type (especially private bath rooms), and advance booking. On some sites, rates are listed around USD 378 to USD 397+ for premium rooms.
• Because there are only a small number of rooms and some are premium with private baths, it’s advisable to book well in advance, especially in peak tourist seasons.
• Check-in / check-out:
  • Check-in: 15:00 to 19:30
  • Check-out: By 11:00 AM
• Payment & policies:
  • No pets allowed
  • Guests must be over 18 to check in with booking responsibility
  • Smoking is typically restricted to designated areas (non-smoking policy within rooms)

Guest Experience & Reviews

Based on guest reviews compiled and summarized:

Pros (Positive Highlights)

1. Excellent location
   Many guests praise how the ryokan is walking distance to shops, galleries, museums, and local attractions in Yufuin.
2. Warm, attentive staff
   The service is frequently described as friendly and helpful — staff often try to accommodate requests and assist with explanations.
3. Beautiful dining experience
   The kaiseki dinner and breakfast are commonly praised for quality, presentation, and flavor.
4. Clean and comfortable rooms
   Guests note the rooms are well maintained, comfortable, and restful with traditional aesthetics.
5. Relaxing onsen experience
   The availability of both communal and private baths is a strong draw. Many guests enjoy quiet soaks and the ambiance.
6. Quiet & tranquil atmosphere
   Despite being in a town setting, the property tends to maintain a calm, peaceful environment, especially in the garden and outdoor bath areas.

Yufuin Onsen Hinoharu Ryokan I © Hinoharu Ryokan 由布院温泉 日の春旅館

Cons (Possible Drawbacks)

• Some guests mention limited English explanations of the dishes at meals — for non-Japanese speakers, this may reduce clarity.
• Private bath availability: Because rooms with private baths are limited, sometimes guests might not get the private bath option at their desired time unless reserved early.
• Access / parking challenges: The streets around the ryokan can be narrow and busy with pedestrians, which might make driving in or parking slightly tricky during busy periods.
• No on-site vending machines: A few guests mention the lack of in-house vending machines for drinks, meaning if you want a cold drink after a soak, you might need to walk to a nearby store.

Things to Do Nearby

Staying here puts you in a good position to explore many local attractions and experiences in Yufuin:

• Lake Kinrin (Kinrin-ko): Lovely for morning walks, misty reflections, and serene views.
• Yufuin Trick Art & Art Museums: Several quirky museums, galleries, and art installations are in walking distance.
• Shopping & cafés: Yufuin’s main streets are filled with boutique shops, craft stores, traditional sweets shops, and cozy cafés to explore.
• Nature walks & hiking: The surrounding hills and countryside offer trails for light hikes and exploration.
• Local Onsen Tours: Some visitors also venture to nearby onsen towns such as Kurokawa for variety in hot spring experiences.

Yufuin Onsen Hinoharu Ryokan I © Hinoharu Ryokan 由布院温泉 日の春旅館

Tips for Travelers & Recommendations

• Book early, especially for rooms with private baths or during peak seasons (spring cherry blossoms, autumn foliage).
• Check meal inclusions: Make sure your booking includes both dinner and breakfast if that’s your preference.
• Communicate dietary requirements: If you have allergies or strong preferences, inform the ryokan in advance.
• Walk whenever possible: Though the station is walkable, when you have luggage, consider arranging help or light travel.
• Bring comfortable walking shoes: The town and surroundings are ideal for strolling.
• Time your onsen visits: Private bath slots and communal bath times may get booked; early morning or late evening are often quieter.

Location & How to Get There

📍 Address:
Yufuin Onsen Hinoharu Ryokan
1082-1 Kawakami, Yufuinmachi, Yufu-shi, Oita-ken, Japan

Distance from landmarks / transport hubs:

• JR Yufuin Station: about a 15-minute walk
• Lake Kinrin (Kinrin-ko): around 10 minutes by foot
• Oita Airport: roughly a 60-minute drive
• Fukuoka Airport: about a 90-minute drive

Conclusion

Yufuin Onsen Hinoharu Ryokan stands out as a refined, tranquil retreat that pairs traditional Japanese hospitality, beautiful surroundings, and quality cuisine. Its central yet peaceful location offers both convenience and escape. For travelers seeking to immerse themselves in the elegance of ryokan life and the healing calm of onsen culture, this is a top choice in Yufuin.

Want More Ryokan Experiences?

If you love the idea of soaking in your own private hot spring, check out our complete guide to Japan’s best stays with personal baths:
👉 Ryokan with Private Onsen Guide

It’s filled with insider tips, etiquette, and the top onsen ryokans across Japan — perfect for planning your next relaxing escape.

About Yufuin Onsen Hinoharu Ryokan

For more information about room types, facilities, and seasonal updates, visit the official website:
👉 Yufuin Onsen Hinoharu Ryokan Official Site

You’ll find current rates, photos of each room, dining details, and the latest announcements directly from the ryokan.