Ryokan Kotonokashin

A short walk takes you to Kinrin Lake and Yufuin Village, so the location is great. This charming ryokan has beautiful traditional Japanese design, a comfortable, well-equipped room, and a relaxing private onsen that was easy to use. Check-in and check-out went smoothly.

Getting to Kirlin Lake and the shops on Main Street was easy, and the food was okay, nothing especially good or bad. The room was a fairly standard tatami setup and felt less spacious than other onsen hotels. We did have our own small outdoor hot spring pool for one person, though being outside could be a problem for someone who doesn’t bathe themselves. If you’re arriving from Oita after a flight with luggage, I’d suggest taking a taxi. It’s a bit far from the JR station with bags.

The staff were friendly, accommodating, and spoke English. There were three private onsens, plus one in the room, and they were all clean and well maintained. The rooms are in a quiet, quaint spot behind the main street. It has a classic feel but is also modern and well cared for. I’d love to come back!

The meals were the biggest letdown. Dinner was bland, and the ingredients didn’t seem fresh compared with food I’ve had elsewhere in Japan. Breakfast also lacked both variety and flavor. Everything was cooked hours ahead and served cold. For what I paid, the stay didn’t come close to the value I expected, especially next to other onsen hotels in the area. Yufuin’s natural beauty is undeniable, but the hotel itself fell short of my high expectations. I wouldn’t recommend it, particularly to anyone hoping for a relaxing, authentic onsen experience. There are better options in Japan with excellent service and atmosphere.