Makibanoie

This was my first visit to Fukuoka and the first hotel I stayed at after landing. I rented a car and drove there from Fukuoka airport. I'd barely slept the night before, but managed the drive of a little over two hours. The staff were really nice. During dinner they even mentioned what the weather would be like the next day, which felt like a thoughtful touch. They'd greet you with good morning whenever they saw you.

The rooms are very nice and the staff are good. Sadly, some guests let their children treat the public onsens like swimming pools, with drinks and rocks being thrown around. There was also trash left by guests at the public entrance. Everything else is nice, but a few people spoil an otherwise pristine place.

The open-air baths were stunning, especially under the stars, and they switch genders daily so you can try both during your stay. Each room also has an assigned private bath near the parking lot, though you have to get its key at the front desk. The staff were extremely friendly, and the fresh, beautifully plated dinner and breakfast were high quality and delicious. The hotel is a short walk from Yufuin's main attractions, with 12 separate rooms in different sizes for plenty of privacy. Ours was clean, with a comfortable futon. It had a toilet and sink but no shower. The only showers are in the onsen areas, which was fine for me, though it could be inconvenient if you want a quick rinse before bed on a hot summer day. Since each room has its own private bath, leaving the key in the room might make access easier for guests and staff. Do take a walk off the usual path to the nearby rice fields. Few tourists go there, and you can see the real countryside.

We stayed one night in October 2024. The room was spacious, neat, and clean, and the onsen was gorgeous with a spectacular view. There's a water dispenser nearby, so you don't need to bring a bottle. The staff were friendly, though nobody showed us around the facility. I'd rate the food 3.5/5. The portions were generous, and breakfast was better than dinner, but the taste and ingredients felt average, with no memorable dishes. The facility gets 3/5 from me: the cobblestone path makes luggage hard to move, and the private shower rooms are all by the parking lot. You have to collect the key at the front desk each time you want to use one.