Ryoso Yufuin Yamadaya

The scenery all around was lovely, and Kinrin Lake is close by. The food was delicious too. There are public and private onsen options. To use a private one, book at the front desk. The booking hours run from 3pm to 9pm.

The ryokan has just 14 rooms, so guests get plenty of attention. It's not a large property, but it's carefully put together, with traditional tatami rooms that feel calm and homey. Rooms on the G floor have their own open-air bath, a real highlight. There are also large public baths and private baths you can book at the counter. For rooms on the G floor, the kaiseki dinner is served in your room, made with local and seasonal ingredients. It was scrumptious. Breakfast is presented in a private room above the restaurant. The place won us over with its wonderful onsen, warm hospitality, and peaceful setting. After arriving on the sightseeing limited express Yufuin No Mori, you can leave large bags at the station and take a scenic 10-minute walk to the ryokan. Convenience stores and Aeon are along the way. It's also close to the tourist area. If you're after a private, luxurious ryokan stay, Yamadaya is a good choice.

The location works well, about a 10-minute walk to both the train station and main tourist road, with a big Daiso grocery store less than five minutes away. The staff were all so kind and attentive, and the service was impeccable. We loved the comfortable futons, even with our back issues, and the tatami room and private outdoor bath. Dinner was an unbelievable traditional Japanese meal served in courses right in the room. Breakfast combined Japanese and American dishes, also served course by course. For an authentic, very relaxing luxury onsen stay, I'd book here again without hesitation.

The room was clean and about an eight-minute walk from the train station. We booked one with an in-room spa. Dinner looked exquisite, but the taste was just average, and the dishes came faster than we could eat them. A little more time to enjoy each one would have been better. They called to wake us around 7:45 for breakfast. We were sleepy and still getting ready, then got another call at 8 when they couldn't see us there. The staff were super nice, but their English wasn't strong, so we mainly communicated with gestures.