Sanso Tanaka

We especially enjoyed the private baths: there are two indoors and one outside, available first come, first served. The property has just seven rooms, with a lovely Japanese garden out front and a spectacular view of Mt Yufu. It’s a good choice for people who aren’t after an expensive, high-end luxury stay. The ryokan is a 10-15 minute walk from the station. Check-in details were provided in an English document, with Chinese, Korean, and Thai also available, which was very helpful for someone like me who doesn’t speak Japanese. Breakfast, but no dinner, is offered. It came in a bento box, simple but satisfying and delicious. I’m glad we stayed.

The elderly couple who seemed to own the place dealt with the problem in an arrogant and inadequate way, which made the experience even more unpleasant. I was so shocked I couldn’t even take a photo: there was a cockroach about the size of my thumb crawling around the room. The room smelled awful compared with the many other places I’ve stayed, and the hygiene was the worst I’ve ever encountered. Worst accommodation of my life.

The hosts were incredibly friendly, and the breakfast was wonderful. The dining room has a stunning view of Mount Yufuin. There are several hot spring pools, one outside and two inside. A wonderful ryokan, highly recommended.

We liked that this small ryokan is away from the busy main street, set among the local community about a 20-minute walk from Yufuin Station. From there we could watch the countryside scenery and local people farming, and get a glimpse of everyday life. We stayed at Sanso Tanaka in Yufuin. It’s a lovely small place with the traditional features of a Japanese home that I like. They serve breakfast only, but have two indoor hot springs and one outdoors.