Prologue: Yufuin, a place where relaxation and travel come together

Things to know to enjoy your ryokan trip
intro 1.
If you want to experience Japanese hospitality, the definition of a ryokan
intro 2.
The history of ryokans, from their origins to the comfortable resting places they are today.
intro 3.
Enjoying hot springs at a ryokan
intro 4.
Various types of ryokan rooms
intro 5.
The highlight of a Japanese ryokan trip: kaiseki cuisine.

1. Yufuin's Three Great Ryokan
Although its history is short, it is one of the three most prestigious families in Yufuin, Sanso Murata.
Kamenoi Besso, the origin of Yufuin ryokans
Yufuin Gosanke and Tamanoyu, with their traditions and delicacy

2. A ryokan that shapes Yufuin's present and future.
Musouen, a ryokan where dreams come true thanks to Okami's help
Elevating the Elevation of Yufuin Kaiseki Cuisine: Soan Cosmos
A new standard for Japanese ryokans: KAI Yufuin
Overcoming the damage from the earthquake, Sanso Warabino

3. A ryokan in the heart of Yufuin, a shopping district
99.9% friendliness, Hananomai
Hinoharu, a charming hot spring located in the heart of the shopping district
Ryotei Tanokura, a ryokan serving cuisine right next to Lake Kinrinko
Enokiya Ryokan, more convenient with IT technology

4 Ryokan in the South
Baien Garden Resort, a ryokan on a plain with a view of Mount Yufu
Mebaeso, where the elderly Okami remain active
Captivating the hearts of women, Saigakukan

5 Ryokans with Private Hot Springs
Toshoan, a quiet ryokan recommended for couples
Kaikatei, a private relaxation space with great value
Moving from a luxury villa to a traditional Korean house, Bettei Itsuki
Sagiritei, an adults-only ryokan that will stimulate your taste buds

6 Ryokan in the Forest
The fun of viewing sentimental antique props and decorations, Ikkoten
Getoan, a unique concept where you enter by crossing a cloud bridge
Beautiful forest view from the room, Wazan Lake
Nihonnoashitaba, a ryokan deep in the forest that stimulates the senses

7 Ryokan on the northern hill
Hoteiya, a luxury ryokan with a rural landscape
Yasuha, a hot spring famous for its clear waters
Nobiru Sanso, a cozy ryokan next to a valley
If you want to experience pure Japanese cuisine and rooms, Oyado Ichizen

8 Best Value Ryokans
A young couple in their 20s take on a unique challenge: Hikari no Ie
Satisfied with the location and scenery, Hananosho
Yufuin Club, a members-only hotel with a swimming pool

9 Traveling to Yufuin
Must-visit Yufuin attractions
Another unforgettable taste of Yuhouin
Items found in Yufuin

Things to know if you're visiting Yufuin for the first time

In a small and cozy hot spring village
Discover new joys of travel

Yufuin, a small Japanese town in the countryside, is a favorite hot spring destination for Japanese women and the setting for Hayao Miyazaki's animated film "My Neighbor Totoro." It is a great place to relax and enjoy a peaceful time.
Staying at a ryokan with friendly service, enjoying hot springs in a beautiful setting, and savoring kaiseki cuisine as a meal will help you forget the hardships of everyday life.


It's also fun to slowly explore Lake Kinrinko, where thick fog rises from the meeting of cold and warm hot spring waters; Floral Village, which recreates a pretty European street; Yunotsubo Street, lined with charming shops; and large and small art galleries where you can appreciate the works of Chagall, Kengo Kuma, and Yoshimono Nara.
But the best way to travel to Yufuin is to enjoy the quiet rural village itself.
You can enjoy the scenery that has remained unchanged for a long time and relax both body and mind at the ryokan.


Depending on your travel preferences and budget
Choose a ryokan that suits you and your family.

There are around 140 ryokans in Yufuin, ranging from expensive ryokans that cost over 1 million won per night to cost-effective ryokans that cost between 100,000 and 200,000 won.


So, which of these numerous ryokans should you stay at?
"Yufuin Ryokan Travel" introduces a selection of 30 ryokans that can be enjoyed according to your budget and taste.
This guide provides detailed information on a variety of ryokans in Yufuin, including the three renowned ryokans that have carried on the traditions of Yufuin for a long time (Kamenoi Besso, Tamanoyu, Sanso Murata), high-class ryokans where you can enjoy a luxury ryokan trip (KAI Yufuin, Bettei Itsuki), ryokans in shopping streets recommended for those who want to do sightseeing and shopping in addition to relaxation (Hananomai, Hinoharu), private hot spring ryokans for couples (Tosoan, Kaikatei), ryokans in the forest perfect for those who want to enjoy quiet contemplation (Gettoan, Nihonno Ashitaba), and ryokans where you can stay on a relatively small budget (Hikari no Ie, Hananosho).

My first experience at Yufuin Ryokan
Hospitality, hot springs, and kaiseki cuisine

Ryokan is the best place to experience Japan's culture of hospitality, "omotenashi."
Omotenashi goes beyond simply welcoming guests. It means thinking about what the guest needs and wants, no matter how small, and providing service with a pure heart without expecting anything in return.
From the moment you make your reservation, to your arrival at the ryokan, throughout your stay, and until you check out and leave the ryokan, the attentive hostess Okami and the housekeeping staff Nakai will make you feel like you are receiving excellent hospitality.


One thing you can't miss at a ryokan is the hot springs.
Yufuin boasts the second-highest natural hot spring output in Japan, after Beppu. Most of the area's hot springs have their own hot springs, and the water quality is similar everywhere, so even relatively inexpensive ryokans offer a satisfying hot spring bath.

Kaiseki cuisine is the highlight of a ryokan trip.
This course meal is carefully prepared with fresh seasonal ingredients, and its colorful appearance and wide variety of dishes add to the enjoyment of a ryokan trip.