Onsen areas around Kuju × Highly rated facilities at Hotel·Ryokan

Everything about the Accommodation—the Room, the meals, and the staff—was excellent and very satisfying. In particular, I was soothed by the soft, gentle waters of Sujiyu Onsen. The bath in the Room was wonderful, and I was able to relax and take my time.

The private family bath was spacious and even had a waterfall feature, with the water at just the right temperature, so we could soak and relax. The atmosphere of the large public bath was also wonderful. The meals featured local ingredients, the portions were just right, and we were very satisfied! If you have mobility issues, going up and down to the first floor may be difficult, but it was a quiet place to spend time. We’d love to visit again after a hike in the mountains.

Upon arrival, we were guided by a cart to our Room while still in the car, and the check-in process and explanations were handled smoothly and efficiently. We took a walk before dinner, and when we entered the main building, it was a wonderful place with great atmosphere, where we enjoyed a very delicious dinner. I felt it was great to be able to spend such a relaxing time with my wife.

I stayed with my Chi-poo. The Room was clean, and it was great to have a private open-air bath. It would have been perfect if we could dine in the restaurant together with our dog. The on-site dog run is covered with wood chips, which is a thoughtful, dog-friendly touch. The staff were pleasant, and it was a wonderful Accommodation. At check-out, we also received a discount voucher for our next stay, which makes it easy to return.

I was able to relax and enjoy multiple baths at my leisure. Both dinner and breakfast were delicious and healthy.

I debated for a long time whether to write a Review, but I decided to do so. The food was excellent, and I was satisfied with the bath. However, there were several shortcomings in how my comments entered at the time of Reservation via IKYU were handled, which left me disappointed.

We stayed at the property after climbing Mount Kuju. It was close to the Maki-no-toge trailhead, and after having tea at Shetani, we headed to Hanashinobu. We arrived at 4 PM and received a detailed explanation of the stay from the proprietress before heading straight to the onsen. The quality of the water was good, and there were various onsen options to choose from, which was very pleasant. Dinner was at 6 PM, which was perfect timing. The dinner was luxurious and very delicious. The room was warm, and we slept comfortably. Breakfast had a wide variety of dishes, and we were very satisfied. We would like to visit again. The owner and the proprietress were kind, and it was a warm property.

I stayed here to celebrate a friend’s 70th birthday. The Facility is old, but well maintained, and I had a very comfortable stay. Dinner in particular was excellent—the restaurant had a lovely atmosphere (the live piano performance was wonderful), and both the wine and the food were delicious. They also prepared a celebratory dessert plate, and at breakfast they made a special drink along with congratulatory words. It was a wonderful celebration trip. Thank you very much.

I stayed here again for the first time in 15 years. When staying in Kuju, this Accommodation is definitely the right choice. I was satisfied with everything—the views, the open-air bath, the service, and the meals. One small thing: the faucet at the Room sink was a bit too short and slightly inconvenient to use (haha). I made wonderful memories.

The Accommodation buildings are scattered across a spacious property, offering a relaxing escape from the bustle of the city. But the greatest highlight here is the wonderful dinner. The menu is thoughtfully crafted, with many unique and unusual dishes. The chef’s dedication really shows in the food, and I was very satisfied. The Onsen is also excellent, with free-flowing natural hot spring water. I didn’t know there was such a great place in Kokonoe.

Bringing our two preschool grandchildren with us, choosing the detached Accommodation was the right decision. It was even the same Room my husband and I had stayed in before! It seemed to be their first time experiencing an open-air bath attached to the Room, and they were thrilled. Since it’s a standalone house, we could relax and enjoy ourselves without worrying about disturbing others even if they got a little noisy. Meals were served in a private dining room, and not only was the food excellent, but above all the service was outstanding. All of the staff were from overseas, but they welcomed us with wonderful smiles, making our meal truly pleasant.

In early June, we stayed at Kuju-san in search of fireflies. Dinner at this Accommodation was amazing! Freshly cooked, steaming rice was served with a smile at just the right times as our meal progressed, and we could really feel their thoughtful hospitality. The portions were so generous we thought we couldn’t finish, but we ate almost everything!! Even the staff were surprised!!! After dinner, the fireflies welcomed us with a jewel-like sparkle—an unforgettable natural spectacle that made us forget everyday life. Truly moving, again and again... When we asked the staff for advice about our trip the next day, they kindly offered helpful suggestions, making it a memorable journey. This was an Accommodation that is truly kind to travelers. Sorry for the late note of thanks—thank you very much to everyone for taking such good care of us.

The more you travel, the more your 기준 for choosing an Accommodation shifts from “luxury” to “essential comfort.” Tucked away in a mountain gorge at 1,000 meters above sea level in Kokonoe, Oita, Tabinoyado Yamatsubaki feels like the final paradise discerning travelers eventually find. Its greatest value lies in its intentionally limited number of rooms. Far removed from the bustle of a large Ryokan, it offers complete privacy—paired with perfectly judged hospitality that is attentive without ever feeling intrusive. From the moment you arrive, you can feel everyday life quietly fade away. The open-air bath is simply unforgettable. In crisp, unobstructed air, soaking in superb free-flowing Onsen while watching the starry sky shift moment by moment becomes more than a bath—it’s an indulgent sense of oneness with nature. For an Accommodation with such a private atmosphere, the generous space throughout is exceptional and especially appealing to wellness-minded travelers. As I was visiting after business and didn’t want to inconvenience the owner couple, I booked a stay with breakfast only—but each dish at breakfast told its own story. Every bite was spot-on and far beyond expectations. I regretted not ordering dinner so much that I could only think afterward: “Why didn’t I?” I also learned that at nearby Komatsu Jigoku—reopened for sightseeing after restoration completed in summer 2025—you can make Onsen eggs yourself. They kindly sold me eggs upon request and graciously accommodated my last-minute favor. I visited in early summer, but reaching Kokonoe’s mountains when they are covered in snow will likely require some preparation. Even so, that challenge only adds to the thrill of heading into a hidden retreat. Nature, renowned hot springs, and outstanding cuisine—Yamatsubaki brings them together in near-perfect balance. It isn’t just somewhere to stay; it’s a destination in itself—a truly one-of-a-kind Accommodation worth traveling for.

This was our first stay as a couple. The building shows its age, but it has been beautifully renovated and kept very clean. On the day of our stay, there was one indoor bath, one open-air bath, and two private baths. After dinner we used a private bath, and the next morning we enjoyed the open-air bath. The water temperature seems to be adjusted by adding cold water; for me it felt a bit hot at first but quickly became just right and very relaxing. The food was excellent—everything was delicious, including salt-grilled yamame trout and wild herb chips—and after returning home I had gained 1 kg. We were worried about ferry service due to the typhoon, but there were no issues. At night, looking up at the sky felt so close, and Orion shone beautifully—it was truly moving. We would love to visit again.

The Room was spacious and spotless, with plenty of beds, and the appliances were all high quality, so we had a very comfortable stay! The tableware was well stocked, and everything was stylish—above all, it has great taste! The meals were also absolutely delicious! The staff were attentive and courteous, which made our stay even more pleasant.

The road leading to the Hotel was bumpy, but the front desk staff were kind and guided us. The bed was comfortable and the air was fresh, so I would like to stay again next time.

We stayed here on our way to Kumamoto, visiting places like Hita and Yume Otsuribashi. Upon arrival, the staff promptly helped us with our luggage. Since there were few guests staying, we were allowed to use the men's onsen as a private family bath. The outdoor onsen had a silky texture that felt like applying lotion to the skin. As our room only had a shower, this was a very appreciated service. The room featured elegant furnishings that must have been impressive when first opened. While some signs of aging were noticeable (like loose closet knobs), everything was kept clean and tidy. The TV was quite small—less than 20 inches—and we found ourselves standing close to watch it at times. Normally, we don't watch much TV during trips, but since the weather was bad and there wasn't much else to do outside, it became a way to pass time indoors. On clear nights, I imagine the stars would be stunningly visible. Dinner consisted of course meals and everything tasted delicious! Although I knew this when making my reservation, breakfast offered only one option: Western-style with fried eggs as the main dish. Since this is not a large hotel catering to many guests, having no buffet is understandable (and I personally don’t prefer buffets). However, I would have loved an option for Japanese-style breakfast. On October 19th during our stay, there was one tree within the property showing autumn colors already turning red. By November, you can likely enjoy vibrant red and yellow foliage. This accommodation is perfect for those looking forward to enjoying onsen and meals here—thank you very much!

I had been interested in this facility for a long time and finally got the chance to visit. This trip was also to celebrate my wife's 60th birthday, and she was truly delighted. We were even given flowers by the staff, which deeply moved her. The onsen experience was wonderful. The walking bath requires swimwear (free rental available for guests) and is 50 meters one way. The water temperature is on the cooler side, but it was perfect for exercise. There are two open-air baths along the walking bath where you can warm up while enjoying the serene flow of Serikawa River nearby. Even though it rained during our visit, there were roofs that kept us comfortable, and the beautifully maintained plants around looked stunning with raindrops on them—some flowers were blooming too, adding to the atmosphere. There’s also a low-temperature sauna where swimwear is required as well as spacious indoor baths that can be enjoyed without swimwear. What stood out most was the food—it was absolutely exceptional! Every dish was not only visually stunning but also incredibly delicious. The order and combination of courses were thoughtfully planned out. The main course featuring Bungo beef steak was exquisite, and the sashimi had outstanding freshness with generous portions provided. Being able to enjoy such top-tier cuisine prepared by a skilled chef at this price point felt like an incredible privilege! Breakfast too exceeded all expectations. The cottage-style accommodation units were impeccably clean and very comfortable to stay in. One minor downside we noticed: doors at places like restrooms or room entrances closed quickly instead of softly shutting—they almost caught our feet once or twice—so I’m deducting one star for safety concerns here. That said, we are extremely satisfied with this amazing facility overall after such a long time since encountering something so wonderful. Next time we plan to bring along our children’s families or friends! Thank you so much for everything during this stay!

I had made a Reservation last October but had to Cancel the Reservation due to circumstances, and this time we finally made it happen. Since only a “no meals” room was available, and we didn’t want to be tied down by time on the way there, we stopped by a supermarket and picked up food for three meals. We knew there was a microwave at the Accommodation, so we also ate things like retort curry. There is a two-door refrigerator installed in the closet, so it keeps items fairly cold. It’s definitely worth making use of. However, there are no dishes provided, so I recommend bringing disposable plates (and chopsticks/spoons). Also, there is no coffee or tea provided, so if you need them, it’s best to bring your own (there are no cups either). The room is a 6-tatami-size room as shown in the photos, but you have to lay out and put away the futon yourself. For older guests, that may feel a bit tough. We stayed three nights and there was no cleaning service. This was explained at check-in (including the points above), so we accepted it. Each morning we put our trash outside the door before going out; honestly, it became more stressful than expected because you need to be mindful of basic sorting. It’s reasonable and within common sense—but still. Two issues stood out. The mattress futon was extremely thin—like what people call a “rice cracker.” There were four futons available, so my husband and I used two each, but we could still feel the tatami through them. We even added the cushions provided in the room underneath, but it barely helped. I have lower back pain and chose Nagayu Onsen for that reason, so this was difficult for me. It may be time to replace them. Also regarding the safe: it is attached as part of the room key set-up but appears broken and unusable—now seemingly used as a TV stand instead. In this situation, I think it should be listed as “no safe.” And these days especially, having an in-room safe feels essential—so I strongly hope this will be improved. For these reasons I rated it 4 stars. Lastly—and most importantly—my husband and I were truly impressed by the manager’s personality: very friendly and considerate (just my personal impression). They also guided us about reserving/using the private family bath(s), which allowed us to use everything with peace of mind. The Onsen was wonderfully relaxing and high quality; we were able to share precious time together as a couple. If possible, we would love to stay again—thank you very much!

Considering the balance with the price, the cost performance is excellent. However, while the hot spring source is hot, the bath is a bit lukewarm. It might be fine in summer, but I thought it should be a bit hotter in winter.