Nihon-no-Ashitaba

9.4
This Ryokan has an overall rating of 9.4/10, based on 440 reviews. ? Our score combines two signals: 50% based on traveler sentiment and guest feedback found online, and 50% based on our internal on-site evaluation plus ratings from verified travelers on our platform, who must provide proof of stay.
? This ranking compares properties in the same region. It is based on the overall rating and the number of reviews, using a weighted score so properties with more review data are ranked more fairly.
Check-in from 3:00 PM / Check-out until 11:00 AM
Mountain Setting Forest Surroundings Countryside Escape Garden Setting Hot Spring Town Private Onsen
Staff 10,0/10
Facilities 9,0/10
Cleanliness 10,0/10
Comfort 9,0/10
Value for money 9,0/10
Location 8,0/10

Ryokan highlights

A secluded Yufuin ryokan known for private hot springs, detached rooms, and refined countryside atmosphere.

Private Hot SpringsAll hot spring baths are private, creating a quieter and more personal onsen stay.
Detached Guest RoomsStandalone buildings give stays more privacy and a calm, villa-like ryokan feel.
Mt. Yufu SettingThe natural Yufuin setting and Mt. Yufu outlook add strong scenic appeal.
Creative Kaiseki DiningDinner and breakfast are a key draw, with visually polished multi-course cuisine.
Heritage Dining HouseMeals are served in a relocated historic building, adding character to the experience.
Quiet Yufuin RetreatAbout seven minutes by car from Yufuin Station, yet removed from central bustle.

Who is this ryokan best for?

Recommended stay1-2 nightsScenery and private-bath time are the strongest reasons to stay here. One night works well for check-in, repeated baths, dinner, breakfast, and a short Yufuin town visit; two nights suits travelers who want a slower rhythm with Kinrin Lake and Yunotsubo walks without rushing onward transport.
Trip-planning verdict: Best as a one-night or relaxed two-night Yufuin retreat for travelers prioritizing private baths, dinner, and quiet scenery over town-center convenience.

Know before booking

Not centralThe ryokan sits outside Yufuin's main strolling area, so station arrivals usually work better by taxi or car than on foot with luggage.
Limited long-stay depthYufuin supports a pleasant short stay, but this property is better for a retreat than for using as a multi-day sightseeing base.
No sauna focusVerified bath emphasis is on private hot springs and open-air bathing rather than sauna or large wellness-complex facilities.

Food & drinks

Verified Yufuin ryokan with a named kaiseki restaurant, a named bar, and breakfast served on site.

CHISOUAN (on-site)
on-site

Historic on-site dining room for seasonal kaiseki.

  • Seasonal kaisekifoodMulti-course meal with Kyushu and Oita ingredients.
  • SashimifoodFresh sliced seafood course.
  • SteakfoodGrilled beef course in dinner sets.
  • Japanese breakfastfoodTraditional breakfast served at the ryokan.
  • Sake and shochudrinkJapanese drinks offered with meals.
Bar Barolo (on-site)
on-site

Quiet on-site bar with cellar feel and cocktails.

  • Red winedrinkBarolo-inspired wine focus.
  • CocktailsdrinkClassic mixed drinks at the counter.
  • CigarsspecialtyLounge-style pairing option.
  • After-dinner drinksdrinkRelaxed nightcap option on site.
Restaurant (on-site)
on-site

Generic on-site meal venue for breakfast and ryokan dining.

  • Local vegetablesfoodSeasonal produce used across courses.
  • Fruit liqueurdrinkHouse fruit-based drink selection.
  • Wine cellar selectiondrinkWines stored for meal pairing.
  • Oita specialtiesspecialtyLocal ingredients featured in meals.

Access, transport and nearby sights

A countryside Yufuin ryokan best reached by taxi or prearranged pickup from central Yufuin transport hubs rather than on foot.

Distances are approximate and calculated from the ryokan coordinates. Travel times may vary depending on route, traffic and schedules.

Should you choose this ryokan?

A secluded Yufuin ryokan with only 11 rooms, atmospheric baths, and a polished adults-oriented feel. It is best for travelers who value privacy, scenery, and a distinctive boutique stay more than walkable convenience.

5 reasons to choose this ryokan best points
  • Private-feeling small-scale stayWith only 11 rooms, the property feels quiet and exclusive rather than busy. It suits travelers who want a more intimate ryokan experience.
  • Memorable open-air bath settingThe hot spring area is a major draw, with baths set among greenery and views toward Mt. Yufu. The natural setting gives the onsen experience a strong sense of place.
  • Distinctive room characterRooms are not uniform hotel-style boxes; the property mixes Japanese aesthetics with Asian and European touches. That gives the stay a more curated, design-conscious feel.
  • Peaceful location away from the crowdsIts Kawakita location puts it slightly outside Yufuin’s busiest tourist core, which helps the atmosphere stay calmer and more retreat-like. This is a good fit if you want a quieter base after sightseeing.
  • Strong food-and-evening ambianceThe ryokan highlights creative multi-course dining centered on seasonal ingredients, and it also has Bar Barolo on site. That makes it appealing for couples or adults who want the night to feel special without leaving the property.
5 reasons not to choose this ryokan watch-outs
  • Not ideal for walking everywhereThe property is about a 7-minute drive from Yufuin Station rather than right in the center. If you want to step out directly into shops and cafés, this may feel inconvenient.
  • Less suited to families wanting varietyThe mood leans refined and adult-oriented rather than playful or activity-heavy. Travelers with children may prefer a ryokan with more family-focused facilities.
  • Room styles may vary a lotBecause the accommodation types are individually styled, the experience can depend heavily on which room you book. Travelers who want predictable standardization may find that risky.
  • Limited facilities beyond the core ryokan experienceThe appeal is mainly rooms, baths, dining, and the bar, rather than a wide resort-style amenity list. If you want a gym, large spa complex, or many entertainment options, it may feel narrow.
  • Transportation planning mattersThere is no pickup service listed, so arriving without a car or taxi takes a bit more planning. This can be a drawback for guests carrying luggage or wanting a seamless station transfer.

Ranking around this ryokan in Oita

Showing 5 above and 5 below the current ryokan. The full ranking loads only when you click or hover over this block.

Current position: 9th out of 129 ryokans in Oita.

Rank Ryokan Rating Reviews
4th Yunohira Kamiyanagiya 9.6/10 135
5th Sanso Tensui 9.5/10 993
6th Assi House 9.5/10 394
7th Manrikiya, petit ryokan thermal à Beppu Kannawa Onsen 9.5/10 189
8th Sanso Tanaka 9.4/10 1,305
9th Nihon-no-Ashitaba Current ryokan 9.4/10 440
10th Yufuin Onsen Hinoharu Ryokan 9.4/10 437
11th Kutsurogi-no-Yado Nanakawa 9.4/10 377
12th Ryokan Yamashiroya 9.4/10 329
13th Hotel Kazahaya 9.4/10 278
14th Yawaragi-no-Sato Yadoya 9.3/10 3,159
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