Sanso Matsuya
Spacious tatami-style room with low table, two western beds, shoji screens and window seating at Sanso Matsuya Ōita
Tatami room with kotatsu, shoji screens and tokonoma at Sanso Matsuya in Ōita, Kyūshū
Stone onsen bathing area with bamboo fence and garden at Sanso Matsuya Oita
Colorful folded yukata and obi at Sanso Matsuya, Ōita, Kyūshū, Japan
Red paper lantern hanging outside a traditional wooden ryokan facade at Sanso Matsuya in Ōita, Kyūshū
Three pairs of traditional geta sandals on a stone step at Sanso Matsuya in Oita
Ceramic dishes with sashimi, simmered vegetables, soup and sliced beef arranged for a ryokan multi-course meal

Sanso Matsuya

8.9
This Ryokan has an overall rating of 8.9/10, based on 84 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
Hot Spring Town Quiet Village Mountain Setting Riverside Location Old Town Private Onsen
Staff 9,2/10
Facilities 8,8/10
Cleanliness 9,0/10
Comfort 8,8/10
Value for money 8,6/10
Location 7,8/10

Ryokan highlights

A small traditional Yunohira Onsen ryokan in Yufu, suited to travelers seeking a quiet local hot spring stay.

Yunohira Onsen SettingLocated in Yunohira Onsen, offering a quieter base than busier central Yufuin.
Private Bath OptionsKnown for reservable baths that add privacy for couples or families.
Traditional Ryokan FeelTatami-room lodging and classic ryokan atmosphere create a distinctly Japanese stay.
Rural Relaxing MoodThe area feels calm and low-key, ideal for slow onsen-focused downtime.
Station Pickup HelpPickup support from nearby Yunohira Station is noted, easing rural access.
Small-Scale HospitalityA compact, owner-run feel suggests warm, personal service over big-hotel formality.

Who is this ryokan best for?

Recommended stay1-2 nightsOnsen-town setting is the main stay driver: arrive by mid-afternoon, walk the stone-paved Yunohira streets, have dinner at the ryokan, use the private baths at night and again in the morning, then leave after breakfast; a second night only makes sense if you want a slower bath-focused pace or a light drive day nearby.
Trip-planning verdict: Best as a quiet 1-night or relaxed 2-night stay in Yunohira Onsen for travelers prioritizing private baths, dinner, and an old hot-spring-town atmosphere over sightseeing density.

Know before booking

Limited around itYunohira is small and quiet, so travelers wanting many shops, cafes, or packed sightseeing can overstay here.
Access needs planningTrain access is workable but not frictionless; station pickup timing is limited and local rail frequency is low.
Car approach is trickyThe stone-paved lane is not for cars, and navigation can misroute you; arrival instructions matter.
Bring essentialsThere is no nearby convenience store, so buy snacks and basics before reaching Yunohira.

Food & drinks

Verified as the Yunohira Onsen ryokan in Yufu with local-ingredient kaiseki-style meals and a simple in-house dining setup.

Dining Room (on-site)
on-site

In-house meal venue for dinner and breakfast.

  • Bungo beef shabu-shabufoodLocal Oita brand beef hot pot.
  • Bungo beef yakinikufoodGrilled beef in select meal plans.
  • Hoba-yakispecialtyMiso-grilled dish on magnolia leaf.
  • Local vegetablesfoodSeasonal produce from the area.
  • Local ricefoodJapanese rice served with meals.
Kaiseki Dinner (on-site)
on-site

Multi-course evening meal with local ingredients.

  • SashimifoodFresh raw fish course.
  • ChawanmushifoodSavory steamed egg custard.
  • Pot-cooked ricefoodFreshly cooked rice course.
  • Mountain-style dishesspecialtyRustic seasonal plates.
Breakfast (on-site)
on-site

Simple handmade Japanese breakfast.

  • Japanese breakfast setfoodHandmade morning meal.
  • Grilled fishfoodClassic savory breakfast item.
  • Rice and small dishesfoodRice with assorted side plates.
  • TeadrinkStandard hot tea with breakfast.

Access, transport and nearby sights

This ryokan is in Yunohira Onsen, where the nearest practical rail access is Yunohira Station and most travelers complete the final approach by taxi or arranged pickup.

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

Should you choose this ryokan?

This is a small Yunohira Onsen ryokan in Yufu, Oita, best suited to travelers who want a quiet traditional stay with private hot spring baths and strong meal satisfaction. It is a better fit for a relaxing countryside escape than for travelers who want easy walkable convenience or full-service modern luxury.

5 reasons to choose this ryokan best points
  • Private outdoor bathsThe ryokan offers three private open-air baths, which is a big plus for couples, families, or anyone who prefers a more intimate onsen experience without a public bath atmosphere.
  • Excellent meals reputationGuest scores for meals are especially strong, and recent feedback repeatedly highlights generous and satisfying Japanese dinners and breakfasts. If food is a key part of your ryokan stay, this property stands out.
  • Small and peaceful feelWith only seven rooms, the inn feels quiet and personal rather than busy or resort-like. That makes it attractive if you want a slower, more traditional stay in Yunohira Onsen.
  • Useful station pickupThe ryokan provides pickup from Yunohira Station with advance notice, which is helpful because the area is not as straightforward as a big onsen town. This can make arrival much less stressful.
  • Some rooms have their own bathAt least one annex room type includes a dedicated outdoor bath for the guest room, giving you an even more private hot spring stay. That is a strong advantage for travelers prioritizing exclusivity and relaxation.
5 reasons not to choose this ryokan watch-outs
  • Very limited room inventoryBecause the property has only seven rooms, your choice of dates and room types can be tight, especially if you want a specific bath setup. It may not be ideal for flexible planning or larger groups needing multiple rooms.
  • Not a lively onsen town baseYunohira is quiet, and nearby shops are limited and tend to close early. If you want lots of cafes, nightlife, or evening strolling options, this area may feel too sleepy.
  • Access can be awkwardThe ryokan is not right next to the station and arrival appears to require either pickup, a drive, or careful navigation. This is less convenient for travelers carrying luggage or expecting an effortless train-to-inn transfer.
  • Cashless convenience is limitedLocal credit card payment is not available on site, which can be inconvenient if you prefer to settle everything by card. Travelers should be prepared before arrival.
  • Traditional rather than luxuriousThis place focuses more on calm, baths, and meals than on high-end modern facilities. Travelers wanting a polished luxury ryokan with a long list of premium amenities may find it too simple.

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: 72nd out of 129 ryokans in Oita.

Rank Ryokan Rating Reviews
67th Yufuin Onsen Toshoan 8.9/10 280
68th Yufuin Bath Satoyamasafu 8.9/10 224
69th Innter Hill Tsubasa Yufuin 8.9/10 166
70th BeppuOnsen Hotel Sansenkaku 8.9/10 155
71st 楽心館Yufuin Private Villa Rakushinkan 8.9/10 130
72nd Sanso Matsuya Current ryokan 8.9/10 84
73rd Oita Kuoritei 8.9/10 55
74th Nisainoyuyado Asahiya 9.1/10 6
75th Yufuin Kotobuki Hananosho 8.8/10 3,475
76th Ryokan Yufusan 8.8/10 1,175
77th Shinshiyo 8.8/10 644
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Traveler routes

Popular in traveler itineraries

This ryokan is included in 1 public itinerary.

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1

5 days – Gunma > Iwate > Nagano > Shizuoka

5 stops
Mila Robert Updated 20 May 2026 1 matching ryokan
Hot Spring Town 37% Mountain Setting 27% Autumn Scenery 9% Countryside Escape 9% Forest Surroundings 9% Garden Setting 9%
1. Hotel Spax Kusatsu 2. Yamaichi 3. Shosenkaku 4. Umiusagi 5. Sanso Matsuya

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