Hotaru no Yado Sendou

8.1
This Ryokan has an overall rating of 8.1/10, based on 1,430 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 Garden Setting Old Town Hot Spring Bath Open-Air Bath Public Onsen
Staff 8,4/10
Facilities 8,3/10
Cleanliness 7,7/10
Comfort 7,8/10
Value for money 8,2/10
Location 8,0/10

Ryokan highlights

A small Yufuin onsen ryokan with easy sightseeing access, calm surroundings, and seasonal firefly charm.

Yunotsubo NearbyClose to Yunotsubo shopping street for easy walks, snacks, and casual sightseeing.
Quiet Central SettingCentral Yufuin location with a calmer atmosphere away from the busiest tourist flow.
Natural Hot SpringFeatures natural hot spring bathing, a core reason many guests choose this ryokan.
Mt. Yufu GlimpsesOn clear days, parts of the property area offer views toward Mount Yufu.
Seasonal Firefly AppealThe stream by the inn is known for fireflies around early summer.
Reasonable Yufuin StayOften noted as a more budget-friendly ryokan option within popular Yufuin.

Who is this ryokan best for?

Recommended stay1-2 nightsOnsen-town access is the strongest driver here: arrive in Yufuin, check in by mid-afternoon, use the baths before dinner, walk the Kinrin Lake and Yunotsubo area, then leave after breakfast or add one slow second day in town.
Trip-planning verdict: Best used as a 1-night or relaxed 2-night Yufuin onsen stay for travelers who want easy access to Kinrin Lake and Yunotsubo, not as a long sightseeing base.

Know before booking

Limited regional baseYufuin town is pleasant but compact, so many travelers will run out of nearby sightseeing after one full day.
Not station-sideThe ryokan is walkable only for light packers; most travelers will prefer a short taxi from Yufuin Station.
Bath style mattersVerified baths are shared open-air baths plus family baths; do not assume every room has a private onsen.

Food & drinks

Verified ryokan near Lake Kinrin with on-site Japanese set meals and easy access to nearby cafe and local rice specialties.

Dining Room (on-site)
on-site

On-site meal venue for breakfast and dinner; Japanese set meals and kaiseki-style courses are noted.

  • Kaiseki dinnerfoodSeasonal Japanese course meal.
  • Wagyu steak coursespecialtyPopular dinner plan main dish.
  • Japanese breakfastfoodHealthy morning set meal.
  • Seasonal banquet dishesfoodCreative multi-dish dinner.
Lounge (on-site)
on-site

Simple guest lounge area with post-bath drink mention; details are limited.

  • Draft beerdrinkBeer service is mentioned for guests.
  • Tea setdrinkIn-room tea amenities are available.
Cafe La Ruche (nearby)
nearby4 min walk

Popular lakeside cafe near Kinrin Lake, useful for light meals and coffee.

  • Fresh breadfoodKnown for baked bread.
  • CoffeedrinkGood stop for cafe drinks.
  • Lake-view cafe breakspecialtyScenic stop by Kinrin Lake.

Access, transport and nearby sights

This ryokan is in the Kinrinko Lake side of Yufuin, best reached via Yufuin Station or Yufuin Station Bus Center and then a short taxi ride or a longer walk.

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 well-located Yufuin onsen ryokan that balances a quiet, leafy setting with easy access to Kinrin Lake and central sightseeing. It suits travelers who want hot-spring variety and a traditional feel, but it may be less ideal if you want ultra-modern luxury or a spot right next to the station.

5 reasons to choose this ryokan best points
  • Walkable to Kinrin LakeThe ryokan sits near Kinrin Lake, so you can reach one of Yufuin’s signature scenic spots on foot without relying on a car. That makes early-morning or evening strolls especially easy.
  • Strong bath varietyYou get both gender-separated open-air baths and five private family baths, which is a big advantage for couples, families, or anyone wanting more privacy. The hot-spring offering is one of the clearest strengths of this property.
  • Quiet setting despite central accessIt is in a convenient part of Yufuin yet positioned away from the busiest noise, giving a calmer atmosphere than more exposed tourist-area stays. This works well if you want sightseeing access without feeling stuck in the middle of the crowds.
  • Traditional dinner focusThe property highlights a colorful creative kaiseki style meal with Bungo regional ingredients and a local jidori hot pot. Travelers who value the ryokan dinner experience may find the food more memorable than a simple overnight stay.
  • Room types for different travel stylesThe ryokan offers Japanese-style, Western-style, mixed Japanese-Western rooms, and some rooms with baths, so it is easier to match the stay to your comfort level. That flexibility is useful for mixed-age groups or first-time ryokan guests.
5 reasons not to choose this ryokan watch-outs
  • Not right by Yufuin StationAlthough access is still convenient, it is about a 15-minute walk from Yufuin Station, so it may feel less comfortable with heavy luggage or in bad weather. Travelers wanting station-side convenience may prefer a closer property.
  • Check-in can be restrictiveThe final check-in is earlier for some meal plans, which can be inconvenient if you arrive late after long-distance travel. This ryokan fits better with a relaxed schedule than a very flexible one.
  • Less suited to luxury-seekersThe appeal here is warm, traditional ryokan character rather than cutting-edge design or premium luxury styling. If you want a polished high-end resort atmosphere, this may feel more rustic than indulgent.
  • Shared bath use may not suit everyoneEven with private family baths available, the main bath setup still includes communal bathing, which is not ideal for every traveler. Guests who only want a guaranteed in-room private onsen should choose their room type carefully.
  • Best value depends on using the onsen stay fullyThis property’s strengths are the baths, setting, and ryokan-style experience, so travelers planning to spend most of the day elsewhere may not get the full benefit. It makes more sense for a slow stay than for a quick sleep-only stop.

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: 122nd out of 129 ryokans in Oita.

Rank Ryokan Rating Reviews
117th Yufuin Lamp no Yado 8.2/10 583
118th Hotel New Tsuruta 8.2/10 621
119th Usuki Yunosato 6.4/10 6
120th Lodge Toranoyu 8.1/10 175
121st Yufuin Onsen Oyado Jinnouchi 7.9/10 56
122nd Hotaru no Yado Sendou Current ryokan 8.1/10 1,430
123rd Resorpia Beppu 8.0/10 673
124th Ukiha 7.9/10 222
125th KAMENOI HOTEL Beppu 7.9/10 2,092
126th Good Stay Mizuho 6.9/10 31
127th 山荘 紗羅樹 Syaranoki 4.3/10 9
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