Yufuin Bath Satoyamasafu
8,3/10 Excellent - Based on 775 reviews
Gushing at the foot of the Yufu mountains, the ryokan at Yufu Bath Satoyamasafu embodies the serenity and elegance of traditional Japan. Between its open-air hot springs and intimate spaces, it offers a haven of peace where the soul is soothed and the body thrives. Each bath, whether public or private, immerses in gentle warmth, while the aroma of wood and the view of a green landscape enchant the senses. The whisper of the springs and the warm welcome from the hosts complete this retreat dedicated to well-being.
Subtle brightness and clean lines compose the spacious rooms, where modern comfort blends with the charm of tatami. Some offer unparalleled luxury with their private outdoor baths, allowing guests to contemplate the mountains in total privacy. Carefully arranged beds, welcoming futons, and the breathtaking view of the surrounding nature envelop each visitor in an atmosphere of tranquility and harmony.
Quintessence of flavors, the establishment’s restaurant offers refined cuisine combining tradition and modernity, where kaiseki reveals dishes of exquisite finesse. The Japanese breakfast, celebrating the freshness of local ingredients, awakens the palate from morning. For culinary adventurers, the surroundings of the ryokan abound with options, promising a gastronomic experience as varied as it is unforgettable. Here, each meal becomes a sensory journey celebrating the very essence of Yufu.
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A Genius discount of 10% or more may apply via this link.
Japanese Authenticity Evaluation
8/10 Beautiful ryokan elegantly combining tradition and modernity. The rooms and common areas exude authenticity, with typical tatamis and shōji. The baths offer a pleasant and immersive experience. The refined cuisine highlights local products, ensuring a beautiful Japanese culinary immersion.
Highlights of the Ryokan
Thermal bath/onsen
Open-air bath
Public bath
Massages
Tatami
Refrigerator
Wi-Fi Connection
Parking
Air conditioning
Restaurant
Positive Reviews
Excellent private and public onsen
Many guests praised the private and public onsen facilities, noting the convenience of having individual onsen in each room and the ability to adjust the temperature, making it suitable for families and children.
Spacious, clean rooms with great views
Rooms are frequently described as spacious, clean, and comfortable, with several reviewers highlighting superb views of Mount Yufu and a pleasant rural atmosphere.
Friendly and attentive staff
The staff are repeatedly mentioned as friendly, helpful, polite, and attentive, with guests appreciating their hospitality and the free shuttle service to the train station.
Delicious dinner and breakfast
Many guests enjoyed the dinner and breakfast provided, describing the food as tasty, delicious, and a highlight of their stay. The tea drinks offered were also appreciated.
Comfortable facilities and amenities
Facilities such as the tatami area, kotatsu, and outdoor baths are noted as comfortable and convenient, contributing to a relaxing experience for families and groups.
Good location for relaxation
The location is appreciated for its tranquility and rural feel, making it a good choice for families and those seeking a peaceful environment.
Negative Reviews
Difficult to find and limited signage
Several guests mentioned that the hotel was hard to find due to a lack of road signs, and pre-arranging shuttle pickup from the station was not always possible.
WiFi and internet connectivity issues
Some guests experienced intermittent or poor internet connection, noting that WiFi could not connect very often and needed improvement.
Stairs and accessibility concerns
A few reviewers pointed out that stairs to the second floor were unsheltered, making it challenging during heavy rain, especially for guests with mobility needs.
Food service pace and menu variety
While food quality was praised, some guests felt the dinner was served too quickly, limiting their enjoyment, and others wished for more variety or quantity in the menu.
Scent and heating in rooms
A couple of guests mentioned overpowering scents from burning matcha tea leaves and kerosene smells used to heat outdoor bath areas.
Early check-in and check-out times
Some guests wished for a later check-out time or found the required check-in by 6pm to be restrictive for their travel plans.
What onsen facilities are available at the ryokan?
The Yufuin Bath Satoyamasafu ryokan offers several hot springs, including a public bath and an open-air bath. Some rooms also have private hot springs. The onsen are included in your stay and are accessible free of charge.
What are the check-in and check-out times?
You can check in at the ryokan between 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM. Please inform us of your arrival time in advance. Check-out must be done between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM.
What languages are spoken on-site?
The ryokan staff speaks English and Japanese, making communication easy for international visitors.
What are the specific restrictions or rules to follow during the stay?
The establishment is non-smoking and cannot accommodate pets. Additionally, guests must maintain silence between 8:00 PM and 7:00 AM. Unfortunately, requests for vegetarian or vegan meals cannot be accommodated.
What wellness services are offered?
Besides the onsen, the ryokan offers a range of massage services, including back, neck, foot, cranial, or couple massages. These massages can be booked for an additional fee.
What types of meals are served at the ryokan?
The Japanese breakfast is included, and for dinner, you will have the chance to enjoy a kaiseki meal, a traditional multi-course dinner. Please note that the ryokan cannot accommodate vegetarian or vegan diets.
Is there parking on-site?
Yes, private parking is available free of charge on-site. You do not need to reserve your spot in advance.
What activities or tourist attractions are nearby?
Lake Kinrinko is an 8-minute drive away, and the Yufuin Motorcycle Museum is an 11-minute drive away. These tourist sites are ideal for exploring the Yufu region.
Are pets allowed?
No, pets are not allowed in this establishment.
Do you offer cultural activities?
While the ryokan does not offer organized cultural activities on-site, you can enjoy the traditional Japanese atmosphere of the tatami rooms and kaiseki meals for an authentic experience.
What transportation options are available to access the ryokan?
The ryokan is accessible in 5 minutes by car or 15 minutes on foot from Yufuin Station. Oita Airport is located 55 minutes away by car.
What amenities are available in the rooms?
Each room is equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, a refrigerator, an electric kettle, and a seating area. You will also find yukata, slippers, free toiletries, and a private bathroom.
