Ryotei Tanokura Ryokan
Room Types
2
Water
Hot Spring
Private
In-Room Onsen
Cuisine
Kaiseki
About
Ryotei Tanokura is a refined old folk house-style ryokan in the heart of Yufuin Onsen, built with traditional construction methods and featuring 11 guest rooms — all with indoor hot spring baths and five with additional private open-air baths. Steps from iconic Kinrin Lake, the property pairs elegant kaiseki cuisine spotlighting Oita wagyu beef with four distinct on-site onsen experiences, delivering an authentic Yufuin stay steeped in rustic elegance.
Ideal For
Key Experiences
Gallery
Ready to experience Ryotei Tanokura Ryokan?
See Prices on AgodaRoom Types
Japanese Room with Indoor Hot Spring Bath (10 Tatami)
Traditional tatami room with shoji screens and an indoor hot spring bath. Guests choose between Western beds or traditional futon bedding.
- Indoor hot spring bath
- Tatami flooring (10 mats)
- Choice of Western beds or futon
- Shoji screens
- Yukata robes and bath amenities
- Air conditioning and heating
Japanese Room with Indoor and Open-Air Hot Spring Bath
Spacious tatami room featuring both an indoor hot spring bath and a private open-air onsen bath, offering the ultimate in-room bathing experience.
- Indoor hot spring bath
- Private open-air onsen bath
- Tatami flooring
- Choice of Western beds or futon
- Shoji screens
- Yukata robes and premium amenities
Onsen & Baths
Spring Type
Simple hot spring (Yufuin Onsen — gentle alkaline waters)
Private Baths
- In-room indoor hot spring bath (all 11 rooms)
- In-room private open-air onsen bath (5 rooms)
Duration: Unlimited for in-room baths
Indoor Baths
- Gender-segregated indoor public hot spring bath
Outdoor Baths
- Gender-segregated outdoor public hot spring bath
- Private open-air baths in 5 guest rooms
- Wash and rinse thoroughly at shower stations before entering any bath
- Do not bring towels into the bath water
- Tie long hair up to keep it out of the water
- Keep voices low in public bath areas
- Public onsen hours are 3:00 PM to midnight; private room baths are available anytime
Dining
Restaurant Minanone (kaiseki dinner)
Dining room (Japanese breakfast)
Specialty Dishes
Dietary Options
At least 3 days in advance recommended
Amenities
Premium
Best Times to Visit
Spring (Mar–May)
- Cherry blossoms around Kinrin Lake and the ryokan grounds
- Mild temperatures ideal for open-air bathing
- Spring kaiseki with mountain vegetables and bamboo shoots
- Golden Week (late April-early May) fills quickly
- Occasional spring showers
Summer (Jun–Aug)
- Vibrant greenery surrounds the property
- Summer kaiseki features seasonal Kyushu seafood
- Longer evenings for post-dinner walks around Kinrin Lake
- Hot and humid — outdoor baths best in morning or evening
- Rainy season in June-July
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
- Brilliant fall foliage reflected in Kinrin Lake
- Perfect temperatures for soaking in open-air baths
- Autumn kaiseki with mushrooms and seasonal produce
- Peak season — book as early as possible
- November weekends are especially popular
Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Steam rising from Kinrin Lake in cold air is magical
- Contrast of cold air and hot spring water invigorates
- Hearty winter kaiseki with warming root vegetables and hot pot
- Cold temperatures outside the baths
- Fewer daylight hours for sightseeing
Local Knowledge
Insider Tips
Hidden Gems
- The property has four distinct onsen bath types, each with a different character and atmosphere
- Homemade tofu at breakfast is made fresh and is a quiet standout of the meal
The folk house architecture uses traditional minka construction methods rarely seen in modern ryokans
Kinrin Lake's thermal springs create a mystical mist that is most dramatic at dawn — just a 2-minute walk away
Must-Try Experiences
- Oita wagyu beef shabu-shabu as the centerpiece of the kaiseki dinner
- Soaking in one of the five rooms with a private open-air bath at sunset
Morning walk to Kinrin Lake for the famous thermal mist and reflections
Experience Tips
- Try all four on-site onsen types for different bathing atmospheres
- Walk to Kinrin Lake at dawn for the most dramatic thermal mist display
Explore Yufuin Folk Craft Village adjacent to the property
Savor the homemade tofu at breakfast — it's a quiet highlight
Stroll Yunotsubo Street for boutique shopping and local sweets
Cultural Notes
- Minka (folk house) architecture represents rural Japan's building heritage, using heavy timber and natural materials
- Yufuin's 1970s anti-development movement established it as a model for sustainable hot spring tourism
Kaiseki cuisine follows the Japanese philosophy of shun — eating ingredients at their peak seasonal moment
The adults-only policy reflects the Japanese concept of creating a tranquil, otona (grown-up) atmosphere
Ready to experience it yourself?
Check Availability & Book on AgodaPractical Information
Stay Details
Recommended Stay
1-2 nights
Getting There
- Shuttle bus from Yufuin Station (approximately 5 minutes, advance reservation)
- Bus from Oita Airport to Yufuin Station (approximately 55 minutes)
- JR Kyudai Line from Oita Station to Yufuin Station (approximately 60 minutes)
- Highway bus from Fukuoka (Hakata) to Yufuin (approximately 2 hours)
- Car access with free on-site parking
Before You Go
Dietary Options
At least 3 days in advance recommended
Booking Tips
- Request a room with a private open-air bath at booking — only 5 of the 11 rooms have them
- This is an adults-only property — no children allowed
- Book the wagyu shabu-shabu kaiseki plan for the signature dining experience
- Reserve shuttle service from Yufuin Station in advance
- Weekend and holiday stays should be booked well in advance
Preparation Tips
- Pack lightly — yukata, slippers, and bath amenities are all provided
- Confirm your shuttle pickup time from Yufuin Station
- Decide in advance if you prefer Western beds or traditional futon
- Bring a camera for Kinrin Lake's famous morning mist
Quick Facts
Nearest Station
Yufuin Station (JR Kyudai Main Line)
History
Ryotei Tanokura draws its architectural identity from traditional Japanese folk house (minka) construction, using time-honored techniques of heavy timber framing and natural materials that have defined rural Japanese building for centuries. Situated in the Yufuin Onsen district, which has been a beloved hot spring destination since the Kamakura period, the ryokan preserves the intimate, artisanal hospitality that Yufuin is internationally known for — a direct result of the community's landmark 1970s campaign to protect its pastoral character from mass tourism.
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