Yufuin Kutsurogi no yado Nanakawa
Room Types
1
Water
Hot Spring
Private
In-Room Onsen
Cuisine
Kaiseki
About
Kutsurogi no Yado Nanakawa is an intimate five-room ryokan in Yufuin Onsen, Oita Prefecture, where every room is a two-floor maisonette with its own private indoor and outdoor hot spring bath. Located just one minute on foot from the famous Kinrin Lake, the property offers exceptional privacy, seasonal multi-course dinners featuring the celebrated local Bungo beef, and the laid-back charm of one of Japan's most beloved hot spring towns. With a stellar 9.4/10 guest rating, Nanakawa is a hidden gem for travelers seeking seclusion without sacrificing location.
Ideal For
Key Experiences
Gallery
Ready to experience Yufuin Kutsurogi no yado Nanakawa?
See Prices on AgodaRoom Types
Maisonette with Private Indoor and Outdoor Bath
Two-story maisonette featuring a Japanese-style living room with tatami on the lower floor and Western-style beds upstairs. Both an indoor onsen bath and an outdoor open-air onsen bath are included for complete privacy.
- Private indoor onsen bath
- Private outdoor open-air onsen bath
- Two-floor maisonette layout
- Japanese-style tatami living room (lower floor)
- Western-style beds (upper floor)
- LCD TV on both floors
- Private terrace
- Mini-bar and electric kettle
- Free wired internet and Wi-Fi
- Air conditioning and heating
Onsen & Baths
Spring Type
Simple hot spring (gentle alkaline waters with skin-beautifying properties)
Private Baths
- In-room private indoor onsen bath (all 5 rooms)
- In-room private outdoor open-air onsen bath (all 5 rooms)
Duration: Unlimited — each maisonette has both indoor and outdoor baths available 24 hours
Indoor Baths
- Shared public indoor hot spring bath (neighboring inn compound)
Outdoor Baths
- Private outdoor open-air bath in each of the 5 maisonettes
- Shared public outdoor bath (neighboring inn compound)
- Rinse your body before entering the bath
- Do not bring towels into the bath water
- Tie long hair up to keep it out of the water
- Private in-room baths offer unrestricted bathing with no concerns
- Follow posted etiquette guidelines when using shared public baths
Dining
In-room or dedicated dining space (multi-course dinner and 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 Yufuin town
- Mild temperatures perfect for outdoor bathing and walking
- Spring menu features fresh seasonal mountain vegetables
- Golden Week (late April-early May) is peak season — book months ahead
- Some spring rain — pack an umbrella
Summer (Jun–Aug)
- Lush green scenery around Yufuin basin and Kinrin Lake
- Summer evening outdoor baths are refreshing
- Yufuin Music Festival and cultural events
- Hot and humid — outdoor baths best in morning or evening
- Rainy season in June-July; Obon in August is busy
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
- Beautiful autumn foliage reflected in Kinrin Lake
- Comfortable temperatures ideal for walking and bathing
- Autumn kaiseki with seasonal mushrooms and harvest ingredients
- Most popular season for Yufuin — book well in advance
- Weekends in November fill up very quickly
Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Morning mist on Kinrin Lake is most dramatic in cold weather
- Hot outdoor bathing contrasts beautifully with crisp winter air
- Fewer tourists and a deeply tranquil atmosphere
- Hearty winter menu with warming seasonal dishes
- Cold mornings and evenings — bundle up between baths
- New Year period is a peak booking time
Local Knowledge
Insider Tips
Hidden Gems
- With only five rooms, Nanakawa is one of Yufuin's most intimate and exclusive ryokans
- Every room has BOTH indoor and outdoor private baths — rare even for luxury ryokans
The two-floor maisonette design means you never hear other guests
Kinrin Lake is literally one minute on foot — closer than almost any other Yufuin accommodation
Must-Try Experiences
- Evening soak in your private outdoor bath under the stars, then retreat to your indoor bath for warmth
- Multi-course dinner featuring melt-in-your-mouth Bungo beef and seasonal Oita ingredients
Dawn walk to Kinrin Lake — one minute away — to witness the magical morning mist rising from the thermal waters
Experience Tips
- Use both your indoor and outdoor bath — each gives a different experience
- Walk to Kinrin Lake at dawn for the best morning mist views (one minute away)
Explore Yunotsubo Street for local crafts, sweets, and art galleries
Try your outdoor bath under the stars after dinner
Ask staff about seasonal events and recommended walking routes around Yufuin
Cultural Notes
- Yufuin's community-led approach to sustainable tourism is a model studied by onsen towns across Japan
- Kinrin Lake's name means "fish scale lake" — thermal springs on the lake bottom create shimmering patterns
Bungo beef is Oita Prefecture's answer to Kobe beef — raised in the region's lush pastures
Yufuin maintains a strict aesthetic code, with few neon signs or tall buildings, preserving its pastoral character
Ready to experience it yourself?
Check Availability & Book on AgodaPractical Information
Stay Details
Recommended Stay
1-2 nights
Getting There
- Free transport from Yufuin Station (advance reservation required)
- JR Kyudai Line from Oita Station to Yufuin Station (approximately 60 minutes)
- Highway bus from Fukuoka (Hakata) to Yufuin (approximately 2 hours)
- Taxi from Yufuin Station (approximately 5 minutes)
- Car access via Oita Expressway, Yufuin IC exit
- Oita Airport approximately 49 minutes by car
Before You Go
Dietary Options
At least 3 days in advance recommended
Booking Tips
- With only 5 rooms, Nanakawa fills up quickly — book well in advance
- Reserve the free station transport ahead of time
- Confirm dietary accommodations at least 3 days before arrival
- Weekday stays offer the most peaceful experience
- Golden Week, Obon, and New Year are peak periods requiring early booking
Preparation Tips
- Pack lightly — yukata, slippers, and bath amenities are provided
- Confirm free transport pickup time from Yufuin Station before arrival
- Bring a camera for Kinrin Lake's morning mist — it is unforgettable
- Download a translation app as English support may be limited
Quick Facts
Nearest Station
Yufuin Station (JR Kyudai Main Line)
History
Yufuin Onsen has been treasured as a healing destination since the Kamakura period (1185-1333) and gained national recognition when local residents championed sustainable, small-scale tourism over mass development in the 1970s. The town's commitment to preserving its pastoral character and natural landscapes became a model for onsen communities throughout Japan. Nanakawa embodies this ethos with its intimate five-room scale, prioritizing guest privacy and the natural beauty of its lakeside setting over commercial expansion.
Compare Ryokans in Yufu
Related Articles
Similar Ryokans
You might also enjoy these traditional Japanese inns
