Yufuin Souan Kosumosu
Room Types
3
Water
Hot Spring
Private
In-Room Onsen
Cuisine
Kaiseki
About
Yufuin Souan Kosumosu (Soan Cosmos) is one of Yufuin's top three ryokans, located almost in the center of town and previously awarded 4 Red Pavilions in the Michelin Guide. The property underwent a major renovation in 2017 by renowned designer Eiji Mitooka, creator of JR Kyushu's luxury sleeper train Nanatsuboshi. With 12 rooms — six in the main building and six detached with private open-air baths — guests enjoy 100% free-flowing hot spring water from the in-house source and exquisite creative kaiseki cuisine that captures the seasons of Yufuin.
Ideal For
Key Experiences
Gallery
Ready to experience Yufuin Souan Kosumosu?
See Prices on AgodaRoom Types
Detached Room with Open-Air Bath
Private detached building with Eiji Mitooka-designed interior, tatami and Western furnishings, and a uniquely designed open-air hot spring bath with 100% source-direct water.
- Private open-air onsen bath (source-direct)
- Eiji Mitooka-designed interior
- Tatami with Japanese-Western furnishings
- Yukimi shoji and kumiko woodwork
- Air conditioning, TV, refrigerator
- Free toiletries and yukata
Main Building Japanese-Style Room
Elegant Japanese-style room in the main building featuring Eiji Mitooka's design aesthetic with traditional kumiko woodwork, tables, chairs, and sofas in a Japanese-Western style.
- Eiji Mitooka-designed interior
- Tatami flooring
- Japanese-Western furnishings (tables, chairs, sofas)
- Kumiko woodwork details
- Air conditioning, TV, refrigerator
- Free toiletries and yukata
Special Main Building Room (Multi-Generational)
Spacious special room in the main building with two bedrooms and a living room, designed for multi-generational family stays with Eiji Mitooka's signature aesthetic.
- Two bedrooms and living room
- Eiji Mitooka-designed interior
- Accommodates three generations
- Japanese-Western furnishings
- Air conditioning, TV, refrigerator
- Free toiletries and yukata
Onsen & Baths
Spring Type
Weak alkaline simple hot spring (pH 8.2, known as "hot spring for beautiful skin")
Private Baths
- In-room private open-air onsen bath (6 detached rooms, each uniquely designed)
- Reservable private baths available for main building guests
Duration: Detached room baths: unlimited 24 hours. Reservable private baths: per session
Indoor Baths
- Communal indoor bath
Outdoor Baths
- Communal outdoor bath
- Six individually designed open-air baths in detached rooms
- Rinse your body before entering any bath
- Do not bring towels into the bath water
- Tie long hair up to keep it out of the water
- Be quiet and respectful in communal baths
- Detached room baths are fully private with no restrictions
Dining
On-site restaurant for creative kaiseki dinner and breakfast
Kids' restaurant with playground equipment
Bar counter for post-dinner sake and drinks
Private dining rooms available
Specialty Dishes
Dietary Options
At least 3 days in advance recommended
Amenities
Premium
Best Times to Visit
Spring (Mar–May)
- Cherry blossoms and fresh greenery viewed through Yukimi shoji screens
- Mild temperatures perfect for open-air bathing
- Spring kaiseki features seasonal mountain vegetables and seafood
- Golden Week is extremely popular — book months ahead
- Occasional spring rain
Summer (Jun–Aug)
- Lush green gardens at their peak through the shoji screens
- Summer kaiseki with seasonal river fish and vegetables
- Central location convenient for Yufuin summer festivals
- Hot and humid — outdoor baths best morning and evening
- June-July rainy season
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
- Spectacular autumn foliage framed by the kumiko woodwork and shoji screens
- Comfortable bathing temperatures
- Autumn kaiseki features mushrooms and harvest ingredients
- Peak season — book as early as possible
- November weekends are the most sought-after dates
Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Steam rising from the open-air bath against crisp winter air
- Potential for snow on garden scenery
- Fewer crowds at this Michelin-recognized property
- Hearty winter kaiseki with warming preparations
- Cold between buildings
- Shorter daylight hours for garden viewing
Local Knowledge
Insider Tips
Hidden Gems
- The weak alkaline spring water (pH 8.2) is known as a "hot spring for beautiful skin" — dissolving dead cells for silky smoothness
- The kids' restaurant with playground equipment makes this a surprisingly family-friendly luxury ryokan
Each detached room's open-air bath has a different design, giving each a unique bathing character
The bar counter is a quiet post-dinner retreat where you can sample local Oita sake selections
Must-Try Experiences
- Special Kaiseki Course featuring Bungo Channel sashimi and premium Oita Bungo beef
- Bathing in the detached room's open-air bath with weak alkaline, skin-beautifying spring water
Observing the seasonal garden through traditional Yukimi shoji screens in your room
Experience Tips
- Visit the bar counter after dinner for a local sake tasting in a quiet setting
- Observe the kumiko woodwork and Yukimi shoji screens — they are masterful examples of Japanese craftsmanship
Explore Yufuin town center on foot — the ryokan's central location makes this easy
Try the open-air bath at different times to see how light changes the garden views
Ask staff about seasonal kaiseki highlights and ingredient origins
Cultural Notes
- Soan Kosumosu's collaboration with Eiji Mitooka represents a rare intersection of Japan's railway design heritage and onsen culture
- The Michelin Guide's 4 Red Pavilions designation recognizes exceptional comfort and service
Yukimi shoji (snow-viewing sliding doors) and kumiko (geometric wooden lattice) are centuries-old Japanese craft traditions
The concept of "hot spring for beautiful skin" (bijin no yu) is a cherished classification in Japanese onsen culture
Ready to experience it yourself?
Check Availability & Book on AgodaPractical Information
Stay Details
Recommended Stay
1-2 nights
Getting There
- Shuttle bus from JR Yufuin Station (approximately 6 minutes)
- Bus from Oita Airport to JR 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 via Oita Expressway, Yufuin IC
Before You Go
Dietary Options
At least 3 days in advance recommended
Booking Tips
- Book detached rooms early — only six are available and they sell out quickly
- Request the Special Kaiseki Course upgrade for the full culinary experience
- The multi-generational special room should be reserved well in advance
- Ask about shuttle bus schedule from Yufuin Station
- Midweek stays are easier to book and offer a quieter experience
Preparation Tips
- Pack lightly — yukata, slippers, and bath amenities are provided
- Research Eiji Mitooka's other works (Nanatsuboshi train) to fully appreciate the design
- Confirm shuttle bus timing from Yufuin Station before arrival
- Families should request the kids' restaurant upon booking
Quick Facts
Nearest Station
JR Yufuin Station (JR Kyudai Main Line)
History
Soan Kosumosu has long been considered one of the top three ryokans in Yufuin, earning recognition in the Michelin Guide with 4 Red Pavilions. The property's 2017 renovation was entrusted to Eiji Mitooka, the charismatic industrial designer famous for JR Kyushu's luxury sleeper train Nanatsuboshi in Kyushu, bringing world-class design sensibility to a traditional ryokan setting. This collaboration represents the intersection of Japan's railway design heritage and onsen culture.
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