Yufuin Lamp No Yado

About a 15-20 minute walk from Yufu Station, this is an exquisite Japanese-style ryokan with hot springs. There are five hot springs scattered around the courtyard. I tried two of the outdoor baths and they were absolutely wonderful. All in all, it's a great value-for-money stay.

Very clean courtyard hot springs, suitable for families and couples traveling together.

The hotel staff were all incredibly kind and genuine. A special thank you to the front desk team for accommodating my room change request during check-in. I'm also very grateful for their help during check-out when they solved my charging issue and even gave me a charging cable. Their hospitality was truly heartwarming. Thank you!

Both dinner and breakfast were incredibly rich and satisfying. The Kagoshima beef practically melted in my mouth – so fragrant and delicious! The onsen (hot springs) are private, family-style rooms, and the reception area has heating and complimentary drinks, perfect for a relaxing break after a soak.

Everything was great – the location, the stay, and the food!

Here's a review of my stay: 1. **Location and Amenities: A Quiet Corner with Easy Access** The hotel is conveniently located, about a 7 to 10-minute walk from JR Yufuin Station, making it easy to find while also being away from the busiest commercial areas. Right next door is a Lawson convenience store, and there's a supermarket nearby, which is super handy for anyone who likes to grab snacks and drinks in the evening. 2. **Hot Spring Facilities: Highly Private "Kashikiri" Experience** This is truly the highlight of the inn! There are 5 private family hot springs (private baths), including both indoor and outdoor options. No reservations are needed; you just check if the light at the entrance is off, and if so, it's free to use. **Tech-Savvy Management:** Guests can scan a QR code with their phone to instantly check the real-time availability of each private bath, saving you a wasted trip. **A Small Tip:** If you're staying in winter, the path to the outdoor baths and some outdoor showering areas can feel quite cold. If you're sensitive to cold, I recommend prioritizing private baths #1-3, which are indoors. 3. **Dining Experience: A Hearty Yakiniku Feast** We opted for the half-board plan, and dinner was enjoyed at a partner yakiniku restaurant. The wagyu beef was excellent quality and incredibly generous in portion. There was even a bonus offer of unlimited alcoholic beverages and plum wine, making it fantastic value for money. The Japanese-style breakfast the next day was also very filling, providing a great start to our day. 4. **Unique Atmosphere: A Paradise for Animal Lovers** The inn has very gentle cats and dogs living on the premises. If you're lucky, the resident cat manager might even appear in common areas or even come by your room for a patrol. For animal-loving travelers, this sense of warmth and comfort is something other hotels simply can't replicate. 5. **Accommodation Details and Recommendations** **Room Space:** The new wing rooms are spacious, blending modern comfort with traditional Japanese aesthetics.