Yufuin Ryokan: Access, Areas and Booking Tips

Getting there

From JR Hakata Station, the all-reserved limited express Yufuin no Mori runs to Yufuin Station (2 round trips a day to Yufuin, plus 1 to Beppu, as of 2024-25; about 2.5 hours). Highway buses also run from Fukuoka. From Beppu, Kamenoi Bus takes about 50 minutes (1-2 buses an hour).

Good for

• Couples and families who want a quiet ryokan stay rather than nightlife
• Travellers based in Fukuoka adding one onsen night to the trip
• Visitors who want Mt Yufu views from the basin
• Combining with Beppu, which is about 50 minutes away by bus

Watch out for

• Yufuin no Mori runs only a few times a day and every seat is reserved, so seats can run out.
• Inns are spread across the basin. Some are far from the station and need a taxi or car.
• Rooms with their own hot spring bath are usually in the higher price range.

Booking tips

• Book the train seat as soon as your ryokan dates are fixed.
• Check whether the plan includes dinner and breakfast. Since around 2017 more ryokan sell room-only plans, and dinner usually starts at a set time, so arrive on time.
• Many onsen baths do not admit guests with tattoos. If this applies to you, look for a room with its own bath or a bookable private bath (kashikiri) and confirm the policy before booking.
• Onsen towns levy a bathing tax (standard rate ¥150 per person per night) and some cities add an accommodation tax. It is often paid at the property, so check whether the listed price includes it.