Yufuin Tamanoyu.

Established in 1953 on a former Zen retreat, Yufuin Tamanoyu is a cornerstone of the region’s ryokan culture. Rather than a single structure, the inn is designed as a collection of sixteen detached villas scattered across two and a half acres of dense, wooded gardens. Narrow footpaths connect these low-rise cottages, which feature traditional tatami rooms and private baths fed by the area’s famous thermal springs. While the bustling onsen town is only a short walk away, the property feels intentionally secluded, with floor-to-ceiling windows in the bar and tea room framing views of the forest and Mt. Yufudake. The dining experience focuses on seasonal local ingredients at BudouYa, reinforcing a restrained, classic atmosphere that prioritizes quiet immersion over modern flash.