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Slow down and soak in nature’s calm at Musouen Hotel, a peaceful Yufuin ryokan with breathtaking open-air baths, spacious rooms, and warm, thoughtful hospitality.
What Makes a Ryokan Stay Special?
If you’ve never stayed in a ryokan, you’re in for a cultural treat. These traditional Japanese inns are designed for relaxation and hospitality. Most feature tatami rooms, yukata robes, seasonal kaiseki meals, and communal onsen baths.
We’ve stayed at many ryokans across Japan, and each one feels like a pause button for daily life. Musouen is one of those special ryokans that our family can immediately recall the special time we spent there.
Nature, Calm, and Old-World Charm at Musouen
Musouen is tucked into the wooded hills just outside central Yufuin. It’s about a 5-minute taxi ride from JR Yufuin Station.
The entrance path, lined with moss-covered stones and tall trees, immediately sets the tone. With low buildings that blend into the landscape, the hotel keeps the view of Mount Yufu wide open, especially from the onsen baths.
Every part of the property feels timeless. We sipped tea on the balcony, walked under leafy trees, and truly felt the outside world slip away.
Spacious and Thoughtfully Designed
We booked a standard room were surprised by how spacious it was. There was a foyer that led to a private indoor bath and separate toilet. The main area included two tatami rooms and a sitting space with wooden floors.
The small hearth, cozy balcony, and generous layout made it ideal for families. It was one of the largest ryokan rooms we’ve stayed in, with space to relax and move freely.
Unwinding in the Onsen: Open-Air Tranquility
Musouen’s onsen baths were the highlight of our stay. The open-air baths overlook the valley and Mount Yufu, and the views felt almost unreal. You can preview the scenery on their website, but nothing beats seeing it in person.
Best of all, the private indoor and outdoor baths are free to use. Most ryokans charge extra, but here we could enjoy quiet, secluded soaks as often as we liked. We bathed before dinner, before bed, and even before breakfast.
A Satisfying Kaiseki Meal
The kaiseki meal was seasonal, beautifully arranged, and just the right amount of indulgent. While simpler than some luxury ryokans, each dish felt intentional and comforting. Our kids were thrilled with their own set meals. Later that night, staff surprised us with purin (creamy Japanese flan) delivered to our room. It was a small gesture that left a lasting impression.
How to Get to Musouen Hotel
Train
- From JR Yufuin Station, take a taxi (about 5 minutes) or walk 20 minutes to the hotel.
- Total travel time: 5-20 minutes.
Pro Tip: If you’re arriving with luggage, take a taxi from the station—it’s short and saves your energy for the onsen.
Our Take on Musouen Hotel in Yufuin
If you’re spending the night in Yufuin, we think Musouen is a gem. The open-air baths with mountain views are worth the trip alone, and the spacious rooms make it easy to unwind. It’s the kind of place where you just want to linger a little longer.
More to Explore Nearby
After relaxing in the hillside baths of Musouen Hotel, explore more of Yufuin’s scenic charm and nearby culture with these close-by experiences.
- Kinrin Lake – This serene lake shrouded in morning mist offers peaceful walking paths and is just a short drive from the ryokan.
- Yunotsubo Kaido – Lined with craft shops, cafés, and quirky photo spots, this bustling main street captures the charm of Yufuin’s downtown.
