Nestled in the quiet hills of Yufuin, Oita Prefecture, Yutorinoyado Ikkoten offers a tranquil escape for travelers seeking a blend of traditional Japanese hospitality and modern luxury.
Check availability and book Yufuin IkkotenImagine stepping into a world where each guest is given their own private villa, complete with a personal open-air onsen (hot spring) and views of the majestic Mt. Yufu. This article provides a detailed account of a stay at Ikkoten, guiding you through its unique offerings, from its exquisite dining to its pet-friendly policies, helping you decide if this is the right destination for your next trip to Japan.
Contents
- Quick Facts
- A Secluded World of Luxury
- Best Time to Visit
- How to Get to Ikkoten Yufuin
- What to Expect During Your Stay
- Practical Tips for Your Visit
- Where to Stay Nearby
- Where to Eat Nearby
- Suggested Mini-Itinerary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Sources
Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
| Best Time to Visit | All year round, with each season offering a unique view of Mt. Yufu. |
| Time Required | At least one night to fully experience the ryokan’s offerings. |
| Nearest Station | JR Yufuin Station (approx. 5-minute drive). |
| Price Range | Luxury. |
| Payment Methods | Major credit cards accepted. |
| Crowd Level | Low, as the ryokan is limited to 10 groups per day. |
| Accessibility | One barrier-free room available (“Sekichiku”). |
A Secluded World of Luxury
Ikkoten, which translates to “a single pot in the heavens,” lives up to its name by creating a private, secluded world for its guests. Spread across a vast 2,300-tsubo (approximately 7,600 square meters) property, the ryokan consists of only ten detached villas .
Check availability and book Yufuin Ikkoten
This exclusive setup ensures that you rarely encounter other guests, fostering a sense of peace and privacy that is hard to find elsewhere. The architecture masterfully blends traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern comforts, creating a sophisticated and calming atmosphere from the moment you arrive.
Best Time to Visit
While Yufuin is a popular destination year-round, the best time to visit Ikkoten depends on the experience you seek. Spring brings cherry blossoms and lush greenery, while autumn offers a stunning tapestry of fall colors against the backdrop of Mt. Yufu. Winter, with its crisp air and occasional snowfall, transforms the landscape into a serene wonderland, making the private onsen experience even more magical. Summer offers clear views of the mountain and pleasant weather for exploring the surrounding area.
How to Get to Ikkoten Yufuin
Ikkoten is conveniently located a short distance from the center of Yufuin, making it easily accessible by car or train.
By Train:
From Hakata Station in Fukuoka, take the JR Limited Express Yufuin no Mori to JR Yufuin Station (approx. 2 hours and 15 minutes). From Oita Station, it’s about a 46-minute ride on the same train. From JR Yufuin Station, the ryokan is a 5-minute taxi ride away. Note that the ryokan does not offer a shuttle service .
By Car:
The ryokan is about a 7-minute drive from the Yufuin Interchange on the Oita Expressway. Free parking for 15 vehicles is available on-site and does not require a reservation. When using a car navigation system, it is recommended to use the map code (33.278697, 131.350083) to ensure you are guided to the correct location .
What to Expect During Your Stay
A stay at Ikkoten is an experience in itself, focusing on privacy, relaxation, and culinary excellence.
Check availability and book Yufuin IkkotenThe Villas: Your Private Sanctuary
Each of the ten villas is uniquely designed and comes with its own private, free-flowing onsen bath. The villas range in size and layout, from the spacious two-story “Touou” and “Geppaku” villas, perfect for families or groups, to the more intimate forest-view rooms. Several villas, such as “Seiheki” and “Suou,” offer direct, breathtaking views of Mt. Yufu from their windows and open-air baths. For those with accessibility needs, the “Sekichiku” room is a barrier-free option .
The Onsen: A View to Remember
The highlight for many guests is the private onsen in each villa. The water is a gentle, alkaline simple hot spring, known for its skin-beautifying properties . In addition to the private baths, Ikkoten features two larger, private-use family baths that can be reserved at the front desk. These baths boast an even more expansive and stunning view of Mt. Yufu, making for an unforgettable bathing experience, especially as the scenery changes with the time of day.
The Cuisine: A Taste of Oita
Dining at Ikkoten is a gastronomic journey through the best of Oita’s local produce. The multi-course kaiseki dinner is a work of art, featuring ingredients like the premium Oita Wagyu beef, fresh seafood from the Bungo Channel, and locally grown vegetables. In line with the ryokan’s emphasis on privacy, dinner is served in a private dining room. For guests staying in the “Shinshu” or “Ruri” rooms, dinner may be served in the room itself .
Breakfast is a traditional Japanese set meal, served in a dedicated breakfast room, allowing you to start your day with a healthy and delicious taste of Yufuin’s local flavors.
Pet-Friendly Hospitality
Ikkoten is one of the few luxury ryokans in Japan that warmly welcomes pets. Guests can dine with their dogs in a private room, ensuring their furry companions are part of the entire experience. The ryokan has also recently opened a new dog run, and some villas come with their own private dog runs. A special menu for dogs, created under the supervision of a certified pet nutrition expert, is also available for purchase .
Practical Tips for Your Visit
•Reservations: With only ten rooms, booking well in advance is essential, especially during peak seasons.
•Check-in/Check-out: Check-in is from 3:00 PM and check-out is at 11:00 AM.
•Amenities: The ryokan provides high-quality amenities, including skincare and bath products from the renowned brand Mikimoto Cosmetics .
•Language: While the official website has an English version, having a translation app handy for more detailed communication can be helpful.
Where to Stay Nearby
While Ikkoten itself is the primary accommodation, if you are looking for other options in the Yufuin area, consider its sister ryokans, Oyado Ichizen and Ichizen Bettei, for a similarly high standard of service and comfort .
Check availability and book Yufuin IkkotenWhere to Eat Nearby
While the meals at Ikkoten are a major highlight, if you wish to explore local dining options during the day, the Yunotsubo Kaido street is lined with numerous cafes, restaurants, and food stalls offering local specialties.
Suggested Mini-Itinerary
Day 1:
•Afternoon (3:00 PM): Arrive at Ikkoten, check in, and unwind in your private villa.
•Late Afternoon: Take a dip in your private onsen, followed by a reservation at one of the larger private family baths for a panoramic view of Mt. Yufu.
•Evening (6:00 PM): Indulge in the exquisite kaiseki dinner in your private dining room.
Day 2:
•Morning (8:00 AM or 9:00 AM): Enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast.
•Mid-Morning: Stroll to the nearby Kinrin Lake to see the morning mist rising from the water.
•Late Morning (11:00 AM): Check out from Ikkoten.
•Afternoon: Explore the shops and cafes along Yunotsubo Kaido before departing from Yufuin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Ikkoten suitable for families with children?
A: Yes, the larger villas like “Touou” and “Geppaku” are well-suited for families. The private, detached nature of the rooms provides a comfortable environment for those with children.
Q: Can I request specific dietary requirements for my meals?
A: Yes, Ikkoten can accommodate dietary requirements such as allergies if notified in advance. However, they cannot handle requests for dislikes or same-day changes .
Q: Is there Wi-Fi available?
A: Yes, free Wi-Fi is available for guests.
Q: Do I need to bring my own towels to the private family baths?
A: Yes, guests are asked to bring towels from their rooms when using the private family baths .
Q: Is the ryokan accessible for wheelchair users?
A: The “Sekichiku” villa is designed to be barrier-free, making it a suitable option for guests with mobility concerns .
Q: How far is Ikkoten from popular sightseeing spots?
A: It is about a 5-minute drive to JR Yufuin Station and the main Yunotsubo Kaido area. Kinrin Lake is also a short drive or a pleasant walk away.
Sources
[1] Yutorinoyado Ikkoten Official Website. (https://www.ikkoten.com/ )
Last updated: January 12, 2026
Sources Checked: Official Website, TripAdvisor, Booking.com, Rakuten Travel, Jalan.travel
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