A Two-Day Stay at Hoshino Resorts KAI Yufuin

Travel Purpose
A relaxing onsen getaway for three women at Hoshino Resorts KAI Yufuin, complete with a private open-air bath.

Schedule

Day 1
From Oita Airport, take the Yufuin Liner bus for about an hour to Yufuin Station. The station area has coin lockers, allowing you to store your luggage and explore hands-free. From the station, head towards Lake Kinrin. This area is filled with eateries perfect for sampling local delicacies, such as Kukuchi’s dorayaki and Yufuin Gold Medal Croquettes. The water in Lake Kinrin is mixed with hot spring water, maintaining a temperature of 13–15°C year-round. Surrounded by lush greenery, the area is stunning, especially during the fresh green season. The torii gate standing in the lake belongs to Tenso Shrine on the lakeshore, a popular power spot and a great place for taking picturesque photos.

Next, head to the Yufu City Tourist Information Center entrance next to JR Yufuin Station, where the free shuttle bus from Hoshino Resorts KAI Yufuin will pick you up and take you to the hotel. After check-in, enjoy a 30-minute local activity called "straw weaving," and you can keep what you make. Relax in the indoor and outdoor public baths.

Dinner features a special upgraded menu: a mountain delicacy hot pot course called "Momonji Nabe," available for an additional 5,000 yen per person. This shabu-shabu hot pot includes three types of meat—wild boar, pork, and chicken—cooked in a rich broth. The meal also features an abundance of local Yufuin vegetables, making it a delicious experience.

After dinner, unwind in the Travel Library with travel-related books and complimentary coffee. Then, enjoy another soak in the baths. At the post-bath lounge, free drinks and ice pops are available. End the night relaxing in your room’s private open-air bath.

Day 2
Start the morning with a soak in the public bath, followed by a Japanese breakfast featuring charcoal-grilled vegetables at the restaurant. Take a stroll around the property, which includes rice paddies and fields. Enjoy the in-room drinks and make the most of your private bath until check-out time.

After check-out, the free shuttle bus will take you back to the station. At the station, a large white horse awaits guests for a carriage ride. Sign up for a 60-minute course that departs from Yufuin Station and visits spots like Busanji Temple and Unagihime Shrine, passing through scenic rice paddies. With good weather, it’s a leisurely sightseeing experience. Afterward, visit the café "Tenjo Sanzan" located within Kamenoi Besso for tea and cake. Finally, take the bus back to the airport for your return journey.

Accommodation
Hoshino Resorts KAI Yufuin
Nestled at the foot of Mount Yufu, this hotel offers stunning views of the mountain from its open-air baths. Surrounded by terraced rice fields, the location is rich in natural beauty. It’s about a 10-minute drive from the station, situated in a secluded area perfect for a retreat. Meals are provided at the hotel, making it ideal for a stay-in experience. Complimentary drinks are available, adding convenience. However, the remote location means there are no nearby convenience stores, so plan accordingly. Not all rooms have private open-air baths, so choose your plan carefully.

Transportation
No car is needed as buses align with flight schedules from the airport. Hoshino Resorts KAI Yufuin offers free shuttle service, and nearby attractions are within walking distance if the weather is good.

Tips
The hotel’s front desk and accommodation areas are separate, which could be inconvenient in rainy weather. However, on sunny days, you can enjoy the scenic gardens and atmosphere.