Gettouan — Hotel in Yufu

I stayed at “Yufuin Gettouan” with my parents and wife for one night from September 16th to September 17th. We checked in at around 5:30 PM on September 16th, unpacked our bags, and went out for dinner right away. Before going out, I set up my iPhone, tripod and cable on the balcony next to the private bathroom (more precisely, the balcony next to the bedroom) to take a night-time time-lapse video. To prevent the battery from discharging in the middle, I connected a spare battery and left it inside the room, and closed all the doors. (I happened to take pictures of this setup.) Then, about 3 hours later, at around 8:30 or 9 PM, we came back to the hotel, and my iPhone, tripod, cable, and even the spare battery in the room were all gone. At first, I thought it was taken by an animal because the balcony was outside even though it was a private bathroom, but all the cable and spare battery inside the room were gone, and the door was closed just as I had closed it before I left, so I had no choice but to think it was a theft I reported it to the hotel staff right away, but I was really shocked by the hotel staff's reaction. The staff didn't seem to care about the theft and just said that he can’t speak Korean, we should come back tomorrow at 10 AM when a Korean staff comes. My wife can speak very basic Japanese, and both the staff and we could easily use the translator, so the staff's response was really disappointing. Anyway, after many twists and turns, the police came, and I contacted them for three days to look for the iPhone, but as expected, they couldn't find it. During this process, I continued to track the stolen iPhone using the iPhone's 'Find My iPhone’ function. After 6 PM on the first day, the September 16th, the location was recorded as a road near the hotel, and two days later, at around 9 AM on the September 18th, the location was recorded as 'Kusumachi, Kusu, Oita', which was far from Yufuin. Then, from 11 AM on the same day, the location was recorded as inside the hotel again. And after that, the location tracking was impossible. Although I couldn’t say for sure, but I could suspect that it was the work of an internal employee through the location tracking, but in the end, the police were unable to find the lost iPhone, and the hotel simply responded that they could not provide separate compensation according to the hotel's internal terms and conditions without even a word of apology. While I was staying at this hotel, which has a private bath outside, someone broke into the room and stole my belongings, so all my plans for my first day in Yufuin were ruined, and I was so scared and anxious that I couldn't even sleep comfortably. Naturally, this result affected the next day, and for me, who has been to Japan dozens of times, it was truly the worst trip and the worst hotel I remember. I hope you all will be very careful when using this hotel, and I personally recommend not using this hotel. In summary, On September 16th, the iPhone, tripod, cable, and even the spare battery that were installed in the hotel room were all stolen. After the theft on the 16th, the iPhone's first location was on the road near the hotel. After the theft, I was so scared and anxious that I couldn't even sleep, and of course, I couldn't use the private bathroom outside, and in the end, this day's trip was the worst. On the morning of the 18th, two days after the theft, the location was tracked as being in another city. After lunch of the 18th, the location was tracked as being back in the hotel. The location was no longer tracked after the 18th. The police searched for three days, but (as expected) the stolen iPhone was not found, and the hotel responded without even a word of apology, saying that they could not provide compensation according to internal terms...

We wanted to visit Yufuin, but decided we'd be happier staying away from the tourist crowds and so we found our way to Gettouan. We were glad we did! By day Yufuin is a wonderful little upmarket tourist town with many nice shops, but crowds swell as coach buses begin arriving mid-morning. Gettouan sits about 2/3 of the way up a hillside outside of town, around 7 minutes by car and 25 on foot. With only a few neighbors, set among mountain forests and streams, it is a great place to leave the crowds down below behind. On arrival a pick-up by the station may be arranged and every morning free rides into town are usually available, but you will need to manage the return trip back up to the inn yourself.||||Gettouan is a luxury Japanese onsen ryokan in all the most traditional senses. Guest rooms are a series of detached traditional wooden bungalows. Upon check-in you will be greeted, offered tea, and initiated to the property after you have provided your details. Upon passing through the front desk/reception/bar/gift shop area, you are guided to your room/bungalow. The property is divided into a standard area with 12 bungalows and a deluxe adults-only area with 6 bungalows (4 of 6 sit adjacent to a stream). As you pass through the standard area you may sense that these bungalows are a little closer together, and you can see there is a public lounge, larger public onsen, and a shared dining room. While crossing bridges, rounding corners, and descending stairs you make your way into the deluxe side where guests have private dining, private mid-size onsen baths, and a little more space between neighbors. All 18 bungalows have personal in-room onsen baths.||||We stayed on the deluxe side (peace and quiet was one of our goals, the munchkins on the other side seemed unlikely to foster it). Gourmet kaiseki cuisine may not be for everybody, but for those who do enjoy it, these were probably the best dinners and breakfasts we've had in years, maybe ever. The chef here is special. Each dinner lasted about 2 hours. The coffee bar and all the complimentary beverages in the room refrigerator were appreciated too.||||The hotel attempted to pair us up with their best English speaking staff whenever possible. Keep in mind they also host European guests, and in recent years Chinese and Korean clientele have become the dominant tourist groups all over Kyushu. The server staff was excellent. So were the "ninja" housekeepers. You never saw them, but the room was cleaned, futons rolled or unrolled, shoes put away, and luggage moved.||||The place is not perfect. Our room's WiFi went on the fritz the second day, a wooden counter had water damage, and my sandals hurt to walk in. Perhaps traditional food and buildings are not your cup of tea? For us, this wonderful traditional structure of wood, paper and tatami mats with kotatsu and hot spring fed bath, all sitting along an adjacent gurgling stream and peering into a forest overwhelmed our senses and sensibilities. Further consider the superb food and caring service. Any blemishes were pretty much washed away by the contentment from a natural setting, rich traditional cultural atmosphere, out of this world cuisine, and pampering service. We all need a little luxury sometimes, Gettouan...

We visited this hotel back in April but I still need to write this review because we had such a wonderful stay here!||||I don’t know how best to put into words about our memorable experience with this hotel which is tranquil, exclusive, close to nature and subtly luxurious. Above all, the ultra-exceptional service of all the staff made the experience unforgettable. We stayed for one night only but wished we had stayed longer.||||This hotel’s location is secluded, up in the hill, and away from the touristy area. When we arrived the parking, we were warmly greeted by the staff who helped us with luggages and bags. We entered the reception area and again were warmly welcomed by a staff who asked us to sit down and relax while she prepared for our check-in procedures. Another staff brought 3 small glasses - 2 with tea for me and my husband and one with apple juice for my 3-year old! The staff was so considerate and thoughtful. My daughter was very happy to have her ‘tea’ with us! The staff also tried to make a conversation with my daughter to make us feel welcomed.||||Afterwards, the staff showed us around. There is a public onsen which is opened in the evening till the morning. Each room has a private onsen. There was a bridge connecting the reception and dining areas to the rooms. When we crossed the bridge, the staff nicely reminded us to hold our child tightly to avoid mis-stepping. The place was so tranquil and peaceful that you find yourself immediately immersed in nature.||||The staff walked us to our room and introduced us in details the facilities inside. She prepared tea for us and gracefully said goodbye.||||Dinner started early around 6pm. Food was nicely and delicately presented and delicious!!! They have prepared food for our daughter but mostly fried food. The locally produced sake was just great. We had such a wonderful dinner! Afterwards we had drinks at the bar at the reception area. The bar was small but cozy. A well-dressed Japanese bartender served us cocktails and apple juice for my daughter. One of the staff who greeted us when we arrived saw us and chatted with us happily. She was sincere and friendly and we are very delighted.||||Breakfast started early. I had breakfast the next morning alone as my husband and daughter could not wake up on time. The staff led me to the same dining room so I think they reserved the same dining room for guests during their stay. I enjoyed the delicious breakfast all by myself. They served cod roe on rice, a local delicacy which tasted quite nice. I asked the staff if I could bring the sandwich (which was nicely done) back to the room for my daughter. The staff politely said she had to ask and later she wrapped the sandwich for me.||||Before checking out, we walked around the hotel. Reluctantly we had to bid our farewell. Two staff walked us out to the parking and waved us goodbye while we were driving away. We could still see them waving goodbye until we lost sight of them! This gesture warmed our hearts so much that we long to come back again. This is the ultimate level of hospitality shown by the dedicated and friendly staff of the hotel.||||Highly...