I had an amazing time at Ryokan Yufuin Tsubaki. I booked the half-board stay at Tsubaki using Expedia and the staff at Tsubaki was in contact with me almost immediately to confirm the details and finalize the pick up time from Yufuin Station. Note that as a fan of walking, even Tsubaki's location is a bit far from the Yufuin Station so once the staff picks you up at the train station to take you back to the ryokan (around 3pm), you will likely end up spending the rest of your time at the ryokan before leaving the next morning around 10am (unless you have your own car).
I stayed in the Butterfly room which is beautiful! Tsubaki is a small little ryokan with a collection of 7 different "rooms/mini villas". My room was technically a one bedroom suite that had a direct view of Mt Yufu both on the first floor (where your living room and bedroom and toilet is located) and the "basement" floor where the bathroom (sink/mirror/dressing area) and separate private onsen bath/shower area is located. It was very sizeable and the rooms were in Japanese style (tatami mats, sliding doors, kotatsu chairs, etc) while the beds were elevated Western beds.
The food was glorious! Half-board stays means that breakfast and dinner is provided. Both were a pseudo-kaiseki style with Western influences and I was stuffed!
Highly recommend the stay!
Everything we were hoping for, and more! Love the fact that the bath area and the living area were on different floors. Also, a lovely cabin with a gorgeous view and exceptionally friendly and professional staff. The food was delicious.
Nice property with private onsen, nice food, nice environment and nice view, good service and free pick up service.