This inn is highly rated on virtually every travel site, especially noted for its incredible cuisine.

The inn features 14 rooms total — 8 rooms in 6 detached buildings, and 6 rooms in the main house. A quiet setting ideal for a relaxing stay.

We stayed in the family-friendly detached suite “Tenshōin”, which includes a private indoor hot spring. The room was spacious and step-free, with tatami flooring, making it comfortable for both adults and babies.

Most importantly, the food was absolutely outstanding. The famous local delicacy, “Seki Saba” mackerel, was as exquisite as expected, and the simmered fish was shockingly delicious. Whether it’s the broth, seasoning, or ingredients (probably all three)… the quality was unmatched.

There are also pet-friendly rooms and even more luxurious detached suites available.

If you’re looking for a peaceful hot spring retreat with phenomenal food, I highly recommend this place!

(Photos by my other website ushigyu.net)

Access and Basic Info for Healing Inn Takasho

Healing Inn Takasho is located in the Yunohira Onsen area of Oku-Yufuin.

It’s nestled in the mountains, about a 30-minute drive from the more well-known Yufuin Station area.

In addition to driving or renting a car, shuttle service is available from Yunohira Station (advance reservation required at least 5 days before check-in).

It’s less than a 2-hour drive from central Fukuoka.

Along the way, you’ll pass through Hita City and Kokonoe Town — great opportunities to explore the old town of Mameda or visit the Kokonoe Yume Otsurihashi suspension bridge.

【Basic Information for Takasho】

Our Stay at Healing Inn Takasho

We arrived at Takasho after driving up a winding mountain road. The final descent can be quite steep depending on your direction, so be cautious.

It’s best to pass the entrance once, turn around in the wider area up ahead, and then approach. (I tried turning in one go and ended up scraping the bottom of the car…)

Spacious, Relaxing Rooms with Tatami Hot Springs

After check-in, we headed straight to our room for the night — “Tenshōin”.

The detached room names are inspired by historical figures from the Meiji Restoration, like “Ryōma”, “Shōin”, and “Kaishū”. The main house rooms are named after historical eras like “Edo” and “Yayoi”.

Here’s the family-friendly detached suite “Tenshōin” — perfect for those with or without children.

The entrance is a bit narrow,

but opens into a spacious room. Low furniture and nearly flat flooring make it ideal for babies and toddlers.

Here’s a view from the other side. Since we visited in February, there was a kotatsu, but the room was warm enough without using it.

Air purifiers and kettles are placed out of reach of children — a nice touch for families.

The bathroom includes a baby-changing station at just the right height.

All the usual amenities are provided, and drinks in the fridge are complimentary.

Even the coat hook is shaped like a dog’s tail — a cute detail.

Each detached suite comes with a private indoor hot spring. The tatami flooring is perfect for letting babies lie down or crawl around.

The restroom is spacious and beautifully designed.

We also found a mysterious space behind the sink. Maybe it turns into a terrace when the weather gets warmer?

The hot springs here are all natural, odorless, and tasteless — sourced directly from an alkaline simple spring.

In addition to the private indoor baths, there are men’s and women’s communal baths, as well as a family reservable bath called “Ishin-no-Yu”.

The photo below is the men’s bath (taken when no other guests were around).

While there are no massive pools (due to the limited number of rooms), there’s a variety of options — hinoki cypress baths, rock baths, cold water baths, and a sauna.

Here’s the open-air bath.

Dinner That’s Nothing Short of Exquisite

What we were most looking forward to during our stay at Takasho was dinner.

Takasho is part of a group that operates high-end kaiseki restaurants in Fukuoka and Tokyo’s Ginza — so expectations for the food were naturally high.

Both dinner and breakfast are served in the dining rooms located in the main building.

This particular dining room is called “Kawasaki.” Others have names like “Honda” and “Kokubo”.

According to the staff, the names come from the founder being a passionate Hawks baseball fan. So yes — “Taka” in “Takasho” is a reference to the team.

※Don’t worry, there are no obvious Hawks references elsewhere — fans of other teams can rest easy.

Here’s the menu for the evening.
With items like oysters, scallops, wagyu steak, and local Kanjidori chicken, it already sounded amazing.

Two types of house-made mentaiko (spicy cod roe). Rich in umami and just the right amount of kick.

Four types of appetizers: simmered shrimp, bamboo shoots with miso, roasted duck, and kombu-marinated firefly squid and nanohana greens.

The sashimi platter included a real treat — Oita’s premium brand “Seki Saba” mackerel!
I’ve had good mackerel before, but this was on another level. The fat was rich and flavorful — absolutely unforgettable.

Oysters and scallops in a thick amber sauce — each bite bursting with savory flavor and perfect seasoning.

Seafood chawanmushi (steamed egg custard) with crab claw.

Oita wagyu steak. While delicious, it almost faded into the background — that’s how consistently excellent the whole meal was.

Seasonal vegetable tempura.

Braised silver cod — perhaps the best simmered fish I’ve ever had.
Moist, packed with umami, and seasoned to absolute perfection.

It was so good I wanted to buy the dashi broth used here — but unfortunately, it was temporarily unavailable due to a product revamp. Hoping it returns soon!

Oita’s local “Kanjidori” chicken in a shabu-shabu hot pot.

After cooking the chicken in the broth, we poured the remaining dashi over local noodles known as “Yaseuma” — a regional specialty.

Already delicious on its own, the broth became even richer with the chicken’s flavor. Light yet full-bodied — the perfect balance.

This meal easily ranks in the top 3 dinners I’ve had at any ryokan — maybe even number one.

I knew the food was well-reviewed, but it still managed to exceed expectations.

The inn is also very accommodating for children — providing chairs, utensils, and more. It’s a fantastic choice for families.

Affordable and Delicious Room Service

After finishing dinner, night had fully fallen. The inn looked stunning illuminated in the darkness.

While tending to our fussy baby, we were relaxing… and despite the big meal, I started feeling a little hungry again.

So I decided to try the room service menu that had caught my eye right after check-in.
There weren’t many options, but look at those prices — so reasonable!

Though the “assorted snacks” didn’t have details listed, alcoholic drinks were priced about the same as at convenience stores, and the rice balls were surprisingly cheap for room service.
It really made me want to place an order.

I ordered two mentaiko rice balls, and they were promptly delivered to our room.
The same mentaiko served at dinner had been so good that I was hoping to try it again — and to have it as a late-night snack was just perfect.

Breakfast That Starts with Irresistible Kamadaki Rice

The next morning, we had breakfast. Here’s the menu.

While the menu might look like a standard ryokan breakfast, each item was thoughtfully selected — including freshly cooked rice in a traditional cauldron and premium “Mihotamago” eggs.

The kamadaki rice was truly amazing. With every bite, the natural sweetness deepened, making me savor each mouthful.

There were plenty of perfect sides for rice, like pickles, grilled salmon, and mentaiko — so the rice in the pot disappeared fast.

After breakfast came coffee (or tea) and Takasho’s original sweet potato jam.

A wonderfully satisfying way to start the day. If you plan to have lunch afterward, go light or eat late — because breakfast will keep you full for hours.

Final Thoughts: Healing Inn Takasho Review Summary

Located deep in the mountains, far from city noise — incredibly peaceful.
With exceptional food and spacious, comfortable rooms, it’s the perfect getaway.

Detached suites are available for guests traveling with children or pets.

Whether you’re looking for a stress-free family trip or simply want to indulge in delicious food, Healing Inn Takasho at Yunohira Onsen is an excellent choice.
I’m already dreaming about going back…!

Even though I live nearby, I only learned about this zoo recently after seeing it on TV. But once I visited, I realized—it was way beyond my expectations!

The highlight of the experience is undoubtedly the Jungle Bus, a caged vehicle that takes you through the safari, allowing you to hand-feed the animals.

Most zoos have designated “feeding times,” but typically, visitors only watch zookeepers feed the animals.
Here, you get to do the feeding yourself, making it an entirely different level of excitement.

You can toss meat into a lion’s open mouth, hand sweet potatoes to an elephant while feeling its breath on your face…

It’s an up-close encounter with wildlife, separated only by a steel cage, just a few dozen centimeters away.
Even knowing it’s safe, hearing a lion growl right in front of me was terrifying!

The park is located just 30–40 minutes by car from Beppu and Yufuin, Oita’s famous hot spring towns, making it an ideal stop during an onsen trip.

Explore the Safari Park with the Jungle Bus

African Safari Official Website

Since I didn’t have a car, I took a local bus from Beppu Station to the safari. The ride takes about 50 minutes, costing 760 yen one-way.
However, buses are infrequent, and getting to/from onsen areas can be inconvenient. If possible, renting a car is recommended.

Upon arrival, the first thing that caught my eye was the animal-shaped Jungle Bus, surrounded by heavy steel bars.
It felt like stepping into a real-life Japari Park!

Unlike the fictional Japari Bus, which is open-air, riding an open vehicle here would be a death wish.
To ensure safety, the windows are reinforced with steel mesh and thick glass. That makes sense!

Admission to the park costs 2,500 yen, and the Jungle Bus ride is an additional 1,100 yen.
But trust me, it’s worth every yen—you cannot visit this safari without experiencing the Jungle Bus!
(*Prices as of 2017)

Since it was a weekday, I got on without much waiting. However, on busy days, it can be fully booked, so making a reservation in advance is recommended.
(→ Jungle Bus Reservation Page)

Once seated, we were handed a tray of food.
– Green pellets: Zebras & deer
– Sweet potatoes: Elephants
– Cookies: Bears
– Raw meat: Lions
– Mandarins: Giraffes

A staff member gave us important safety instructions before departure.
The number one rule—never stick your fingers through the bars.
Obviously, if an animal bites you, the park won’t take responsibility!

The bus is securely covered in steel mesh and reinforced glass, but some sections can be opened for feeding the animals.

Unforgettable Animal Encounters – Unlike Any Zoo Experience!

As the Jungle Bus drove deeper into the safari, goats appeared almost immediately!

The guide called out, “Come onnnnn!”, and like clockwork, the goats (actually Barbary sheep and Mouflon) swarmed toward the bus.

Using tongs, we fed them directly—feeling their bite through the metal was surreal!

Also, look at those adorable eyes! 🥹

Moving on, we met Charlie, the American black bear.
If I saw him in the wild, I’d be terrified, but behind the mesh, he just looked… cute? (But still a little scary.)

Then came the lion zone. One lion, in particular, was *way too close*.

As I held out the raw chicken, he growled softly, then suddenly opened his mouth wide! The sheer power was breathtaking.

I dropped the meat in… GULP.

Seeing a lion up close was even more intense than I imagined.
At one point, two lions fought right next to the bus, growling loudly.
People inside screamed, and I thought, “This is something you’d NEVER experience at a regular zoo.”

The next encounter was with a majestic fallow deer with impressive antlers.
(Note: Since I was using only my iPhone and was busy feeding and interacting with the animals, I couldn’t take many high-quality photos—please forgive me!)

The American bison and white rhinoceros were either eating or napping, so they didn’t come closer.
Still, they were incredibly massive, even from a distance.

And finally, the Asian elephant!

It stretched its long trunk toward us, eagerly begging for food.
If you place food near the tip, it skillfully curls its trunk to bring the snack to its mouth.

However, be warned about the elephant’s sneezes!
Occasionally, they let out a powerful blast of air from their trunk—and yes, sometimes it includes snot. Watch out! 😂

Next up, the giraffe.
It bent its long neck all the way down to get closer to us.
Despite its massive body, its legs were incredibly thin—how does it even balance?

Then, a camel approached us, bouncing along with its humps jiggling.

What a perfectly timed shot!
If you hold the food higher up, the animals stretch out, allowing you to see them better.

We also saw tigers, cheetahs, antelopes, and hyenas,
getting incredibly close to them.

The Jungle Bus tour lasted 50 minutes, but it felt like it flew by!
It was an unforgettable experience.

Some kids on the bus were a mix of excited and scared,
but overall, it’s a great activity for families.

You can also drive your own car inside the park,
but you are strictly forbidden from opening windows or doors,
and feeding the animals is not allowed.

If it’s your first visit, I highly recommend taking the Jungle Bus tour.

More Ways to Interact with Animals

The Jungle Bus is the main attraction,
but there are many other ways to see and interact with animals!

You can pet kangaroos,
which, by the way, feel incredibly soft.

Or feed tiny horses.

At certain times, you can even hold hamsters and hedgehogs.

For kids under 30kg, there’s an opportunity to ride a miniature horse and take a commemorative photo.

For an extra 300 yen, you can also visit the Dog & Cat Salon.

Unexpectedly, I found prairie dogs on display.
Their round butts were weirdly adorable!

There are also souvenir shops and restaurants, so you won’t have any trouble finding a place to take a break.

They even had handcrafted animal carvings made in Kenya.
I loved their unique sitting postures, so I bought a mini version as a souvenir!

Final Thoughts

I had no idea there was such a spectacular safari experience in Kyushu!

Since it’s fairly close to Beppu, Yufuin, and Aso’s hot springs,
I highly recommend adding it to your Kyushu travel itinerary.

It is also famous as the hometown of Hajime Isayama, the creator of the manga Attack on Titan.

Hina Doll Museum in Mameda-machi

One of the most famous local specialties in Hita City is Hita Yakisoba.

Its key characteristic is its crispy, charred noodles, and the most renowned and original restaurant serving it is Sofuren (想夫恋).

During my recent trip to Oita, I visited the Sofuren Main Branch to try the famous dish. Here’s my review of the restaurant and the food!

Access & Basic Information of Sofuren Main Branch

The Sofuren Main Branch is located along National Route 212, which runs through Hita City. The restaurant has a large parking lot, so driving is the most convenient way to get there.

From Hita Station, it takes about 10–15 minutes on foot, which is a reasonable walking distance.

From Fukuoka City, it takes about 1 hour 10–30 minutes by car.

If you take the Limited Express Yufu, you can reach Hita Station from Hakata Station in about 1 hour 20 minutes.

Basic Information of Sofuren Main Branch

Dining at Sofuren Main Branch: Review & Taste Test

Highly Popular Sofuren Main Branch – Even on Weekdays

Sofuren’s main branch is easy to spot from a distance, thanks to its tall, orange sign.

I arrived at lunchtime on a weekday, and there was already a queue—proving its strong popularity. I checked the menu while waiting.

The signature yakisoba starts at 1,050 yen.
Yakisoba is generally considered an affordable dish, but Sofuren’s pricing is quite premium.

They also serve ramen and other Chinese dishes.
We ordered two yakisoba, and one came as a set with shrimp gyoza.

The restaurant has table seating, traditional tatami seating, and counter seats.

If you’re dining alone or in a small group, I recommend sitting at the counter, where you can watch the chefs cook.
Since I was with my child, we opted for a sofa table.

Sofuren’s Yakisoba – Simple Yet Perfectly Crafted

The yakisoba arrived sizzling on a hot iron plate, making an appetizing sound.

The ingredients were bean sprouts, green onions, and pork (Mochi Buta pork).
The long and thin bean sprouts were a unique feature.

While most yakisoba is heavily flavored with sauce, Sofuren’s sauce is milder and well-balanced.
The crispy noodles and crunchy bean sprouts enhance the overall taste.

It doesn’t have an overpowering taste, but it’s a dish that people of all ages can enjoy.
It’s simple, yet flawlessly executed.

The set came with rice, pickles, and a rich tonkotsu-style soup.
The soup had a stronger flavor than typical tonkotsu ramen broth, making it a great match for the rice.

A surprise highlight was the shrimp gyoza—packed with juicy shrimp and absolutely delicious.

Final Review: Is Sofuren’s Yakisoba Worth It?

At over 1,000 yen per plate, this yakisoba is a bit pricey for a casual dish.

However, the flavor and quality are top-notch, and I can see why it’s loved by people of all ages.

If you’re ever in the area, Sofuren’s yakisoba is a must-try!

It turned out to be located at quite a high altitude, offering spectacular views.

By the way, from Yufuin, you can get there by transferring between trains and buses or by car. It’s a bit of a journey.

The scenery apparently changes with the seasons, so it seems worth visiting again during a different time of year.

Here are some photos I took of the views from Kokonoe ‘Yume’ Grand Suspension Bridge.

Japan’s Longest Pedestrian Suspension Bridge in Oita: Kokonoe ‘Yume’ Grand Suspension Bridge

Official Site of Kokonoe ‘Yume’ Grand Suspension Bridge

From Yufuin, you first take a train to Bungo-Mori Station, which departs only a few times a day.

Access via public transportation isn’t very convenient, so renting a car or using your own vehicle is recommended.

There were only three passengers on the train, including me. (It was a weekday, after all.)

We arrived at Bungo-Nakamura Station! The countryside scenery is lovely.

Picturesque, isn’t it?

At the nearly empty Bungo-Nakamura Station, I waited for the bus to the suspension bridge. I noticed the station attendant chatting, only to realize he was talking to a local elder!

The train service is sparse—what the Yamanote Line handles in an hour here takes all day. And only two cars!

I got on the bus to the Kokonoe Grand Suspension Bridge. The only other passenger was an elderly lady who chatted with the driver the entire way. It was heartwarming.

After a 30-minute winding journey up the mountains, I arrived at Kokonoe ‘Yume’ Grand Suspension Bridge!

A Well-Constructed Suspension Bridge with Stunning Views of Nature

The entrance fee was 500 yen. At first glance, the bridge seemed smaller than expected.

But a side view revealed its true scale. Unlike traditional suspension bridges, this one is sturdily built with concrete and steel wires.

As I crossed, I admired the scenic views of Kyusuikei Gorge and waterfalls below. The height offered a perfect vantage point, though the winter season dulled the colors. Visiting in autumn for the fall foliage would be spectacular.

A Must-See Spot in Oita, Especially in Autumn

If you’re planning a trip to Oita, I highly recommend adding Kokonoe ‘Yume’ Grand Suspension Bridge to your itinerary. Its panoramic views and serene atmosphere make it a memorable stop.

Next time, I’ll visit during the autumn season for an even more breathtaking experience!