What is GEKKOJU YUFUIN?

GEKKOJU YUFUIN is a Selected hotel located in Yufu, Japan. It has been recognized by the Michelin Guide for its exceptional hospitality and unique experience.

How many Michelin Keys does GEKKOJU YUFUIN have?

GEKKOJU YUFUIN has been awarded Selected by the Michelin Guide, indicating a very special stay.

Where is GEKKOJU YUFUIN located?

GEKKOJU YUFUIN is located in Yufu, Japan, in the Asia region.

What makes a Selected hotel special?

Selected hotels provide very special stays with excellent service and a unique sense of place.

How do I book GEKKOJU YUFUIN?

You can view more details and booking information for GEKKOJU YUFUIN through the Michelin Guide website. Each Michelin Keys hotel offers a unique booking experience tailored to their guests.

GEKKOJU YUFUIN | Selected in Yufu, Japan

Name: GEKKOJU YUFUIN
Address: Yufu, Asia, Japan
Rating: 4.5

Expert Review: GEKKOJU YUFUIN

GEKKOJU YUFUIN in Yufu, Japan, stands out as a luxurious and exclusive retreat, recognized as a Michelin Key Selected property. This intimate five-suite villa is highly lauded for its exceptional personalized service, lavish accommodations, and a unique culinary experience that blends Japanese and French traditions.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for GEKKOJU YUFUIN is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing their stays as superb, wonderful, and the "best accommodation ever". It boasts an impressive guest score of 9.4 with perfect scores in comfort (10.0) and value for money (9.9) on some platforms, indicating a high level of satisfaction and a strong perception of worth despite its luxury positioning.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently praise several aspects that contribute to GEKKOJU YUFUIN's allure:

Exceptional Service: The personalized butler service, starting from the moment of reservation, is a recurring highlight, ensuring a stress-free and tailored experience. Butlers assist with travel planning, sightseeing suggestions, bookings, and even rickshaw tours around Yufuin.
Luxurious All-Inclusive Concept: The property offers an all-inclusive experience, where in-room food and beverages, including premium items like red and white wine, are complimentary. This extends to in-room beauty treatments and massages, further enhancing the sense of indulgence.
Private Onsen Baths: Each suite features an en-suite soaking bath with hot spring water, often accompanied by views of Mount Yufu, providing a deeply relaxing and private onsen experience.
Modern Design & Atmosphere: The villas are furnished in a lavish Western style with modern design elements, creating a quiet and sophisticated atmosphere.

3. Room Quality

GEKKOJU YUFUIN comprises five spacious all-suite villas, each exceeding 130㎡ (approximately 1400 sq ft) and furnished in a lavish Western style. Rooms are consistently described as "super large and beautiful". Each suite is equipped with every conceivable luxury, including a private hot spring bath, air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, a refrigerator, and free Wi-Fi. Some suites feature tatami areas, offering a blend of Japanese elegance and Western functionality, and can accommodate up to four guests with futons. Others include unique amenities like a theatre room with a screen projector. The property emphasizes comfort, achieving a perfect 10.0 rating for this aspect. Balconies, patios, or terraces are also common features, though guests with children are advised to confirm suitability due to these outdoor spaces.

4. Dining Experience

The dining at GEKKOJU YUFUIN is a significant highlight, offering an "artful fusion of Japanese and French traditions". Dinner is a luxurious creative Kaiseki meal, prepared with carefully selected ingredients from across Kyushu and tailored to individual guest preferences. Guests have praised the dinner as "superb" and the dishes, presentation, and taste as "excellent". Meals are primarily served as in-room dining, providing an exclusive and intimate experience. For guests staying multiple nights, a special sushi kaiseki can be enjoyed at the central restaurant, "Asagi," which features a six-seat counter where chefs prepare meals in front of the guests. Breakfast offers a choice between a nourishing Japanese breakfast or an elegant European-style morning plate, often featuring local ingredients like eggs from Hiji Town. All food and beverages within the room, including a selection of wines, are complimentary.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at GEKKOJU YUFUIN receive consistent high praise for their attentiveness and personalized approach. The concept revolves around "Your Relations," a refined version of a dedicated butler service where staff members are committed to making every moment of a guest's stay special. Guests are assigned a personal butler who assists with various requests, from travel planning and sightseeing suggestions to transportation from Yufuin Station (including rickshaw tours). The hospitality is described as "legendary" and flexible to accommodate diverse needs. Reviews highlight staff being "very attentive" and quickly responding to requests.

6. Location & Accessibility

GEKKOJU YUFUIN is a five-suite villa situated on the eastern fringes of Yufu, "practically in the shadow of the volcanic peak that is Yufudake". While offering a serene escape amidst nature, it maintains a well-balanced location for both sightseeing and wilderness enjoyment. The picturesque streets of Yufu and the surrounding regional landscapes are easily accessible. It is approximately 5 minutes by car from JR Yufuin Station. Guests can arrange for a complimentary shuttle service from Yufuin Station. Nearby attractions include Unaki Hime Shrine (450 meters) and Tenso Shrine (760 meters). Yufuin itself is a renowned hot spring resort town.

7. Value & Pricing

While GEKKOJU YUFUIN is an ultra-luxury property, guests frequently express that it is "totally worth the cost". The all-inclusive nature, encompassing in-room dining, beverages, butler service, and even in-room spa treatments, significantly contributes to this perceived value. Although specific price ranges are not explicitly stated in the provided snippets, the sentiment suggests that the comprehensive luxury experience justifies the premium pricing. It achieved a "value for money" rating of 9.9.

8. Common Complaints

Information regarding common complaints or recurring issues for GEKKOJU YUFUIN is scarce. The available guest feedback is overwhelmingly positive, with no significant recurring criticisms identified. Michelin Guide itself indicates "No verified stays yet" for guest scores, suggesting the property might be relatively new or has limited public reviews on their platform, while other platforms show very high satisfaction. One minor note from a general policy perspective is that outdoor spaces such as balconies, patios, and terraces "may not be suitable for children," and guests are advised to contact the property if this is a concern. Additionally, the property does not have elevators.