Yufuin, JapanChillTrip

City guideJapan

Yufuin

Yufuin travel guide · Asia

ContinentAsiaLanguageJapaneseCurrencyJPYLocal specialtyYuzukoshō (yuzu pepper condiment)Free to read

Yufuin is a charming hot spring resort town nestled in a lush green valley in Oita Prefecture, famous for having the second highest hot spring outflow in Japan. With an artsy vibe featuring avant-garde galleries, traditional crafts, and fancy cafés, it draws comparisons to Karuizawa as a fashionable retreat. The double-peaked Yufu-dake volcano looms over the town, welcoming more than three million visitors annually.

01

Best time to visit Yufuin

marchaprilmayoctobernovember

Spring offers lush greenery and mild temperatures ideal for walking and hiking, while autumn brings beautiful foliage around Lake Kinrinko and the surrounding valley.

02

What to see in Yufuin

Lake KinrinkoChillTrip
Must-see
01park

Lake Kinrinko

A small, picturesque lake at the east end of town, filled with fish and flanked by art galleries, tea houses, and the Shitanyu bath. A must-visit landmark and the natural endpoint of the town's main walking route.

FreeAbout 60 minnature & outdoorsculturerelaxation

Address1561-1 Yufuincho Kawakami, Yufu, Oita 879-5102, Japan

4.1/5 on Google

Opening hours+
  • SaturdayOpen 24 hours

Official websiteOpen in Google Maps

Yunotsubo KaidoChillTrip
Must-see
02neighborhood

Yunotsubo Kaido

An attractively retro-styled shopping street connecting Yufumi-dori to Lake Kinrinko, packed with restaurants, souvenir shops, and even a Ghibli store. One of the prime attractions in town.

FreeAbout 90 mincultureshoppingfood & dining

AddressYufuincho Kawakami, Yufu, Oita, Japan

3.9/5 on Google

Open in Google Maps

Yufuin StationChillTrip
03other

Yufuin Station

The main train station of Yufuin, serving as the central starting point for exploring the town. Features a footbath and luggage storage services for visitors.

FreeAbout 20 minculture

Address8-2 Yufuincho Kawakita, Yufu, Oita 879-5114, Japan

4.1/5 on Google

Official websiteOpen in Google Maps

Yufuin Art MuseumChillTrip
04museum

Yufuin Art Museum

A local art museum showcasing works in the artistic and culturally vibrant town of Yufuin.

Paid entryAbout 60 minculturehistory

Address*休館日は隔週水曜日です, 2995-1 Yufuincho Kawakami, Yufu, Oita 879-5102, Japan

4.5/5 on Google

Opening hours+
  • Saturday9:30 am–5 pm
  • Sunday9:30 am–5 pm
  • Monday9:30 am–5 pm
  • Tuesday9:30 am–5 pm
  • WednesdayClosed
  • Thursday9:30 am–5 pm
  • Friday9:30 am–5 pm

Official websiteOpen in Google Maps

ShitanyuChillTrip
Must-see
06other

Shitanyu

A traditional open-air hot spring bath located near Lake Kinrinko, one of the most atmospheric bathing spots in Yufuin.

Paid entryAbout 45 minrelaxationculture

AddressYufuinchō Kawakami, Yufu, Oita 879-5102, Japan

4.2/5 on Google

Opening hours+
  • Saturday10 am–8 pm
  • Sunday10 am–8 pm
  • Monday10 am–8 pm
  • Tuesday10 am–8 pm
  • Wednesday10 am–8 pm
  • Thursday10 am–8 pm
  • Friday10 am–8 pm

Open in Google Maps

03

Where to eat in Yufuin

Kinshō KorokkeChillTrip
01Japanese street food

Kinshō Korokke

Famous street food stall on Yunotsubo Kaido selling the 'Gold Medal Croquette', once voted the tastiest in all Japan. Offers the original and a wide range of flavors.

Price $Must tryGold Medal Croquette (Kinshō Korokke)

Address1481-7 Yufuincho Kawakami, Yufu, Oita 879-5102, Japan

3.9/5 on Google

Opening hours+
  • Saturday9 am–5:30 pm

Open in Google Maps

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04

Things to do in Yufuin

Mount Yufu

hikeFreeAbout 270 min

Hike to the top of the Yufu-dake volcano (1584m), see the crater, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding valley. The trail starts at Yufutozanguchi and takes 4 to 5 hours in total. The east peak is accessible to beginners while the west peak requires some climbing.

Yufuin Onsen

otherPaid entryAbout 60 min

Experience the famous hot spring baths of Yufuin, which boasts the second highest hot spring outflow in Japan. Multiple bathhouses are available throughout town.

Yufuin Horse Carriage Tour

tourPaid entryAbout 50 min

A scenic 50-minute horse carriage ride departing from Yufuin Station, operating from March to December up to 10 times per day. A charming and unique way to explore the town.

05

Where to go near Yufuin

Beppu

Train 1hBus 1hCar 45min

A comparatively larger and more commercial hot spring town just 25 km from Yufuin, famous for its 'hells' (jigoku) and diverse onsen experiences. Easily visited as a day trip.

Fukuoka

Train 2h15Bus 2h

A major city and transport hub in Kyushu, offering vibrant food culture, shopping, and easy access to international flights. A popular base for day trips to Yufuin.

Oita

Train 50minBus 55min

The prefectural capital of Oita, with an international airport offering flights to Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Seoul. A convenient gateway city for visiting Yufuin.

Aso

Bus 2h15

Home to one of the world's largest volcanic calderas, Mount Aso in Kumamoto Prefecture is a dramatic natural destination reachable from Yufuin by bus.

Kokonoe

A scenic town in Oita Prefecture known for its dramatic gorges, waterfalls, and the Kokonoe Yume suspension bridge, located near Yufuin.

Hita

A historic castle town in Oita Prefecture known for its preserved Edo-period merchant district and cormorant fishing on the Mikuma River.

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