Things to do in Yufuin Onsen

No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Oita Prefecture

KYUSHU RAILWAY COMPANY

The Yufuin Forest Sightseeing Train takes about two and a half hours to connect the bustling city of Hakata with the hot spring resort of Beppu in Kyushu. The emerald green appearance of the train is eccentric, galloping in the forest plateau like a flying fairy. Warm wood-colored interiors look classic and natural. Passing through the quiet and pleasant Yufuin along the route, her purity, uniqueness, and enthusiasm are vividly displayed on this sightseeing train, and it is a completely idyllic scene. The beautiful natural scenery along the way and the green body echo each other, which is very harmonious. From the step of stepping into the forest of Yufuin, the dreamy leisure journey has already begun.

2026 Global 50 - Hot Springs Attractions

Yufuin Onsen

Yufuin Onsen is located at the foot of Mount Yufu. The spring water is primarily simple thermal water, and many inns in the town feature open-air baths, allowing you to enjoy a soak while gazing at the peaks of Mount Yufu. Japanese-style inns, cafes, general stores, and art museums are scattered along the streets and alleys. The Yunotsubo Street, which leads from the station to Lake Kinrin, is the town's main walking route. Along the way, dessert shops, craft stores, and cafes are lined up, with traditional wooden buildings interspersed with rural fields. Lake Kinrin at the end of the street is an iconic sight here—hot spring water gushes from the west side of the lake bed, while cold spring water flows from the east. The meeting of warm and cool water often causes a thin mist to rise over the lake on fall and winter mornings, with the reflections of mountains and trees shimmering on the surface.

No. 1 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Oita Prefecture

Lake Kinrin

Lake Kinrin is one of the representative sightseeing spots in the Yufuin area. It is located at the foot of Mount Yufu. It was formerly known as Yuexia Pond. Later, a Confucian scholar saw the lake glittering like fish scales under the setting sun, and it was renamed Lake Kinrin from then on. In addition to the runoff injected by Yubuyue, there are also natural springs at the bottom of the lake, so Lake Kinrin is actually half a hot spring lake. In winter, the hot spring water meets the icy lake water to produce fog, which lingers around the lake and mountains, like a dream.

No. 2 of Hot Springs Attractions in Oita Prefecture

Yufuin Area

Yufuin Street is an area famous for its hot springs, natural scenery and artistic atmosphere. Surrounded by mountains, the scenery varies in each season. Kinrin Lake is an iconic attraction, especially the lake surface in the morning mist, which looks like a fairyland. The food here is famous for its fresh ingredients and unique flavors. There are many specialty shops and many handicraft workshops where you can experience the production yourself. Yufuin Museum of Art displays modern Japanese art and is suitable for art lovers. Yufuin Street has a unique flavor at night and is even more charming under the embellishment of lights. As a well-known hot spring area, the hot spring water here is of excellent quality, and there are many hot spring hotels and public baths, providing a wealth of bathing options. This is a treasure area that combines nature, art, food and hot springs. Whether you want to relax or explore culture, you can find your own fun here.

Yufuin Floral Village

Yufuin Floral Village is renowned for its beautiful flowers and enchanting scenery. Surrounded by mountains and dense forests, the village offers opportunities to explore art shops and enjoy meals at restaurants and cafes.

Mount Yufu

Mount Yufu is an active volcano located nearYufuin. With a peak height of approx. 1583m, it has a conical shape, which is why it is also known as Bungo Fuji. When the weather is nice, you can go hiking. There are routes designed for beginner to intermediate hikers, so you can fully enjoy the experience.

Yufuin Stained Glass Museum

The paintings of painter Chagall displayed in the Yufuin Kinrinko Art Museum are colorful and full of compassion in the fantasy world, making people indulge in a peaceful and serene realm. After viewing the collections in the museum, you must go to the cafe on the first floor to experience it. It is no exaggeration to say that this is a beautiful place to appreciate Jinlin Lake.

Yunotsubo Kaido

Yunoping Street is a lively commercial street connecting Yufuin Station to Kinrin Lake. All kinds of shops with different styles and full of small fresh style are lined along the street, selling a dazzling array of exquisite small items, local souvenirs, delicious snacks, attracting tourists from all over the world, making the not spacious shopping street even more lively. There is also a "Snoopy Chaliao" on Tangzhiping Street, which is said to be the first Snoopy-themed restaurant in the world. The store offers Japanese-style refreshments and light meals. Super cute Snoopy can be seen everywhere on muffins, cakes, ice cream, matcha drinks, curry, and omelette.

Yufuin Showa Museum

Tenso shrine (next to Kirin lake )

There is a small water torii on the side of Kinrin Lake. Surrounded by thick fog, it seems to be floating in the air, which is very interesting. Behind the torii is the Tenzu Shrine, which is simple and elegant, and you can take a look at it when you visit Jinlin Lake.