Yufuin Onsen
Experience refined hot spring culture in a scenic mountain valley setting
Yufuin Onsen has been known as a hot spring area for over 1,000 years, with records dating back to the Heian period (794-1185). The town sits in a scenic basin surrounded by mountains, with the distinctive twin-peaked Mount Yufu (1,583 meters) dominating the landscape. Unlike many hot spring towns that developed around a single famous bathhouse, Yufuin evolved gradually as a collection of small inns and farmhouses offering thermal baths. The town remained relatively quiet and rural until the late 20th century.
In the 1970s-80s, local leaders made a conscious decision to develop Yufuin as an upscale, culturally-oriented hot spring destination rather than pursuing mass tourism. This visionary approach emphasized preserving natural scenery, promoting local arts and crafts, limiting large hotel development, and attracting sophisticated travelers seeking authentic experiences. The strategy succeeded brilliantly - Yufuin transformed into one of Japan's most desirable onsen destinations, famous for boutique ryokan, art galleries, farm-to-table cuisine, and refined atmosphere without the commercial excess common in larger hot spring resorts.
Today, Yufuin attracts over 4 million visitors annually despite its small size and remote location. The town maintains strict development controls to preserve its village character and scenic landscapes. The main street leading from Yufuin Station to Lake Kinrinko features art galleries, craft shops, cafes, and restaurants housed in traditional buildings. Yufuin has become synonymous with sophisticated hot spring culture, offering world-class ryokan accommodations (some costing ¥50,000+ per person per night), open-air baths with mountain views, and a refined rural atmosphere that contrasts sharply with urban hot spring resorts.
Key Highlights
- Scenic hot spring town beneath Mount Yufu's distinctive twin peaks
- Over 800 hot spring sources - second highest volume in Japan
- Boutique ryokan and luxury accommodations with mountain views
- Lake Kinrinko - picturesque lake with morning mist (October-March)
- Art galleries, craft shops, and cafes along main street
- Open-air baths and foot baths with scenic mountain backdrops
- Farm-to-table cuisine featuring local Bungo beef and vegetables
- Easy access: 90 minutes from Fukuoka, 2 hours from Beppu
Access Information
Location
Yufuin-cho, Yufu City, Oita 879-5102
Nearest Stations
- • Yufuin Station (JR Kyudai Line) - Main gateway, walking distance to all attractions
Opening Hours
Town accessible 24 hours. Shops and cafes: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (many close Tuesday/Wednesday). Public baths: 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM (varies by facility). Ryokan check-in typically 3:00 PM, check-out 10:00 AM.
Admission Fee
Public bath houses: ¥200-¥800. Foot baths: Free. Day-use baths at ryokan: ¥1,000-¥3,000 (reservation required). Overnight ryokan: ¥15,000-¥100,000 per person with meals (wide range from basic to luxury).
How to Get There
From Fukuoka (Hakata)
Take JR Limited Express Yufuin no Mori to Yufuin Station (2 hours 10 min, ¥4,390). Scenic train with large windows for mountain views. Reserve seats ahead - very popular.
2 hours
From Beppu
Take JR Kyudai Line to Yufuin Station (50 min, ¥650). Alternatively, expressway bus (50 min, ¥930) runs hourly between Beppu and Yufuin.
50 minutes
From Oita Airport
Direct bus to Yufuin (55 min, ¥1,550). 3-4 buses daily timed with flights. Advance reservation recommended.
55 minutes
Tips & Visiting Guide
Make the most of your visit with these helpful tips and guidelines.
Onsen Experience
Yufuin specializes in outdoor baths (rotenburo) with Mount Yufu views. Most high-end ryokan have private baths for guests. Public bathhouses like Shitanyu (¥200) offer affordable authentic experience. Day-use bathing at luxury ryokan requires reservation and costs ¥1,500-¥3,000. Water temperature varies 40-45°C. Quality slightly sulfuric with skin-smoothing properties.
Lake Kinrinko
Small scenic lake 20-minute walk from station. Famous for morning mist (October-March, 6:00-8:00 AM) when warm spring water meets cool air - ethereal photography opportunity. Walking path circles lake (15 minutes). Cafes with lake views. Less crowded than main street. Free admission.
Yunotubo Kaido Street
Main shopping street from station to Lake Kinrinko (1.5km). Art galleries, craft shops, bakeries, ice cream shops, cafes. B-Speak roll cake shop has long queues (arrive early or skip). Many shops close Tuesday/Wednesday - check ahead. Boutique shopping with local crafts and foods. Allow 2-3 hours to explore leisurely.
Dining & Local Specialties
Bungo beef (local wagyu) featured at many restaurants (¥3,000-¥10,000). Farm-to-table vegetables from local producers. Craft beer at local breweries. Pudding and sweets popular souvenirs. Most ryokan include elaborate kaiseki dinners. Lunch spots along main street (¥1,500-¥3,500). Reserve popular restaurants ahead.
Accommodation Strategy
Ryokan rates vary wildly (¥15,000-¥100,000 per person with meals). Book well ahead for weekends and peak seasons. Midweek and winter (except New Year) offer better availability and rates. Some luxury ryokan require 2-night minimum on weekends. Budget options exist but limited - consider staying Beppu and day-tripping to Yufuin.
Getting Around Yufuin
Most attractions within walking distance of station (Lake Kinrinko 20 min walk, furthest point). Compact town easily explored on foot. Rental bicycles available at station (¥500-¥1,000/day) - pleasant for scenic rides. Taxis available but rarely needed unless staying at distant ryokan. Horse-drawn carriage tours available (¥3,000, touristy).
Suggested Itinerary
Day trip viable (arrive 11:00 AM, depart 5:00 PM) but rushed. Overnight stay recommended to enjoy evening/morning baths and relaxed pace. Typical: Arrive midday, walk main street, visit Lake Kinrinko, check in ryokan 3:00 PM, dinner and baths evening, morning bath and Lake Kinrinko mist viewing, check out 10:00 AM. 1-2 nights ideal.
Yufuin vs Beppu
Both in Oita Prefecture, 50 minutes apart, very different characters. Yufuin: upscale, scenic, boutique, refined, expensive. Beppu: larger, affordable, variety of bath types, more tourist-oriented. Many travelers combine both: stay cheaper in Beppu, day-trip to Yufuin. Or splurge one night luxury ryokan in Yufuin, then move to Beppu. Both worthwhile for different reasons.
FAQ
How does Yufuin compare to Beppu?
Yufuin offers a more refined, quiet atmosphere focused on boutique ryokan, cafes, galleries, and upscale dining. Beppu is larger and more diverse with dramatic hell tours and various bath types. Yufuin suits couples and those seeking tranquil retreat. Beppu offers more variety and activity.
Can I visit Yufuin as a day trip?
Yes, day trips are popular from nearby cities. However, Yufuin's charm is best experienced staying overnight at a ryokan with private baths, kaiseki dinners, and tranquil morning atmosphere. Day visitors can still enjoy public baths, shops, cafes, and scenery, but miss the full onsen town experience.
What is Lake Kinrinko?
A small, scenic lake on Yufuin's outskirts, famous for morning mist rising from the water in cool months. The walk around the lake takes about 20 minutes and provides peaceful nature in town. Early morning visits (sunrise to 9am in autumn/winter) offer the most atmospheric mist views.
Are there good public day-use onsen in Yufuin?
Yes, several bathhouses offer day-use bathing (typically 500-1,000 yen). Notable options include Shitanyu and Yufuin Onsen Kaido bathhouses. Many ryokan also offer day-use bathing for higher fees. Yufuin's waters are clear and smooth, with most baths offering mountain views.
What is the main shopping street like?
Yunotsubo Kaido is Yufuin's charming main street lined with boutiques, cafes, sweets shops, galleries, and souvenir stores. It's less commercialized than many tourist areas, maintaining tasteful aesthetic. Popular for strolling and shopping for crafts, local foods, and unique items. Can get crowded on weekends.
What is Yufuin's tattoo policy?
Policies vary by facility. Many upscale ryokan prohibit tattoos in communal baths but offer private baths for all guests. Some public baths allow small tattoos. Day-use facilities have varying policies. Always check when booking. Private baths are widely available, making Yufuin relatively tattoo-friendly.
How long should I spend in Yufuin?
One night captures the essential experience—onsen bathing, kaiseki dinner, shopping on Yunotsubo Kaido, and Lake Kinrinko stroll. Two nights allow a more relaxed pace. Day trips work but miss the overnight ryokan experience. Most visitors do one-night stays.
When is the best season to visit?
Each season has appeal. Spring brings fresh greenery and flowers. Summer can be hot but offers festival atmosphere. Autumn (October-November) provides beautiful foliage and morning lake mist. Winter bathing in outdoor baths with mountain snow views is magical. Spring and autumn are most popular.
How do I get to Yufuin?
JR limited express trains from Hakata (Fukuoka) take about 2 hours. From Beppu, local trains take 50 minutes. Some tourists do a Fukuoka-Yufuin-Beppu routing. Having a car provides flexibility but isn't essential as the town is walkable and well-connected by train.
What local foods should I try?
Yufuin is known for quality local produce. Try onsen tamago (eggs slow-cooked in hot spring water), local wagyu beef, mountain vegetables, and river fish. Sweets include pudding, cakes, and traditional Japanese confections. Many cafes and restaurants emphasize fresh, local, seasonal ingredients.
Nearby Attractions
Explore more wonderful destinations in the same prefecture.
Beppu Hells
A collection of spectacular hot spring viewing areas featuring vivid colors, boiling mud pools, and steaming geysers. These 'jigoku' (hells) are too hot for bathing but offer unique geothermal landscapes.
Beppu Onsen Town
Japan's largest hot spring resort with eight distinct onsen districts, colorful 'Hells' (jigoku), sand baths, mud baths, and over 2,000 hot spring sources.
Kuju Flower Park
A spectacular highland flower park at 850m elevation featuring 5 million seasonal blooms against the backdrop of the majestic Kuju Mountain Range.