2025 Yufuin Onsen Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in June)

Escape the bustling crowds and commercialized attractions of Tokyo this summer and embark on a reverse travel adventure to Kyushu! Here, you'll find Japan's hidden gems—volcanic eruptions, serene forests, and gentle sea breezes—that will fill your heart with tranquility and wonder. ⭕ Suggested Itinerary: A journey full of surprises Fukuoka → Saga → Kumamoto → Kagoshima → Miyazaki → Oita → Fukuoka 🌋 Dive into a real-life "Journey to the Center of the Earth" * Volcanoes (Kagoshima): Take a ferry to see lava remnants up close and even dig up hot spring-steamed sand bath eggs—a must for volcano enthusiasts! * (Kumamoto): Ride a helicopter to view the massive volcanic crater from above, or gallop across the grassy plains of Kusasenri to experience the awe of Earth's "wounds." * Beppu Hell Hot Springs (Oita): Embark on a unique tour of eight extraordinary hot springs known as the "Hell Tour." 🌲 Retreat into the forest for fresh air and relaxation * Takachiho Gorge (Miyazaki): Paddle a small boat deep into the canyon's hidden beauty and watch sunlight pierce through towering waterfalls. * Yufuin (Oita): Hop aboard the Yufuin no Mori train to explore a fairytale-like town surrounded by forests reminiscent of Studio Ghibli animations. 🌊 Encounter breathtaking coastal landscapes * Aoshima Shrine (Miyazaki): Marvel at the natural "Devil's Washboard" rock formations and pray for safe voyages—perfect for stunning photos. * Nichinan Coast (Miyazaki): Discover replica Easter Island Moai statues for a quirky and offbeat experience. * Itoshima Couple Rocks (Fukuoka): Admire the white torii gate standing in the sea and the mesmerizing orange sunset over the ocean. 🐾 Enter a world of adorable animals * Ainoshima Cat Island (Fukuoka): Bring some treats and befriend a group of affectionate cats—become the "island master" for a day! 🚗 Sample Itinerary D1: Fukuoka Airport * Beppu Hell Hot Springs Tour D2: Beppu - Yufuin * Tsurumi Mountain Cable Car - Yufuin Observatory - Art Museum - Fairytale Town D3: Mount Aso - Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine - Takachiho Gorge - Stay in Kumamoto * Helicopter volcano tour - Kusasenri - Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine - Takachiho Gorge D4: Kumamoto * Dolphin watching in Matsushima - Visit Misumi Station D5: Kumamoto - Kagoshima * Kagoshima - Sakurajima - Active volcano sightseeing experience D6: Return trip

Hotaru no Yado Sendou (ほたるの宿 仙洞) 📍 2634-1 Yufuincho Kawakami, Yufu, Oita 879-5102, Japan 🕒 Check-in: 3:00 PM / Check-out: 11:00 AM ♨ 24-hour hot spring access / Private family baths available / Open-air baths included 🍻 Unlimited beer refill machine available 🌅 Walking distance to Lake Kinrinko / Highly recommended for early morning strolls --- ✔ Overall Review ✔ Reasonable package – Includes ryokan stay and kaiseki meal at a satisfying price ✔ Traditional ambiance – Harmonious blend of tiled roofs, wooden interiors, and lanterns ✔ Clean and delicious meals – Perfect dining experience with chicken shabu-shabu and local sake ✔ Convenient location near Lake Kinrinko – Ideal for early morning walks --- 🛏️ Accommodation & Hot Springs From the moment you step in, it feels like a fairytale setting! The tiled roofs, wooden interiors, cozy rooms, and hot spring baths exude charm. Both indoor and open-air baths are accessible 24/7, and despite the summer heat, the hot springs were incredibly rejuvenating. --- 🍽️ Dinner & Breakfast The kaiseki dinner features chicken shabu-shabu as the main dish! Served with a clean broth and an array of refined side dishes, it was a delightful meal. Local sake added to the atmosphere, and the staff even took commemorative photos, which were gifted upon check-out. Breakfast was equally satisfying! The rice was so delicious that I ended up having two bowls 🍚 --- 🌅 Early Morning at Lake Kinrinko Lake Kinrinko is within walking distance from the ryokan. Visiting early in the morning, the mist-covered lake offered a stunning and dreamlike view. After a morning stroll, the breakfast tasted even better! --- 💬 TIP Although Yufuin Station is a bit far, taxis are available. An early morning walk at Lake Kinrinko is a must! Private family baths are recommended for those seeking a more intimate hot spring experience.

A bakery shop with a forest🌳 x Miffy🐰 theme Miffy Mori no Kitchen & Bakery Yufuin A full menu of Miffy limited edition breads that are too cute to eat, soft serve ice cream, Miffy drinks, and more A photogenic eat-in space where you can eat surrounded by lots of Miffys Miffy was so cute 15 minutes walk from JR Kyudai Main Line Yufuin Station 1503-8 Kawakamisonoda, Yufuin-cho, Yufu City, Oita Prefecture 9:30-17:30 #100 Travel Style #Yufuin #Yufuin Cafe #Miffy #Miffy Bakery #Miffy Cafe #Yufuin Trip #Yufuin #Yufuin Cafe

📍Trip Overview A 3-night, 4-day trip from Korea to Fukuoka and Oita with a total of 7 people: 4 adults and 3 children (preschoolers). 🎡Desired Activities - Meals suitable for children - Meat, tempura rice bowls, sushi - Sanrio attractions - Hot springs - African Safari 🚩Itinerary [Day 1] Incheon → Fukuoka Canal City exploration, lunch: udon Ohori Park exploration, including Kujira Park. Rest at Starbucks. Dinner: motsunabe at Ooyama Main Store ▲ Stay at Henn na Hotel Hakata (Conveniently located near a rental car company and Don Quijote.) [Day 2] Drive to Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine Explore Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, lunch: eel from Kyoto Drive towards Oita Encountered a minor issue, visited Beppu's Jigoku Meguri (Hell Tour) planned for Day 3 instead. Purchased tickets for two locations only. Shopping at a supermarket before heading to the accommodation. ▲ Stay at Sansou Shikian (Unexpectedly, about 70% of the guests were Korean. The atmosphere felt authentically Japanese and was enjoyable.) [Day 3] African Safari tour by private car. Animal interaction (2-hour stay). Yufuin's Yunotsubo Kaido Street exploration, lunch: casual street food. Drive back to Hakata. Dinner: yakiniku at One Karubi ▲ Stay at Dormy Inn Hakata (Personally, the location was not ideal, but the children enjoyed the large public bath.) [Day 4] Free time in Hakata (each family explored separately). Hakata → Incheon 🏖️Highlights Sansou Shikian is apparently well-known among Koreans. Located in the mountains without shuttle services, it was fortunate to visit. Guests enjoyed wearing yukata and experiencing Japanese culture. Additionally, the meals were excellent in both quantity and quality, making the stay worthwhile. ☔️Lessons Learned Not having an ETC card meant we couldn’t exit at the smart IC indicated by the navigation system, leading to detours. If you don’t have an ETC card, turn off smart IC guidance. Hakata has too many delicious options to try them all. Popular restaurants often have lines even on weekdays, so plan accordingly. 📝Final Thoughts Fukuoka and Oita are evidently very popular among Koreans, as seen during this trip. Next time, including attractions like dolphin shows, which are less common in Korea, might be a good idea.

Taking advantage of cheap flight tickets, I went on a solo trip to Fukuoka and Yufuin!✈️ Let me introduce you to some of the most amazing spots I visited! 1. Kinrin Lake: You absolutely must visit during sunset! The reflection of the sunset on the buildings creates a breathtaking view☀️ 2. Momochi Beach: It's beautiful anytime, but I recommend going in the evening! The lights on the buildings create a dreamy and enchanting atmosphere.ㅠ

Enjoy Snoopy's 4-panel comics in chocolate form! Kyoto-based chocolate brand SNOOPY Chocolat Yufuin The store is filled with cute Snoopy illustrations! Recommended! Tablet chocolates themed around various "forms of love" depicted in the world of PEANUTS, such as "sweet and bittersweet romance," "friendship with cherished friends," "family love," and "self-care." The chocolates are designed as 4-panel comics and are super cute! At the Yufuin store, stories featuring Snoopy's friends like Woodstock and the rabbits, focusing on their friendships, are highlighted. Even the paid shopping bags are adorable and highly recommended! Address: 1540-2 Kawakami, Yufuin-cho, Yufu City, Oita Prefecture Hours: 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM

A 2 half hour Limited Express Train to Yufuin - Rural yet trendy. Another fantastic getaway destination we saw on korean blogs - absolutely charming though was less well-known compared to Beppu Onsen, Yufuin was enchanting in its rights. After checking in the hotel, We walked along the street filled with little restaurants, cafes and craft shops. Almost every little souvenir shops amused me with its beautiful decors and cute packaging and we spent a lot of time taking photos with Mount Yufu at the background. One of my favourites is Yufuin Floral Village and there you would find mini-farm, owl forest zoo cat cafe and many shops , among others, allowing us to take photos in every corner and every few seconds. There were art museums , boutiques - suitable for those who appreciate art or wanted to learn about a new culture. There were many rice paddies and farm houses too. Lake Kinrinko was an iconic sight see, with small shops and cafes, and a small shrine around it. The lake had clear waters , filled with koi fishes, surrounded by lush greenery and a beautiful torii gate right in the water. It was absolutely stunning. Soon, the night falls and we decided to route back, following the small canal that ran from the lake, back to our hotel. The walk was a lttle longer but it was scenic and beautiful. The traditional Japanese hotel that we stayed had a private onsen which we booked for a good 50 mins. It had a large open-air bath and an indoor bath. We were able to use both. I love bath especially so , knowing that the hot springs renowned for their beneficial effects. The next day, we got up early to Lake Kinrinko again as we wanted to soak in the breathtaking scenery which was very therapeutic for us, before taking a train back to Hakata.

#cityplaybook #familytrip #localguides #stunningview Post: Tucked between rolling hills and watched over by twin-peaked Mount Yufu, the charming town of Yufuin offers a more tranquil, artistic take on Japan’s onsen culture. Just a short train ride from Beppu, Yufuin feels worlds apart—gentle, scenic, and filled with creativity. My first impression was how walkable and relaxed the town felt. Yunotsubo Kaido, the main street, was lined with boutique cafés, local craft shops, and art galleries, all with a backdrop of rice fields and misty mountains. I sipped matcha lattes, sampled handmade sweets, and browsed shelves of pottery and glasswork—all crafted with care. The centerpiece of the town is Kinrin Lake, where warm spring water meets cooler mountain streams, creating a soft morning mist that hovers like a dream. I went early, just after sunrise—the reflections of trees and Mount Yufu were perfectly mirrored in the still water. Peaceful doesn’t even begin to describe it. I stayed in a ryokan with a private outdoor onsen, soaking under the stars with the scent of cypress in the air. Yufuin’s hot springs are gentle on the skin, and the mountain views made the experience unforgettable. Art lovers will find inspiration here too—Museums like the Marc Chagall Yufuin Kinrin Lake Museum and quirky local galleries blend seamlessly into the landscape. Best Time to Visit: Spring (March–May) for cherry blossoms and clear views of Mount Yufu, or autumn (October–November) for golden fields and vibrant foliage. Helpful Tips: Visit early in the day to enjoy quiet streets before tour groups arrive. Pack comfortable shoes—Yufuin is best explored on foot. Try onsen pudding—a silky, rich dessert steamed in natural hot spring heat. Location: Yufuin, Ōita, Japan Hashtags: #YufuinMoments #KinrinLakeMagic #MountainOnsen #HiddenKyushu #ArtAndNature #YunotsuboKaido #JapaneseRetreat #MountYufuViews #PeacefulJapan #OnsenLife

📍Travel Introduction You can get to Yufuin in about 2 hours and 30 minutes by train from Fukuoka! 🚇 If you want to enjoy the romance of a train trip, How about taking some time to visit Yufuin? 🚩Travel route and landmarks 🏖️ 1. Arrive at Yufuin Station • Arrive by Yufuin no Mori train or bus (about 2~2.5 hours from Fukuoka) 2. Yunotsubo Kaido • Main street of Yufuin • Lots of souvenir shops, dessert shops, and sentimental cafes • Must-eat snacks: Golden croquette, cheesecake, matcha soft serve 3. Floral Village • A themed street with a European-style small town feel • Lots of photo spots like in a fairy tale • There are also cat cafes and owl cafes 4. Kinrin-ko Lake • The symbolic lake of Yufuin • Fantastic scenery, especially when the morning fog rises • Great for walking along the nearby trails 5. Check-in at a ryokan & hot springs • Yufuin is famous for its ryokans! • Healing time in the open-air bath attached to the guest room or public hot spring • Dinner with kaiseki cuisine 🚇Transportation 1. How to get from Fukuoka to Yufuin ① Yufuin no Mori Train – Recommended! • Fukuoka (Hakata Station) ↔ Yufuin Station • Time required: approximately 2 hours 10 minutes • A retro-style sightseeing train, a sentimental start to your Yufuin trip • Advance reservation required (JR Kyushu Pass available) ② Highway bus • Hakata Bus Terminal ↔ Yufuin Station • Time required: approximately 2 hours 20 minutes • Cheaper and more convenient than the train, but a little less sentimental ③ Rental car (if you can drive) • Rental car rental at Fukuoka Airport or near the station • Time required: approximately 2 hours • Free travel to surrounding areas (Beppu, Kurokawa, etc.) 📷Photo spot Take lots of cute pictures at Kinrinko Lake and Yutsunobo Street ♥️📸 You absolutely must take a commemorative photo right in front of Yufuin Station 👏👏 🍜Recommended restaurants 1. B-speak (Roll Cake) • Legendary Yufuin dessert! • Moist and soft whipped cream roll cake is popular • It sells out early, so we recommend going in the morning • Takeout only 2. Gold Prize Croquette (金賞コロッケ) • Yunotsubo Street's representative snack • Crispy fried batter + moist potato and meat harmony • Perfect street food to eat while walking 3. Snoopy Tea House (Snoopy Tea House) • Cute Snoopy-themed cafe • Matcha latte, desserts, and goods are cute and delicious • Popular as a photo zone 4. Yufumabushi Shin (由布まぶし 心) • Yufuin's No. 1 set meal restaurant! • Style of eating beef/eel/chicken on top of rice • Finish with soup and ochazuke • Long wait, but worth it 5. Tan’s Bar (Bar & Café by B-speak) • Emotional cafe and bar • Relaxing brunch with roll cake and coffee/wine • Good for resting in a quiet atmosphere 🏠Recommended accommodations ✅Hasu Wine A cost-effective accommodation in the 100,000 won range on weekdays that includes dinner and breakfast 💡Notes The train takes a long time and can be delayed, so rather than being impatient for one night or two days, come with a generous mind of 2 nights and 3 days #Yufuin #FukuokaTravel #Yufuin2Nights #YufuinTravelCourse #FukuokaSuburbsTravel #FukuokaSuburbs #JapanTravel #JapanTravelRecommendations

Yufuin - Yufudake I went to Yufuin Musouen for 150,000 won for 2 people, which was very cost-effective. It was so pretty and the hot springs were so good. I really recommend it.

#cherryblossom25 Yufuin, located in Ōita Prefecture on Japan’s southern island of Kyushu, is a charming hot spring town nestled at the base of Mount Yufu. During cherry blossom season—typically from late March to early April—Yufuin transforms into a peaceful and picturesque destination with sakura trees blooming along rivers, paths, and near traditional ryokan inns. Cherry Blossom Highlights in Yufuin: • Kinrinko Lake is one of the best viewing spots, where you can see cherry blossoms reflecting off the tranquil water, often with light mist in the early morning. • The Yufuin Floral Village and surrounding countryside paths also feature scattered cherry trees with a backdrop of mountains and rolling fields. • Unlike the crowded urban spots, Yufuin offers a more serene and intimate hanami (flower viewing) experience, enhanced by the town’s quaint streets, art museums, and natural hot springs.

yufuin is a lovely city that you must visit if you come to Fukuoka. It took about three hours in total + another hour and a half to queue for roast beef 😂 The lake is really beautiful and there is fog. You can bring children and the elderly because it is not steep at all. Tip ×Bring an umbrella or raincoat. The weather goes up and down. ××There are quite a few people staying overnight in Yufuin. I heard Japanese people say that it is famous for its onsen. ×××You can come by train and bus. I recommend booking in advance. 2-3 days in advance is better if you book more because it fills up quickly. Book both the outbound and return trips. There is a place to leave your luggage in front of the station, but it seems like you have to fight for it. Fight with Chinese and Koreans. ××××The grilled matsutake mushroom shop is delicious. The roast beef rice is really amazing. It was worth waiting in line for an hour and a half. There was a queue outside and there was also a queue winding up on the stairs.🤣👌 #Get a discount without relying on luck

Day 2 🗓️ Traffic strategy: driving 🚗 Must-see destinations: Kurokawa Onsen, Yufuin, and downtown Fukuoka Recommended hotel: Tianshen Oriental Express (the hotel also offers welcoming liquor) Must-eat food: You must eat Fukuoka domestic beef! Shopping guide: Tenjin shopping district underground street is super fun to visit, and there is also Shintenmachi above There are also some limited editions of various chain clothing brands, loft items, and souvenirs. There are also a lot of places to buy them at Hakata Station!

#Spring0yentrip The day I visited Yufuin was sunny, and Mount Yufu was clearly visible. After leaving the station, I walked along Yunotsubo Kaido, where stylish cafes and general stores lined the streets, and while it had the bustle of a tourist spot, it also had a somewhat calming atmosphere. On the way, I stopped at Lake Kinrin, where the mountains and sky were reflected on the calm water, making for a view that made me want to stare at it for a while. I also went into the hot spring, and the temperature of the water was just right, and I warmed myself to the core while looking at the view outside. Overall, I got the impression that it was a place where you could relax in nature, and I think the charm of Yufuin is that you can enjoy both walking around the town and the hot springs. It was a place where I felt the time passing slowly, and it was very relaxing.

#springwander Exploring the charming town of Yufuin, where nature, culture, and relaxation come together perfectly. Stroll through the picturesque streets lined with quaint shops and cozy cafés, soak in the soothing hot springs, and take in breathtaking views of Mount Yufu. From the serene Kinrin Lake to unique art museums, every corner of Yufuin feels like a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re indulging in delicious local treats or simply enjoying the peaceful atmosphere, this little town in Oita is a must-visit destination for an unforgettable getaway! #yufuin

This October, I visited Yufuin, a hot spring town in Japan. I expected it to be a quiet place with a healing atmosphere in nature, but when I actually went there, it was a really charming place. As soon as I got off at Yufuin Station, I felt the quiet town atmosphere. When I left the station, Yunotsubo Street continued, and it was fun to look around because there were many traditional shops and pretty cafes. I especially recommend trying Yufuin’s specialty roll cake and matcha soft ice cream. As I walked slowly while enjoying the sweet desserts, I soon arrived at Kinrinko Lake. Thanks to the clear weather, the lake was sparkling in the sunlight, and it blended in with the surrounding scenery to create a picture. There were small shrines and traditional tea houses around the lake, so I took a break and had a cup of tea, and I was able to spend a leisurely time in the quiet atmosphere. Since Yufuin is famous for its hot springs, I enjoyed it to the fullest by staying at a hot spring ryokan. Soaking in the warm hot spring water and looking out at nature made me feel like all the fatigue from my trip had disappeared. After the hot spring, I also used skin care products made from Yufuin's specialty products, and my skin felt smoother. Overall‼️ Yufuin was a quiet town where nature and tradition were in harmony. I was able to enjoy not only the hot springs, but also delicious food and pretty streets, and I was able to enjoy a full day. I want to visit again next time and experience another charm of Yufuin!

#JanuaryTravelSupportEvent I went on a bus tour to Yuin this time and it was really, really great. I recommend that you all go there at least once. It was a Korean tour so it was really nice that they explained it in Korean. And the photos that Koreans take are really good. The photos were also well-edited.

#Honeymoon spot 💚 Yufuin: Yufuin City, Japan A small, lovely, charming and romantic tourist town Yufuin City is located in Oita Prefecture. If you are visiting the Kyushu region or visiting Fukuoka, you should not miss it. I want you to add it to your must-visit list. 🩵 A city suitable for visiting and honeymooning We went in February, which is the end of winter. The weather is cool, with temperatures in the single digits. If there is wind, it will be freezing. 🧡 The cool atmosphere makes the trees a bit dry. Waiting for spring to come, it is a romantic cold. Mixed with a small charming town like Yufuin. ❤️ Highlights in Yufuin City - Yufuin Pedestrian Street, there are many shops along the way. With a mountain backdrop - Yufuin Floral Village, a village of myths with souvenirs for sale. There are animals to see. - Kinrin Lake - Shrine by the lake - Chic cafes and restaurants - Hot spring spots - Museums 💙 How to get to Yufuin City If you drive a car or take a tour bus, there will be a parking lot. Or if you come by train like us, if you want to sit in a limited seat, The olive green train must reserve a seat because it fills up very quickly. Or you can take a regular train without a seat reservation. Get off at Yufuin Station. It takes about 2 hours from Hakata. 💜 Location 8-2 Yufuin City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu Region #TravelJapan #Yufuin #Fukuoka

#January travel support event I went on a bus tour from Fukuoka to Yufuin this timeㅜ It felt like a lot of people go there for independent travelㅜ I went there too and Jeongmaru was so so great I really recommend that you all go there onceㅜ There were so many different things to see. It was a place I wanted to go again.

#JapanAirlineEvent 🍽️ Enjoying a hot spring breakfast by the window, healing itself 🛁 When you greet the morning at a hot spring resort, sitting by the window and enjoying breakfast is a really special feeling. The moment you eat an American-style breakfast while watching the steam of warm hot spring water flowing, all your busy daily life disappears and becomes a perfect healing.

Ancient village like in a fairy tale located in the middle of a beautiful poetic valley.⛩️

#JanuaryTravelSupportEvent #YufuinTravel After a very leisurely day, I visited the last izakaya, Jotosakiya, before leaving Yufuin I wanted to visit Tama Izakaya, but it was already full, so I went there in a hurry The atmosphere was clean, the food was delicious, and it was a good izakaya to have a light beerㅎㅎ In particular, the kushikatsu was really delicious❤️

#January travel support event Yufuin Shiba Cafe Mameshiba I wasn't interested at first, but my friend said she really wanted to go, so I put it on my schedule As soon as I entered the cafe, there were so many cute Shiba dogs gathered together,,,❤️ It's hard to manage a lot of dogs, but Mameshiba was really clean and didn't have the typical doggy smell More than anything, it was so nice to see the staff know each Shiba's name and play with them with loveㅠㅠ In particular, the coffee didn't leave my side for 2 hours😚

#January travel support event #Yufuin restaurants After finishing the hot springs at Yufuin Musouen, before going back to the accommodation, we went to Amamichaya, a Japanese home-style restaurant, for lunch. The interior of the restaurant is completely Japanese, and the home-style food was neatly presented!!! There was rice cake in the miso soup, and the combination was better than I thought! I like rice cakes, so I ordered rice cake injeolmi separately, and it was chewy and delicious. To finish, I had a Limune drink! If you are looking for a home-style restaurant that many locals in Yufuin visit, I recommend this place.

#JanuaryTravelSupportEvent #YufuinRestaurants Most of the shops in Yufuin close after 5pm, so I went to an izakaya in Yufuin early for dinnerㅎ It's an izakaya that more Japanese locals than Koreans visit, so I had a hard time ordering, but the owner was kind, and above all, the price-to-performance ratio was really good!! I ate assorted sashimi and karaage with a friend, and I think it didn't even cost 40,000 wonㅎ It was a good restaurant to end a day of travel with a cold beer and delicious snacksㅎ

Beppu is famous, but Yufuin is no less. It is also very popular with Koreans. There are Koreans everywhere. So it is very convenient for traveling. There is a beautiful lake and many delicious restaurants. In addition, it is relatively close, so it is easy to reach from Korea. #2025Overseas Travel Event

#2025 Overseas Travel Event There is a Totoro goods shop in Yufuin, a city near Fukuoka, Japan. There are various photo zones decorated with Totoro from the moment you enter the store, making it a holy place for nerds. Photography is prohibited inside, so there are no pictures, but the variety of goods is really diverse.

#2025 Overseas Travel Event Lake Kinrinko in Yufuin, Japan is a representative tourist attraction in Yufuin and is visited by many tourists. The lake water is clear and the view of Mt. Yufudake in the background changes with the seasons, so the scenery is always beautiful. Between dawn and morning, the water fog creates a mysterious appearance.