Best Things To Do In Yufuin: A Hot Spring Lover's Itinerary
2026/03/25
Yufuin sits in a quiet river basin in Oita Prefecture, with steam rising from hot springs and Mount Yufu watching over the town. It's the kind of place where the main activity is simply walking, soaking, and eating—exactly what a hot spring getaway should be.
This guide covers the best things to do in Yufuin, from the misty shores of Kinrin Lake to the street food stalls of Yunotsubo Kaido, plus how to get there, where to stay, and what to expect from your first onsen experience.
Yufuin is a small hot spring town in Oita Prefecture, home to 5,090 hot spring sources and Japan's highest flow rate, tucked into a flat river basin with Mount Yufu rising behind it. The town is walkable, quiet, and built around natural thermal waters—what the Japanese call onsen. You can cover the main attractions on foot in a single afternoon, though most visitors find the pace here inviting enough to stay longer.
What sets Yufuin apart from nearby Beppu is the atmosphere. Beppu is larger, louder, and packed with hot spring variety. Yufuin, on the other hand, feels like a retreat. The streets are lined with small galleries, craft shops, and cafes rather than neon signs and tour buses. If you're looking for a first onsen experience or a slower day in Kyushu, Yufuin delivers without overwhelming you.
Yunotsubo Kaido runs about 1.5 kilometers from Yufuin Station to Kinrin Lake, and it's where most of the action happens. The street is narrow, pedestrian-friendly, and packed with local craft shops, street food vendors, and small cafes. You'll find handmade pottery, local snacks, and plenty of places to stop and eat as you walk.
The crowds build by late morning, especially on weekends and holidays. If you prefer a quieter stroll, arrive early—around 9 a.m.—when the shops are just opening and the light is soft. The walk itself takes about 20 minutes without stops, but most people spend a couple of hours browsing and snacking along the way.
Kinrin Lake sits at the far end of Yunotsubo Kaido and serves as Yufuin's most photographed spot. The lake is small, fed by both cold spring water and thermally heated water from below. When the temperatures mix, especially in the early morning, mist rises off the surface and drifts through the surrounding trees.
A walking path circles the lake in about 15 minutes. Along the way, you'll pass a small shrine and a torii gate half-submerged at the water's edge. The best time to visit is at dawn, when the mist is thickest and the crowds haven't arrived. Even on a clear afternoon, though, the reflections of Mount Yufu on the water make the walk worthwhile.
Yufuin Floral Village is a compact, European-style attraction that looks like it was lifted from a storybook. The buildings are designed to resemble Cotswold cottages, and inside you'll find small boutiques, a cat cafe, and an owl forest where you can interact with the birds.
The village is popular on Instagram and draws families with young children. It can feel a bit touristy, and the space is small—you'll see everything in about an hour. Still, if you enjoy whimsical settings or want a break from traditional Japanese aesthetics, it's a fun detour.
Many ryokan in Yufuin open their baths to day visitors, a practice called higaeri onsen. If you're visiting on a day trip and don't have time for an overnight stay, a higaeri bath lets you experience the town's thermal waters without booking a room.
Prices typically range from ¥500 to ¥2,000 depending on the facility. Some baths offer views of Mount Yufu, while others are tucked into private garden settings. A soak usually lasts about an hour, though you can stay longer if the ryokan allows.
Mount Yufu is the twin-peaked volcano that dominates Yufuin's skyline. For visitors who want more than a leisurely stroll, the hike to the summit offers sweeping views of the basin below. The trail is moderate in difficulty and takes about four to five hours round-trip from the trailhead near Yufuin Station.
The two peaks—Higashimine and Nishimine—offer slightly different perspectives. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons for the climb, with clear skies and mild temperatures. Winter days can be spectacular too, though the trail may be icy.
Yufuin has a surprising number of small museums scattered around town. The Comico Art Museum features contemporary works in a striking architectural setting designed by Kengo Kuma. The Stained Glass Museum and Trick Art Museum offer lighter, family-friendly experiences with interactive exhibits.
Each museum takes about an hour to explore. They make good rainy-day alternatives or quiet breaks between onsen soaks.
Yufu Mabushi is Yufuin's signature dish. Rice is topped with local ingredients—often chicken or eel—and served in a clay pot. You eat it in three stages: first plain, then with condiments like pickles and green onion, and finally as a tea-poured soup called ochazuke.
Several restaurants along Yunotsubo Kaido specialize in the dish, and a full meal typically costs between ¥1,500 and ¥2,500.
The beef croquettes sold at stalls along Yunotsubo Kaido have won local awards and draw long lines on busy days. They're crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and sized perfectly for eating while you walk. A single croquette costs around ¥200.
Yufuin is known for its fluffy roll cakes, particularly the P-Roll sold at B-speak bakery. The cakes are light, not too sweet, and often sell out by early afternoon. You'll also find soft serve in local flavors like matcha and yuzu at cafes throughout town—a good option for dessert after a soak.
A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn, and staying overnight at one with a private onsen bath is the defining Yufuin experience. Most ryokan include kaiseki—a multi-course Japanese dinner—and breakfast in the room rate. Prices vary widely, from around ¥15,000 per person at mid-range properties to ¥50,000 or more at luxury inns.
Here are a few well-regarded options:
Yufuin Sansuikan: Spacious baths and refined kaiseki meals in a central location
Yufuin Baien: Garden setting with outdoor rotenburo baths surrounded by greenery
Musouen Yufuin: Secluded luxury with private villas, popular with couples
Yufuin Santoukan: Traditional atmosphere with mountain views and classic hospitality
Yufuin Akarinoyado: Intimate and romantic, often booked for anniversaries and honeymoons
Tip: If you have tattoos, book a ryokan with a private bath (called kashikiri). Private baths avoid any restrictions you might encounter at shared facilities.
If you're new to Japanese hot springs, now recommended for UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, a few customs will help you feel comfortable. Onsen are enjoyed nude, and you'll wash thoroughly at the shower stations before entering the bath. A small towel is provided for modesty when walking between areas, but the towel stays out of the water.
Wash before entering: Rinse completely at the wash stations before stepping into the bath
No swimsuits: Onsen are clothing-free; the small towel is for walking, not bathing
Tattoo policies: Some public baths restrict tattoos, though private baths are always an option
Quiet atmosphere: Keep voices low and avoid splashing to maintain the peaceful environment
The term rotenburo refers to an outdoor bath, often with views of gardens or mountains. Outdoor baths are especially pleasant in the early morning or after dark, when the air is cool, and the water is hot.
The Yufuin no Mori is a scenic JR limited express train with panoramic windows and vintage-style carriages. The journey from Hakata Station in Fukuoka takes about two hours and passes through lush Kyushu countryside.
The train is covered by the JR Pass, though seat reservations are required and fill up quickly—book as early as possible, especially during peak seasons.
Direct highway buses run from Hakata Bus Terminal to Yufuin Station, taking about two and a half hours. The bus is a budget-friendly alternative if train seats are sold out or if you prefer not to use a rail pass. Tickets cost around ¥2,500 one way.
If you're renting a car, Yufuin is about an hour's drive from Oita City via the Oita Expressway. Some ryokan offer free parking, and there are public lots near Yufuin Station for day-trippers. Parking fees at public lots typically run ¥300 to ¥500 for the day.
A day trip gives you enough time to walk Yunotsubo Kaido, visit Kinrin Lake, and sample street food. You can cover the main attractions in four to five hours, which makes Yufuin a reasonable side trip from Fukuoka or Beppu.
That said, an overnight stay lets you experience the full ryokan ritual—soaking in thermal baths after dark, enjoying a kaiseki dinner, and waking up to mountain views before the crowds arrive.
Day trip: Covers the main attractions and street food
One night: Ideal for the complete ryokan experience with private onsen and kaiseki dinner
Two nights: Perfect for hiking Mount Yufu or enjoying a slower-paced retreat
Most attractions are within walking distance of Yufuin Station, so you won't need transportation once you arrive.
Yufuin fits naturally into a Kyushu itinerary alongside Fukuoka, Beppu, and Nagasaki. If you're planning a multi-city trip, Trip To Japan can help you browse Yufuin-area hotels, book the JR Pass (which covers the Yufuin no Mori train), and explore curated Kyushu itineraries built by Japan travel experts.
Not sure how to connect Yufuin with the rest of your trip? Book a free 30-minute consultation with our travel team for personalized routing and recommendations.
