Yufuin Floral Village is a charming and whimsical attraction located in the peaceful hot spring town of Yufuin, Oita Prefecture. Inspired by the English countryside—particularly the Cotswolds—this small village feels like stepping into a fairytale. With its stone cottages, ivy-covered walls, and colorful flower displays, every corner is carefully designed to create a magical and picturesque atmosphere.
Although not very large in size, the village is packed with delightful details that make it worth visiting. Narrow pathways wind through boutique shops, themed cafés, and souvenir stores, many of which are inspired by beloved stories and characters. Fans of fantasy and animation will especially enjoy spots themed around classic tales, adding a nostalgic and playful touch to the experience.
One of the highlights of Yufuin Floral Village is its visual appeal. It’s a dream location for photography, with beautifully arranged flowers, rustic architecture, and seasonal decorations that change throughout the year. Whether you visit in spring with blooming flowers or in autumn with warm tones, the scenery remains consistently enchanting.
The village also features small animal areas where visitors can see owls, rabbits, and other cute creatures up close. While this adds to the charm, some travelers may have mixed feelings about animal enclosures, so it depends on personal preference.
Located just a short walk from Yufuin Station and near the famous Kinrin Lake, the village is easy to include in a day trip itinerary. It’s especially popular among couples, families, and anyone looking for a relaxed and visually pleasing stop.
Overall, Yufuin Floral Village may feel a bit touristy, but its unique theme and attention to detail make it a memorable experience. It’s a perfect place to slow down, take photos, and enjoy a whimsical escape in the heart of Yufuin.
Yufuin Floral Village is such an incredible place with so much to explore. From food stalls and cosy cafés to little coffee stop spots, every corner feels lively and charming. There are also so many shops selling adorable and super tempting must-buy items that make the whole experience even more fun.
The beautiful mountain scenery and peaceful lake views make this place feel extra magical and relaxing. Definitely one of the most memorable tourist spots during the trip and truly a place you shouldn’t miss when visiting Yufuin.
One of the absolute must-not-miss experiences here is the owl visit experience, where you can see more than 30 owls up close and truly feel their mysterious yet calming presence. You may even gently touch their forehead and experience the beauty of these majestic creatures for yourself. It was definitely one of the most unique and unforgettable moments there.
You don’t necessarily need to join a tour to come here. If you’re planning to drive, it’s actually a very easy and convenient place to reach. Arriving earlier also helps a lot as there are plenty of good parking spots available nearby.
This village is built on a smaller scale and doesn't quite compare to the actual filming location in the alleys of Scotland that I've visited before. However, the overall atmosphere is wonderful. We didn't stay overnight here; instead, we drove in, found a parking spot, and took a stroll down toward the lake before having lunch.
After eating, we walked over to the other side of the village to enjoy some dango paired with fresh coffee, took some scenic photos, and bought a doll and some socks as souvenirs before heading to Beppu for the night.
Yufuin Floral Village is often promoted as a must-visit attraction, designed to resemble a charming European-style village with storybook cottages, boutique shops, and themed corners inspired by fairy tales and animation culture.
While the concept is visually appealing and quite photogenic, the area feels heavily geared toward tourists rather than offering an authentic local experience. The streets are lined with souvenir shops and snack stalls, many selling very similar items, and the food options are largely standard and catered for quick consumption.
Although it can be a convenient stop for photos, light bites, or picking up gifts, it lacks the cultural depth and uniqueness you might expect from a destination like Yufuin. The overall experience feels somewhat commercialized and manufactured.
Unless you have extra time or are specifically interested in souvenirs and photo spots, this wouldn’t be a must-visit. You may find more authentic charm by exploring other parts of Yufuin with its natural scenery, cafes, and quieter streets.
We visited Yufuin Floral Village on our 8th day in Japan, and it felt like stepping directly into a storybook. It was honestly a dream come true to find so many of my favorite things in one place—from the whimsical world of Studio Ghibli to the magic of Harry Potter and the fun of Shin-chan, every corner felt curated just for me.
We also stopped by the Miffy Cafe, where we tried the matcha ice cream; it was, without a doubt, the best I’ve ever had. We didn't stop there, though! The Snoopy Cafe was incredibly pretty, too. My friend is a huge Snoopy fan, and I couldn't help but immediately snap a photo to send to him—I knew he’d love it just as much as I did. Yufuin is such a charming, cozy spot, and it was definitely one of the highlights of our trip
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