What other travelers are saying about Yufuin Floral Village
Tucked away in the scenic hot spring town of Yufuin, the Yufuin Floral Village feels like you’ve stepped directly into the pages of a fairy tale. From the moment you walk through the entrance, the storybook vibe is undeniable. Cobblestone pathways wind between half-timbered cottages draped in vibrant flowers, with babbling streams and quaint bridges completing the picture-perfect scene. It’s an Instagrammer's dream, but more than that, it’s a truly enchanting experience.
The village is a delightful area for shopping and dining. The numerous small shops are a treasure trove of unique souvenirs, from local crafts and whimsical trinkets you won’t find anywhere else. For pop culture fans, the themed shops are a major highlight. You can browse a charming Harry Potter-themed shop for a touch of wizardry and then step into the beloved world of Studio Ghibli at the Totoro shop, which is always a crowd-pleaser.
The magic is especially potent for little ones. My kids were utterly captivated by the Snoopy Cafe, with its adorable Peanuts-themed treats and decor, and the Miffy Bakery, where everything is almost too cute to eat.
While it’s not a large theme park, the density of charm is impressive. I found that spending 2 to 3 hours here is perfect. This gives you ample time to leisurely explore every nook and cranny, pop into the shops that catch your eye, enjoy a snack or a meal, and simply soak in the delightful atmosphere without feeling rushed.
I really liked the view and overall vibe of Yufuin. The scenery is beautiful, especially around Mount Yufu and Kinrin Lake — it feels calm and relaxing, perfect for a slow walk or a morning coffee.
But honestly, the main street is mostly for shopping, with a lot of souvenir stores and cute cafés. It’s nice to look around for a bit, but since I’m not really into shopping, I didn’t find much else to do.
Still, the atmosphere and landscape make the trip worth it, especially if you go early in the morning before the crowds arrive.
The shop sells a variety of Studio Ghibli and popular cartoon merchandise, which is quite common in many Asian cities and not particularly unique.
However, the Owl Exhibition Hall (ticket: 900 yen) was one of the most memorable highlights of my trip. Inside, there are more than a dozen real owls that you can touch and take photos with—an exciting and rare experience.
It’s probably the most unusual animal encounter I’ve ever had. I highly recommend visiting the Owl Hall.
Yufuin Floral Village is a charming, storybook-like destination that feels like stepping into a European fairy tale right in Japan! The quaint cobblestone paths, colorful flowers, and cottage-style shops create a magical atmosphere perfect for strolling and taking photos. Each little shop is uniquely themed—selling souvenirs, sweets, and crafts—and there are even spots inspired by famous characters like Peter Rabbit and Studio Ghibli. While small in size, the village is beautifully detailed and full of charm. It’s a wonderful stop when visiting Yufuin, especially for families, couples, or anyone who loves a whimsical experience. A delightful hidden gem!
Yufuin Floral Village is a small, charming sidetrip styled after the English Cotswolds. It's a picturesque area perfect for photos, featuring unique European-style cottages that house Ghibli-themed shops (like Acorn Forest) and quirky attractions (like an Owl Forest).
Located on the main shopping street, it’s a hub for famous local snacks and desserts, making it an essential stop on any Yufuin food trip.
Yufuin Floral Village is open daily from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Entry to the village itself is completely free. However, if you want to visit Owl's Forest, the indoor petting zoo attraction, there is a separate admission charge of ¥700 for visitors aged 13 and above, ¥500 for children between 4 and 12 years old, and free for children under 3 years old.
Most visitors can explore the entire village in approximately one hour. The village is quite compact, and you can walk through from one end to the other in about 15 minutes if you're just passing through. However, if you plan to browse the themed shops, interact with the owls at Owl's Forest, take photographs, or enjoy refreshments at the cafés, you should allocate 1 to 2 hours for a more leisurely visit.
To take the best photos, you should arrive early in the morning before the village gets crowded with tourists. Since entry is free and the village is popular, it can become quite busy during peak hours, especially on weekends and holidays. Early morning visits also provide better natural lighting for photography and allow you to capture the European-style architecture without crowds in your shots.
Yes, the village area itself is not gated and can be accessed for photographs even before the official opening time of 9:30 AM. However, all the themed shops, cafés, and Owl's Forest will only be accessible during official operating hours. If you arrive early for photography, you'll be able to explore the exterior areas and take photos of the buildings and gardens, but you won't be able to enter any of the establishments or experience the animal interactions.
You can combine your visit to Yufuin Floral Village with famous places nearby such as Kinrin Lake or Yunotsubo Old Town. Kinrin Lake is a scenic hot spring-fed lake especially beautiful in the early morning when mist rises from the water. Yunotsubo Street is the main shopping street connecting Yufuin Station to the village, lined with traditional shops, cafés, and restaurants where you can sample local specialties. Many visitors also combine Yufuin with a trip to Beppu, another famous onsen town located about 30 minutes away by car.
