Ultimate Yufuin Travel Guide: Exploring the Onsen Paradise of Kyushu
Yufuin reminds you of that charming rural countryside vibe you always see in anime
Tucked away in the lush countryside of Oita Prefecture on Kyushu island, Japan lies the quaint and charming little town of Yufuin, known for it's gorgeous idyllic vistas, intricate traditional Japanese architecture, and the most famous of all, the soothing and enlightening hot springs (Onsen). I visited on a whim during a trip to Fukuoka, and I’m so glad I did. With its scenic mountain views, peaceful streets, and relaxed atmosphere, Yufuin is the kind of town that’s perfect for a relaxing weekend getaway from the urbanized Fukuoka.
Tourists and locals alike flock to Yufuin to unwind from the chaos of city life. Even if you do not intend on visiting the Onsens, Yufuin still has plenty to offer from the serene Lake Kinrin to the charming and Ghibli-esque Floral Village.
So whether you're planning a weekend escape or just a peaceful day trip from Fukuoka, come join me and my Yufuin travel guide where I will walk you through everything you need to know, from how to get there to where to eat, explore, and (of course) relax in this little onsen town.
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How to Travel to Yufuin
A luxury dining train, the Aru Ressha by JR Kyushu
By far the easiest way to get to Yufuin is by train. Assuming you are starting at the city of Fukuoka, board the train at Hakata station on the Yufu line which will bring you directly to Yufuin, from there disembark at Yufuin Station. The journey will take you 2 hours and 15 minutes.
It is highly recommended you purchase a JR train pass if you are intending to travel long distances often by train such as from Fukuoka to Yufuin or Fukuoka to Osaka. A JR pass will save you a LOT of money and can be used for all JR trains including the Shinkansen as well as other services like JR busses or JR ferries.
There are way too many rail passes to choose from but the ones that are most convenient and apply to Yufuin and the surrounding areas are:
JR Pass for the whole of Japan - Covers the entirety of Japan
JR Sanyo-San in-Northern Kyushu Area Pass - Covers the northern/western parts of Kyushu
JR Kyushu Rail Pass - Covers the entire Kyushu Island
If you are planning on purchasing a pass, be sure to double check which pass is usable in which region as it can be quite confusing.
If you have already purchased one of the above rail passes, you will also have access to the Yufuin no Mori Limited Express Train, a famous tourist train built specifically for transporting you to the town of Yufuin.
Note: It is recommended you book your seats for the Yufuin no Mori train in advance, as the tickets sell out quickly.
Yufuin no Mori Limited Express Train
The famous luxury Yufuin no Mori Limited Express train with it’s distinctive green paint
The Yufuin no Mori Limited Express train runs between Hakata Station and Yufuin Station, The train is very popular among tourists travelling to Yufuin and I would describe it as an attraction in of itself.
The train is named after Yufuin (duh!) and it's Mori no Furusato (Forest Hometown) concept. This concept is reflected in the train's decor with the interior being lined with luxurious wooden paneling and large windows proving a scenic and panoramic view of the Kyushu region's towering mountains, calming rivers, and evergreen plains.
Another popular luxury train is the Aru Ressha dining train by JR Kyushu which has a Hakata to/from Yufuin.
The interior of the Yufuin no Mori train, lounge, seating, and bar
If you have one of the aforementioned Rail passes, you will be able to book a seat free of charge either at the ticket office in Hakata Station, or online via the JR Kyushu Rail Pass Booking website.
The timetable of the train is as follows, note that the train from Hakata to Yufuin operates only 3 times a day.
*For the most up to date information visit the jrkyushu.co.jp
My Best Yufuin Ryokan Recommendations
One of the best ways to experience Yufuin is by staying in a traditional Japanase Ryokan (a traditional Japanese hotel or accommodation) especially if you're looking to fully relax and enjoy the town’s famous hot springs.
If you're wondering where to stay in Yufuin, here's what you should know: most Yufuin Ryokans are within walking distance from Yufuin Station, and many offer meals featuring local seasonal ingredients. Some even have in-room dining, which is perfect after a long soak in the onsen. And while there are a few public onsens in Yufuin, the best part about my Yufuin Ryokan recommendations below are that all of them have FREE private onsens available for you to book!
Ryokan Yuri
The interior of Ryokan Yuri, the tatami mats are very comfortable
Ryokan Yuri was a pleasant surprise and it’s the Yufuin ryokan where I stayed at during my trip. When walking up to the building I thought I was at the wrong place because it looked like a regular apartment building, however once I stepped inside I was greeted with the kindest and friendliest man ever. Like Japanese people are already a friendly bunch, but this man was like an uncle I never knew I needed.
Anyways, the hotel looks to be a family run business, and it shows (in a good way). The rooms are clean and the atmosphere was charming and pleasant. The breakfast (not included) was delicious and healthy. The price was not too expensive either. If you are looking for a more affordable Yufuin Ryokan option, Ryokan Yuri is your go to hotel.
You can read my review for Ryokan Yuri here: Ryokan Yuri Review
Google Maps Rating: 4.6 / 5
Location: 2968-10 Yufuincho Kawakami, Yufu, Oita 879-5102, Japan
Phone: +81 97 784 3128
Pros:
Near the train station easy access to main walking street
Every room has river and mountain views, the same goes for the dining room
Clean rooms with good heating and ac
The friendliest staff anywhere, the owners make you feel like you are part of their family.
Delicious and healthy traditional Japanese style breakfast
Cons:
None that I can think of, perhaps the Ryokan feels more modern and less traditional than you would hope, but that is just a nitpick
Yufuin Baien Ryokan
Yufuin Baien’s hot springs has a nice open air design
Yufuin Baien is pretty big compared to other Yufuin Ryokan options. at Yufuin Baien there is an emphasis on natural beauty with the open garden space filled with plum and cherry trees, and an open view right in the onsen area of the scenic Mount Yufu in the horizon. If you stay here, I recommend waking up early just to catch the morning light over the mountain while soaking in the onsen hot spring.
In the evening, Yufuin Baien offers a complimentary self service alcohol in the lounge area, perfect for winding down after walking around Yufuin town or visiting Lake Kinrin. However I ADVISE YOU TO NOT DRINK BEFORE ENTERING THE ONSEN, because it is very dangerous as you can literally die from heatstroke.
Also, most rooms come with private onsen baths, and the traditional Kaiseki dinner is included if you book the meal plan.
Google Maps Rating: 4.5 / 5
Location: 2106-2 Yufuincho Kawakami, Yufu, Oita 879-5102, Japan
Phone: +81 97 728 8288
Pros:
Family onsen that you can use without booking
Free flowing, self-service alcohol drinks at night
Traditional hotel design and emphasis on natural beauty
The rooms are big and spacious, very clean
Cons:
Quite far away from the train station and walking street
Ikkoten Ryokan
Tell me that that onsen doesn’t look cozy
Ikkoten is expensive. Like really expensive, but this is due to the immense luxury that this Yufuin Ryokan provides. Each room is a private villa with its own open air onsen bath, designed with a clean, minimalist aesthetic that really emphasizes the beauty of the surrounding forest greenery. The rooms are large (as it should be for this price), making Ikkoten a place perfect if you're looking to splurge and also enjoy it with a large group or family.
Though if you are planning to stay at Ikkoten, I recommend you plan your trip to Yufuin wisely as this hotel is located a long ways away from the town center, if you stay here you are staying here to escape life and reality to be in the natural wilderness. With that said, if needed the staff will help you arrange transport, and meals are served in a private dining room with seasonal Kaiseki courses. If your Yufuin itinerary is all about rest, nature, and high end hospitality, then Ikkoten is worth every yen.
Google Maps Rating: 4.4 / 5
Location: 302-7 Yufuincho Kawakami, Yufu, Oita 879-5102, Japan
Phone: +81 97 728 8815
Pros:
A luxury hot spring inn in Yufuin to enjoy and relax to your heart's content
Large and relaxing rooms with an open-air bath
Breakfasts and meals are served in a private room
Full of Zen and tranquility, nature is the highlight of Ikkoten
Cons:
Incredibly far from the train station and town center, if you stay here, you are coming to Yufuin to enjoy the nature and escape city/town life
Can be incredibly expensive
Yawaragi-no-Sato Yadoya Ryokan
I love the black and white colors of Yawaragi-no-Sato Yadoya, it looks clean and modern
Yawaragi-no-Sato Yadoya might have a hard name to pronounce for us gaijins (foreigners) but this Yufuin Ryokan is superb. It’s one of the most convenient and comfortable ryokan in Yufuin, especially if you want to stay close to the main attractions. It’s just a short walk from Yunotsubo Kaido (the town’s popular shopping street) and Lake Kinrin, which makes it easy to explore the town on foot. The staff are incredibly welcoming, and the on-site dining serves up a beautifully prepared Japanese breakfast and dinner, included in some room plans.
I quite like the aesthetic of this hotel as well, managing to maintain the traditional Japanese charm while also modernizing the design language. The rooms are bright, well maintained, and surprisingly spacious for the mid range pricing. The only minus is that this hotel is a little bit far from the Yufuin train station, about a 15 minute walk, so I would recommend you find a taxi to take you to and from here.
Google Maps Rating: 4.6 / 5
Location: 2717-5 Yufuincho Kawakami, Yufu, Oita 879-5102, Japan
Phone: +81 97 728 2828
Pros:
Excellent staff, very friendly, responsive and polite
The location is close to the main walking street and attractions such as Kinrin Lake
Western and tradtitional rooms are available for you to choose from
Delicious foods that uses high quality ingredients
Both private and public onsens are available
Cons:
A little far from the train station
Yurari Rokumyo Ryokan
Did you spot that retro sound system? A blend of old and new
The Yurari Rokumyo Ryokan is the highest rated ryokan in Yufuin and it might be the best as well. The whole annex is very beautifully decorated with such intricate detail giving the whole place such a wholesome and comforting vibe. From the cozy wooden interiors to the small decorative touches that make it feel more like you’re staying at a Japanese auntie’s home rather than a hotel.
The location is another big plus. The Yurari Rokumyo Ryokan is just a short walk from Yunotsubo Kaido, so you’re close to all the main shops, cafes, and Lake Kinrin. The only real downside is that meals aren’t provided, like the other Yufuin Ryokans, so you’ll need to find food on your own. Other than that, there are only a handful of rooms though, so if you want to stay here you better book a room fast!
Google Maps Rating: 4.8 / 5
Location: 3090-1 Yufuincho Kawakami, Yufu, Oita 879-5102, Japan
Phone: +81 97 785 2200
Pros:
Excellent hospitality from the staff, probably the most fluent English speaker in Yufuin
The hotel is very beautifully decorated with incredible attention to detail. Super relaxing and home-y vibe
Spacious room but all the amenities such as a living room, toilet, and outdoor onsen and shower area
Good location, located near the walking street and the train station
Cons:
No food is provided, and since the restaurants and shops here close early, it might be difficult to find something to eat
History of the Yufuin Onsen Town
A really charming little town with the backdrop of Mount Yufu
So a little bit of a history lesson before actually exploring.
So Yufuin is a district WITHIN the City of Yufu (previously it was THE town but since expansion it is now a district), located in Oita Prefecture on the island of Kyushu. Yufuin actually has been known for its natural hot springs even way back before the Japanese Feudal period, more specifically the earliest evidence of onsens date back to the Heian period. The region sits on a geothermal zone at the base of Mount Yufu, and steam rising from the ground has long been a part of the landscape.
Originally, Yufuin was just a small farming village, but locals had been using the hot spring waters for centuries, mainly for its supposed healing purposes. It wasn’t until the early 20th century that Yufuin started shifting from agriculture to the onsen tourism tourism that we see today.
Do you appreciate these serene landscapes? Good thing that Yufuin isn’t too touristy!
With the expansion of Japan’s railway network, Yufuin Station opened in 1915, giving people living outside of Kyushu easier access to the hot springs. Slowly, a few small ryokans started popping up to accommodate these travelers. One thing to keep in mind is that unlike the nearby town of Beppu, which became a sprawling hot spring resort around the same time, Yufuin deliberately kept things smaller, quieter, and more peaceful instead focusing on preserving the town’s natural beauty and landscapes.
Things really started kicking off for Yufuin’s tourism industry in the 1980s. Artists, writers, and creatives from all over Japan began flocking to the area for inspiration, and the town started embracing a unique cultural identity beyond just the onsen hot springs. That’s when places like the Yufuin Floral Village, local museums, and artisan shops started gaining popularity. The ryokan owners also started doubling down on private onsens, seasonal kaiseki dining, and personalized services.
As a result, The district of Yufuin evolved into a more boutique style retreat for people wanting to escape from the hassle of city life.
Exploring the Onsen Town of Yufuin
The train station looks like a top hat not gonna lie
Unfortunately my exploration of Yufuin grinded to a halt as soon as I stepped foot outside of the JR Yufuin Station. On the train the sky seemed clear and blue but upon my arrival the clouds suddenly turned a deep gray, and within minutes, the rain came pouring down, and I don’t mean just a little drizzle, I mean heavy, relentless downpour. My family and I had to practically scramble to our ryokan, Ryokan Yuri. But that’s just my fault for traveling to Kyushu during the typhoon season (Jul - Oct), but if you’re traveling in any other season then you see bright sunny skies and warm weather.
That being said, all of the sunny photos you’re seeing in this post are from day two of my holiday to Yufuin, after the storm had passed. And wow, Yufuin completely transforms under clear skies. the vibe shifted from soggy struggle to Studio Ghibli Charm.
If you want to explore the surrounding districts as well as Yufuin, like Beppu or Dazaifu, then the Dazaifu, Yufuin, Beppu Ropeway, and Kamado Jigoku Day Tour is the perfect tour. A captivating day trip through Kyushu starting at the historic Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, then heading over to explore the charming streets of Yufuin, then to traveling to Beppu, and finally experiencing the unique geothermal wonders of Kamado Jigoku, also known as "Cooking Pot Hell". I recommend booking a guided Yufuin day trip it takes all the stress out of planning and lets you focus on enjoying the experience!
The main road of Yufuin is long
Right outside the JR Yufuin Station, there’s a long stretch of road that divides into many other stretches of roads. This is then “Main” road that goes through the town of Yufuin. Exploration proved difficult due to the aforementioned rain but I could spot mainly cafe’s and souvenir/snack shops selling local favorites.
The main road is not the main shopping highlight of Yufuin however, that title goes to Yunotubo Street which is a little bit further down the road, You’ll know when you’re there when you spot B-Speak, a famous cake shop that I will talk about later.
Yunotubo Kaido is a pedestrian friendly, lined with boutique shops, handmade crafts, quirky snacks, and even an official Studio Ghibli shop selling souvenirs. Honestly, Yunotsubo feels like a mini adventure in itself, it’s the kind of place where you start out looking for coffee and end up with a bag of random goodies and no regrets.
You can spot a lot of these shops selling your typical Japanese foods like soba noodles or udon
In terms of things to eat in Yufuin, there are surprisingly not that many restaurants on this main road, only a handful of shops selling classic Japanese lunch set menus (Teishoku) rice, main dish, and side soup or salad, although I did spot some Udon, and grilled meat or Yakiniku restaurants.
Actually on the subject of Yakiniku, I actually had it for dinner on my first day at Yufuin and you know what? Flipping through the menu, I noticed something you definitely don’t see every day, they have HORSE MEAT! No kidding, you can order horse meat like any other regular cuts of meat. Of course, I ordered a serving and honestly… It tasted like beef, really tasty actually, tender, and juicy, I could barely tell the difference to regular beef to be honest. Interesting, if you’re feeling adventurous then you can try ordering it. I honestly do not 100% remember what restaurant I went to but I believe it’s Yakiniku Manyohken.
It does feel morally wrong as the next day I saw a horse drawn carriage just casually strolling through the Yunotsubo Kaido street… Horse meat aside, a restaurant you truly cannot miss while you’re in Yufuin is is Yufu Mabushi Shin, a really popular clay pot rice restaurant that I will tell you about later in this article.
A canal runs through the town, it looks overgrown but that just adds to the charm
While strolling through Yufuin one of the first things you’ll notice is how deeply connected the town is with nature. Every few steps, I found myself pausing just to take in the views of the gargantuan hills and mountains rising in the distance, the layers of green trees lining the streets, the gentle stream of water running in the canals, and even tiny pockets of mossy stone walls.
The natural scenery is, in my opinion, the best thing about Yufuin. It’s quiet, relaxing, and you always feel like you’re just a few minutes away from discovering something beautiful.
While I was traveling to Yufuin, the weather was quite misty and foggy due to the humidity of the rainy season. The mountains in the distance were a bit foggy, but despite that, the vistas were till enchanting. Hopefully when it’s your time to visit Yufuin the skies will be clear, and the mountains will appear from their misty curtains.
For you Ghibli fans, this is the place to go to
If the scenic countryside views of Yufuin haven’t already given you Studio Ghibli vibes, then wait until you stumble upon Donguri No Mori, an official My Neighbour Totoro (and other Ghibli films) souvenir shop. This cozy little store is packed wall to wall with official Studio Ghibli merchandise, you’ll find things like plushies, music boxes, postcards, and collector’s items from classic Ghibli films like Spirited Away, Kiki’s Delivery Service, and of course My Neighbour Totoro. It’s pretty much a must visit for any Ghibli fan wandering through the Yufuin onsen town.
It’s near the start of Yunotsubo Street, just past the famous B-Speak cake shop (which is also worth a stop). The front of the shop alone is super charming, with its rustic wooden design and a giant Totoro waiting to greet you at the entrance. It’s hard to miss, especially since there’s usually a large crowd outside snapping photos or lining up to go in.
There’s so much people in fact that I think it’s clearly one of Yufuin’s most beloved attractions, surpassing all of the other attractions that I will be sharing below. If you're planning a visit and you're a fan of Japanese animation, or just cute things in general, make sure to save time for a proper look inside.
I don’t know why I just like this picture, maybe because of the wholesome couple walking down the street together
Overall, the town of Yufuin just has a really cute aesthetic. It’s the kind of place where every corner feels like a photo spot, from the traditional wooden shopfronts to the vintage signboards and cozy cafés nestled between trees. There’s something incredibly charming about how the whole town embraces both its rural Japanese roots and a soft, whimsical atmosphere, it's no wonder Yufuin is often described as one of the most picturesque onsen towns in Japan.
Things to Do in Yufuin
I’m pretty sure you’re not allowed to swim in Kinrin Lake but man it does look nice
Yufuin is a small onsen town, so admittedly there aren’t a ton of big attractions or flashy landmarks here, but that’s kind of the point. The attractions in Yufuin tend to lean into this laid back, natural aesthetic. You’ll find small museums like the Stained Glass Museum or the Yufuin Floral Village, and of course, there’s Kinrin Lake, the highlight of all the attractions in Yufuin.
The Town of Yufuin isn’t about rushing through a checklist of things to do, it’s more about slowing down and soaking in the peaceful countryside atmosphere. If you love nature and scenic walks, Yufuin won’t disappoint. And after a long day of admiring the tranquility of nature, there’s always a steamy private onsen waiting for you at your ryokan.
Kinrin Lake
Honestly, Kinrin lake would’ve looked better with this building out of the way…
Kinrin Lake is a scenic basin that sits at the very end of the Yunotsubo walking street surrounded by natural luscious flora and fauna. And it is one of the must-visit attractions in Yufuin. What makes Kinrin Lake particularly magical is the early morning mist that rises from the warm water caused by hot spring sources beneath the lake. If you visit just after sunrise, you’ll get to witness an almost dreamlike scene where the thick fog gives everything an eerie, mystical atmosphere.
There’s a long, modern looking building at the far end of the lake, and honestly, I think it kind of disrupts the otherwise natural view. But it doesn’t take away too much from the experience. I still found myself stopping for a long time to enjoy the atmosphere.
You have to politely wait your turn before taking a picture at the viewpoint!
When I visited Kinrin Lake in Yufuin, there were a lot of tourists all cramming in at one are trying to get a picture. There was even a group of girls that brought a whole setup to make some TikTok content, I mean the whole shebang, tripods, ring lights, everything. Not my place to judge, if you wanna dance to the backdrop of a beautiful lake, then sure.
I stumbled upon a Chinese tour group and I had a wholesome moment with an older Chinese lady who I assumed was traveling in the tour solo. She approached me to ask if I could take a picture for her. I think she saw my camera and then believed that I was a professional photographer so she put her whole trust in me… After our little modeling session, she thanked me profusely in multiple languages, from Mandarin, to Japanese, to English.
I tried damn hard to take good photos for that Auntie, I’m no professional, but I hope she likes them.
The birds atop of this torii gate make this look very ominous
At the far end of Kinrin Lake in Yufuin, there's a tranquil spot that many visitors overlook, a small lush green park and the serene Tenso Shrine. The shrine's moss-laden stone torii gate stands gracefully in the water, creating a picturesque scene that's especially captivating during the early morning mist.
The park surrounding the shrine offers a quiet place to rest and reflect if you wanna do a bit of yoga or meditation. Benches are scattered under the shade of trees, and there is a restroom available if you need it. This area is often missed by a lot of tourists due to the park being partially hidden by a lot of foliage.
Kinrin Lake is an attraction that you cannot miss when you come to Yufuin.
Yunotsubo Kaido Walking Street
When you think of Japanese countryside, you think of the Yunotsubo Kaido in Yufuin
One of the main highlights of visiting Yufuin is spending time along Yunotsubo Kaido Walking Street, the town’s lively shopping and snacking hub. It stretches from near Yufuin Station all the way to Kinrin Lake, and it’s packed with charming little shops, cafes, and food stalls. The entire street is lined with traditional wooden storefronts and I found myself constantly stopping to browse handmade crafts, local souvenirs, and cute Ghibli merchandise.
But with Feastography being a food blog, you know I gotta talk about the food! Yunotsubo Kaido is full of street food stands selling everything from award winning croquettes to Yufuin’s famous pudding and soft serve ice cream made with local milk. I’ll talk more about the food in the “Things to Eat in Yufuin” section.
What I loved most about Yunotubo Kaido is that even though it’s the busiest part of Yufuin, it doesn’t feel overwhelming. It’s still got that peaceful, small town vibe, with friendly shopkeepers and little hidden corners where you can sit down and just take in the scenery. This charming walking street can’t be missed when you're in Yufuin.
Yufuin Stained Glass Museum
Never have I expected to see a church right in the middle of the rural Japanese countryside
The Yufuin Stained Glass Museum is an interesting beast, the building is a church which houses a large collection of stained glass works from all around the world, over 2000 pieces of stained glass artworks!
Another fun thing is that the museum offers a workshop for you to make your own stained glass art, the time you’ll need is about an hour and a half and the price will be around 3000 - 5000 JYP depending on the size and complexity of your design.
You’re not allowed to take pictures inside but these look absolutely stunning
If you enjoy getting your hands dirty and to express your creativtiy then the Yufuin Stained Glass Museum is definitely a place you should check out. There is also a gift shop for you to buy souvenirs or gifts for you or your friends and family. The only downside was that you are not allowed to take photos inside.
Yufuin Floral Village
You can’t miss it when there is literally a giant sign that says “Yufuin Floral Village”
Entering Yufuin Floral Village feels like you are stepping into a Studio Ghibli film, the village is a small theme park with a collection of souvenir shops and cafes all decorated with beautiful flowers and greenery. The buildings are made out of bricks like in the Three Little Pigs fairy tale, with wooden doors, chimneys, and corrugated iron windows.
It’s like I’ve been transported to another country
There are many tight alleys for you to explore, the tight winding pathways made it a bit confusing to be honest. Each little “house” in the Yufuin Floral Village is actually a themed shop. Selling all kinds of souvenirs from various franchises like Harry Potter, Alice in Wonderland, and Tom and Jerry, most of the things you’ll find at the shops are random plushies and dolls. There is also a building full of cafes and food where you can enjoy traditional Japanese sweets and wind down with a coffee or two. Near the entrance area is also a tiny animal petting area where you can see owls up close.
Even the pond looks completely out of place in Japan
The highlight of Yufuin Floral Village is undoubtedly its garden, it is decorated with a miniature pond and colorful flours that changes with the season. This area is where a lot of visitors take their photos so it might be crowded. The pond even has ducks floating around enjoying their day.
The Yufuin Floral Village is quite compact, so it doesn’t take long to walk through, but it's packed with little details that make it worth the visit. Even if you’re not planning to buy anything, it’s just a fun and quirky place to explore while in Yufuin.
Mount Yufu
Just imagine you on that train seeing the beautiful mountain pass by
While on your way to Yufuin via the Yufuin no Mori train you’ll surely spot the towering Mount Yufu. This gorgeous mountain is made up of 2 peaks, the east and west peak. The east peak comes in at 1,584 meters tall while the west peak is 1,538 meters tall.
A popular activity here is hiking up the mountain, don’t be afraid or intimidated as the trail is actually well maintained. Once you reach the peak you will be rewarded with the stunning view of the town of Yufuin and it’s surrounding areas.
You actually get the choice of which peak to ascend, the east peak is more suitable for beginners and will take about 2 - 3 hours, the west peak on the other hand is more challenging, forcing you to climb your way up and use chains to aid in supporting your trek.
If you got time and are looking for an adventure, Mount Yufu is a must see and a must do activity while you are in Yufuin.
If you are looking for a tour to ease your planning stresses or just want to take a day trip to try out the onsens, this Beppu Onsen and Yufuin Spa Town One Day Private Trip from Fukuoka will bring you to 2 of Japan’s most famous Onsen towns, Beppu and Yufuin.
The private tour will bring you to the Hells of Beppu, a place of scenic beauty where you can enjoy dipping your toes into the various hotsprings, as well as dropping you off at various locations in Yufuin for you to explore.
If you book at the link above, you can enjoy the best discounts and prices available, book now to kickstart your hotspring getaway!
Things to Eat in Yufuin
While Yufuin may be a small town there is no shortage of new and interesting dishes to eat. From simple and delicious pastries and cakes, to full on Japanese Yakiniku barbecue.
I would advise you to have your dinners early however, as the shops here close pretty early, at about 7-8pm you can already see restaurants and shops closing for the day.
You could imagine it was quite a surprise for me when I went looking for dinner after my relaxing late evening onsen bath only to find out that almost every restaurant is already closed.
Yufu Mabushi Shin Claypot Rice
It must be hard to keep track of all those clay pots
The most popular restaurant in Yufuin definitely has to be Yufu Mabushi Shin, who are serving deliciously sizzling hot claypot rice to hungry customers for years.
There are only 3 items on they are all variations of claypot rice, you get a choice of Beef, Chicken, or Eel.
The eating experience is also quite interesting as there is a 3 step method to enjoying your meal.
I guarantee you, you might not see it but there is rice underneath that layer of beef
I’ve only had the beef option but it was absolutely delicious, imagine the most tender slice of beef you’ve ever had, now image the rice beneath soaking up all the delicious meaty juices.
I’ve actually reviewed this place on another blog post, in it I talked in more detail about the eating experience as well as the taste.
Yufu Mabushi Shin Details
Location: 5-3 Yufuincho Kawakita, Yufu, Oita 879-5114, Japan
Phone: +81 97 784 5825
Opening Hours: 10:30 AM - 7:30 PM | Mon - Sun
You can read my review for Yufumabushi Shin here: Yufumabushi Shin Claypot Rice Review
Award Winning Gold Ribbon Croquettes
So many options to choose from
While walking along the busy Yunotsubo market street you’ll come across a lone stall selling various types of deep fried patties also known as Japanese Croquettes. While Croquettes can easily be found all over Japan, I don’t see any that has the label of “Gold Ribbon”.
That’s right, there was a national competition for the best croquette and apparently this won the gold medal!
There are many different types of croquettes to try, the Crab Cream in particular looked very interesting, but personally, I was debating between the Pumpkin and Gold Medal one.
Fried golden crispy and absolutely delicious
I was skeptical at first but I decided to get the Gold Medal Croquette anyway out of curiosity.
When I took that first bite, i’ll admit that it was totally different from what I was expecting. I thought it was going to be like a beef patty or a hamburg steak but no, it was soft, and really creamy.
The crunchy outer shell was excellent, hot and fresh, as for the filling, I could taste a strong peppery flavor as well as the potatoes, not much of the beef is present unfortunately.
All in all I quite like it, but I wouldn’t give this a gold medal sadly. Still good though.
Yufuin Kinsho Croquettes Details
Location: 1079-8 Yufuincho Kawakami, Yufu, Oita 879-5102, Japan
Phone: +81 97 728 8691
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM | Mon - Sun
Roll Cake Fluffy Egg Cake and Creamy… Cream
You can already tell just by looking at it, the cake is really light and fluffy
Another must try snack (or in this case dessert) to try in Yufuin is their famous roll cakes. A sweet and fluffy egg cake rolled and filled with the most decadent cream you’ll ever have.
The cake is really fluffy, perhaps maybe too fluffy because as you don’t even need to chew, I bet an old person who had lost all their teeth can enjoy this cake. The cake does have a slight eggy flavor to it, not too pungent but you’d know that egg was a main ingredient. The cream was also delightful, airy and fluffy with a slight milky and vanilla taste.
This dessert is famous in the area and one such place you must try it at is Milch and B-Speak, these two are cafe’s that serve up the best version of this dessert.
WARNING! I hate to have to talk negatively about a store especially in Japan where everyone is super kind and are immensely dedicated to their craft. But there is a roll cake shop just a few steps away from the train station, Yufufu Yufuin Ekimae, that is just really bad. The 1.8 star review on Google Maps isn’t lying, it’s not because the cakes were pastries where bad, no they were actually very delicious, but the service is horrible. The owner is grumpy, rude, and incredibly unfriendly towards foreign visitors. In fact, in all of my experiences of traveling Japan, he was the only rude person I have come across.
Milch Details
Location: 川上-3015-1 湯布院町 Yufu, Oita 879-5102, Japan
Phone: +81 97 728 2800
Opening Hours: 10:30AM - 5:30PM | Mon - Sun
B-Speak Details
Location: 3040-2 Yufuincho Kawakami, Yufu, Oita 879-5102, Japan
Phone: +81 97 728 2166
Opening Hours: 10:00AM - 5:00PM | Mon - Sun
The Onsen Experience and Etiquette
This is the private onsen at Ryokan Yuri, I got this all to myself hehe
The onsen experience may not be as simple as you think it is. There are a few steps to follow before dipping your toes into the hot bath.
The Experience
Firstly an Onsen is not meant for cleaning your body, it is meant to relax your soul. The water will be HOT so take a moment to prepare yourself by dipping your toes slowly into the water. Once your in only stay for about 10-15 minutes, or until you start sweating. The temperature of the water is around 39°C - 42°C.
Warning: Staying in the onsen for too long can cause dehydration and you could even faint in the water.
The whole experience is incredibly relaxing and satisfying, you’ll feel like every ache and pain in your body slowly healing.
There are actually a few benefits to soaking your body in an onsen bath:
Increase Blood Circulation: Natureal elements and minerals in the water get absorbed into our bodies and increase blood flow.
Reduce Stress: A nice hot bath has the obvious effect of reducing stress in your mind and your muscles.
Relieve Pain: This is a bit of a cheat, the hot water has a numbing affect on our pain and aching joints. It doesn’t really heal them but acts more so a s a painkiller. Though that doesn’t stop placebo from making you believe that you are fully healed.
Treat Skin Problems: If you want beautiful clean skin then the minerals in the onsen will provide you with that, this is also the reason why onsens are popular with local Japanese women.
The Etiquette
If you are in a private onsen it doesn’t really matter if you follow the etiquette or not because no one will ever know, although following onsen etiquettes will significantly improve your enjoyment of the whole experience. If you are in a public onsen however, please follow these etiquettes:
Shower before entering: As previously mentioned, the onsen is not for cleaning your body, that’s why there is a shower for you located right next to the onsen pool. Here soap, shampoo, and conditioners are provided for you. Take a quick shower to clean your body and avoid polluting the pool with your bodily oils and dirt.
No clothing: Onsens are a completely nude affair, baskets will be provided for you to store your clothes and belongings, Onsens are also gender segregated so there is no need to feel embarressed.
Cover tattoos: If you have a tattoo try to cover it up as tattoos in Japan are associated with gangs and criminals and can make fellow onsen goers feel uncomfortable.
Be respectful: Keep noise down and avoid splashing the water like you are in the swimming pool, also avoid using your phone or doing anything that can disturb others.
Watch the time: Again, as previously mentioned, you should only spend somewhere around 15 minutes in the onsen.
Wash your body afterwards: This is optional but highly recommended as you would want to rinse your body clean and shower a little bit with cold water to freshen yourself up from all that sweat.
Don't mix hot and cold water: Don’t mix the water from the showers into the onsen pool as this will affect the temperature and ruin the experience for other patrons.
Know the towels: Small towels are provided to dry your body but they are not meant for covering your private parts.
If you follow these simple onsen rules then you will surely be having a greater experience in enjoying the hot springs.
FREE Downloadable Yufuin Itinerary
Want to have a weekend Yufuin Intinerary with you on the go? I’ve put together a beautifully designed, and easy to follow PDF version that you can download straight to your phone/tablet or print out before your trip. No need to scroll through blog posts or worry about Wi-Fi. Perfect for planning, or sharing a weekend Yufuin Itinerary with your friends and family!
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Looking for Things to Do in Yufuin?
Private Day Trip - Beppu Onsen and Yufuin Spa Town One Day Private Trip from Fukuoka
Rickshaw Experience in Yufuin - Enjoy the scenic views while riding a traditional rickshaw
ARU RESSHA by JR Kyushu - Luxury dining train from Hakata to Yufuin and vice versa
Discounted Tickets - Browse a variety of attractions, tours, and transports all for a great price
Useful Resources for Traveling in Japan
Tourism Information - All the information you need when traveling in Japan
Pocket Wi-Fi - Important for staying connected on the go
JR Rail Pass (Whole of Japan) - Easy , cheap, and unlimited access to JR transports
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