Kinrin Lake (Kinrin-ko) is the scenic centrepiece at the end of Yufuin’s main street and one of the town’s most beloved sights. Fed by both hot-spring and cold-water sources, the small lake stays relatively warm, and on cool mornings — especially in autumn and winter — a beautiful mist rises off its surface, giving the lake an ethereal, dreamlike quality that draws photographers at dawn. Its name, meaning ‘golden scales lake’, comes from the way the setting sun once made the fish scales glint like gold. A gentle walking path circles the water, passing an old thatched teahouse, a small shrine, cafés and a rustic public bath fed by the lake’s springs. With the twin peaks of Mount Yufu reflected in the still water, Kinrin Lake is beautifully photogenic year-round and the perfect peaceful finale to a stroll through Yufuin.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Yufuin, Oita |
| Hours | Always open (path) |
| Admission | Free |
| Time needed | 30–45 minutes |
| Best time | Misty autumn/winter mornings |
What to See
- The famous morning mist rising off the warm lake.
- Mount Yufu reflected in the still water.
- A walking path, old teahouse and small shrine.
- A rustic lakeside public bath fed by the springs.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with Yufuin town and its main street.
- Pair with the Yufuin art museums .
- Read our Oita overview .
Getting There
- On foot: at the end of Yufuin’s Yunotsubo Kaido street.
- By train: a walk from JR Yufuin Station.
Tips
Come at dawn on a cool autumn or winter morning to catch the famous mist rising off the lake, the most magical sight, and walk the short loop around the water. It’s the natural end point of the main-street stroll from the station, look for Mount Yufu reflected in the still water, and enjoy the quiet lakeside cafés.
