Yufuin is one of Japan’s most fashionable and picturesque hot-spring towns, set on a plateau beneath the striking twin peaks of Mount Yufu. In contrast to bustling Beppu nearby, Yufuin has a relaxed, artsy, upscale atmosphere. Its main draw is a charming main street (Yunotsubo Kaido) that winds from the station toward Kinrin Lake, lined with stylish boutiques, craft shops, cafés, sweet stalls and small galleries and museums, perfect for a leisurely stroll. The town is dotted with elegant ryokan and stylish onsen, many with open-air baths framing views of Mount Yufu, and its refined, romantic mood makes it especially popular with couples. Add scenic countryside, seasonal beauty and its famous morning mist, and Yufuin makes a delightful, more sophisticated onsen escape, easily combined with the volcanic drama of Beppu.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Yufuin, Oita |
| Hours | Shops daytime; ryokan overnight |
| Admission | Free town; baths/shops vary |
| Time needed | Half day to overnight |
| Best time | Year-round; autumn & misty mornings |
What to See
- The boutique-lined Yunotsubo Kaido main street.
- Views of Mount Yufu’s twin peaks.
- Art cafés, galleries and craft shops.
- Elegant ryokan with Mount Yufu onsen views.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with Kinrin Lake in the town.
- Pair with the Yufuin art museums .
- Read our Oita overview .
Getting There
- By train: the scenic ‘Yufuin no Mori’ train from Fukuoka/Oita.
- By bus: services from Beppu and Oita to Yufuin.
Tips
Stroll the Yunotsubo Kaido main street from the station toward Kinrin Lake, browsing the boutiques and cafés, and stay overnight at a ryokan to enjoy the town after the day-trippers leave. Come in autumn for the colours or on an early morning for the famous mist over the basin, and combine it with an onsen bath framing Mount Yufu.
