Yufuin

Quaint Hot Springs Town

Yufuin is a small hot springs town located in the Oita District of the Oita Prefecture in Kyushu's Beppu. Popular for the natural hot spring spas and lovely nature scenery, Yufuin is a picturesque destination through southern Japan. Located at the base of the striking Mount Yufu, the quaint town is nearby rice paddy fields, luxury ryokans, and traditional Japanese temples. The hot-springs town uses the hilly terrain to offer relaxing outdoor hot-springs baths, or rotenburo, with great views of Mount Yufu. The panoramic views combined with such incredible waters has propelled Yufuin as a top travel destination for the locals of Kyushu and international travelers as well. Unwind during your vacation in the soothing waters with gorgeous views of the scenery and the remarkable mountain without the crowds often found at other popular onsen resorts like Arima, Hakone, or Gero Onsens. The natural hot springs are a must for any traveler in Yufuin.

Traditional Japanese Shopping
Yunotsubo Street

In addition to catering to a traditional atmosphere, the town is lined with great shopping destinations for anime fans, foodies, and nature lovers. Among the list, Yunotsubo Street is the most popular for grabbing souvenirs or sampling the local specialties of Yufuin. Using tiled roofs and design reminiscent of the Edo Period, Yunotsubo street has more than 50 shops and cafes offering all kinds of treats. While exploring Yufuin, stop by the SNOOPY Tea House for an adorable Peanuts Character-themed snack or explore the Donguri no Mori Yufuin Store dedicated to the works of Studio Ghibli.

There are also numerous Japanese art and contemporary art museums located around the town, including the COMICO ART MUSEUM YUFUIN, the Yufuin Kuso no Mori Artegio, and the Watakushi Museum.

Nature Hikes, Food & Photography

As if the hot springs and shopping scenes weren't enough, Yuifun also draws in crowds of travelers thanks to captivating nature trails and delicious local specialties. There's great hiking options around Lake Kinrin which is a popular spot for nature photographers. For those interested in seeing the nature and sights without hiking should opt for a carriage ride offered by the Yufu Tourist Information Center. During the ride, tourists can see the gorgeous Bussan-ji temple built during the Heian Period and the stunning Unagihime Shrine.

The local food is also a must during your stay in Yufuin. Enjoy Bungo Beef, a hitsumabushi dish made using a Bongu beef from the Oita Prefecture. The combination of fluffy white rice with the thick cuts of meat are irresistible for any carnivore. If you or your travel companions are fans of sweets, be sure to shop for Purindora during your stay. A variation of dorayaki, Purindora features the same spongy cakes as dorayaki but a pudding filling instead of the traditional red bean. There's also semi-sweet B-roll cakes loved by the local children of Yufuin.

If you're interested in relaxing in Japanese hot springs without the heavy crowds to follow, Yufuin is a paradise vacation spot. Enjoy this destination with Japan Deluxe Tours or ask your travel agent about our affordable range of custom private tours to explore Yufuin and the rest of Oita's irresistible hot spring towns.

Yufuin | Related Japan Tours

Yufuin | Related Travel