Source: RachelH_
Yufuin is quite a popular hot spring located at about 10 km from Beppo, which is a larger and developed resort. The city is like gold for the tourists as there are many cafes, boutiques and art museum where the tourists can come and spend their day. The area is surrounded by mountains from all sides and there are a lot of things to do in Yufuin. So here are the top 15 things to do in Yufuin:
1. Visit Yufuin Area
The Yufuin area is the main market area of Yufuin. It is an interesting place situated close to a beautiful mountain. The main street is quite impressive where you can stroll for hours. There are a lot of tourist shops with interesting stuff for the Europeans. You can eat the handmade soba from there. There is also a lake nearby which creates a pleasant scenery.
Information
- Name: Yufuin area
- Address: Yufuincho, Yufu, Oita Prefecture
- Opening hour: 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- Website: http://yufuin.or.jp/global/
2. Hike on Yufudake
Source: Tomo
Mount Yufukade is a large mountain standing at about 1,583.3 m and located at the border of Yufuin and Beppo. It is mostly an up and down hike with the splendid scenery at the top. You should do the hiking in the winter season when the mountains are frozen; it looks quite pretty. The great thing about this hiking trip is that you won’t get bored even if you do it again and again. You will find many other tourists hiking beside you and greeting you.
Information
- Name: Yufudake
- Address: Yufuincho Kawakami, Yufu 879-5102, Oita Prefecture
- Opening hour: 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Website: http://www.city.yufu.oita.jp.e.nr.hp.transer.com/kankou/kankou/yufudake/
3. Visit Lake Kinrin
Lake Kinrin, located a 25-minute walk from the JR Yufuin station, is a small lake which clears water that arises from hot spring. A brilliant mist rises from the warm water in the morning. The effect is quite clear during autumn and winter. The main problem with the lake is that it is quite small and you can’t walk around it much. However, there are plenty of restaurants around the place where you can eat.
Information
- Name: Lake Kinrin
- Address: Yufuincho Kawakami, Yufu 879-5102, Oita Prefecture
- Opening hour: Open 24 hours
- Website: http://www.japantimeline.jp/en/oita/yufu_city/lake-kinrin/
4. Tour Ebisuya Yufuin
You should definitely visit Ebisuya Yufuin on your visit to Yufuin. It is quite a beautiful town with heartwarming people. You can take a rickshaw from Yufuin station to Kirin Lake. The drivers there are quite energetic and welcome you with open arms. The place is quite beautiful with some of the most scenic views. It is a wonderful trip and one you will hope to take again in the years to come.
Information
- Name: Ebisuya Yufuin
- Address: 3725-6 Yufuincho Kawakami, Yufu 879-5102, Oita Prefecture
- Opening hour: 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Website: http://ebisuya.com/en/
5. Visit Yufuin Chagall Museum
Yufuin Chagall Museum is a beautiful museum present in Yufuin. The visitors here can enjoy looking at the artworks of Russian-born painter Marc Chagall who is one of the main artists of the 20th century. The museum also has an exhibition room on the second and a café where visitors can enjoy drinks. The price of the café is reasonable and the meal is enhanced by the addition of dessert.
Information
- Name: Yufuin Chagall Museum
- Address: 1592-1 Kawakami Yufuincho, Yufu 879-5102, Oita Prefecture
- Opening hour: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Website: http://yufuin.or.jp/global/modules/detail/index.php?id=241
6. Visit Yufuin Onsen
Yufuin Onsen is a small town quite famous for its hot springs. The hot spring is especially enjoyable during winter. There are two rounds of a hot bath. The first round of hot bath energizes your body to withstand cold weather. Another round of hot water removes fatigue and makes you ready for a good sleep. There are also many shops around the hotel. You can also walk freely at the riverside.
Information
- Name: Yufuin Onsen
- Address: Kawakami, Yufu 879-5102, Oita Prefecture
- Opening hour: 9:30 a.m. to 4:20 p.m.
- Website: http://yufuin.or.jp/global/
7. Shop at Yorozuya
Yorozuya is a beautiful shopping place in Yufuin. There are a variety of shops present there. Rabbit-related handmade goods along with original pottery are sold here. Different Japanese cups, teas, and mugs are also available here. Many other products and chopsticks of bamboo are sold here. There are a variety of chopsticks to choose from. A café is also attached to the shop to refresh your mind.
Information
- Name: Yorozuya
- Address: 3725-6 Yufuincho Kawakami, Yufu 879-5102, Oita Prefecture
- Opening hour: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
8. Visit Yufuin Cheese Factory
A visit to the Yuifin Cheese factory will tell you about the cheese is made. The factory makes cheap and delicious cheese-based candies. Products like cheese bun are also made in the factory. The prices of the products are quite affordable. Handmade cheese is used to make the cake. The staff at the factory is quite nice and welcomes the tourists. So you should visit this factory.
Information
- Name: Yufuin Cheese Factory
- Address: 1101-6 Yufuincho Kawakami, Yufu 879-5102, Oita Prefecture
- Opening hour: 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
9. Visit Yufuin Retro Museum
You should also visit the Yufuin Retro Motor Museum in Yufuin. It is a beautifully constructed museum featuring old cars. To reach the place, just reach Kinirin lake and the place isn’t far from there. The museum features a two-story house. The museum has a nostalgic effect as it takes you back in time and you get to see all the old cars, like the Ki Zu car of the 1940s and 50s.
Information
- Name: Yufuin Retro Motor Museum
- Address: 1539-1 Yufuincho Kawakami, Yufu 879-5102, Oita Prefecture
- Opening hour: 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
10. Dine at Yamashiroya
When you get hungry and tired of too much traveling, then you should turn to Yamashiroya. The place has a dreamy effect. There are four private baths to choose and the food served here is just delicious. There are about 10 different courses to choose from. The room is also quite comfortable and cozy. The waiters speak little English but that isn’t a problem because the menu is mainly in English.
Information
- Name: Yamashiroya
- Address: 309-1 Yunohira, Yufuincho, Yufu 879-5112 , Oita Prefecture
- Opening hour: 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 a.m.
11. See the view from Kokonoe Yume Otsurihashi
Want to see Yufuin from the air without actually leaving the ground? Then make your way to the Kokonoe Yume Otsurihashi bridge. The bridge seems to float over the Kyushu Valley with a height of 777 meters from the ground. From here, you can get magnificent views of Naruko-gawa gorge and waterfalls in the middle of the bridge. Usually you need to buy tickets to get onto the bridge but sometimes, it’s free too. The place is just about 3 miles from Yufuin main city. So you should visit it.
Information
- Name: Kokonoe Yume Otsurihashi
- Address: 1208 Tano, Yufuincho, Kokonoe-machi 879-4911, Oita Prefecture
- Opening hour: 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- Website: http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/spot/bridges/yumegrandsuspension.html
12. Dine at Sanshoro
The Sanshoro restaurant is another worth-visiting restaurant in Yufuin. The location is a bit far from the main street and you have to walk about five to ten minutes off the main street to reach the place. But it is well-worth the extra effort because you can get a beautiful view of the paddy fields. Plus, the vegetables, noodles and Bungo beef served at the restaurant are all quite delicious. So come and visit it.
Information
- Name: Sanshoro
- Address: 2850-1 Kawakami Tanaka Yufuincho, Yufu, Oita Prefecture
- Opening hour: 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
13. Visit Yufuin Basin
Yufuin basin is a small lake with some of the most spectacular views in Yufuin. You should visit the place before sunrise and sunset time. Just before dawn, the fog along with the hot spring and cold creates a brilliant view. You will feel as if you are dreaming. The place is a great place to reinvent yourself after a hike. However, there aren’t any facilities in the area. So, you would have to bring your own luggage.
Information
- Name: Yufuin Basin
- Address: Yufuincho, Yufu 879-5102, Oita Prefecture
- Opening hour: 9:30 a.m. to 4:20 p.m.
14. Dine at Snoopy Tea House
Who isn’t familiar with Snoopy, Japan’s favorite cartoon dog. Well guess what, there is a tea house with the same name in Yufuin. The place is cute. Everything here is about Snoopy. You would find Snoopy on the food, napkins, drinks and business cards. Along with tea, the menu consists of a variety of eatables, like omelette, hamburgers and vegetables. The main issue with the restaurant is the high pricing. Still, it is a nice restaurant to visit with your family.
Information
- Name: Snoopy Tea Houe
- Address: 1524-27 Yufuinchokawakami, Yufu 879-5102, Oita Prefecture
- Opening hour: 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
15. Visit Kyushu Yufuin Folk Craft Village
The last thing you need to do before leaving Yuifin is to visit Kyushu Yuifin Folk Craft Village. There are many house and sake breweries from the Meiji Period in the village. A folk handicraft center is also present there, where you can see the handmade paperwork shop and the Handicraft glass shop. You can also get amazing views of Mount Fuji from the streets. The place is however, a bit crowded.
Information
- Name: Kyushu Yuifin folk Craft Village
- Address: 1542-1 Kawakami, Yufuincho, Yufu 879-5102, Oita Prefecture
- Opening hour: 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Now you know the top things to do in Yufuin. With its many restaurants, parks and museums, Yufuin is a complete city. It is the city of the living. Everywhere you go, you will find energetic and lively people. This will make you feel alive than ever before. So you should plan your next trip to Yuifin.
Have a good trip and travel!
