Small StepsNestled in the mountains of Oita Prefecture on the island of Kyushu, Yufuin is a charming onsen (hot spring) town that is only a couple hours outside of Fukuoka. With its traditional ryokan inns, quaint shops lining Yunotsubo Street, and stunning views of Mount Yufu, Yufuin offers a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. Exploring Yufuin doesn’t need more than 1-2 days if you’re short on time. However, it could be enjoyed slowly for up to 5 if you’re at a ryokan with an onsen especially. The city center only needs a day to see to its fullest as there isn’t too much to offer in terms of activities in this small town.
Local Yufuin Specialties:
Scenic Hot Springs (Onsen): Yufuin boasts a plethora of onsen, both public and private, known for their therapeutic mineral-rich waters and picturesque surroundings. Many ryokan (traditional Japanese inns) offer private baths with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Yufuin Kinsho Croquettes: These award-winning croquettes are a popular snack, filled with creamy mashed potatoes and minced beef. The crispy exterior and savory filling make them irresistible. Be careful not to eat too many so you’ll still have time for dinner.
P Roll: This Swiss roll is a Yufuin icon. Its soft, fluffy cake and generous cream filling make it a must-try dessert. Be sure to arrive early, as they often sell out quickly!
Local Milk Products & Sweets: Local milk is used in an abundance of sweets including puddings, ice cream, and cakes – each is sure to be smooth, rich, and incredibly satisfying.
Honey Sweets: Yufuin is surrounded by forests, and local honey is a key ingredient in various sweets, including honey soft serve ice cream, honey-flavored cakes, and honey candies. There is a great local and global honey shop located right on Yunotsubo street.
Getting to Yufuin:
From Fukuoka:
From Hakata Station you can take the highway bus, Yufuin no Mori train, or the regular JR line train to Yufuin Station. Each has its own appeal and duration.
Yufuin no Mori (2 hr 12 min): The journey to Yufuin is an adventure in itself on the Yufuin no Mori train. You can ride the popular limited express train from Hakata Station to Yufuin Station. Purchase tickets in the shinkansen (bullet train) office at the green kiosks or the counter. The attendants can help you if you experience any issues. The train’s interior has warm wood paneling and large windows which perfectly complements the scenic beauty of Kyushu’ s countryside. Specific scenic viewpoints are pointed out during the ride.
We found the ride to be relaxing – but personally it was a little over hyped as many of the scenic viewpoints were quickly passed or smaller than expected, especially the waterfall. But we also didn’t know some of the train cars were not in the retro style, we were in car 5 which was a pretty standard design. I believe cars 4 and on are the old style design which is the main appeal of this train. There is also a cute postcard and stamp you receive on the train for a great souvenir. Cost: 5690 yen at time of writing.
Local JR Train (3 hr 15 min): There are a few routes you can take on local JR lines but it will add around an hour to your trip. One option is to take the Kagoshima line to Kurume Station and then the Kyudai Line to Yufuin Station. Cost: 2860 yen at time of writing.
Bus (2 hr 15 min): Ticket reservations are required in advance and may sell out quick. I’d recommend checking to see if you can purchase these online or purchase your ticket as soon as you arrive in Fukuoka so you are all set. Purchase tickets at the bus terminal in front of Hakata Station. Cost: 3250 yen at time of writing.
From Beppu:
From Beppu you can take the bus or train (with transfer) to Yufuin Station.
Local Trains: There are a couple local train options and they each take a little over an hour, so check Google maps or other navigation apps to find your way. Personally, I’d recommend the bus – it’s cheaper and easier to navigate.
Bus: The #36 bus is slightly faster (around 1 hour) that takes you through scenic hilly and curvy roads around Mt. Yufu. If you are easily car sick I would take a Dramamine before this one as it is quite a curvy ride.
Strolling Through Yunotsubo Street:
Yunotsubo Street is the heart of Yufuin, lined with shops selling local crafts, souvenirs, and delicious snacks. Don’t miss the chance to try some of the local specialties, like bontan soft serve (made with a citrus fruit unique to the region) and croquettes filled with Yufuin’s famous milk. There is also a fantasic honey shop with honey from around the world, and a music box store with unique and specialty Ghibli items.
Snacks, Snacks, and more Snacks:
One thing that surprised me about Yufuin were the delicious snacks throughout Yunotsubo street. We tried so many delicious sweet and savory snacks that I have pinned on my map. We especially enjoyed the creme brulee crepes here. Be sure to grab a bite of anything that looks interesting and I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.
Soak in Yufuin’s Mineral Rich Onsen:
Yufuin is renowned for its onsen. There are numerous public baths and ryokan with private baths available. I opted for a stay at a traditional ryokan with both a public and private bath. Soaking in the warm, mineral-rich waters after being on my feet all day was pure bliss. We loved it so much we picked up some mineral powder to try at home.
Popular Attractions:
Lake Kinrin: A small, but picturesque lake known for its early morning mist. It is especially beautiful in autumn when the leaves change color. I’d recommend arriving earlier in the morning to see the lake without the tour buses. Chinese tourism is really popular in the area as is Korean tourism, so you’ll get busloads of visitors arriving to the lake around 9-10AM.
Yufuin Floral Village: This whimsical village is filled with European-style buildings and shops selling flowers, character goods, crafts, and snacks. It’s a popular spot for photos but it is very cramped! Some of the shops can only fit a couple people without feeling claustrophobic. However, if you are a Ghilbli, Curious George, or Moomin fan then it might be worth a stop close to opening hours so you can view the stores with ease. We arrived right as they opened and beat the crowds which was definitely a relief. It’s a quick walk-through so you likely won’t need more than an hour here unless you really take your time in the shops. I think we finished walking around in less than 30 minutes so it’s definitely not as big as it seems online.
Kyushu Yufuin Folk Village: Step back in time at this open-air museum, which features traditional thatched-roof houses and workshops showcasing local crafts.
Mount Yufu: If you’re up for a hike, consider tackling Mount Yufu. Be sure to check the weather conditions ahead of time.
Tips for Planning Your Trip to Yufuin:
Book Your Ryokan in Advance: Yufuin is a popular destination, especially on weekends and holidays.
Buy your Bus in Advance: It is also important to book bus tickets back to Hakata Station or Fukuoka Airport as soon as you can. When you arrive in Yufuin, head to the bus station (across from the train station) to purchase your tickets for your departure date or see if you can buy them online ahead of time. There was a woman when we were there that could not find a ticket for Fukuoka Airport when she needed one.
Purchase a Yufuin Free Pass: This pass offers discounts on transportation and admission to several attractions.
Bring Cash: Many smaller shops and restaurants in Yufuin don’t accept credit cards.
Final Thoughts:
Yufuin is a truly magical place that captured my heart. Its peaceful atmosphere, beautiful scenery, and rejuvenating onsen make it the perfect destination for a relaxing getaway. If you’re looking for an escape from the everyday, I highly recommend adding Yufuin to your travel list.
I’ve included a map below with places I have visited or wanted to visit but didn’t have time (gray markers). I didn’t visit any of the character cafes but I included the ones I spotted while walking for fans of each character to easily pin.
For more Japan content click here.
