Yufuin's Elegance & The Romance of Lake Kinrin

ℹ️ Practical Information 🕰️ Operating Hours: • Shops on Yunotsubo Street: Mostly 10:00–17:00 • Lake Kinrin: Open all day • Yellow Tourist Bus 'Yufuin no Mori': Runs approximately every 30 minutes depending on the route 🏖️ Environment/Facilities: The town's streets are flat and ideal for walking; tourist buses and taxis can supplement transportation. Accommodations and restaurants are well-equipped, with some offering day-use hot springs. 📍 Address: Yufuin Town, Yufu City, Oita Prefecture 💰 Average Spending: 500–2,000 yen (street snacks and desserts), 2,000–4,000 yen per person at restaurants, and 15,000–40,000 yen per person for hot spring inn stays depending on the grade. 🌿 Discovering Yufuin — A Dreamy Mountain Town Located in Oita Prefecture, Kyushu, Yufuin is surrounded by lush green mountains with the majestic Mount Yufu as its backdrop. Unlike the bustling Beppu hot springs, Yufuin offers a more tranquil and romantic atmosphere. Whether strolling along countryside paths or exploring lively hot spring streets, you'll feel a soothing vibe everywhere. Yufuin is particularly popular among women and couples, as it combines hot springs with art, coffee culture, and unique shops, creating a dreamy retreat away from the world. 🏞️ Lake Kinrin and Natural Scenery — The Romance of Morning Mist by the Lake When it comes to Yufuin, Lake Kinrin is a must-visit. In the early morning, mist often rises from the lake's surface, blending with the distant mountain views to create a serene ink-painting-like scene. The lakeside features walking paths perfect for jogging, leisurely strolls, or simply taking photos. In autumn, the lake's surroundings are adorned with colorful reflections of red leaves, while winter mornings bring an added touch of mystery with the mist, making it a favorite spot for photography enthusiasts. 🛍️ Yufuin Streets — Wandering Through a Hot Spring Town From Yufuin Station to Lake Kinrin, the bustling Yunotsubo Street stretches along the way. This area is filled with various specialty shops and dessert cafes, offering handmade crafts, local produce, and souvenirs. Though the street isn't long, every step reveals delightful surprises: • Charming and compact craft stores • Sweet shops with adorable animal-shaped treats • Traditional Japanese-style coffee houses The street's fresh and healing atmosphere makes it perfect for a leisurely stroll while discovering hidden gems. Children will especially love the cute souvenirs and ice cream. 🍮 Culinary Delights — From Desserts to Local Cuisine Yufuin is also a food lover's paradise. Must-try items include: • Pudding and Cheesecake: Made with Yufuin's rich milk, these desserts are exceptionally creamy. • Croquettes and Fried Chicken: Perfect snacks for munching while exploring. • Hot Tofu and Local Dishes: Enjoy these warm and comforting meals at hot spring inns or traditional restaurants. • Coffee Culture: Many cafes incorporate local ingredients into their dishes, offering refined options from breakfast to afternoon tea. For dessert enthusiasts, Yunotsubo Street feels like a dessert heaven, tempting you to sample treats at every turn. 🚌 The Yellow Mini Bus — The Cutest Way to Travel Besides walking, you can hop on Yufuin's adorable yellow tourist mini bus. This bus typically operates around Lake Kinrin and other main attractions. Its bright appearance is loved by visitors and children alike. Riding the mini bus saves energy, making it ideal for families with elderly or young children. As it travels through countryside roads, the changing scenery outside the window feels like a journey into a fairytale world. 🛏️ Nighttime in the Town — Relaxing at Hot Spring Inns While a day trip is enough to cover the main attractions, staying overnight allows you to fully experience Yufuin's tranquility. Staying at an inn with a private open-air hot spring, soaking while gazing at Mount Yufu's starry sky, is the ultimate luxury. At night, the streets quiet down, offering a stark contrast to the daytime, as if the town exists solely for travelers. ⸻ ✨ Travel Reflections Yufuin's charm lies in its "small yet beautiful" nature. It lacks the hustle and bustle of the city but boasts poetic mountain and water scenery; it doesn't overwhelm with touristy vibes but is rich in art and warmth. Whether riding the yellow mini bus through the town, strolling along Yunotsubo Street, or quietly admiring the morning mist by Lake Kinrin, Yufuin leaves unforgettable travel memories.