What is Yufuin Onsen?
Yufuin Onsen (Yufuin Onsen) is one of Japan’s most notable hot spring areas, located in Yufu City, Oita Prefecture.
It’s popular nationwide, especially among women and overseas travelers!
✅ Scenic hot springs with beautiful views of Mount Yufu
✅ Charming hot-spring town and art spots
✅ A relaxing resort where you can enjoy food and nature
Yufuin is the perfect place to enjoy both sightseeing and hot springs and to fully experience Japan’s “onsen culture.”
Highlights of Yufuin Onsen
1. Open-air baths with spectacular views
The charm of Yufuin Onsen is its .
You can enjoy different scenery each time you visit as the landscape changes with the seasons.
Recommended ryokan and day-use baths
- “Yama no Hotel Musoen” (attractive for its large open-air baths and panoramic views)
- “Tama no Yu” (a high-end ryokan with a tasteful Japanese-modern atmosphere)
- “Shimon-yu” (a symbolic public bath of Yufuin)
Spending a leisurely time in an open-air bath wrapped in morning mist will refresh both your mind and body!
2. Stroll along Yunotsubo Kaido
Yufuin’s main street, “Yunotsubo Kaido,” is lined with stylish cafés and shops selling goods.
Recommended spots
- Kinrin Lake (Kinrinko): a lake famous for its enchanting morning mist
- B-speak: known for its fluffy roll cakes!
- Yufuin Floral Village: a cute British-style photo spot
Enjoy strolling the hot-spring town at a relaxed pace while sampling street food and shopping!
3. Yufuin’s art and culture
Yufuin also offers plenty of spots where you can enjoy art and culture.
Recommended art spots
- COMICO ART MUSEUM YUFUIN (a contemporary art museum designed by architect Kengo Kuma)
- Yufuin Stained Glass Museum (featuring magical stained-glass art)
Experience the unique charm of Yufuin where nature and art blend together!
4. Enjoy Yufuin’s gourmet food!
Yufuin is famous not only for its hot springs but also for its delicious local food.
Recommended local specialties
- Yufuin Burger (a superb burger made with locally raised beef)
- Bungo beef steak (taste the branded beef of Oita)
- Onsen pudding (a rich pudding made using onsen heat)
After soaking in the onsen, treat yourself to delicious meals to boost your satisfaction!
Useful information for travelers
1. Getting to Yufuin Onsen
By train
- To JR “Yufuin Station”: about 2 hours from Hakata Station on the limited express “Yufuin no Mori”
By car
- About 50 minutes by car from Oita Airport
- About 1 hour 30 minutes by car from Fukuoka City
By bus
- About 2 hours by highway bus from Hakata Bus Terminal
2. Recommended accommodations
Recommended ryokan
- “Yama no Hotel Musoen” (popular for its scenic open-air baths)
- “Yufuin Tama no Yu” (a secluded ryokan for a peaceful stay)
- (a lodging that blends traditional Japanese style with modern elements)
Summary and Frequently Asked Questions
Summary
✅ Yufuin Onsen is one of Japan’s most popular hot spring destinations!
✅ Its open-air baths with views of Mount Yufu are a major attraction
✅ On Yunotsubo Kaido you can enjoy food stalls and shopping
✅ It’s a sightseeing spot rich in art and culture
✅ There are plenty of local foods like Bungo beef and onsen pudding!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best season to visit Yufuin Onsen?
A: Autumn (for fall foliage) and winter (for morning mist) are especially recommended! However, spring and summer each have their own charms.
Q: Can you enjoy Yufuin as a day trip?
A: Yes! You can enjoy it with day-use onsen facilities and a stroll through the hot-spring town. Staying overnight allows for a deeper experience.
Q: Is English widely spoken?
A: Many major ryokan and tourist spots have English support available.
Visit Yufuin Onsen to be healed by nature and hot springs — it’s well worth a trip!
