Kyushu · Yufu, Oita

♨ Yufuin

A relaxed spa town under Mt. Yufu with cafés and galleries.

Quick facts

Location: Yufu, Oita (Kyushu region)
Water type: Simple spring
Tattoos: Check ahead with each bath
Directions: Open in Google Maps

About Yufuin

A relaxed spa town beneath the twin peaks of Mt. Yufu, full of cafés, galleries and small ryokan with outdoor baths. Walk Yunotsubo Street to misty Lake Kinrin, best on a cool early morning. From Fukuoka (Hakata), the Yufuin no Mori limited express (reserve ahead) or the Yufu takes about 2–2.5 hours, and the town is walkable from Yufuin Station.

The water

Mostly simple springs, alkaline to weakly alkaline, with some chloride and hydrogen carbonate sources. The water is clear and gentle, and comfortable for long, relaxed soaks.

History

In 1971, three young local innkeepers, including Kentaro Nakaya and Kunpei Mizoguchi, toured spa towns in Germany. They came home with a vision of a quiet, nature-first spa town instead of big resort hotels. Yufuin started a music festival in 1975 and a film festival in 1976, which helped make it one of Japan's most loved onsen towns.

Getting there

From: Fukuoka (Hakata)
Route: JR Limited Express Yufuin no Mori or Yufu to Yufuin
Time: about 2–2.5 hours
JR Pass: Covered (reserve Yufuin no Mori seats ahead).

Check current timetables and fares before you travel.

Famous for (meibutsu)

Kabosu (food): Oita's tart green citrus
Bungo beef (food): Oita wagyu
Toriten (food): Oita-style chicken tempura

Plan your trip: tours & day trips near Yufuin

Find Yufuin tours on GetYourGuide

Affiliate note: some links on these pages are affiliate links. If you book or buy through them, NorthWest Wa may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend things I'd suggest to a friend.

See it on the onsen map All 50 onsen Onsen how-to

← Shibu Onsen · Ibusuki – Sand Bath (Saraku) →