If you have ever wanted to step into a storybook, Yufuin in Japan is that chapter. Tucked into the mountains of Oita Prefecture, this little onsen town is slower than Fukuoka and less flashy than Beppu, but it has charm for days and more than enough to fill a dreamy weekend.
Yufuin is very popular with day trippers. The main street around Yunotsubo Kaido and the Floral Village can feel packed from late morning. The magic move is simple: step one lane back. The second you leave the street-food line and the photo spots, you will often find yourselves completely alone again!
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This Yufuin travel guide covers how to get there, the top things to do, what to eat, the cutest cafés, where to stay, and anything else you might need!
Where To Stay In Yufuin
If you can, stay one night. Yufuin changes completely once the buses leave. Streets glow, mountains turn deep blue, and the town exhales.
We stayed at Yururi Hotel and loved it. It felt calm and thoughtful with a both public and private onsen setup that encourages lingering. My routine looked like this: pre-dinner bath, post-dessert bath, last-minute bath before checkout!
Onsen etiquette basics:
- Rinse well before soaking
- No swimsuits
- Tie up long hair
- Keep towels out of the water
- Tattoos are increasingly accepted, but always check the property policy in advance (we just used the private onsen to be safe)
Top Things To Do In Yufuin
Walk Yunotsubo Kaido and snack as you go
Start at Yufuin Station and meander along Yunotsubo Kaido. It is one long temptation: cheese tarts, matcha soft serve, hot croquettes, handmade ceramics, and tiny galleries. Take your time aaaand scroll down for some recommendations of what to try!
Visit Lake Kinrin at sunrise
Now I’ll be honest with you, we didn’t actually manage to go for sunrise BUT it’s known to be a very lovely thing to do as you’ll often be greeted with a beautiful mist over the water. If early alarms aren’t your thing (honestly same) just pop by later in the day to circle the water and peek at the beautiful Torii gate that sits in the lake.
Decide if Yufuin Floral Village is your thing
Think mini Cotswolds energy with photo-ready façades. It is very cute and very busy. There are animal cafés inside which I wouldn’t recommend supporting but the rest of the environment is lovely for a quick stroll. If you go, try opening time or just before closing.
Step into a small museum or gallery
When the street gets crowded, duck into a quiet space. Contemporary venues are lovely here, and even non-museum people tend to enjoy a slow hour with good architecture and rotating shows. Recommended spots include Comico Art Museum and the Yufuin Showa Museum (also called the Showa Retro Museum) for a time-capsule hit of mid-20th-century Japan with neon signs, vinyl, candy-shop corners, and coin-operated curios.
Soak your feet in a public foot bath
A classic afternoon reset. The station foot bath costs about 200 yen and usually includes a small towel or postcard. Typical hours are 9:00 to 19:00 and you can buy a ticket at the station window!
What To Eat In Yufuin
- Toriten (chicken tempura) – Oita comfort food served with kabosu ponzu and a dab of mustard
- Dango-jiru (dumpling soup) – Hearty miso base with flat wheat noodles and mountain vegetables
- Bungo beef mabushi – Clay-pot rice topped with local wagyu
- Try Yufu Mabushi Shin (Kinrinko Honten or Ekimae)
- B-speak P-roll – The cult roll cake from Sansou Murata’s bakery
- Go early or pre-order because it sells out
- Yufuin Milch – Silky purin and warm cheesecake
- Kinsho Croquette – Hot, crunchy, and perfect for strolling
- Onsen purin – Steamed custards sold all over town
- Yaseuma – Soft wheat strips dusted with kinako and sugar
- Kabosu everything – Citrus soda, dressings, shaved ice, and more
Recommended restaurants and cafes:
- Nagomi – Traditional set meals that feel like a warm hug
- Teppanyaki Yufuan (てっぱん焼 由布庵) – Cosy okonomiyaki and sizzling teppan plates
- Snoopy Chaya – Character-cute and busy, best right at opening
- Cafe Duo – Famous for playful 3D latte art and an adorable resident cat, Kuu-chan, who stars on their YouTube channel
How To Get To Yufuin (trains, buses, and easy day tours)
From Fukuoka by train
Take JR Kyushu’s limited express Yufuin no Mori from Hakata Station. It is the iconic green sightseeing train with big windows and a relaxed cafe-counter vibe. The ride is about 2 hours, depending on the service. Seats are reserved, so book ahead on weekends and holidays. If it is sold out, take the Limited Express Yufu which follows a similar route and also stops at Yufuin.
From Beppu by bus (our pick)
We took the direct Kamenoi Bus Yufurin from Beppu to Yufuin. Travel time is roughly 60 to 70 minutes depending on stops. It is a simple point-to-point ride that passes classic Beppu areas like Kannawa and Kijima Kogen before arriving at Yufuin Station. Buy tickets at the station or pay on board. Services run throughout the day.
Doing Yufuin as a day trip
Short on time and want someone else to handle logistics? Look for full-day tours that pair Yufuin with Beppu’s Hells and sometimes Dazaifu Tenmangu or Nanzoin. These usually include round-trip transport from Fukuoka, a set window to stroll Lake Kinrin and Yunotsubo Kaido, and one or two additional Kyushu highlights. It is an efficient way to sample the area if you cannot stay overnight.
Yufuin Travel Guide FAQ
Is Yufuin worth a day trip or should I stay overnight?
You can visit in a day, but staying one night gives calm evenings and quiet misty mornings that day trippers miss.
Where is the best place to see the morning mist in Yufuin
Lake Kinrin at sunrise. The spring fed water stays warmer in cool months, so soft mist forms. Arrive early for quiet.
Can I visit Yufuin onsen if I have tattoos?
Many ryokan and baths are flexible, but policies vary. Check your property in advance and choose tattoo friendly options.
Do I need a car in Yufuin?
No. Trains and buses are simple, and the town is compact and walkable.
How do I get to Yufuin from Fukuoka?
Take JR Yufuin no Mori or the Limited Express Yufu from Hakata Station. The trip is about 2 hours. Reserve seats in peak seasons.
