If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping right into a storybook, Yufuin in Japan is that perfect chapter. Nestled in the mountains of Oita Prefecture, this quaint onsen town moves at a slower pace than Fukuoka and lacks the flashiness of Beppu, but it’s overflowing with charm and has more than enough to make for a dreamy weekend getaway.
Now it’s worth noting that Yufuin is very popular with day trippers. The main street around Yunotsubo Kaido and the Floral Village can feel packed from late morning, but 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!
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 for at least one night as Yufuin changes completely once the buses leave.
We stayed at Yururi Hotel and loved it. It felt calm with both public and private onsen setups and the cutest traditional tatami rooms.
If you’ve never visited an onsen (I hadn’t!) here are some 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 in advance (we just used the private onsen to be safe)
Top Things To Do In Yufuin
Eat your way along Yunotsubo Kaido
Start at Yufuin Station and meander along Yunotsubo Kaido. It’s truly one long temptation: cheese tarts, matcha soft serve, hot croquettes, handmade ceramics, and tiny galleries. Take your time aaaand be sure to 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.
Visit a small museum or gallery
When the street gets busy, it’s a perfect time for a museum break. The contemporary venues in this area are really nice, honestly even for people who don’t usually visit museums! I highly recommend the Comico Art Museum and the Yufuin Showa Museum for a nostalgic glimpse into mid-20th-century Japan!
Soak your feet in a public foot bath
You’re in an onsen town, so stopping by some form of onsen is a great addition to the day, and these foot baths are perfect after walking around seeing the sights. You can visit the station foot for around 200 yen and this usually includes a small towel and/or postcard.
What To Eat In Yufuin
- Toriten (chicken tempura) – Oita comfort food served with kabosu ponzu and a dab of mustard
- Bungo beef mabushi – Clay-pot rice topped with local wagyu
- Yufuin Milch – Silky purin and warm cheesecake
- Onsen purin – Steamed custards sold all over town
Recommended restaurants and cafes:
- Nagomi – Traditional set meals
- Teppanyaki Yufuan (てっぱん焼 由布庵) – Cosy okonomiyaki (my fave food)
- Snoopy Chaya – Cute snoopy themed cafe but very very busy, best right at opening
- Cafe Duo – Famous for 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’s the iconic green sightseeing train with big windows and a relaxed cafe-counter vibe. The ride is about 2 hours and seats are reserved, so book ahead!
From Beppu by bus (our pick)
We took the direct Kamenoi Bus Yufurin from Beppu to Yufuin. It took around an hour and you can just pay on board so no advance planning is really needed.
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. It’s 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.
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?
Not at all, Yufuin is well serviced by trains and buses from the surroundings, and the town itself is super 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.
