Yufuin

Asia

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Japan

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Yufuin

Yufuin, nestled in a picturesque valley at the foot of Mount Yufu in Oita Prefecture, Japan, offers a delightful blend of natural beauty and cultural charm. Sitting at an elevation of 400 meters, the town boasts lush greenery, paddy fields, and a serene lake with flowing rivers. Towering over this tranquil scene is Mount Yufu, a majestic twin-peaked volcano that can be conquered in a scenic 90-minute hike. While the rhythmic ringing of temple bells adds to the peaceful atmosphere, Yufuin also caters to tourists with upscale ryokan and a vibrant selection of gift shops.

Famous for its natural hot springs (onsen), the town offers a variety of options, with some open for day visits and others reserved for overnight guests. Public bathhouses (sento) are also available, with one welcoming tourists for a truly local experience. Despite its tourist appeal, Yufuin retains its rural roots, offering a glimpse into Japanese culture. This unique blend, along with its growing popularity among international visitors, particularly Koreans, makes Yufuin a captivating destination for a relaxing and culturally enriching escape.

Get to Know Yufuin

Take a tour of this destination's highlights

Travel Tips for Yufuin

What you need to know before traveling here

Getting Around Yufuin

A guide to Yufuin's local transportation

Walking

Bicycle

Taxi and Car Hire

Exploring Yufuin is a breeze! The town itself is pedestrian-friendly, with most attractions clustered along the 1.5-kilometer main route between Yufuin Station and Lake Kinrinko. This pleasant stroll takes just 20-30 minutes, leaving you plenty of time to savor the scenery.

Practical Tips for Yufuin

Things to prepare and best way to visit

How do I get to Yufuin village?

For a smooth journey to Yufuin, your best bet is the train. If you're departing from Fukuoka City, head to Hakata Station and hop on the Yufu Line train. This direct service whisks you straight to Yufuin, arriving at Yufuin Station in about 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Consider purchasing a JR Pass if you plan on making multiple train journeys across long distances in Japan, like Fukuoka to Yufuin or even further to Osaka. This pass is a budget-saver, granting access to all JR trains, including the speedy Shinkansen bullet trains, as well as JR buses and ferries – a great way to maximize your travel options!

How to go to Yufuin Floral Village from Tokyo?

Traveling to Yufuin Floral Village from Tokyo takes some time, but the journey itself is a scenic adventure through the beautiful Japanese countryside.

You can reach Yufuin Floral Village either by train or plane. For the train, it's the most convenient option. Take a Shinkansen bullet train from Tokyo Station to Hakata Station in Fukuoka. The trip takes roughly 5 hours. Once in Hakata, transfer to a local train on the JR Yufu Line bound for Yufuin Station. This leg takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes. From Yufuin Station, you can take a taxi or local bus to the Yufuin Floral Village.

While not the most direct route, you can fly from Tokyo to Oita Airport. The flight time is around 1.5 hours. From Oita Airport, take a limousine bus or taxi to Yufuin Station, followed by another taxi or bus to the Yufuin Floral Village. This option might be faster than the train depending on flight availability and connections, but can be more expensive.

What is the closest airport to Yufuin Japan?

The closest airport from Yufuin is Oita Airport which is around 50 km away.

What are the best things to do in Yufuin?

Yufuin offers a delightful mix of outdoor adventures and charming attractions. Soak up the beauty of Kirin Lake, a picturesque spot with a serene atmosphere. The lake's calm waters are often graced by ducks, making for a peaceful scene. If you're a fan of fairy tales or whimsical movies like My Neighbor Totoro, don't miss Yufuin Floral Village. This enchanting place offers a vibrant garden adorned with colorful flowers that change with the seasons, creating a picture-perfect backdrop for capturing memories. Prepare for crowds though, as this captivating location is a popular spot for visitors.

For the adventurous souls, Mount Yufu beckons. This majestic twin-peaked mountain offers a challenging yet rewarding hike. The well-maintained trails cater to both experienced and beginner hikers. The eastern peak, standing at 1,584 meters, is a more manageable climb, taking approximately 2-3 hours and offering breathtaking panoramas of Yufuin town and its surroundings.

Is Yufuin cold?

Yufuin has a subtropical climate, so it's not generally considered cold year-round. However, it does experience all four seasons.