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If you have done the things to do in Japan, you’d know there are quite a few of them here in Yufuin.
Nestled in the mountainous region of Japan, Yufuin is a cultural haven for those seeking a peaceful respite from their daily lives.
With its serene hot springs, charming cafes, and picturesque landscapes, Yufuin offers visitors a chance to leave behind the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse themselves in a world of beauty and tranquility.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Yufuin:
1. Kinrin Lake
Kinrin Lake is a picturesque crater lake located in the scenic Yufuin area of Oita Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: Take a leisurely stroll or bike ride around the lake’s tranquil walking paths while enjoying the stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Visit in the evening to see the reflection of illuminated street lamps on the calm waters of the lake.
Don’t miss: The famous “couple’s tree,” which stands in the center of the lake and is only accessible by a small bridge. This tree is said to bring good luck to couples who visit it together.
Insider travel tips: On a clear day, you can see Mt. Yufu, one of Kyushu’s most iconic mountains, reflected perfectly on the surface of the lake.
Visit in the autumn to see the colorful foliage of the surrounding trees. Be sure to arrive early to avoid the crowds and get the best views.
2. Yufuin Floral Village
A charming complex in Yufuin, Japan, featuring colorful gardens, quaint shops, and unique art installations.
What to see or do: Stroll through the beautiful gardens, which are especially stunning during cherry blossom season or fall foliage season. Visit the shops, which sell locally made crafts and souvenirs.
Take a closer look at the whimsical art installations, which include a giant teapot and oversized wooden mushrooms.
Don’t miss: The hot spring foot bath, where you can soak your feet in warm, mineral-rich water while taking in views of the surrounding nature.
Also, be sure to try Yufuin’s famous parfait, which is available at several of the shops in the village.
Insider travel tips: Arrive early in the morning to beat the crowds and make the most of your visit. Check the weather forecast beforehand so you can dress appropriately and bring an umbrella if necessary.
Finally, be respectful of the gardens and art installations, as they are meticulously maintained by the staff.
3. Yufuin Onsen
A picturesque hot spring village located in the Oita Prefecture of Kyushu Island, Japan.
What to see or do: Soak in a variety of hot springs, wander around the quaint streets lined with traditional Japanese buildings, visit the Yufuin Floral Village, see the Yufuin Trick Art Meikyukan Museum, and take a scenic train ride on the Yufuin no Mori train.
Don’t miss: Trying an egg boiled in the hot spring water, known as “Onsen Tamago”, and enjoying a relaxing footbath at one of the many establishments around town.
Insider travel tips: – Plan to visit on weekdays if possible to avoid the crowds.
4. Mount Yufu
Mount Yufu is a volcanic mountain located in the Oita Prefecture on the island of Kyushu in Japan. It is a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers.
What to see or do: The main attraction of Mount Yufu is the hiking trails that lead up to the summit. The trails are well-maintained and provide stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
The hike to the summit takes around 3-4 hours and is of moderate difficulty. Along the way, you’ll pass through lush forests and open fields and enjoy breathtaking views of the Yufuin basin.
Don’t miss: The summit of Mount Yufu offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, including a view of Mount Kuju, one of the highest peaks in Kyushu.
The summit also features a volcanic crater, which is an impressive sight to behold.
Insider travel tips: – The best time to hike Mount Yufu is during the autumn months (September to November) when the leaves change color, making for a stunning backdrop.
5. Norman Rockwell Museum
The Norman Rockwell Museum is a museum in Yufuin, Japan, dedicated to the works of the American illustrator Norman Rockwell.
What to see or do: The museum features a collection of over 700 lithographs and prints by Rockwell, as well as rotating exhibitions of his works.
Visitors can explore the different galleries dedicated to the artist and learn about his life and artistic process.
Don’t miss: One of the main highlights of the museum is a replica of Rockwell’s studio, complete with his original easel and other tools of the trade.
Visitors can also participate in art workshops and classes led by local artists.
Insider travel tips: – Visit during the fall season to see the nearby maple trees turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold.
6. Showa Retro Park Yufuin
Showa Retro Park Yufuin is a unique museum that showcases the Japanese Showa era’s daily life from 1926 to 1989.
What to see or do: Visit the recreated village where you can enter houses and shops showcasing life in Japan during the Showa period. Explore retro shops and diners, and visit a vintage car showroom.
Enjoy the museum’s extensive collection of retro items and memorabilia.
Don’t miss: Take a ride on the park’s vintage steam locomotive and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Also, don’t miss trying the park’s famous Showa-era sweet treats, such as soft-serve ice cream and shaved ice with syrup.
Insider travel tips: Plan your visit during the weekdays as the park can get crowded on weekends and holidays. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture pictures of the park’s colorful retro signage.
If you’re driving, arrive early to secure a parking spot.
7. Yunotsubo Kaido Shopping Street
A charming shopping street in Yufuin, Japan, known for its traditional architecture and local artisan shops.
What to see or do: Take a leisurely stroll down the street and explore the various stores selling handmade pottery, textiles, and sweets. The street is lined with traditional Japanese buildings and there are plenty of photo opportunities.
Don’t miss: The Yufuin Floral Village, which is located at the end of the shopping street and features a beautiful garden filled with seasonal flowers.
Also, make sure to try the local specialty, steamed buns filled with cream and sweet red bean paste.
Insider travel tips: Visit early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid the crowds. Many shops open later in the day, so plan accordingly.
Bring cash as some shops may not accept credit cards.
8. Sueda Art Gallery
A contemporary art gallery located in the charming town of Yufuin, Japan.
What to see or do: The gallery showcases a wide range of contemporary Japanese and international art, including paintings, sculptures, photographs, and installations. Visitors can explore the gallery’s spaces, which are designed to provide unique and immersive experiences.
Don’t miss: The outdoor sculpture park, which features a stunning collection of large-scale sculptures set against the picturesque landscape of Yufuin.
Insider travel tips: Plan your visit in advance to coincide with one of the gallery’s special exhibitions or events. Check the gallery’s website for more information.
Be sure to also explore the charming town of Yufuin, which is known for its hot springs and traditional Japanese architecture.
9. Bussanji Temple
Bussanji Temple is a small and peaceful Buddhist temple located in the charming town of Yufuin, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can take a leisurely stroll around the temple’s tranquil grounds, admiring the various shrines, pagodas, and statues that dot the landscape.
Inside the temple, there are several serene prayer rooms where visitors can offer their respects and take in the peaceful atmosphere.
Bussanji Temple is also known for its stunning autumn foliage, making it a popular spot for nature lovers during the fall season.
Don’t miss: Be sure to check out the temple’s impressive collection of over 100 Buddha statues, each one unique and crafted with incredible attention to detail.
Visitors can also enjoy a relaxing cup of tea at the temple’s tea house, which offers beautiful views of the surrounding gardens.
Insider travel tips: For an even more authentic experience, consider participating in one of the temple’s meditation classes or traditional Japanese tea ceremonies.
It’s best to visit the temple early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds and fully appreciate the peaceful surroundings.
Additionally, visitors should dress modestly and be respectful of the temple’s customs and traditions.
10. Ogosha Shrine
An ancient Shinto shrine located in the picturesque hot spring town of Yufuin, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can admire the beautiful traditional architecture of the shrine and the serene atmosphere that surrounds it. There are also several walking paths around the shrine that lead to stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests.
Don’t miss: The Ogosha Shrine’s annual festival, held on September 19-20 each year, which includes a procession of portable shrines and traditional music and dance performances.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to visit the shrine early in the morning or in the evening to avoid the crowds and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Also, make sure to try the local specialty, Yufuin soba, at one of the many restaurants in the area.
11. Yufuin Stained Glass Museum
The Yufuin Stained Glass Museum is a unique art museum situated in the beautiful town of Yufuin, Japan, and is dedicated solely to stained glass art.
What to see or do: Visitors can experience the mesmerizing beauty of stained glass art from Japan and around the world in this museum. The museum displays over 100 works of art made by artists from 20 different countries, showcasing diverse themes and styles.
The exhibits are divided into two categories – historical and contemporary, providing visitors with a broad understanding of the evolution of stained glass art.
Don’t miss: The highlight of the museum is its magnificent stained glass ceiling, which takes up about 500 square meters and exhibits various themes.
Moreover, visitors can witness the museum’s staff creating stained glass art at the studio located on the premises.
Insider travel tips: – The museum is located in a peaceful mountainous area with spectacular views of Mount Yufu.
A visit to the museum can be combined with a relaxing onsen experience to make the most of the area’s scenic beauty.
12. Lake Kirinko
A picturesque lake located in the charming town of Yufuin, Japan.
What to see or do: Take a leisurely hike or bike ride around the scenic lake and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere. The lake is surrounded by lush forests, making it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts.
Don’t miss: The stunning reflections of the surrounding mountains on the calm waters of the lake during sunrise or sunset.
Also, make sure to keep an eye out for the local wildlife, such as ducks and swans, that often roam the area.
Insider travel tips: Bring a camera to capture the beautiful views of the lake and its surroundings. Consider renting a bike from one of the local shops to explore the area at a slower pace.
Additionally, be sure to visit some of the nearby restaurants and cafes that specialize in local cuisine and sweets.
13. Yufuin Yumeguri-kan
A traditional Japanese hot springs resort in the town of Yufuin.
What to see or do: Indulge in a relaxing onsen experience, complete with indoor and outdoor hot spring baths, saunas, and steam rooms. Take a stroll through the beautiful Japanese gardens on the property or enjoy a traditional Japanese massage.
Don’t miss: The private outdoor baths that offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and countryside. The in-house restaurant serves delicious Japanese cuisine made with local ingredients.
Insider travel tips: Book a stay in the traditional Japanese-style rooms with tatami mats and futon beds for an authentic experience. The resort provides complimentary shuttle service to and from the nearby Yufuin Station.
Be sure to visit the town’s many boutique shops and cafes.
14. Jinsei No Mori
Jinsei No Mori is a picturesque forest park located in Yufuin, Japan.
What to see or do: Take a leisurely stroll through the forest and admire the towering trees, serene lake, and beautiful flowers. Jinsei No Mori also has a suspension bridge that offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Don’t miss: The park’s iconic tower, which allows visitors to take in sweeping 360-degree views of the Yufuin countryside.
Insider travel tips: Visit in the fall to see the foliage in all its colorful glory. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes as the terrain can be a bit rugged in some areas.
And don’t forget your camera – the views from the top of the tower are breathtaking.
15. Yufuin Trick Art Meikyukan
Yufuin Trick Art Meikyukan is an art museum located in Yufuin, Japan, which features optical illusion artworks designed to create a sense of immersion and interaction between the visitor and the exhibits.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the museum’s various exhibits, including 3D paintings, sculptures, and installations, where they are encouraged to interact with the artworks by posing and taking photos with them.
The museum also features a costume rental service, allowing visitors to enhance their experience by posing in costumes that match installations.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of the museum is the “Climbing a Waterfall” exhibit, where visitors can pose as if they are climbing a waterfall, creating a memorable photograph.
The museum also features a café offering light snacks and drinks, providing a break from exploring the exhibits.
Insider travel tips: It is recommended to visit early in the day to avoid crowds and allow for more time to explore the exhibits.
Visitors should also wear comfortable clothing and shoes, as the museum requires visitors to remove their shoes when entering some exhibits.