Yufuin / Oita
Known for its hot springs, Mt. Yufu, and charming streets, Yufuin has long valued tourism that respects both nature and local life.
In 1924, forestry scholar Dr. Seiroku Honda visited Yufuin. He is said to have proposed creating a town inspired by German spa towns — a place that felt as though it were nestled within a forest park.
Since then, Yufuin has continued to grow while valuing its rich natural surroundings, rural landscapes, and the everyday lives of the people who call the town home.
As you walk around Yufuin, you may find homes right next to shops and inns.
The beautiful countryside and the peaceful mornings and evenings are not just part of the scenery — they are also part of someone’s everyday life.
So rather than thinking of Yufuin simply as a sightseeing destination, think of it as a town where people live, work, and go about their daily lives. Keeping that in mind may help you discover a different side of Yufuin.
Why not practice Touristship — the art of thoughtful travel — during your time here?
A better experience for visitors. A better everyday life for locals.
Here are a few things to know to make your trip to Yufuin a little more thoughtful — and enjoyable!
Enjoying a drink or something sweet while strolling through Yufuin is one of the pleasures of traveling here.
But sometimes, you may finish your drink and realize there is no trash bin nearby.
When that happens, ask the shop where you bought it if they can dispose of it, or take it with you.
Since April 2025, Yufu City has enforced strict rules against littering, street smoking, and leaving pet waste in key areas around Yunotsubo Kaido. Violators may face a fine of 2,000 yen. Let’s keep Yufuin clean and enjoyable for everyone!
Yufuin is surrounded by greenery, rivers, and hot springs.
Cigarette butts left on roadsides, near rivers, or in grassy areas do not simply disappear into nature.
To help keep Yufuin beautiful, please smoke in designated smoking areas.
Since April 2025, Yufu City has had rules concerning smoking on streets and in other public spaces.
The area around Yunotsubo Kaido, which attracts many visitors, is designated as a priority area.
Always be considerate of those around you and follow good smoking manners.
Yufuin can be lively and bustling with visitors during the day.
But in the early morning and evening, the town becomes much quieter.
In Yufuin, tourism and everyday life exist side by side.
It is not unusual to find local homes right next to inns, shops, and other places visited by travelers.
For travelers, it may be a special night away from home.
For local residents, it is simply another evening at home.
In the early morning and late evening, try to keep your voice down and be mindful of the noise from rolling suitcases. A little consideration goes a long way!
If carrying large luggage around town is difficult, consider using coin lockers or luggage storage, or delivery services around Yufuin Station.
And while you’re here, enjoy Yufuin’s quieter side — a completely different atmosphere from the daytime.
Mt. Yufu, peaceful countryside, charming streets...
As you explore Yufuin, you will find plenty of scenery that makes you want to reach for your camera.
Many roads in Yufuin are narrow, and some pass directly through residential neighborhoods.
The street you are exploring as a visitor may also be a road that locals use every day to commute, shop, or get around town.
Standing in the middle of the road for a photo or crossing the road where it isn't safe to do so can be dangerous.
Sometimes, moving just a few steps can reveal an even better view.
Find a safe spot and discover your own perfect angle!
Yufuin is a town best explored slowly on foot.
That is why there is one thing worth checking before you start your walk: where the toilets are.
Because public restrooms in Yufuin are limited, it is best to check where they are before you start exploring or whenever you spot one along the way.
And here is something useful to know about toilets in Japan:
You can flush the toilet paper provided.
Other items, such as diapers and food packaging, can cause blockages and should not be flushed.
Some public toilets in Yufuin may not have paper towels or hand dryers, so carrying a small handkerchief or some tissues can be handy.
A little preparation can make your walk around Yufuin much more comfortable!
As you walk through Yufuin, you may come across a beautiful garden, an interesting building, or flowers that make you want to stop and take a photo.
But what looks like a sightseeing spot may actually be someone’s home or private property.
You may find an ordinary home beside a shop, ryokan, or tourist attraction — or a working field just steps away from a street filled with visitors.
In Yufuin, it's not always easy to tell where tourist areas end and residential spaces begin.
If you find somewhere interesting and wonder, “Can I go in here?” take a moment to check the signs and entrance first.
Please respect private property and take photos only from places where visitors are welcome.
Traveling close to everyday local life is part of what makes Yufuin special.
Keeping that in mind may help you see the town in a whole new way.
Mount Yufu is the symbol of Yufuin, standing tall as if watching over the town.
Did you know that Yufuin has building height restrictions to preserve this beautiful view? There are also rules limiting large-scale developments to protect the area's rich natural environment and scenery.
As you stroll through Yufuin, take a moment to notice the height of the buildings and the beautiful view of Mount Yufu rising beyond the townscape.
Lake Kinrin is one of Yufuin’s best-known sights.
But it was once known by names such as Takenoshita-no-Ike, meaning roughly “the pond below the mountain.”
According to local tradition, Confucian scholar Kuso Mori visited the area in 1884 and saw the scales of fish shimmering gold in the evening sunlight.
The golden shimmer is said to have inspired the name “Kinrinko,” meaning “Lake of Golden Scales.”
The lake is also said to receive both fresh spring water and hot spring water, keeping its temperature relatively warm.
On cold mornings, you may even see beautiful mist rising over the water.