Author: Federica Morgandi

 

Yufu Mountain (由布岳, Yufudake) is one of the best nature spots in Japan and part of the top 200 mountains of the country. 

 

Lake Kinrin (金鱗湖, kinrin-ko) and Sagiridai observation deck (狭霧台, sagiridai) are perfect to experience the morning mist that covers the Yufuin basin at the foot of Yufu mountain.

 

View from Sagiridai Observation Deck

 

Yufuin Basin Has Attracted Artists’ Attention Since Old Times

 

The mountain is distinguishable by its two peaks: the east peak, the lower one,  and the west peak, which is the highest (1583 m). This mountain is a designated National Park!

 

Yufu Mountain and Yufu Basin View 1

 

Yufu is an active volcano also known as Bungo Fuji (aka the Mount Fuji of Oita) for its conical shape. 

 

Yufu Mountain and Yufu Basin View 2

 

Worshipped since ancient times, it was often depicted by artists during sunny mornings in autumn and winter, when low temperatures occur. With the heat escaping from the surface of the mountain, morning fog forms and stays in the basin, making Yufuin Basin look like a lake.

 

East Peak vs West Peak Trails 

 

 

After walking through grasslands and forest, you’ll come to a crossroads where you need to choose which peak to climb.

 

Yufu Mountain Trail in Autumn

 

The east peak is suitable for beginners and might take about two or three hours, while the west peak requires some more climbing skills, including the use of chains.

 

The Legend Surrounding Unagihime Shrine

 

Legend narrates that Yufuin Basin used to be a large lake, but then one day Unagihime, the incarnation of Mount Yufudake, commended her attendant Gongen to kick down the bank of the lake. The waters of the lake became a river (Oita River) and flowed out, leaving Yufuin Basin. 

 

The Unaki-no-Hinomikami Shrine is located in a cedar grove with sacred trees several hundred years old, which can be observed in front of Saigakukan. Originally, they say a large dragon lived in the lake, but lost its divine powers when the basin dried up. 

 

Yufuin is Also a Hot Spring Town

 

Footbath near Yufuin Station

 

This is a rural area of Japan, and when you leave the main walking route, you will come across rice paddies and farm houses.

 

Traditional japanese ryokan with hot springs and hotels are spread around town, while the main street is lined with cafes, boutique shops, and small museums to enjoy while walking. 

 

Natural Hot Springs in Yufuin

 

Lake Kinrin is a small lake located at the end of the main walking street. You can walk around the lake, and in doing so, encounter some small cafes, shops, and a shrine. 

 

Lake Kinrin

 

Visitor Information

 

Note: Yufuin is well located in the center of Oita Prefecture. Oita City, Kurogawa and Takachiho are all within reach.

 

■ Address: Yufuincho Kawakami, Yufu, Ōita Prefecture, 879-5102

■ Useful Links: https://www.saigakukan.co.jp/english/tourism

                         https://oita-tourism.com/en/attractions/detail_1065.html 

 

Access Information

 

■ Parking spaces available

■ By car: Approx. 15 minutes from Yufuin IC on the Oita Expressway; 

Approx. 10 minutes from JR Yufuin Station

You can reach the mountain by train and then bus.

■ By train: Yufuin Station is served by the Kudai Main Line, which has limited express services to Hakata and Beppu. 

■ By bus: Approx. 10-20 minutes from JR Yufuin Station via Kamenoi Bus -> get off at “Yufu Tozanguchi” bus stop