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Yufuin Day Trip: Scenic Views, Delicious Eats, and Must-Visit Spots

If you’re planning a trip to Kyushu, Japan, Yufuin should be on your list! Nestled in Oita Prefecture, this charming town is famous for its natural beauty, serene atmosphere, and delightful cuisine. Here’s a detailed guide to my day trip in Yufuin, complete with stunning views, tasty meals, and handy tips for your journey.
Getting to Yufuin: A Scenic Self-Drive Adventure

We started our Yufuin trip with a car rental right after arriving at the train station. Before heading to Yufuin, we spent a night in Beppu, exploring its famous hot springs. ( I’ll write another article about it)

Driving through the countryside to Yufuin was an experience in itself, with expansive views that could rival New Zealand, commented by my brother who’ve been there. If you’re a fan of road trips, Yufuin’s surroundings are not to be missed.


Mountain Yufu right in front of you as you step out of the JR station, paired with clear blue sky that can easily seen in high latitude countries. ( I am from Taiwan, so Japan is “high” for me)
Cozy Homemade Japanese meal: Hanamizuki Restaurant Yufuin
It’s not far from the station, I checked the google review and decided to go.

The unique triangle window reminds me of a cozy food station in the mountain

The name is flower, water and wood

There are some cute Japanese style drawings and some posters of musicians with signature on it. What’s interesting is that all staff in the restaurant are elders who looks just like the ones in the painting.

Fried chicken is a specialty in Oita prefecture. The set is 1200 yen when I visited in 2024.2
There are pictures in the menu so it’s easy to get what you want.

Everything was so delicious, such a heartwarming homestyle meal. Feels like you’re eating at your granny’s. As a Taiwanese I am used to Japanese food and set meals like this and I am telling you this is really good!

Ishiusubiki Teuchi Juuwari Soba Nurukawa

We arrived at 2:30 pm and it’s still packed. We were grateful they welcomed us. Watching fresh soba noodles being made was a treat. I like soba, but the soup is a bit salty.

There’s also pictures on the menu and at least the staff is trying hard to explain to us how to eat it in three different ways in English.
One-Day Tour to Dazaifu Tenmangu, Yufuin, Beppu Jigoku on KKday

A tori on the side of the road.

Kindergarten students playing games. Such a nice background.

This is not on the main road but more like the surrounding area. Took this picture while I was looking for a soba shop but it wasn’t open.

At least I enjoy some nice scenery on the way.
Kinrin Lake in Yufuin: Why It’s a Must-Visit Spot

Kinrin Lake is one of Yufuin’s most famous attractions, and for good reason. The calm, clear waters reflect the surrounding trees and mountains, creating a picturesque setting that feels almost European.
Visiting in February made the experience even more magical, as the chilly weather added a crisp, serene vibe to the scenery.

A good spot for photo. The size of the lake is not too big, with houses and mountains around.

Make sure you walk towards this side of the lake to get a different angle




One-Day Tour to Dazaifu Tenmangu, Yufuin, Beppu Jigoku on KKday
What to eat in Yufuin?

Yunotsubo Kaido is the heart of Yufuin. This charming street is packed with boutique shops, local eateries, and picturesque views of the surrounding mountains. It’s a straightforward path, making it easy to explore without worrying about getting lost.
B-SPEAK Cake Rolls

The signature cake rolls (¥1,620) are incredibly popular, so it’s best to reserve one during your stroll and pick it up on your way back. Everybody does that. But to be honest I don’t think I’ll buy it again. It’s a bit pricey and I can get as delicious cake in any convenience store in Japan.
Kinsho Croquette

One snack that truly stood out was the Kinsho Croquette (meaning it was awarded item) a crispy and flavorful delight that’s perfect for eating on the go. I am usually not a fan of croquette but this one taste good and it’s cheap.

I saw long lines at the store close to the train station so I bought these in a different branch. The donut is just an ordinary pound cake and the pudding is too soft, not my favorite type of pudding.

It was sold out on my way back to the train station. So if you’d like to have some match ice cream, do get it when you see it!
Ordinary Day Coffee


This cozy café was our last stop before heading back. Since I came from Busan to Yufuin on this trip, I found out that the cafes in Korea are highly competitive. So I believe the Koreans’ Google review about this place.

Though the latte was decent, the highlight was the breathtaking view from its entrance. The shop also sells drip coffee bags, making it a great place for coffee enthusiasts.

Riding the Yufuin no Mori Train: Scenic Journey Tips

The Yufuin no Mori train is a quintessential part of the Yufuin experience. Its green exterior and panoramic windows exude elegance.

We were lucky to snag seats in the first car, offering unobstructed views of the lush countryside.

While the scenery was beautiful, it lacked the wow factor of trains like the Spacia X we took in Nikko. It looks all green to me. Still, the charming onboard ambiance made it a memorable ride.


Though aged, I can tell it’s a cicely designed train. By the way, there are so many Taiwanese on the train.

So here comes the cake roll

But there’s no knife in it! So we just tried out best to figure out how to cut the cake and it looks so messy.

Bought a coaster as souvenir on the train. The candy is a complimentary gift.


Why Yufuin Should Be on Your Kyushu Travel Itinerary
Despite a few culinary misses, Yufuin delivered an unforgettable experience with its stunning landscapes, tranquil atmosphere, and unique charm. Highlights like Kinrin Lake and Hanamizuki Restaurant make this town a standout destination in Kyushu.
For the best experience, consider visiting Kinrin Lake early in the morning to catch its iconic misty views. Whether you’re a foodie, nature lover, or casual traveler, Yufuin offers something special for everyone. Pack your camera, and don’t miss out on this idyllic Japanese town!
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Please also check out one of my first blog post about Nikko, Japan
Hotel review: A Serene Stay at Kojoen: Snow and Stunning Scenery of Nikko
Discover Nikko’s Winter Magic: A Day Trip from Tokyo to a Snowy World Heritage Site
Autumn in Nagoya: Visit Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens
2 comments
Great trip report! I am planning to return to Kyushu next year and Yufuin is on my wish list. I love themes trains, so I will make sure to ride the Yufuin no Mori train. Did you book the tickets in advance?
Hi Anja, yes, it’s always recommended to book the tickets in advance, but my brother booked it for us so I didn’t include it in my post.