In addition to the standard tourist spots, we also know the best places to visit.

Beppu Onsen Suginoi HotelOita Prefecture, located in the eastern part of the Kyushu region, is a “Onsen Prefecture” that boasts the largest number of hot springs in Japan in terms of both the number of sources and the amount of hot springs gushing out.

In addition to Beppu Onsen, where you can enjoy a tour of hell at the source, and Yufuin Onsen, where you can enjoy the natural beauty of Mt Yufudake.

It is also recommended to visit here to enjoy the fresh seafood caught in the Bungo Channel, especially the tasty Seki horse mackerel and Seki mackerel.

In the Kunisaki Peninsula, where unique Buddhist historical sites remain, you can also enjoy exploring the history!

Oita’s Recommended Spots for First Time Visitors/Beppu City

Beppu (Jigoku)Hell Tour

This is the standard course for sightseeing in Beppu Hot Springs, which takes you around “Jigoku(hell),” a natural source of hot water and hod mud that has been gushing out of the ground for more than 1,000 years.

Sea Hell, Blood Pond Hell, White Pond Hell, and Tornado Hell are designated as “Beppu no Jigoku” (Hell in Beppu), a national scenic spot.

There is also Jigoku with footbaths and day trip bathing facilities, and you can enjoy original souvenirs such as steamed and baked pudding and blood pond ointment!

Local staff’s comments

This is the staple of Beppu Onsen sightseeing, where you can visit 7 hell places!

[Private Trip] Fukuoka, Kyushu, Beppu Jigoku Onsen, Yufuin

Business hours
8:00 – 17:00, every day of the year
Charge
Common admission ticket: Adults 2,000 yen, high school students 1,350 yen, junior high school students 1,000 yen, elementary school students 900 yen
Valid for the day of purchase and the day after (2 days)
Access
If you’re traveling from hell at sea
10-15 minutes by taxi from Beppu Station or Kamegawa Station on the JR Nippo Main Line

Kokonoe “Dream” Suspension Bridge/Kusu County, Kokonoe Town

With a length of 390m, a height of 173m and a width of 1.5m, the Kokonoe “Dream” Suspension Bridge is the tallest suspension bridge in Japan for footpaths only.

In front of you, you can see the waterfalls, which were chosen as one of the 100 best waterfalls in Japan, and the virgin forest of Naruko River Valley spreads under your feet.

Don’t forget to take a photo at the observation deck where you can see the entire suspension bridge.

Local staff’s comments

The suspension bridge is called the “Walk in the Sky” and has a great view.

Business hours
January – June, November – December: 8:30am – 5pm, July – October: 8:30am – 6pm, every day of the year.
Admission ticket sales end 30 minutes before each date.
Charge
Admission: Junior high school students and older: 500 yen, elementary school students: 200 yen, under elementary school students: free
Access
Take a taxi from Kokonoe Interchange or a short walk from the community bus “Otsuribashi Nakamuraguchi” (Kokonoe “Dream” Suspension Bridge).

Mt.Yufudake/Yufu City

An active volcano at an altitude of 1,583 meters, it is the symbol of the popular hot spring resort of Yufuin.

It is familiarly known as “Bungo Fuji” because of its cone-shaped shape.

As a mountain of faith from ancient times, its name was recorded in “Kojiki”.

In the Yufuin Basin, Mt. Yufu can be seen from various places, and the view from Beppu Bay can be seen behind Mt. Tsurumi.

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Local staff’s comments

It is the symbol of Yufuin called “Bungo Fuji”.

Access
About 50 minutes by Kamenoi bus for Yufuin from JR Nippou Honsen “Beppu Station”, a short walk from “Yufu Tozan-guchi”.

Kinrinko Lake/Yufu City

It is a mysterious lake where hot springs and clean water gush out from part of the bottom of the lake.

It is said that the pond was called “the pond under Mt. Yufu” in an Oita accent, but the Confucian scholar Kousou Mouri named it “Kinrin Lake” in the 17th year of Meiji when he saw the scales of fish in the lake shining in the sunset.

From autumn to early winter mornings, the steamy morning mist of the lake containing the hot springs is fantastic.

Local staff’s comments

The walking path around the lake is also popular as a fall foliage spot

Access
25 minutes on foot from Yufuin Station on the JR Kyudai Main Line

Aso Kuju National Park “Kusumi Kogen”/Takeda City

Kusumi Plateau, where a vast panorama of greenery spreads out at the southern foot of the Kuju mountain range with Mt. Kusumi as its main peak.

In spring, you can enjoy black (burning in the open), green(grassland), red (autumn leaves), and white (snow field) in autumn and winter, and especially the “burning in the open” has been selected as one of the “100 Scent Scenery” by the Ministry of the Environment.

The Chojahara Visitor Center at the entrance to the Kujyu area provides access to the Tadehara Marshland.

Local staff’s comments

At night, the starry sky is also spectacularly beautiful and a must-see!

Business hours
Choja-hara Visitor Center
Hours: 9:00 – 16:00 (closed at 17:00 in May – October), Closed: Dec. 29 – Jan. 3
Charge
Free of charge to use Choja-hara Visitor Center
Access
About 50 minutes from JR Kyudai Main Line “Bungo Nakamura Station” to Hita Bus for Makinoto Touge, get off at “Kujyu Tozan-guchi (Chojahara)” and soon.

Usa Jingu Shrine/Usa City

It is the headquarters of Hachimangu Shrine, the first shrine in Bungo and home to more than 40,000 companies across Japan.

Since its foundation in the 724, it has been the second mausoleum of Buddhism after the Ise Jingu Shrine and is revered by the imperial family.

The main hall, a typical Hachiman-style building, is designated a national treasure and nearly 150 festivals are held there throughout the year.

The monorail is free of charge for visitors in wheelchairs and strollers.

Local staff’s comments

Usa candy as a souvenir!

Business hours
April – September: 5:30 – 21:00, October – March: 6:30 – 21:00 (except for the New Year period), every day of the year
Monorail hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Fare
Admission is free.
Access
Take the Oita-Kokubu Bus for Yokkaichi from Usa Station on the JR Nippo Honsen Line, about 10 minutes, and get off at Usa Hachiman Station.

Yunotsubo Kaido/Yufu City

Yunotsubo Kaido, located at the foot of Mt. Yufu-dake, is a tourist spot, where you can find many souvenirs and tastes of Yufuin.

The street is lined with about 70 shops reminiscent of Edo-era banquets, and there are also souvenir shops selling Oita’s specialties such as “yuzu (species of citrus fruit)pepper”, and restaurants where you can enjoy local gourmet foods, which attract many tourists on weekends.

Local staff’s comments

There are also many local gourmet restaurants such as Tori-Ten(tempra chicken) and others!

Access
7 minutes on foot from Yufuin Station on the JR Kyudai Main Line

Hita onsen Houseboat and Cormorant fishing/Hita City

Hita Onsen has seven inns along the Mikuma River, which is rich in water.

Enjoy dinner on a Yakatabune(Houseboat) and cormorant fishing on a Yakatabune, a 200-year old traditional Yakatabune boat, and the sight of more than 40 houseboats sailing along the river has long been a Hita tradition.

Local staff’s comments

The food on the river is the best luxury!

Business hours
Approximately 2.5 hours from 18:30 to 19:00, every day of the year.
Charge
Boarding service for adults 3,150 yen- (meals not included) * Reservations for yakatabune are available at each inn.
Access
15 minutes walk from Hita Station on the JR Kyudai Main Line

Takasakiyama Natural Zoo/Oita City

This nature park is home to about 1,300 Japanese monkeys.

There are no cages, and the pristine and lively monkeys come right up to tourists.

You can take the Sarukko rail from the base entrance to the monkey yard, or take a leisurely walk along the nature trail, where you can feed the wheat once every 30 minutes and the potatoes twice a day.

Takasakiyama Natural Zoo

Local staff’s comments

You can meet famous monkeys and cute little monkeys!

Business hours
8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (last entry at 16:30) Open every day of the year
Charge
510 yen for adults, 250 yen for junior high and elementary school students, free of charge for kindergarteners and younger
Saruko Rail fare: 100 yen per person (free for infants)
Access
From Beppu Station on the JR Nippo Honsen Line, take the Oita Kotsu Bus for Oita Station (about 15 minutes) and get off at the “Takasakiyama Nature Zoo Mae”.

Beppu Onsen Suginoi Hotel/Beppu City

A hot spring resort hotel that can be enjoyed by three generations.

The “Tanayu” open-air bath has a great view of the city and Beppu Bay, and on a clear day you can see as far as Cape Sada on Shikoku.

There are many amusement facilities such as “The Aqua Garden”, an open-air hot spring facility where you can enjoy wearing a bathing suit, a fountain show, “Aqua Beat” (open for a limited time), “3 million ball illumination” (held throughout the year), 3D mapping, karaoke, bowling, a game corner, and a kids’ land.

Beppu Onsen Suginoi Hotel

Local staff’s comments

The hot spring facilities and buffet breakfast are also popular!

Business hours
Hours of operation: [Day trip]
Tanayu: 9:00 – 23:00 (last admission 22:00)
The Aqua Garden: 12:00 – 23:00 (last entry at 22:00)
Charge
Common admission rates for Tanayu and The Aqua Garden: 1,500 yen (2,000 yen) for junior high school students and older, 900 yen (1,200 yen) for elementary school students aged 3 and older * Prices in parentheses are for weekends and holidays.
Access
Free shuttle bus available from JR Nippo Main Line “Beppu Station” West Exit.

Recommended Hidden Spots in Oita

Tsurumidake Observation Deck

Mt.Tsurumidake, 1,375 meters above sea level, stands in the western part of Beppu City.

On weekends from July to October, the ropeway is open at night and is one of the most popular night views in Kyushu, and the observation deck at the ropeway’s mountaintop station offers a spectacular view of Beppu City and Oita City.

The entire mountain is covered with the pink flowers of the Someiyoshino cherry tree, and the springtime view is a must-see.

Local staff’s comments

One of the most popular nightscapes in Kyushu

Business hours
Ropeway hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. *Open until 16:30 p.m. from mid-November to mid-March
There is a night service. For details, see Beppu Ropeway.
0977-22-2278 http://www.beppu-ropeway.co.jp/
Charge
Ropeway fare (round trip): 1,600 yen for junior high school students and older, 800 yen for ages 4 and older to elementary school students
Senior citizens (over 70 years old) and junior high school students can get 200 yen off the adult rate by showing an age certificate.
Access
Take the Kamenoi Bus (Yufuin Line or Sakai Line) from the west exit of JR Beppu Station (about 20 minutes).

Stone Buddha Tour/Bungo Takata City and Kunisaki City

Located on the northeastern side of Oita Prefecture in Kyushu, the Kunisaki Peninsula has a round, protruding shape.

It is also known as the “Home of the Buddha” and “Home of the Stone Buddha“, and is famous for its unique Buddhist culture and for its many polished cliff Buddhas and historical sites.

We recommend that you visit Usa Jingu Shrine, the head temple of Hachiman Shrine in Japan, as a starting point for a tour of mysterious stone Buddhas, including the Kumano Magaibutsu, the oldest and largest of its kind in Japan, which is designated as a national monument.

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Local staff’s comments

A tourist attraction with many carved cliffside Buddhas on the shore

Business hours
Kumano Magaibutsu (Tairaji)
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (closed), every day
Charge
Adults 200 yen, children 100 yen
Access
10 minutes by taxi from Nakayama-ga Station on the JR Nippo Main Line
Oita Kotsu regular sightseeing bus “Kunisaki Peninsula Historic Site Tour” is available.

Okamotoya shop/Beppu City

Myoban Onsen has been continuing since the Edo period and is a famous historical site for its alum extraction.

The Okamotoya shop, which is also a rest and souvenir shop, serves a specialty, “Jigoku Mushi Pudding”.

The puddings are handcrafted one by one using the same method that has been used since 1988, with bitter caramel and a rich taste.

You can also enjoy a variety of flavors, such as hot egg udon noodles, while viewing the hot steam and the hot water flower hut.

Local staff’s comments

The parfait and ice cream with jigoku(hell) mushi pudding are also popular!

Business hours
8:30am – 6:30pm, every day of the year
Charge
Jigokushi pudding from 260 yen, Jigokushi parfait from 650 yen, hot egg udon from 550 yen, etc.
Access
15 minutes by taxi or 30 minutes by bus from Beppu Station (JR Nippo Main Line)

Shio-yu(seawater onsen)/Saiki City

Shioyu, located in Saeki City, one of the most delicious fish areas in East Kyushu, is a spot where you can enjoy seafood dishes and a seawater bath.

You can look out over the sea from the bath that boils mineral-rich seawater, and if you’re lucky, you may even see wild dolphins!

The restaurant offers fresh seafood rice bowls and seafood grill under the direct management of fishermen.

The salted water ice cream after taking a bath is also a must-try.

Local staff’s comments

100% seawater makes your skin smooth!

Business hours
10:00 – 23:00 (bath), 11:00 – 20:30 (meal)
Closed on Wednesdays (the next day if it is a holiday)
Charge
Bathing fee: Adults 500 yen, children 300 yen, family bath charter 1 hour 1,500 yen
Access
15 minutes walk from Azamui Station on the JR Nippo Main Line

Showa no Machi(Showa Town)/Bungo Takada City

The lively and bustling shopping street of the 1950s(Showa era) has been recreated, and you can enjoy a warm yet nostalgic atmosphere.

In addition to the “Showa Roman Gura”, a museum where you can experience the Showa era, each store has an exhibition that tells the history of the store.

A Showa 32s bonnet bus is also operated free of charge, mainly on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.

Showa no Machi

Local staff’s comments

You’ll feel like you’ve been transported back in time to the Showa era of Japan!

Business hours
Showa Romanzo: Varies by store
Charge
Showa Romanzo (Dagashi no Yume Museum + Yume Macho 3-chome Building + Showa Picture Book Museum) Admission for all three museums: Adults 830 yen, elementary, junior high and high school students 580 yen
Access
Take the bus for Bungo Takada from Usa Station on the JR Nippo Honsen Line, get off at Bungo Takada Bus Terminal (about 11 minutes), and walk soon.

Doro yu(mud onsen)/Beppu City

It is called a mineral bath, and is a “mud bath” in which you take a bath in the mud contained in the components of a hot spring.

There are two places now in Beppu City where there are rare mud baths in the whole country.

“Beppu Onse Hoyo Land” which looks like a mud field and “Nabeyama no Yu” which is a wild and natural mud bath.

Both are popular among hot spring enthusiasts because of the unique feel of the mud baths, the high heat retention effect and the skin-whitening effects.

Local staff’s comments

There are currently two mud baths in Beppu!

Business hours
Beppu Myoban Onsen Beppu Retreat Land
9:00-22:00 (Monday only until 20:00), open all year round
Charge.
Adults 1,100 yen, children 600 yen, toddlers 350 yen
Access
About 30 minutes by Kamenoi Bus from Beppu Station on the JR Nippo Main Line, get off at Kon-ya Jigoku-mae Station.

Ao-no-Domon/Nakatsu City

Ao-no-Domon, located at the foot of Kyoshuho Peak, is a 342-meter-long tunnel dug by hand by a Zen priest for 30 years (completed in 1764) to allow safe passage along a difficult road in the Edo period.

There are still traces of chisels from those days on the windows for light cutting.

Local staff’s comments

A tunnel where you can experience the greatness of the Zen monk

Business hours
24 hours a day, every day of the year.
Charge
Free tolls.
Access
Approx. 30 minutes by Oita Kotsu Bus from Nakatsu Station on the JR Nippo Honsen Line, get off at the Ao-no-Domon bus stop, and walk quickly.

Beppu Beach Sand Bath/Beppu City

Beppu Beach Sand Bath, located in the corner of Joningahama Beach, is a spot where you can experience the famous sand bath.

If you change into a special yukata and lie down in the sandbox, which is always kept at 42 degrees Celsius, the sandcasters will sprinkle sand all over your body.

You can detoxify your body and mind while enjoying the warmth of the sand and the view of the sea in front of you!

Local staff’s comments

It has a movable roof, so you can experience it even in the rain!

 

 

Business hours
March-November: 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (last available at 5:00 p.m.)
December – February: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (last admission 16:00)
Closed on the 4th Wednesday of the month (the next day if it is a holiday)
Charge
Bathing fee: 1,030 yen
Access
Take the Kamenoi Bus from Beppu Station on the JR Nippo Honsen Line and get off at “Rokushoen  Beppu Kaihin Sunayumae” Station (about 15 minutes).

Seki-Aji Seki Saba-kan/Oita City

On the first floor, you can find “Sekisaba no Ichiyaboshi(Overnight dried mackerel)”, “Kisagami Tofu”, and “Goat Ice Cream” made with local ingredients, as well as fresh fish and seafood from the Bungo Channel.

The restaurant on the second floor overlooks the sea and offers a variety of delicious dishes, including the famous Seki no Kaisen-don (Seafood Bowl), which uses an abundance of seasonal local fish.

Seki-Aji Seki Saba-kan

Local staff’s comments

The famous Kaisen-don (Seafood Bowl) using seasonal local fish is a must-try!

Business hours
Direct sales office (1st floor): 9:00 – 17:00
Restaurant (2nd floor): 11:00-17:00 on weekdays, 11:00-21:00 on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays
Please contact us for year-end and New Year business hours.
Charge
Seki no Kaisen-don (Seafood bowl): 1,200 yen, Kurome-don (Kurome bowl): 1,100 yen, Seki Aji Gozen (Aji Gozen): 2,500 yen, etc.
Access
15 minutes by taxi from “Kouzaki Station” on the JR Nippo Main Line

MAP

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The hot springs, which are said to be the source of the hot springs, are located somewhat distant from Beppu.

The Tsukahara Onsen are located in Yufuin Town, Oita Prefecture.

Have you ever heard of Yufuin Onsen(Hot Spring)?

Oita Prefecture is a well-known hot spring resort along with Beppu Hot Spring.

As the best stop at Yufuin Hot Spring, I would like to introduce the “Tsukahara Hot Springs” that are said to be “the second most acidic spring in Japan,” from bathing reports to mystery and hot spring information.

It is a “strong acid spring” that reminds me of sour lemonade in a place that is hard to get to except by car.

The unique hot springs and the surrounding scenery will surely tickle your curiosity.

Is the hot spring sour than lemon?

It is such a secret hot spring.

What is Tsukahara Onsen Kokono Izumi(Crater Onsen)?

It is located in the Myoban hot spring area in Beppu City, Oita Prefecture.

If you drive or take a bus, you will find a place called Jumonjibara Observatory with a beautiful night view.

You can see Mt. Yufu and Mt. Tsurumi from the road, while looking at “Jumonjibara Observatory” from the side.

As you walked by, you would get wondered, “Are you sure this is the right way to go?”

It is recommended that you go there by car or other means, as it will make you feel uneasy.

Here is the official site info for access:https://yufuin-tsukahara.com/en/access_en/

There is a road to the halfway of the Mt.garantdake which is next to Mt.Tsurumidake, and the signboard that saying “塚原温泉 火口乃泉”(Tsukahara Onsen Kako no Izumi) stands.

From there, go further and you will reach a building that looks like a rest stop for the upcoming climb.

The hot spring in such a location is “Tsukahara Onsen “.

You pay the bathing fee at the reception.

I recommend a course where you can bathe in both outdoor bath and indoor bath!

Needless to say, when I visited, both the indoor and outdoor baths didn’t stop me.
Both “indoor baths and open-air baths” are attractive, but I will start with “indoor baths”.

Introduction of Uchiyu(indoor bath)

If there is no indication that says it is an indoor hot water(内湯), it thinks that it is just a hut for a moment.

However, as soon as you open the door and pass through the curtains, there is a something like Showa-era atmosphere that reminds you.

You can see the bathtub through the glass door, and it looks like the surrounding area is dyed red.

Excitingly, we will prepare and finally meet the hot springs.

No shampoo or soap can be used at this hot spring.

You can see the reason by pouring hot water on your body.

There is a feeling that the keratin of the skin is taken at once. (* This is an individual impression.)

However, if you take a bath in the bathtub, the water is so gentle that you can’t think of it as an acidic spring.

I don’t think it’s an acidic spring.

It is slightly tingling.

My interest, rather than the feeling of bathing, is in the source of the hot water that is being poured over the bathtub.

I approach the place where the source of the spring is flowing, and scoop it and taste it…

It’s sour!

It’s like eye-opening acidity.

It’s as if it’s soured more than the over-squeezed lemon in lemonade.

By the way, when I visited with friends, I often said “sour!”

So my friends also tasted it.

Needless to say, my friends were in the same situation

And not only is it acidic, but it also contains iron, so your body will gradually become more energized.

Also, it’s not only acidic, but also contains iron, so your body will gradually become more energized.

After enjoying the indoor bath, let’s move to the outdoor bath.

When the weather is nice, the view before arrival is the best.

Introduction of open-air baths

When you move from the bathtub to the open-air bath, you must wear clothes.

You don’t have to wear socks or anything like that, but it was a bit chilly if you didn’t wear other clothes properly because of the high ground.

To get to the open-air bath, walk a little on the road between the reception and the indoor bath.

There is a building right away and it is an open-air bath. Like the indoor hot water, it looks like just a hut at first glance.

But when I opened the door and went inside, I lost my words.

The color of the hot spring that I didn’t quite understand in the indoor bath.

That’s well understood in the open-air bath. Its richness can be seen just by looking at it.

I had heard about it Ryokubansen (Green aroma spring).

I took a few baths at Ryokubansen in Beppu City, but this is the first time I have ever seen green.

I felt that it was a little darker than the indoor bath.

And of course I tried tasting the source and I was convinced.

It’s a little bit, but it seems dark. (* This is my personal impression)

Relaxing in the green hot springs with sunlight is a truly blissful experience.

In addition to taking a bath in the indoor bath or the outdoor bath, there is a “crater tour” that you should keep in mind when visiting.

Therefore, while feeling a blissful moment, I was now worried about the crater.

“What is the origin of this source?”

If you come to “Tsukahara Onsen Kako no Izumi,” the starting point of Beppu Onsen is a place you’ll definitely want to see.

Next, let’s look at the crater tour!

“Crater Tour” of Tsukahara Onsen

When I heard the name “Tsukahara Onsen Koko no izumi,” I thought it was a hot spring tour because it was a hot spring.

However, I actually went the “Tour” and realized that it was a mistake.

After relaxing in the open-air bath, I started walking along the road with a sign for the entrance to the crater.

In front of it is the towering Mt.Garan.

The steam was rising from several places.

It’s a steeper slope than I expected.

But I was more interested in trees that have iron on them and the ground that has sulfur buildup.

And, it was the soil that was discolored.

It’s no wonder that the ingredients of the hot springs have an effect on the surroundings.

It’s like a hot spring maniac to go up there while thinking about such things, but…

I’m also a hot spring ｍania too, sorry…

When I climbed up the slope, I could see a magnificent view.

The opposite direction of the scenery was the view of the crater that I often see on TV.

According to what I heard, only Tsukahara Onsen Koko no izumi is nearer to the crater.

The reason is unclear, but there is less toxic gas than other crafts.

From the crater, the hot water was rising.

At the base of the blaze of hot water, I could see a hot spring that spread like a pond!

This is the origin of the name “Crater Fountain”.

Unfortunately, because it is not possible to approach, it is only a view, but it goes without saying that I, a maniac, was interested in the hot spring quality which might be different from the bathtub.

Why was I so curious about it?

Because I’ｍ onsen mania!

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“Spring Quality Introduction,” a valuable hot spring recommended by doctors

So, I would like to introduce the spring quality of Tsukahara Onsen, a valuable source in Japan.

Springs: Acid-sulfur-containing iron (II and III) aluminum-sulfate springs
Temperature: around 60℃
PH value: 1.4

Indications (bathing)

Atopic dermatitis, psoriasis vulgaris, abnormal glucose tolerance (diabetes), and epidermolysis pyogenesis.

Cutaneous wounds, obliterative neuropathy, coldness, depression, skin dryness.

Indications (Drinking)

Biliary system dysfunction, hypercholesterolemia, constipation, abnormal glucose tolerance (diabetes), hypercholesterolemia, iron deficiency anemia, etc.

Contraindications (for bathing)

Active stage of illness (such as when a person has a fever) Active tuberculosis, advanced malignant tumor or severe anemia, if severe physical weakness causes slight heart movement or pulmonary swelling, such as swelling after a short movement.

When there is severe kidney disease, gastrointestinal bleeding, or visible bleeding, acute exacerbation of chronic disease, hypersensitive skin and mucous membranes, and dry skin of the elderly.

Feeling of bathing

I felt that there was a slight difference in the density between the Indoor bath and open-air bath.

The open-air bath had a tingling sensation compared to the indoor bath that felt refreshing, and I felt that the color of the hot spring was dark.

However, both of them were acidic, so the skin was exposed to a beautiful moisture. (* Individual impression)

The taste was like a sour lemonade, but when I tasted well, I felt the unique bitterness of the sulfate spring.

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Tsukahara Onsen Kako no Izumi Basic Information

Name: Tsukahara Onsen Kako no Izumi
Address: 1235 Tsukawara, Yufuin-cho, Yufu-shi, Oita 879-5101 Japan
Telephone number: 0977-85-4101
Business hours:

From 6:00 to 9:00 to 19:00 (until 18:00)
From 9:00 to 9:00 to 18:00 (until 17:00)

Regular holidays: Closed for New Year’s holidays. Closed in winter due to snow and other factors (confirmation required)
Parking: Available (free)

There are 4 to 5 parking spaces in front of the reception area.

Fee: As of April 2018.

・Large bath (separate for men and women)/Adult 500 yen, child 200 yen *Hours are limited to 2 hours.

・Open-air baths (separate for men and women)/Adult 600 yen, child 200 yen *Hours are limited to 2 hours.

・Family bath (4 rooms) / 2000 yen (up to 2 adults and 2 children within 1 hour)

・Separate family bath (1 room) / 2500 yen (up to 2 adults and 2 children within 1 hour)

*The family bath is 500 yen plus per adult. 300 yen per child plus

Official site: https://www.tukaharaonsen.jp/english/

Discount coupon information

This year, a 100 yen discount coupon for Tsukahara Onsen Kuchino-Sen is included in the guide book “BE BEPPU”, which is sold at the new Ekimachi 1-chome Information Center.

You can buy “steamed egg” and “the source of a hot spring” steamed for about 20 hours in the fumaroles on the hillside of Mt.Mt.garantdake

“Yufuin Floral Village”, where the world of Harry Potter’s has been reproduced, is located in such Yufuin.

As it is located in a distance of about 15 minute walk from JR Yufuin station, it is just right distance that you can go while strolling.

Cute streetscape like a fairy tale, as if only there is a shooting set for a movie, is also very popular among ladies’ visitors!

Alice, Kiki’s Delivery Service, Totoro, and also, Peter Rabbit will greet tourists.

Let me introduce you.

Cobbled Road that Suddenly Appears in Retro Hot Spring Streetscape

From JR Yufuin station, when you walk continuously along the main street of Yufuin, which is called as Yunotubogaidou street, there suddenly appear the cobbled road and buildings of brick tone.

Although Yunotubogaidou street is the street where are lined up with shops of Yufuin souvenirs and of fashionable miscellaneous goods, and cafes, tourists will stop their feet unconsciously for atmosphere of buildings that is covered with ivies.

This “Yufuin Floral Village” is relatively a new amusement park, which just has opened in 2012.

If you ask “what is it modelled after”, the answer is “Cotswolds region” of England, and that is famous also as the shooting location of the “Harry Potter”.

Lovely and cute streetscape, which is just like the reproduced world of a picture book as it is, is as if only there being inside of the movie.

In the background, there towerly stands the magnificent Yufu-dake Mountain, and it is the recommended spot also for photo shooting.

Now, what kinds of shops are lined up inside?

The Mouth of Truth Greets You When Enter Yufuin Floral Village

When you enter to Yufuin Floral Village, the Mouth of Truth will greet a tourist.

Though it is an image of England…..  It blended with the atmosphere, so it may seem to be natural…?

Although Floral Village is popular particularly among ladies, there appear British cars of vintage here and there.

These are also must-sees, as these cars, including mini, MG-A, and Riley, are hardly seen in Japan.

As there are shooting points for photos here and there, it is recommended to go around slowly taking times.

Not just souvenirs shops and cafes, when speaking of Yufuin, it is a hot spring!

There is a foot bath, of course, also in this Floral Village.

Although it costs 100 Yen, it is the foot bath with a bit different atmosphere of English style.

So, why don’t you take a short break for healing your fatigue of a trip?

6 Hotels(Ryokan) in Yufuin to Enjoy OnsenWhy don't you go travel to Onsen superpower area, Yufuin Onsen in Ja...

Also, in addition to the foot bath, there surprisingly is a hotel equipped with a hot spring dedicated only for women!

Guests of the hotel can use also the hot spring of flowing directly from the source at free of charge.

“Totoro”, “Kiki’s Delivery Service”, and “Alice” in Yufuin Floral Village

There are lined up with shops that as if crammed with all of the CUTE!

Yufuin Floral Village is the town where is full of shops and food that can only be seen here!

Did you know that the hometown of Peter Rabbit was the Lake District of England?

The specialized shop for Peter Rabbit, where the building that appeared in “Jemima Puddle-Duck” was reproduced faithfully, is also the one of the popular shops.

Also, “Alice in Wonderland” is still firmly popular also thanks to influence of the movie.

Although size of the shop is a bit small, goods and accessories are fulfilled.

In addition, there is the shop of a theme of “Frozen”.

“Kiki’s Bakery” of Kiki’s Delivery Service is a bakery of hand-made breads, including a butter croissant, which surprisingly received the golden award at European examination committee, and a pretzel!

You cannot go home without eating them.

There are lined up with various FOODs that you can taste only here, including hand-made scones and crepes, and soft serve ice cream of rose and lavender.

Day Trip Course for Yufuin SightseeingYufuin, a popular tourist place suits for sightseeing without car, b...

You Can Play also with Owls and Rare Cheshire Cats!

There are still more secrets of popularity of Yufuin Floral Village!

Inside the facility, at “OWL’S FOREST”, where you can play with owls, many cute owls greet you.

Just as the image of shooting location of Harry Potter, “Hedwig” of a snowy owl that Harry feeds is also there!

At “Owl’s Photo Studio”, located inside of Owl’s Forest, wearing a robe similar to those of Harry Potter and his friends, and putting a spotted eagle-owl on your arm, you can also shoot memorial photos!

Moreover, “Gallery Alice’s Tearoom (Cheshire cat’s forest)” is a cute cat cafe with an image of the forest where Cheshire cats live in that appears in “Alice in Wonderland”.

Here is a bit different, and only Bengal cats, of which leopard patterns are rare, are being gathered.

Though there are various cat cafes, there are hardly the chances that you can play with such rare cats.

Fatigue of the trip seems blowing away!

In addition, there are ducks and wild ducks, hedgehogs and horses, turtles, squirrels, and parrots, etc., etc.

There are many unique and cute animals!

Please by all means visit there and being healed.

New Sightseeing Spot “Floral Village” of Yufuin

How did you like it?

The size of site is not very large, but it is the amusement park with full of many cute things.

As admission is free, please by all means feel free to try stopping by.

Please also try paying your attention also to plants and flowers, which are adding colors to the cute streetscape.

As its name of “Floral Village” suggests, there bloom profusely various flowers by seasons, and it is also one of the charms that you can enjoy different landscapes whenever you visit.

There may be many cat lovers who want to be swung around by so-called “Tsundere”(hot and cold) cats.

A writer of this article(namely, it’s me) is one of cat lovers.

There are many spots where such cute cats become a sign of the hotels.

“A ranking of cats who attract guest in accommodation” was decided by Rakuten Travel, a Japanese travel reservation site.

Let me introduce top 5 hotels that have cute welcoming cats.

5th “Kou” at Farm Minshuku Nyamba One in Kagoshima

Gathered 179 votes and ranked 5th is “Kou” at Farm Minshuku Nyamba One.

Surprisingly, Kou is 17 years old right now(2019/4).

It seems that Kou have been a lost kitten, but his proud is well-groomed fur.

Kou has a partner cat, “Fuku”.

So, putting two together, the name is Kou-Fuku which means happiness in Japanese.

*Kou is left and Fuku is in right in the photo above.

Usually tourists misunderstand that they are parent and child, but there is no blood relationship between the 2 cats…

Nyamba One boasts a spacious Japanese-style room of 12 tatami mats (can be used in two rooms with 6 tatami mats) with a retro atmosphere decorated with uchikake(Kimono), obi, and folk art chest.

The owner is a woman, and she began running Farm Minshuku in Kagoshima with her husband after worked for some years.

Beside 2 cats, Farm Minshuku has a dog, so the inn is paradise for animal lovers.

4th Daikichi at Nakamuraya Ryokan in Kusatsu Onsen, Gunma

Gathered 217 votes and ranked 4th is “Daikichi” at Nakamuraya Ryokan in Kusatsu Onsen.

The Ryokan is famous that 5 cats called “Naka-nyanzu” welcome guests, including “Kotaro”, “Yamato”, “Sasuke”, “Ryu” and “Daikichi”.

What is more, those 5 cats are all handsome.

Another charm of Nakamuraya Ryokan is Onsen.

The Ryokan is filled with fun such as five chartered Japanese-style baths such as Nanakuma, Iwagami, Shirane-an, Komagusa and Ishizuka, and course menu with local Gunma food.

3rd Higuma at Ichinoyado in Hokkaido

Gathered 249 votes and ranked 3rd is “Higuma” at Ichinoyado

Higuma is black colored cat and his feature is fluffy fur and the rank has jumped from 14th two years ago to 3rd.

He is gathering guest popularity with friendly personality: if you call his name, Higuma will rush over to you.

Ichinoyado located nearby Asahikawa zoo offers “roses bath” harvested in local.

Rose flower decorated in everywhere inside ryokan drifts elegant smell.

Also, the other cute cats, beside Higuma are popular among the guest.

2nd Milk at Aratama Ryokan in Beppu Onsen, Oita

Gathered 249 votes and ranked 2nd is “Milk” at Aratama Ryokan in Beppu Onsen, Oita.

Milk surprisingly has been ranked 4 years and its high popularity convincing.

Aratama Ryokan stands Hamawaki Onsen, one of the 8 onsen in Beppu, and is unusual ryokan because 40 cats live there.

Milk is the most popular cat among those 40 cats and gathering focus with its special skill that riding on the guest’s back and massaging by his 🐾paw pads🐾.

The ryokan offers accommodation deal to touch with cats, so it is paradise for cat lovers.

As for effect of onsen, it is said that the hot spring works for neuralgia, joint pain and beautiful skin.

1st Yuzu at Kannawa Yunoka in Kannawa Onsen, Oita

Finally, what ranked 1st is Kannawa Yunoka in Kannawa Onsen, Oita, gathered 377 votes, jumped from 3rd last year to 1st.

Yuzu was saved by owner when she got stuck between the walls of ryokan.

And now she is gathering focus from tourist as second owner of ryokan.

Kannawa onsen, one of the 8 Beppu Onsen has nice quality hot spring, and you can experience Jigoku Mushim(hell-steaming).

Inside ryokan is filled with romantic atmosphere and highly evaluated.

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Each of cat is cute and suitable for welcoming guests.

Please go and travel to see them.

Note that it is information at the time of publication(2019/4).

Contents may change.

Yufuin that gained power and benefit from Mt. Yufudake is one of the best onsen areas.

Continuing creating a town filled with quaint atmosphere, Yufuin is popular for both men and women.

Yufuin is becoming popular among foreign tourists for its  appearance that change in each season.

Let me introduce Ryokan in Yufuin that colors your travel.

Superb Views That Change in Each Season And Natural Onsen

image by zekkeijapan.com

In spring cherry blossoms along Oita river, in summer festival(Matsuri) that heat up with enthusiasm and fireworks, in autumn autumn leaves covering Mt.Yufudake and in winter snow covering Mt.Yufudake.

Yufuin that shows a lot of faces throughout a year is a onsen town where 4 million tourists visit in a year.

Although Yufuin is famous tourist place, there are few entertainment districts and large hotels.

This is the reason why Yufuin suits calm travel for adults.

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Enjoy Scale of Nature, Accommodation Attached Open-air Bath

Yamano Hotel Musoen

Spurb view from high ground wide open-air bath heals you.

Musoen is located where overlooking Mt.Yufuindake and Yufuin Basin.

Open-air bath, Mimuso-no-yu is about 100 tatami mats size for men, kukai-no-yu is 150 tatami mat size for women-only.

* 1 tatami mat size is about 1.8 square meter.

Hotel Musoen, Overlook Mt.Yufudake from Open-air Bath in YufuinYufuin Onsen is well-known as one of the most popular hot spring in ...

When the sunny day you can overlook spurb view of Mt.Yufudake in front of you.

For other open-air bath, “koyo-no-yu” is also popular for family bathing.

It’s available anytime as long as the bath is vacant.

Bath attached inside is also enough satisfy you, because you can take bath as if going around the garden, so it’s suitable for family with children.

For meals, Kaiseki dishes made with fresh vegetables grown in local and wild vegetables, Japanese beef grown Kyushu and inshore fish are excellent.

Homemade pudding served in coffee shop is also popular.

The pudding is usually sold out everyday because it is made only 40 in a day.

If you are staying Musoen, however, you can order as room service, and the puddings are kept for those who stay the hotel.

Tsukanoma

You will be healed with calm atmosphere and cobalt blue colored “hot water treatment”.

“Hot water treatment” originally used to be for treating illness.

Tsukanoma is proposing “hot spring relaxation” for stress in modern society, going back original role.

The hotel is evaluated with the time for relaxation as if you are in a villa.

A big open-air bath full of sense of spaciousness is natural hot spring where the water comes out of 500 m under ground.

100% natural hot water of the bath sometimes slightly get muddy, but the power from true nature surely makes you satisfied.

Hot water rich in metasilicic acid has excellent skin effect, so it is popular among women.

Because it can be also used for drinking water, it is said that the water works for our digestive system, and can be expected to effective for chronic constipation.

Rooms are away type, so you can enjoy landscape on the way to the rooms.

Yufuin Hanayoshi, Can See Morning Mist

Hanayoshi is recommended for those who are not used to Japanese-style rooms.

It is on small mountain that overlooks town of Yufuin.

Through the windows in the front space where morning sun inserting, you can see superb view of Yufuin.

The pride of this hotel is mysterious morning mist.

You can encounter such view at 6 in the morning when a day with little wind and radiant cooling.

Also all of the room attached open-air bath, so you can fully enjoy the hot spring while seeing the superb view.

High Quality Hotels for Adult Journey

Kamenoi Besso

image by tripadvisor.co.za

Kamenoi Bessou is a long standing ryokan that had been passing time with history of Yufuin.

The ryokan has 15 Japanese-style rooms in main building and 6 Western-style rooms apart from the main building, where about 30,000 square meters of grounds.

Contributing the town development, Kamenoi Besso received the 1st Commissioner of Tourism Agency commendation in 2009.

You can enjoy natural hot spring in all of the rooms.

This photo of Kamenoi Besso is courtesy of TripAdvisorAlso, relaxed time is offered at large open-air bath which is located in the garden, you can feel the changing season.

Western-style rooms are popular among the younger generations because you can enjoy well-established ryokan in relatively cheaper.

The atmosphere of old classic inside is also the reason for the popularity.

Kutsurogi-no-yado Nanakawa

Kutsurogi-no-yado Nanakawa is a hidden ryokan, located in good place where 1 minute from Lake Kinrinko.

All of 5 rooms in the hotel attached both open-air bath and Uchiyu.

*  Uchiyu is a indoor bath using water from a hot-spring.

What is more, large bath in Tanokura and Santokan that are the sister ryokans of Nanakawa are available for free, so those who love hot springs can enjoy going around onsen.

As for the meal, luxury Kaiseki cuisine with local foodstuff such as Bungo beef raised locally.

It is exactly the ryokan for adult journey.

Sansou-Murata

image by journata.co

Sansou-Murata is the hotel with quaint atmosphere where blend tradition and modernity.

Old-fashioned house type rooms relocated from all over Japan and modern type rooms built in 2004 are both suitable for adult journey.

image by shunsukeiwai.blogspot.com

“Saihido”, a restaurant place has old-fashioned hearth.

You can eat cuisine at warm and nostalgic place.

Although there is never a flashy in the ryokan, the atmosphere surrounds you that makes you feel goodness of Japanese ryokan.

Day Trip Course for Yufuin SightseeingYufuin, a popular tourist place suits for sightseeing without car, b...

Luxury Onsen Stay in Yufuin

Above are the introduction of hotels that make your Yufuin-travel more fun.

Although there are many ryokan that offer one-day bathing service and hot spring tour is also the best part of Yufuin, the hotels introduce above make you feel like staying slowly a whole day.

So please try luxury and relaxed stay in the hotels in Yufuin.

The interior of the new car, designed with a forest theme, offers a tranquil and healing space.

* Fun fact: “mori” means forest in Japanese.

The “Yufuin no Mori” train itself has become a major tourist attraction.

A 30-minute journey from Yufuin Station, on the train’s operational route, brings you to the Bungomori Station in Kusu Town, Oita Prefecture. Here lies the “Former Bungomori Roundhouse/Railway Turntable,” a national tangible cultural treasure preserving a historic locomotive roundhouse.

20 Places to See in Yufuin, OitaWelcome to attractive Yufuin, where are full of nature and energy vo...

The ruins, set against a vivid, lush lawn, are artistically stunning and evoke a sense of romance.

The site also displays a locomotive, which is beautifully illuminated during the roundhouse festival.

A New Car Added to “Yufuin no Mori” on the Hakata to Beppu Route

Image by kyudai-line.com

Did you know that in July 2015, a new car was added to JR Kyushu’s popular sightseeing train, “Yufuin no Mori,” which connects Hakata Station with Yufuin and Beppu Stations?

This new car was designed by Mr. Eiji Mitooka, who is also the designer of “Seven Stars,” a luxury cruise train in Kyushu.

It’s well-known that many people visit Yufuin for sightseeing, but the train line also passes through several other charming towns worth exploring.

Image by kyushu-japan-holidays.com

* The train makes only one round trip per day to Beppu Station.

Currently, the new car operates between Hakata Station and Yufuin Station (Yufuin no Mori 1st, 2nd, 5th, and 6th cars).

To make a reservation, please visit the JR Kyushu online booking site.

The Car Interior: A Forest-Inspired Healing Space

The floor of the new car is made from Japanese oak timber boards, while the ceiling and seats are adorned with leaf patterns, creating an atmosphere akin to being in a forest.

The armrests are designed using “Kumiko” works, a traditional woodworking technique from Okawa City, Fukuoka Prefecture.

* Kumiko is a traditional Japanese technique of joining small wooden parts without nails.

Please note that the new car is car number 4. Be mindful of this when making your reservation.

Yufuin no Mori is also popular among international visitors. There can be long waits for the onboard restaurant, so it’s advisable to head there as soon as you board if you plan to dine.

Artistic and Romantic: The “Bungomori Roundhouse/Railway Turntable” Ruins

Image by www.ana.co.jp

Near Bungomori Station, which is about a 30-minute ride from Yufuin Station on “Yufuin no Mori,” lies the historical roundhouse and railway turntable. This 1,734 square meter site once housed 25 locomotives and employed over 200 staff before the Bungomori locomotive depot closed in 1971.

The preservation of these ruins was largely due to the efforts of local residents. A signature campaign advocating for their conservation gathered 22,000 signatures, both locally and beyond, influencing the local government’s decision.

This local initiative also led to the site receiving designation as a national tangible cultural treasure.

Locomotive on Display and Illuminated in October

Image by twitter.com/circle_myria

As the only remaining roundhouse in its original form in Kyushu, and one of the few in Japan, like the Umekoji Roundhouse in Kyoto, it represents a significant piece of railway heritage. A locomotive, transferred from Shime Town, Fukuoka Prefecture in June 2015, is displayed in front of the roundhouse.

Additionally, a roundhouse festival is held annually in October, featuring nighttime illuminations.

Romantic Aura Emanates from the Ruins with Broken Glass and Bullet Holes from Machine Gun Fire

During the war, it was targeted by the US Army, leaving the ruins with bullet holes from machine gun fire still visible on the walls.

On sunny days, the blue sky reflected in the shattered glass adds to the romantic ambiance of the site.

* Please note, while observation is free, entry inside the roundhouse is prohibited due to deterioration.

Visitors are requested to observe from outside the roped-off areas.

Experience a Journey Surrounded by Greenery from Yufuin to Bungomori

Image by tripadvisor.in

Embark on a scenic railway journey from Yufuin to Bungomori, where you’ll be enveloped by lush green landscapes along the tracks.

Consider extending your trip to Hita. For a complete experience, we recommend traveling both ways, once with the “Yufuin no Mori” train and once via a local train, to fully enjoy the contrasting journeys.

Located in about the center of the Japan’s number one Hot Spring (onsen) prefecture, Oita, Yufuin is proud of the numbers of wells and the yield of hot water that are number two in Japan.

It is watched over by a famous mountain “Mt. Yufudake” afar.

It is also a popular summer resort, called as “Karuizawa of Kyushu”.

There are rich nature, such as “Sagiridai Observatory” and “Kinrin Lake”, also are some unique tourist attractions, such as “Yufuin Floral Village” and “Horse-Drawn Carriages”.

Day Trip Course for Yufuin SightseeingYufuin, a popular tourist place suits for sightseeing without car, b...

Moreover, there are nationwide famous luck energy vortexes, such as “Yufuin Senke – Cafe overlooking Mt. Yufudake” and “Kobo WAHAHA”, and are certified hidden spots of hot springs, such as “Tsukahara Onsen Crater Hot Spring” and “Shitan-yu”.

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In addition to classic spots, some hidden spots are known to those in the know.

So, let me introduce both well-known classic spots and hidden local spots.

First, introduce classic spot in this first page, then introduce hidden local spot.

Recommended Classic Spots for the first Time Tourists in Yufuin”

Sagiridai Observatory

image by city.yufu.oita.jp

It is a superb view spot, where most of tourists stop by, where they will overlook townscapes of Yufuin from about 680 m elevation.

As there located along Kyushu Cross Road and there are a rest area and wash rooms, the spot is also recommended for resting during driving.

It is also known as a famous place where you can see mystic morning mist in chilled early mornings from autumn through winter.

Kinrin Lake

image by japan-guide.com

Hot water spring out from the half of bottom of the lake and cold water from the other half.

As a result water temperature is high even in winter, the lake is such mysterious.

It is said that as the water surface of the lake was seen like glittering in gold with reflection of a light on fish scales, the lake was named as “Kinrin”.

*”Kinrin” means golden scales in Japanese.

Morning mist that can be seen in early morning from autumn through winter is especially beautiful, and it is said that true character of the mist is evaporation of the lake water that include hot spring.

Walking trails are maintained around, and the lake is also famous for autumn leaves viewing spots.

Yufuin Floral Village

image by demilked.com

It is a British style theme park where reproduced townscape of Cotswolds region, which is said that the most beautiful village in Britain, and an English garden in which flowers by seasons are profoundly blooming.

There are attractions, including “Owl’s Forest” where you can experience to put a cute owl on your arm, the largest in Kyushu goods store specialized to roses, a cat cafe of an image of the forest where Cheshire cat lives that appears at Alice’s Adverntures in Wonderland.

There are also equipped with a hotel of rooms without a meal only for women as well as a spa facility.

YUFUIN FLORAL VILLAGE in Yufuin Reproduces the World of Harry Potter's!?Speaking of Yufuin, you may say that it is one of the best hot sprin...

Horse-Drawn Carriages

image by ana.co.jp

Started from more than 30 years ago, sightseeing horse drawn carriages became special sightseeing attraction in Yufuin now.

Leaving from JR Yufuin station, strolling slowly around the town of Yufuin for 50 to 60 minutes, visitng to Bussanji temple and Unaguhimejinja shrine, the course of carriage then returns to the station.

It is for maximum 9 to 10 passengers and can be reserved from 9AM on the day of a ride.

A sightseeing on a relaxed horse drawn carriage is specially elegant.

Yunotsubo Road

image by welcomekyushu.com

A sightseeing street located at the foot of Mt. Yufudake.

There are shops lined along the street, such as souvenir shops selling specialties of Oita, restaurants where you can enjoy local grumets, confectioneries where guests are lined up in weekends.

It takes about 30 minutes walk from around Yufuin station, going through Yunotsubo Road, to around Kinrin Lake.

Going one street off, you can also enjoy to see relaxed country landscape along Oita gawa river.

Mt. Yufudake

With 1,584 m elevation, Mt. Yufudake is a symbol of Yufuin, also called as “Bungo Fuji” from its beautiful appearance of Tholoide type.

It was worshipped as God’s mountain in the past, and it is a famous mountain also appearing in “Manyoshu”.

There held in early May every year is a prayer festival for safety, and many mountaineering lovers visit there throughout a year from in and out of the prefecture.

From the peak of the mountain, you can overlook Beppuwan bay, Kujurenzan mountains, and Yufuin basin.

* When mountaineering, you are required to submit mountaineering notification.

* Manyoshu: Collection of ten thousand Japanese ancient poems of about 8th century

Yamanami Highway(Beppu city thru Aso city)

image by discover-oita.com

An alias of the prefectural road the 11th that connects from Beppu to Ichinomiya of Kumamoto prefecture.

The road, which continues for about 87 km, with winding curves and running on gentle heights, is geographically featured and the classic driving course.

You can enjoy great nature, such as vast Kujurenzan mountains and Handa plateau from car windows, and it is a beautiful landscape spot of nature by four seasons such as fresh green and autumn leaves.

There scatter around a farm for tourists, gourmets on a height, and a hot spring.

Michi no Eki (a station on a road) Yufuin

Right after exited from Yufuin Interchange is there Michi no Eki (a station on a road).

On the ground of a beautiful location, sitting Mt. Yufudake in the front, there are perfectly equipped with direct markets of farm crops, product promotion center, and light meal area.

In dining area, you can enjoy the tastes only in here, such as dynamic “Yufudake don”, rice in a bowl topped with herb chicken produced in Oita prefecture in teriyaki style, and “Wafu Teppan Omrice”, an omelette filled with chicken rice, used Oita signature local chicken, topped with a Japanese style sweet soy glaze, and served on a hot iron plate.

Yufu mabushi Kokoro

image by yufumabusisin.com

A restaurant of “Yufu mabushi” a specialty of Yufuin.

They polish just right amount of “Hitomebore” rice produced in Yufuin, and cook Yufu mabushi in a clay pot for each person.

Yufu mabushi, concentrated tastefulness of rice and commitment to ingredients of local production for local consumption, is a superior dish.

You can choose one from three kinds, a Bungo beef, a fighting cock produced in Yufuin, or an eel produced in Kyushu, and at the last, you can enjoy tasting some rice slightly burnt unique to a clay pot with broth pouring on top the rice.

Limited Express Yufuin no Mori

image by jrkyushu.co.jp

A resort limited express of JR Kyushu, connecting from Hakata station of Fukuoka, to Yufuin station and Beppu station of Oita.

From the moment of ride, you can fully enjoy a resort atmosphere, such as a train body in stylish green and the retro-modern inside of a car, and original lunch boxes of food service in the train.

In addition to a standard two-seater, box seats with a table is also available.

All seats are for reservation, and it is recommended to make a reservation early as the reservation opens from one month before your trip.

Visit Bungomori Roundhouse/ Railway Turntable, Ruins Going by Yufuin no MoriIn 2015, JR Kyushu's popular sightseeing train, "Yufuin no Mori," ad...

Recommended Hidden Spots of Yufuin

Hotarumi Bashi Bridge and a Basin of Yunotsubo Gawa River

In Yufuin where a clear stream flows in the town, you can watch fireflies everywhere from late May through mid June.

Among of all, “Hotarumi bashi bridge” over Yunotsubo gawa river flowing nearby Kyushu Mingei village, as the name suggests, is known as a famous spot of Genji fireflies flying on the surface of river.

The slightly curved wooden bridge is harmonizing together with mountains around, and the landscape even in a day is also a picturesque spot.

* Hotarumi bashi means “watching fireflies on a bridge” in Japanese.

Doctor Fish

image by ustonecookbook.com

In Yufuin, there are many foot bath spots in multiple places, such in Yufuin station premises and around, and along Yunotsubo Road.

Among of all, doctor fish (charged), of which nature to eat old skin cells of human, is popular for tourists.

Utilizing such nature of the fish, it is said that you can expect peeling and massage effect.

As you can heal fatigue easily in a short time, it is recommended for a short break during sightseeing.

Ogosha jinja shrine

image by tripadvisor.com

Toward south from Yufuin station, there is a shrine with mysterious atmosphere, standing still as if protected by cedar trees.

A sacred tree of big cedar, standing next to the left side of shrine building, is said as more than 1,000 years old, and is about 35 m height of a trunk and about 14 m circumference of a root.

It is also designated as a national natural treasure.

Also, there is a hollow of about three tatami-mat wide (4.86 square meter) on the back of trunk, and God statue is enshrined inside.

Tsukahara Onsen Crater Hot Spring

image by enjoyonsen.city.beppu.oita.jp

A hidden hot spring that is said that Minamoto no Tametomo had found about 900 years ago is located in a middle of Garandake mountain where fumarolic blows out.

A strong acidic hot water that is said as about 10 times stronger than that of a lemon, and is said that is effective to skin disease, such as Atopic dermatitis, is the one of Japan’s three major medicated hot springs.

Currently, only Kakou no izumi of a day trip use hot spring opens, and you can experience the blow out flowing hot spring there.

Observation of the crater and a speciality steamed egg are also attractive.

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Yufuin Senke – Cafe overlooking Mt. Yufudake

image by twitter.com

A cafe and fortune telling house “Senke”,　which used to be right front of Yufuin station, has relocated and opened in April 2018.

You can overview the vast Mt. Yufudake from large windows set in an entrance of an atrium.

Inside of the cafe is spacious and a comfortable space.

Recommendation are crispy and juicy toriten (chicken tempura or deep fried chicken) on the plate that is a speciality of Oita and a cup of cafe latte with a latte art made from a photo that just taken.

Kunugi no Oka

image by twgram.me

A pizzeria located on a hill overlooking Yufu basin.

It has a reputation, of course, for the splendid location and for deliciousness of authentic pizzas baked in a brick oven.

The elaborated taste, using dough made of uniquely blended wheat produced in Napoles and in domestic, vegetables produced in Yufuin, home-grown herbs, mushrooms, and home-made bacon and pancettas, is its pride.

You can fully enjoy finely selected foodstuffs also in pastas and ala cartes.

Jakoshi Observatory

You will reach there in about 15 minutes drive from Yufuin on Yamanami Highway toward Aso.

It is an observatory located on Jakoshi pass, where remains a legend that says that a long time ago a monster serpent went back to a lake over this pass.

You can overlook Mt. Yufudake and Yufuin basin from Jakoshi Observatory, where is the morning mist spot known to those in the know along with Sagiridai Observatory.

As a view of Yufuin basin sinking in morning mist is beautiful from autumn through winter, many tourists visit here for photo shooting during the seasons.

Kobo WAHAHA

image by tripadvisor.co.uk

A kobo (a crafts shop) is famous as a shop of beckoning cats where guests line up.

Different beckoning cats are sold depending on a day, such on a weekday and on a day for unloading from kilns.

It is so popular that everything is sold by a lottery.

The story is told about the shop like this.

One day at a garbage station the shop owner picked up the signboard that says a luck comes, since then a luck came to those who bought a beckoning cat.

Many celebrities as well have gotten these beckoning cats.

Why don’t you try your luck whether you can buy?

Shitan-yu

image by welcomekyushu.com

A unisex public bath located on a lakeside of Kinrin Lake.

An elegant appearance of a thatched roof, as if it appears in a folklore, is a feature, and the quality is a simple hot spring.

The temperature of spring source is fairly hot at 69.4 degrees Celsius.

There are an inside bath and an open air bath, and you can enjoy a fantastic view of misty lake from an open air bath especially at night of a cold day.

But, as it is built in a very open way, women seem to need a courage to enter.

YUFUiNFO, Yufu City Tourist Information Center

image by a-g-i.org/design/yufuinfo

It is a general tourist information center opened next to Yufuin station in April 2018.

The whole outer appearance is built with glasses, and as Y-shaped arch pillars are standing inside, it is a space as if you are in the forest.

In here, you can not only have tourist information, but also do other things, like reservations for a horse drawn carriage and for a sightseeing bus Scarborough, leaving temporarily luggage, and sending luggage to a hotel.

A nickname of the facility is called as “YUFUiNFO”, combining three of “Yufu”, “Yufuin”, and “info”.

Map of the Spots Introduced

Here is a map of the tourist spots introduced in this article.

Please make your plan referring to the location of spots.

There are also a lot of enjoyable spots for example, Yunotsubokaido(a highway) to walk around tasting a local food, and unique art museum.

So, let me introduce one-day model course for Yufuin sightseeing.

9 am:Reserve Horse Carriage at YUFUiNFO

Yufuin is one of the famous tourist place in Oita Prefecture, and is said that the amount of hot spring water is second largest in Japan.

It is good location to access by train,so we can walk around many of interesting spots from train stations.

The starting point for model course is from “YUFUiNFO”, a tourist information service center in Yufu City which is nearby JR Yufuin station.

YUFUiNFO itself looks like one of the famous tourist attractions with its fashionable appearance which was designed by Mr. Sakashige, an architect in Japan.

First, make a reservation of horse carriage here in the morning.

Note that horse carriages for tourist can’t be reserved in advance, only same-day reservation is available.

We will introduce a model course, assuming that you could have reserved afternoon horse carriage.

If only the morning horse carriage were available, please exchange your morning schedule and afternoon schedule.

Also, if the reception had been finished, reserving a tourist bus called “scarbolo” and rental cycling can be one of your choices instead of horse carriage.

10 am:Walk to Lake Kinrinko and Tea Time at Tenjosajiki Cafe

After making reservation for horse carriage, let’s headed to Kinrinko Lake, which is located about 30 minutes on foot.

Walking under the “torii” nearby station to start, and cross Oita River through the bridge.

After crossing the river, turn left and go down the street seeing Mt.Yufudake in front of you, like a photo above.

image by japantravel.navitime.com

After walked 15 minutes, on the way to Lake Kinrinko, let’s have a break and have some tea.

The atmosphere of the furniture and building is tasteful because Tenjosajiki used to be sake shop in late Edo period.

Please spend relaxed and moist time seeing and feeling the history.

After chilling and relaxing at Tenjosajiki, Lake Kinrinko is very close, almost in front of you.

11 am: Walk around Tasting Local Foods in Yunotsubokaido

On the way to return from Lake Kinrinko, stop by bustling Yunotsubokaido.

Souvenir shops and restaurants are standing closely each other along the street, and is one of the most representative landscape of Yufuin.

image by seeing-japan.com

The gap between on the way to headed and on the way to return is also interesting, and just walking is even enough satisfying you.

One of the recommended food is Kinsho Croquette(fried mashed potato).

Crunchy outside soft and sweet inside is testy.

It’s so delicious that the source is unnecessary.

2 pm: Sightseeing in Yufuin with Horse Carriage

image by japan-tour.jp

Let’s go and sightseeing with horse carriage you reserved in the morning earlier.

The required time of horse carriage is about an hour.

Main spots to stop by are Bussanji Temple and Unagihime Shrine.

Bussanji Temple has historical temple that has been supporting Mt.Yufudake’s mountain faith.

The gate with thatched roof is impressive and makes us feel it history.

As for Unagihime Shrine, it is said that the name of origin is eel.

Eel is Unagi in Japanse.

Long ago, people in Yufuin area were struggling to flood control.

So, by worshiping eels in the shrine, people tried to control flooding.

Horse carriage will show you such historical attractions going around Yufuin slowly.

Note that horse carriage can’t be available during January to February, when the weather is bad day and when the horse’s bad health condition.

3:40 pm: Reserve Art Museum in Advance

image by tripadvisor.ie

Yufuin is not only famous for landscape and Onsen, but also famous for art.

Although there are a lot of museums in Yufuin in fact, COMICO ART MUSEUM YUFUIN is especially unique museum.

It looks totally different from the atmosphere of Yufuin Station and Yunotsubokaido.

Note that reservation is necessary until the day before to see and available an hours.

You can make a reservation on the officail web site, here.

Please have fun with in Yufuin sightseeing.

Also, if you like, please try the model course we introduced.

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Slightly going out from the road, you can see rich natural scenery and lots of unique typical Japanese style Ryokans (Hotel) equipped with hot springs are dotted.

Yamano Hotel Musoen is a popular hotel where you can enjoy hot springs tour in the site as well as the special large scale open-air bath to overlook  Mt.Yufudake.

Here shows you the charm of the hot spring hotel where you can enjoy staying in relax and comfortably.

Yamano Hotel Musoen Surrounded by Rich Green

image by hotels.com

Yufuin Onsen spreads in the foot of Mt. Yufudake which is called Bungo Mt. Fuji, and charming Ryokans are dotted.

Yamano Hotel Musoen which is a long-established Ryokan initiated since 1938 and stands on the hill slightly away from center of Yufuin Basin is reached by car from Yufuin Sation of JR in 5 minutes.

The huge site around 16,529m² (19,768yd²) is filled with nature of green.

Trees are planted along the stone pavement from the gate entrance to the entrance of the building and the road to the open-air bath and the conditions are always kept well.

Walks in morning and evening in relax can be enjoyed and recommended while you see every scene in four clear-cut seasons like fresh green in spring, colored leaves in autumn and snowscape in winter.

Modernized retro atmosphere in the lobby and gazebo coffee shop and you can also feel the long-established history of the Ryokan in the corridors which are well-polished to shine black.

Care for “Omotenahi” hospitality are felt everywhere, which you can be soften and relieved by the warm customer service.

Yuyamatei with Relaxed Atmosphere

Yuyamatei in the main building, the annex and Kobo Tei in the new building are there for the guest rooms, which can be selectable depending on styles of those whom you come with and your budget.

One of the good idea we can propose is requesting rooms where you can overlook Yufuin Basin from in the 3^rd floor of the main building.

For your travel with your family or group tour, Yuyamatei in the annex is also recommend.

It is detached room by terrace style architecture and structure of the room which has 2 Japanese styled rooms consecutively equipped with a veranda can make you feel relaxed.

Rich greened small garden spreads in front of the veranda and comfortable sings of wild birds who are flying out from tree to tree, which can make you forget your loud and noisy daily life.

For those who value your privacy and stay for celebrating some anniversaries, Kobo Tei in the new building can be the good choice.

Both dinner and breakfast are served to the room, so you can enjoy the meals without being disturbed by any thing.

Rooms that are equipped with private open-air bath or living room are also pupular.

Open-air Bath Overlooking Superb Views of Mt.Yufudake

image by hotels.com

Both open-air baths and chartered baths are dotted there in the site separately for male and female private and indoor baths separately for male and female are also provided and available for 24/7 (only for the guests as the hot springs).

Although they may be crowded by people who do not stay in the Ryokan but only bath in daytime, you can take time to bath there after 15:00 because the time is only available for the staying guests.

“Gomuso no Yu” whchi has thatched roof brings about elegancy is what a huge open-air bath with the space around 100 numbers of tatami mat (182.4m², 2182yd²)!

Views from the bath looks so good that Mt. Yufudake and Yufuin Basin can be overlooked.

Especially the sunset scene when Mt. Yufudake turns dyed red, and is splendid.

“Kukai no Yu” for female open-air bath is further wider and its space is around 150 numbers of tatami mat (273.6m², 327.2yd²)!

This is also a location where you can overlook Mt. Yufudake.

Dressing room and shower booth are well-facilitated because for female use.T

Another one more open-air bath for femail, “Kobo no Yu” is also recommended.

It is the most traditional bath in Musoen, and a big stone called “Kobogan” which is the source of “Gomuso Onsen” in the inn is enshrined.

This can be relatively empty and a best kept secret hot spring place because many people may flock to “Kukai no yu”.

Available for all 4 Chartered Baths

No question, you can fully enjoy the hot springs only with the open-air bath separated for male and female, but the chartered baths (4 plcaes) can meet your needs much more if you would like to have secluded time only with your family.

Because any additional fee is not required even in the case not to stay in the inn but only bath, they are so much crowded in daytime to turn waiting for bathing there.

Although the bathing time only available for the staying guests may be crowded depending on the time, you can enjoy the bathing without waiting so much.

The indoor chartered baths (2 places) are made of granite.

Thanks to plenty of the space you can relax, 3 to 4 people can enter into the tubs.

Baby cot is provided in the one place, so you can use it if you bring small children there.

The chartered open-air baths (2 places) arranged with natural stones are also relatively large-sized.

You can enjoy good atmosphere with the rock baths.

You can enjoy hot spring tour in the inn as well, which can be also a charm point in “Yama Hotel Musoen”.

Please enjoy the hot springs while taking break from time to time.

Take “Yufin Cider” is a local special drink for rehydration after bathing.

Variety of local souvenirs of Kumamoto Prefecture including specialty products of Yufuin is available in the shop.

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Taste Foods in Yufuin

image by hotels.com

You can enjoy monthly banquet dishes which use seasonal ingredient richly.

The menu on June, for example was a course of tofu steak made of avocado with umami broth, a bowl of boiled Japanese conger, bun made of thin bean and so on, which was so delicious taste because of the careful cooking.

Programs with domestic Japanese beef steak and pot of homebred chicken whose materials are selected carefully by the master chef are also recommended.

Wish you spend the delicious times in combination with local beer in Yufuin and local brew in Oita.

For breakfast, so many side dishes such as dried flounder, salted cod roe spiced with red pepper, sliced soy milk skin, bean-curds boiled with arrowroot starch, hot spring egg and Japanese dumpling soup are served so as to facilitate eating rice.

Homemade “Bungo ground beef” and horseradish Chinese mushroom are good tasted as well.

Free coffee is also served after the meal, so it’s pleasant for guests.

Visit Yufuin and Have Fun with Musoen

The staffs in the inn are really polite to respond, so you can be relaxed comfortably and the memories of the trip can be more enjoyable as well.

Stay there and enjoy the hot springs taking time.

Also enjoy further sightseeing tours around Yufuin.

Come on to Yufuin where plenty of sightseeing spots and Oita gourmet can be provided and recommended for travel.

20 Places to See in Yufuin, OitaWelcome to attractive Yufuin, where are full of nature and energy vo...