Things To Do
in Yufu
Yufu is a picturesque town located in the Oita Prefecture of Japan. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, with the iconic twin-peaked Mount Yufu dominating the skyline. Visitors can enjoy relaxing in the town's many natural hot springs, known as onsens, which offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
Yufu also has a charming traditional atmosphere, with quaint streets lined with shops selling local crafts and delicacies.
- "Arigatou" - Thank you
- "Sumimasen" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "Konnichiwa" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "Eigo o hanasemasu ka?" - Do you speak English?
- "Oishii" - Delicious
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $50 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $6
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $25 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to Yufuin Onsen, a famous hot spring. Enjoy a rejuvenating soak while taking in the beautiful views of Mount Yufu.
Explore the quaint boutiques and art galleries in the Yufuin village. Try some local delicacies like Yufuin’s famous pudding and melon bread.
Savor a traditional kaiseki dinner at a local ryokan. Wind down with another soak in the onsen under the stars.
Hike on the nature trails around Mount Yufu for breathtaking views. Capture the stunning landscapes and check out local flora and fauna.
After your hike, visit the Yufuin Floral Village, a charming replica of an English village with beautiful gardens. Take some time to relax with a cup of tea at one of the cafes.
Wrap up your day by enjoying the sunset views from your ryokan. Consider sampling a local sake before heading to bed.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning natural scenery, including mountains and hot springs.
- Famous for its onsen (hot springs), providing a relaxing experience.
- Rich cultural heritage with historical sites and traditional architecture.
- Excellent local cuisine, particularly seafood and regional dishes.
- Small-town charm with a friendly community atmosphere.
- Limited public transportation options compared to larger cities.
- Can be overcrowded during peak tourist seasons.
- Fewer entertainment and shopping options than urban areas.
- Some services and amenities may be less accessible.
- Potential language barrier for non-Japanese speakers.
Best Activities in Yufu
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy a scenic hike up the picturesque Mount Yufu, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Relax by the tranquil waters of Kinrinko Lake, surrounded by lush forests and offering walking trails for a leisurely stroll.
Discover an array of colorful flowers and beautiful gardens at the Yufuin Floral Village, perfect for a scenic and relaxing walk.
Explore the town and its beautiful countryside on two wheels, with rental bikes available for an enjoyable cycling adventure.
Tours
Uncover the best of Yufu with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Yufu
Visit one of these nice places.
A beautiful village with stunning views of Mount Yufu and an array of colorful flowers, making it perfect for photography.
Located at the base of Mount Yufu, this serene lake offers picturesque views and is surrounded by walking trails, making it a popular spot for photography.
An elevated platform that provides panoramic views of the Yufu mountain range, the city, and the surrounding countryside, offering excellent photo opportunities.
Food in Yufu
Yufu Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A delectable rice bowl topped with a variety of fresh seafood caught from the nearby Bungo Channel, creating a symphony of flavors and textures. The dish can be savored at most traditional restaurants and seafood eateries in Yufu.
Must-Try!
A unique cooking method that involves using the natural steam from hot springs to prepare a variety of dishes, including vegetables, seafood, and meats. This enriches the food with a distinct, natural flavor. It is recommended to visit Jigokumushi Kobo Steam Cooking Center in Yufuin to try this specialty.
Yufuin is renowned for its exceptional tempura, featuring fresh local vegetables and seafood, delicately coated in a light, crispy batter. Visitors can indulge in this authentic dish at various local eateries in Yufuin.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Yufu better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The market offers an array of fresh, seasonal produce, traditional snacks, and local delicacies. Visitors can sample an assortment of street food, such as yakitori (grilled skewered chicken), yakisoba (stir-fried noodles), and imagawayaki (filled pancakes) from the stalls.
Stroll along the charming streets of Yufuin and explore the inviting onsen street food stalls offering an array of delectable treats such as mitarashi dango (skewered rice dumplings with sweet soy glaze), takoyaki (octopus balls), and freshly made wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets).
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Yufu, it is important to show respect for elders by using honorific language and bowing deeply when greeting them.
It is customary to remove shoes before entering a home or certain traditional establishments in Yufu as a sign of respect and cleanliness.
In public spaces such as trains and buses, it is important to maintain a quiet and considerate demeanor, particularly when using mobile phones, to avoid disturbing others.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Yufu with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Yufu
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is generally not practiced in Yufu, Japan. It is not expected or required in restaurants, hotels, or other service establishments.
Payment in Yufu, Japan is predominantly cash-based. Credit cards are accepted in larger establishments, but it is advisable to carry sufficient cash for smaller businesses and local markets.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Yufu.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Yufu to see cherry blossoms in full bloom and enjoy pleasant weather.
Ideal for outdoor activities and to experience lively festivals and events in Yufu.
Great time to witness the beautiful fall foliage and enjoy cooler temperatures.
Perfect for relaxing in onsens (hot springs) and experiencing the magical winter scenery in Yufu.
Yufu at Night
Hiking in Yufu
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A prominent mountain in Yufu, popular for its scenic hiking trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.
A beautiful hiking area featuring lush greenery and diverse flora, ideal for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful hike.
A large park offering various hiking trails along with recreational facilities, providing a great blend of nature and leisure activities.
Known for its picturesque trails and serene environment, this mountain is a great spot for both novice and experienced hikers.
A well-marked trail that allows hikers to explore the scenic beauty of the area, along with opportunities for bird watching and photography.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Yufu through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Yufu by plane.
Located about 70 km from Yufu, this airport serves the Kumamoto Prefecture and offers both domestic and limited international flights.
Approximately 60 km from Yufu, Oita Airport is the nearest major airport that provides domestic and international services, though limited in comparison to larger airports.
About 110 km from Yufu, Fukuoka Airport is the largest airport in the Kyushu region and offers extensive domestic and international flight options.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnic group in Yufu, representing the local population.
Includes expatriates and immigrants from various countries living in Yufu.
Visitors from domestic and international locations who temporarily reside in Yufu.
The Soul of Yufu
Discover the essence of Yufu through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A widely popular sport in Japan, with a strong following in local schools and amateur leagues.
Gaining popularity, especially among younger generations, with local teams and youth leagues.
A favored sport in schools and community centers, with various teams competing at different levels.
Often played in schools and recreational leagues, volleyball has a community-oriented presence in Yufu.
Including sports like Sumo, which, while more popular in larger cities, still has cultural significance in Yufu.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Yufu.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Japanese cuisine prominently features seafood and meat, many restaurants in Yufu offer vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes, such as vegetable tempura, agedashi tofu, and vegetable sushi rolls. Additionally, Yufuin's cafes often provide plant-based alternatives and soy milk options.
Travelers with gluten intolerance can savor an array of gluten-free options in Yufu, such as grilled fish, rice-based dishes, and fresh salads. It's advisable to communicate dietary preferences to the servers, who are usually accommodating and attentive to specific dietary needs.