By bus
- 50 min
- ¥1,100
Yufuin (Rz@ as onsen resort, z@ as city district) is a popular hot spring resort, located about ten kilometers inland from Beppu, another, much larger and more developed hot spring resort. Yufuin has a wealth of art museums, cafes and boutiques, and many travelers come to the city just to stroll about town for the day.
Yufuin is located on a flat river basin surrounded by mountains. The most prominent feature of Yufuin's skyline is the twin peaked Mount Yufu, which hovers over the town and serves as the backdrop for many scenic views. The area is rural, and shortly after leaving the main walking route, travelers will come across the rice paddies and farm houses, which make up a considerable part of the town.
The ryokan and hotels of Yufuin are spread out around town, and not clustered along the main street like in many other resort towns. Instead, the main street is lined with cafes, boutiques and small museums, giving Yufuin an atmosphere more like a trendy shopping area than a traditional onsen town. Nonetheless, there is a large number of lodgings with hot spring baths, some of which open their baths to non-staying guests during daytime.
Another natural landmark of Yufuin is Lake Kinrinko. The small lake is located at the end of the town's main walking route, about 1.5 kilometers from the station. Walking paths surround the lake as well as more small shops and cafes, and there is a small shrine located at the lake's southern end. There are also a few public bath houses, one of which, the Shitanyu, can be used by tourists, while the others are for use by local residents only.
Below is a list of some of Yufuin's best baths:
Ratings:
best of the best
best of Japan
outstanding
Getting to Yufuin
By train (currently interrupted)
- 80 min
- ¥1,300
Important notice: some train tracks between Beppu and Yufuin were damaged by heavy rain in early July 2026, and train service is interrupted between Shonai and Yufuin stations until further notice. A substitute bus runs between the two stations on weekdays.
Train travel between Beppu and Yufuin requires a transfer of trains at Oita Station. By local trains, the one way journey takes about 80 minutes, costs 1300 yen and is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass and Kyushu Rail Pass.
By Kyusanko Kyushu Odan Bus
- 60 min
- ¥1,300
The Kyushu Odan Bus operates between Beppu and Kumamoto, stopping at Yufuin along the way. The one way journey between Beppu and Yufuin takes one hour, costs 1300 yen and is covered by the Sun Q Pass. Online reservations are possible through Willer or Japan Bus Online.
Above fees and schedules are subject to change. Be sure to check current yen exchange rates.
Getting around
Yufuin can be easily explored on foot, and the majority of the town's attractions are located along the 1.5 kilometer long main walking route between Yufuin Station and Lake Kinrinko. Walking the entire route takes 20-30 minutes, not counting any stops along the way.
Yufuin's baths are spread out all across the town, and many of them are difficult to access without private transportation. Bicycles are a convenient method for traveling to the more remote baths or for seeing the town quickly. Rental bicycles can be obtained at Yufuin Station for 250 yen per hour or 1250 yen per day. Taxi and rental car are other options for getting around. Nissan and Ekiren have rental car outlets in Yufuin, while many more outlets are found in nearby Beppu.
Questions? Ask in our forum.
Links and Resources
Hotels around Yufuin
Top rated in Yufuin
Budget:
-
-
![]()
Yurari RokumyoGuests at Yurari Rokumyo can rent out an entire traditional Japanese-style house with a private hot-spring bath. Free Wi-Fi is available at the public areas. Guests can use the 24-hour shared bath for private use and in-room massages can be request for an extra cost. JR Yufuin Train Station is a 10-minute walk away. The Japanese-style house features 2 connecting rooms with tatami (woven-straw) floors and Japanese futon bedding. Each comes with a flat-screen TV and a seating area with low tables. A microwave, an electric kettle and a private toilet are included as well. The house comes with an open-air hot-spring stone bath. Rokumyo Yurari is a 15-minute walk from Lake Kinrin and a 15-minute drive from Mount Yufu. Oita Airport is a 50-minute drive away. Free parking is available on site and luggage storage is offered at the front desk. No meals are served.View on Booking.com -
![]()
Yunohira KamiyanagiyaView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Yunohira Kamiyanagiya in Yufu offers family rooms with air-conditioning, tatami floors, and private bathrooms. Each room includes a refrigerator, TV, and free toiletries.Relaxing Facilities
Guests can enjoy a hot spring bath, open-air bath, and free WiFi. Additional amenities include a shuttle service, minimarket, daily housekeeping, luggage storage, and free on-site private parking.Dining Experience
The ryokan serves Asian breakfast with local specialities. Dinner is highly rated by guests, who appreciate the delicious meals.Local Attractions
Located 40 km from Crasus Dome Oita, 16 km from Kinrinko Lake, and 65 km from Oita Airport. Nearby attractions include Ogosha Shrine and Unaki Hime Shrine. -
![]()
Nihon-no-AshitabaView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Nihon-no-Ashitaba in Yufuin offers family rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and mountain views. Each room includes a tea and coffee maker, bidet, and free WiFi.Relaxing Facilities
Guests can enjoy a hot spring bath, open-air bath, and bar. Additional amenities include a work desk, seating area, and free toiletries.Convenient Services
The ryokan provides a 24-hour front desk, daily housekeeping, luggage storage, and free on-site private parking. Free breakfast is served each morning.Local Attractions
Located 54 km from Oita Airport, the property is near Kinrinko Lake (3.8 km) and Yufuin Station (2.4 km). Other attractions include Norman Rockwell Museum and Crasus Dome Oita. -
![]()
Kutsurogi-no-Yado NanakawaKutsurogi-no-Yado Nanakawa offers private maisonettes with a private outdoor hot spring bath, a Japanese-style living room and free wired internet, a mere 1-minute stroll from Lake Kinrin. Air-conditioned maisonettes boast an outdoor hot spring bath, a private terrace and a Japanese-style living room. Theyfre fitted with Western beds, an LCD TV on both floors and a seating area with chairs and a coffee table. Amenities include a fridge, yukata robes and an attached bathroom with toiletries. Hotel Nanakawa Kutsurogi-no-Yado is a 15-minute walk from Yufuin Museum. JR Yufuin Station is a 5-minute drive. Guests at the Kutsurogi-no-Yado can unwind in a public hot spring bath and a hot public bath, free of charge. The baths are a few steps from the rooms, and theyfre part of neighbouring inns in the same compound. The property serves a Japanese breakfast and a traditional multi-course dinner featuring seasonal dishes and the famed local Bungo beef. Meals are served in the compoundfs dining room.View on Booking.com -
![]()
Yufuin Souan KosumosuView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Yufuin Souan Kosumosu in Yufu offers family rooms with private bathrooms, air-conditioning, and free WiFi. Each room includes a dining table, TV, and wardrobe.Relaxing Facilities
Guests can enjoy a hot spring bath, open-air bath, and bar. Additional amenities include a lounge, public bath, lift, daily housekeeping, room service, and free off-site private parking.Local Attractions
Kinrinko Lake is a 4-minute walk away, while Yufuin Retro Motor Museum is just a few steps from the property. Other nearby attractions include Yufuin Showakan and Yufuin Chagall Museum.Guest Satisfaction
Highly rated for its attentive staff and excellent service support, dinner, and proximity to lakes. -
![]()
Sanso TanakaView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Sanso Tanaka in Yufu offers adults-only rooms with garden, mountain, and inner courtyard views. Each room features air-conditioning, a refrigerator, and a TV.Relaxing Facilities
Guests can enjoy a hot spring bath, spa facilities, and an open-air bath. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.Convenient Amenities
The ryokan provides a shared kitchen, daily housekeeping service, luggage storage, and free on-site private parking. Additional amenities include a hairdryer, yukata, and free toiletries.Local Attractions
Kinrinko Lake is an 18-minute walk away, while Health Onsen Kan Quaju Yufuin is 400 metres nearby. Yufuin Station is a 10-minute walk, and Norman Rockwell Yufuin Museum is less than 1 km from the property. Oita Airport is 53 km distant. -
![]()
Yufuin Onsen Hinoharu RyokanOffering public indoor/outdoor hot-spring baths, Yufuin Onsen Hinoharu Ryokan features Japanese-style accommodations with a flat-screen satellite TV and Yukata robes. Guests can request for relaxing massages and free WiFi is available throughout the entire property. Prepared with fresh sashimi, wagyu beef and local vegetables, traditional Japanese multi-course meals are served for dinner at the dining room. For breakfast, a Japanese set menu is offered at the dining room. The air-conditioned rooms feature garden views, tatami (woven-straw) floors and Japanese futon bedding. Each comes with a safety deposit box, a fridge and an electric kettle. Some rooms have a private hot-spring bath, while for some bathrooms are shared. Guests at the ryokan are welcomed with green tea and Japanese sweets. They can relax at the large public hot spring baths or take a dip in a cosy privately-reserved bath for free. A free-use internet computer and photocopying services are available as well. Hinoharu Ryokan Yufuin Onsen is a 10-minute walk from Lake Kinrin. JR Yufuin Train Station is a 15-minute walk away. Oita Airport is a 60-minute drive from the property and Fukuoka Airport a 90-minute drive away.View on Booking.com -
![]()
Ryokan YamashiroyaSituated in a historic and peaceful hot spring town, Ryokan Yamashiroya boasts spacious hot spring baths and comfortable Japanese-style guest rooms. Its English-speaking staff welcome the guests, and property-wide Wi-Fi is offered for free. Free parking is also available. Guests can try on a yukata robe and sip green tea in the room, fitted with tatami (woven-straw) flooring and traditional futon bedding. A flat-screen TV and a fridge are included. Rooms come with a private toilet, and bathroom is shared with other guests. Yamashiroya Ryokan provides 4 hot spring baths, which can be reserved for private use for free. Luggage can be stored at the front desk, and drink vending machines are available on site. Seasonal ingredients are featured in Japanese multi-course dinner, which is served in the guest room. Traditional Japanese breakfast can be savoured in the dining room. JR Yunohira Station is a 10-minute drive from the property, and free pick-up shuttles are available if requested at time of booking. Downtown Oita area is a 40-minute drive away.View on Booking.com -
![]()
Yawaragi-no-Sato YadoyaYawaragi-no-Sato Yadoya features 6 hot spring baths, a Japanese restaurant and universal design, only a 2-minute walk from the picturesque Yu-no-Tsubo Kaido (Yu-no-Tsubo Road). If offers Japanese-style and Western rooms, a library and free Wi-Fi at the lobby. Guests at Yadoya Yawaragi-no-Sato can unwind in outdoor and indoor public hot spring baths, or enjoy a private hot spring at extra charge. The hotel has a souvenir shop and free parking. Comfortable rooms feature an interior in neutral colours, and theyfre fitted with air conditioning, a TV and a fridge. All rooms have an attached bathroom with free toiletries. The hotelfs restaurant serves a Japanese breakfast and Japanese dinners featuring the local speciality Bungo beef. Yawaragi-no-Sato Yadoya is a 7-minute walk from Kinrin Lake, and a 15-minute walk from JR Yufuin Train Station.View on Booking.com -
![]()
Yufuin YufusaryoView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Yufuin Yufusaryo in Yufu offers spacious rooms with mountain views. Each room features air-conditioning, a private bathroom, and a tea and coffee maker. Guests enjoy free WiFi, ensuring connectivity during their stay.Relaxing Facilities
The ryokan offers a hot spring bath, a tranquil garden, and a spa bath. Additional amenities include a dining table, work desk, and free toiletries. Family rooms and ground-floor units cater to various needs.Convenient Location
Located 52 km from Oita Airport, the ryokan is near Kinrinko Lake (less than 1 km) and Yufuin Showakan (7-minute walk). Other attractions include Yufuin Chagall Museum (700 metres) and Artegio (1.5 km). Free on-site private parking is available.Guest Satisfaction
Highly rated for room comfort, size, and attentive staff, Yufuin Yufusaryo provides excellent service support.
-
