Yufu City, or Yufuin in Japanese, is a lovely hot spring town right in the middle of Oita Prefecture in Northern Kyushu, blessed with great mountains and healing waters. I took it as a base to climb Yufu-dake, a majestic mountain with two peaks; however, it also makes a perfect starting point for excursions to nearby Beppu. Yufu City has kept its charm and delivers a truly authentic experience. To see the cherry blossoms you should calculate early April; due to Yufuin's higher elevation, the blossoms open up much later than in the rest of Kyushu.
- 1 min read
Yufu City: Immersed in Nature
Mountains, highlands and hot springs in Northern Kyushu

By Nicole Bauer
Community writer

Yufu-dake, the two-peak mountain, watches over the small town of Yufu (Yufuin in Japanese).

The river is lined with cherry trees and other beautiful flowers—a feast for the eyes when you manage to be there at the right time.

Early April; the blossoms had just past their peak.

Lucky enough with the weather, which gave me another color to play with.

The peak of Yufu-dake, watching you wherever you go...

Nice reflections in the water and hardly anyone around. Enjoy!
Join the discussion
Kim Bergström
6 years ago
What a gorgeous spot! Headed past here next month - sad I'll miss the cherry blossoms but I'm sure it will be beautiful nonetheless!
I didn't try the shochu, sorry! But I will keep this in mind for next time :-))
Yui Yamaguchi
10 years ago
Beautiful combination of colors - mountain, cherry blossom & canola. Did you drink "Yufudake (shochu)"? My cousin's family is making in Yufuin!
3 comments in total
Book your trip
Find a nearby hotel
Explore some of the best nearby hotels and deals for the perfect place to stay in Japan.
Top Articles
-
1
Pierson Museum
Hokkaido -
2
Free Meat Tastings at Expo 2025's Australian Pavilion
Osaka -
3
Sand Diplomacy at Expo 2025 Osaka
Osaka -
4
70 Nations, One Amazing Meal
Osaka - Sponsored -
5
Kyushu Craftsmanship and Traditions Heritage Tour
Article -
6
A Journey of Encounters in Kyotango
Kyoto - Sponsored -
7
What is a Manga Cafe?
Culture -
8
Hokkaido Full Immersion Tour
Hokkaido -
9
I’m Donut?: Japan’s Viral Donut Sensation
Culture -
10
Sado Island Kodo Earth Celebration 2025: Music, Traditions, Taste Tour
Niigata
-
1
Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
2
The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
3
Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
4
Iwatayama Monkey Park
Kyoto -
5
Sanja Matsuri
Tokyo -
6
May Grand Sumo Tournament (Tokyo)
Tokyo -
7
Daikoku Car Meet
Kanagawa -
8
Japanese Urban Legends
Culture -
9
Kanda Matsuri
Tokyo -
10
Osaka Expo
Osaka