#1 Don’t Follow the Yellow Brick Road
Yunotsubo Street can feel like the yellow brick road that you want to follow, but Yufuin offers far more beyond its main strip. Instead, rent a bike from the tourist centre above Yufuin Station for just 250 yen per hour. The ride itself is part of the experience. I visited during the deep summer greens, but each season brings new scenery, fiery red autumn, golden yellow winter to Cherry Blossom pinks.
Fun fact: Visitors often toss in a five-yen coin (go-en) into the offering box located in front of the main hall of the shrine, a gesture symbolising “good connection.”
#2 Seek a Different Iconic View
Most travellers stop at Lake Kinrinko for the classic postcard photo, but Yufuin’s location within a mountain basin means there are countless other views to discover. Instead of ending your journey there, keep exploring upward. From Unagihime Shrine, with a 20 minute bike ride, an open air onsen for 1000 yen awaits.
#3 Be Curious, and Something Curious Will Find You
In Yufuin, the best discoveries often come from simple curiosity. Rather than following a set itinerary, take a moment to explore what draws your attention, a quiet lane, a sound from a side street, or an unfamiliar building tucked between trees (make sure you are only entering spaces that you are welcome in). Sometimes, what begins as a small detour can lead to something unexpectedly meaningful.
Omusubi: The Perfect Ending
To end the day, I stopped by Omusubi Café, a small, welcoming spot near the station known for its handmade onigiri. I ordered the Onigiri Toriten (tempura chicken) set with miso soup and salad, an Oita specialty that came highly recommended by the Glide Japan team.
Exploring Yufuin beyond the Main Street reminded me how rewarding it can be to slow down and look a little deeper. It’s in those quiet corners that you often find the most memorable experiences, however knowing where to start isn’t always easy. That’s where Glide Japan comes in. Our team creates personalised itineraries that help travellers connect with local people and places, uncovering the hidden side of Kyushu and western Japan.
You can reach out to our team through the link below to start planning your own Yufuin adventure.
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