[2024 Yufu Attraction] Travel Guide for Kinrin Lake (Updated Oct)
No.5 of Best Things to Do in Oita Prefecture
Lakes
Attractions
Address:
1561-1 Yufuinchō Kawakami, Yufu, Oita 879-5102, Japan
Opening times:
Open year round, 24/7Open
Recommended sightseeing time:
1-2 hours
Phone:
+81 977-84-3111
Beautiful Autumn Vibes in Kinrin Lake
#familytrips2024
The lake is very beautiful, with a view of the mountains. We visited the lake for autumn leaves in November. There were many people and cars, but the views were amazing. Parking was a challenge due to the crowd and narrow streets. It cost 400 yen per day to go down to the bottom, but we parked at 500 yen per day before it got congested. There is a beautiful Shinto shrine on the southeastern shore. I recommend visiting if you have the time, as it's free.
Our dream destination for our family trip is China as it's rich history, diverse culture, stunning landscapes, and delicious cuisine make it a captivating place to visit.
Kinrin Lake is one of the famous attractions located in Yufuin, renowned for its stunning morning mist scenery that is exclusive to autumn and winter! The lakeside trail is approximately 400 meters long, taking about 10 to 15 minutes to walk around. When the morning temperature is low, you can see a thin layer of white mist rising from the lake, creating an enchanting and mesmerizing view 😍 The best time for photography is from sunrise to around 8 AM during autumn and winter!
On the south side of Kinrin Lake, there is a stone torii gate standing in the lake, which belongs to the nearby Tenso Shrine. Within the shrine grounds, there is also a giant thousand-year-old cedar tree listed as a 'Natural Monument' of Japan, making it a famous energy spot worth visiting and checking in!
Address: 1561-1 Kawakami, Yufuin-cho, Yufu-shi, Oita Prefecture
Transportation: About a 25-minute walk from JR Yufuin Station
Baikin
A Fall Trip to Yufuin in Oita Prefecture to See Traditional Japanese Houses
Yufuin is a rural village about 1 hour and 30 minutes by bus from Fukuoka. You can take a bus tour or travel freely by train.
As a tourist destination, prices are about 10% higher than in Fukuoka, but local restaurants run by residents offer affordable prices and are great for experiencing Japanese home-style meals!
Walking along the path to Kinrin Lake, time flies as you admire the neat Japanese houses!
Take a stroll through Yufuin's Kinrin Park with your loved one 🥰
Address: 1561-1 Yufuincho Kawakami, Yufu, Oita 879-5102, Japan
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Kinrin Lake Frequently Asked Questions
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Yufuin
Yufuin is one of the popular tourist destinations in Kyushu. The entire area features traditional Japanese architecture, with various anime-themed shops and a variety of dessert shops along the way, making it very unique!
One of the must-visit places in Yufuin is Lake Kinrin, which is the final stop in Yufuin. The entire lake and mountain scenery make you feel like you are in a fairyland!
It is recommended to book the Yufuin no Mori tourist train in advance, which has a green exterior and wooden interior decor. The train is equipped with photo spots, commemorative stamps, snacks, and souvenir shops. The entire journey from Hakata to the final stop takes about 2 hours!
penguin lam
Kinrin Lake: The Mysterious Lakeside Torii, A Must-Visit in Yufuin
Located in Yufuin, Oita Prefecture, Kinrin Lake is one of the most famous attractions in the area. This small and beautiful lake is named for the golden light that reflects off its surface at sunset, resembling fish scales. Nestled at the foot of Mount Yufu, the lake is surrounded by lush green mountains, with crystal-clear waters where you can see fish swimming leisurely.
The most famous sight at Kinrin Lake is the mist that floats on the lake surface in the early morning. This natural phenomenon occurs when the hot spring water from the lake bottom meets the cold air. As the sun rises and the warm air spreads, the mist disperses over the lake, creating a dreamy and ethereal scene. To enjoy this beautiful morning mist, it's best to stay at a nearby inn so you can head out early to witness it.
Another highlight of Kinrin Lake is the Tenzo Shrine located by the lake. This small and exquisite shrine features a unique torii gate standing on the lake, making it one of the most iconic sights of Kinrin Lake. The torii is said to be a passage connecting the human world with the heavens, appearing even more mysterious and solemn in the morning mist. Walking along the lakeside path, you can admire the reflection of the torii in the water, along with the surrounding mountains, creating a picturesque ink painting-like scene.
Besides the beauty of Kinrin Lake itself, the lakeside Tenzo Shrine is also worth a visit. The shrine enshrines the deity Tenzo, and on the left side, there are also Konpira Shrine and Yasaka Shrine. Behind the shrine, you can see the torii standing on the lake. Visitors can pray here and also draw a fortune slip from the omikuji machine next to the shrine.
Although Kinrin Lake is not large, it is a place of great natural charm. Whether it's the misty morning, the clear reflections during the day, or the lakeside Tenzo Shrine, it leaves a lasting impression. When visiting Yufuin, be sure to admire the enchanting beauty of this lake.
MrAndrewChan
Spent a day as a happy child in Yufuin
How can there be such a fairy-tale place like Yufuin?
☑️ Wandered through the fairy-tale town, such healing little houses🏠
☑️ Petted owls, even more exciting than petting cats
☑️ Took photos at the Showa Hall, sisters should wear yukatas to take pictures, the setting inside is super retro
☑️ Visited Kinrinko Lake, the small torii gate is so cute
☑️ Soaked in the hot springs, for an average of 300 per person, stayed at a hot spring inn with private baths and breakfast
☑️ Saw the burning clouds, it was cloudy all day, but the sunset was a jackpot of happiness
☑️ Bought a bunch of Studio Ghibli merchandise, the recent exchange rate in Japan is too good
☑️ Rode the Yufuin no Mori, sisters be sure to book in advance, the journey from Fukuoka to Yufuin is also very scenic
Who says Children's Day is only for children,
Fairy tales are written for everyone who believes in them
As long as I'm happy, every day is Children's Day!
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PS: I suggest staying a day in Yufuin to avoid the crowds and take photos you like
IH. Leo 29
Lake Kinrin in Kyushu
Lake Kinrin, located in the hot spring town of Yufuin in Kyushu, was named in 1884 by the Japanese Confucian scholar Mouri Sora when he saw the sparkling waves under the setting sun, which resembled the shimmering scales of a fish. The hot springs that well up in the lake mix with the cold clear water, creating a unique atmosphere.
Evelyn Reynolds94
Yufuin Kamameshi Kokoro 🪭 A must-try delicacy near Lake Kinrin.
There is one near JR Yufu Station, but we went to the one near Lake Kinrin.
We waited in line for 40 minutes before we could eat.
It took us 15 minutes to dine for the three of us 🤣
Unfortunately, we didn't get to browse the surrounding shops because we spent all the time queuing.
I actually think it's worth queuing once.
Because it's really delicious, and now I also miss the taste of the rice.
I mainly had the eel kamameshi.
The beef and chicken were eaten by the other two.
Besides the shared side dishes in the middle,
Each person had a bowl of soup.
The main dishes were different, and so were the sauces and seasonings for the rice.
The rice with eel was sweet, which is the flavor I like.
The texture of the rice was a bit hard, like a slight crust at the bottom of the pot.
I ate it all up, leaving a little rice to make ochazuke for the third course.
I just like dry rice.
I'm proud of myself for finishing both the rice and the soup.
When we left, there were even more people queuing outside.
Many Koreans were in line; it must be a popular spot recommended online.
I want to come back again in the future.
And I hope to have the chance to visit the surrounding shops as well.
📍Yufuin Kamameshi Kokoro
Yufu Mabushi 'Kokoro' Lake Kinrin Main Store
隨便走走逛逛
Showa Memories of Yufuin: Japan's Most Charming Hot Spring Town
Yufuin, this tranquil town hidden on Kyushu Island, attracts tourists from all over the world with its magnificent natural landscapes and long history of hot springs.
🏨 Accommodation: Etavia Yufuin Ekimae (Etavia Hotel - Yufuin Station Front)
Staying overnight in such a peaceful town is definitely a treat. I chose the Etavia Yufuin Ekimae hotel, located right opposite Yufuin Station, super convenient. The hotel's self-check-in makes everything simple and quick. Their open-air bath is not to be missed, where you can enjoy the hot springs while admiring the magnificent view of Mount Yufu🌄.
🚶♂️ Route: A Day Walking Around Yufuin
Morning: Depart from the hotel and walk to Lake Kinrinko. The air is filled with the fresh scent of grass and trees in the morning, and a thin mist occasionally drifts across the lake surface, making it a perfect spot for photography📷.
Morning: Then head to Yufuin Floral Village to enjoy the rich variety of plants and the carefully arranged flower beds. Stroll down Yufuin's main street - the path, browsing those unique shops selling handicrafts and local specialties🛍️.
Noon: Find a restaurant on the old streets to enjoy authentic Kyushu grilled chicken and Yufuin's special tofu🍴. You can also choose a cafe, sit down to enjoy the flowers, and watch the hurried passers-by.
Afternoon: Consider visiting the 'Fairy Tale Town' - a theme area full of fantasy colors, where every corner looks like a scene from a fairy tale book, perfectly blending Yufuin's natural beauty with creative man-made architecture.
Evening: Return to the hotel, enjoy an open-air hot spring, and then have a delicious dinner at a nearby restaurant🌆.
💭 Every part of Yufuin exudes tranquility and harmony. The natural scenery and local culture deeply relax and please. Staying at Etavia Yufuin Ekimae makes this trip even more comfortable and convenient.
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Plan your itinerary in advance, especially as hot springs and restaurants may require reservations.
Yufuin's weather can change a lot, so bring suitable clothing to cope with possible temperature differences🧥.
Use the local bus service to more conveniently explore attractions away from the city center🚌.
Yufuin is a beautiful place where one can forget daily troubles and find inner peace again. I hope my sharing can help you plan a trip full of wonderful memories🌟.
MichaelCampbell#56
Jinlin Lake
It is said that the most beautiful thing about Jinlin Lake in winter is the ethereal and dreamy morning mist. The weather is very cold, and it arrives around noon. Although there is no ethereal dream, you can see the water vapor rising from the surface of the water. There is a shrine by Jinlin Lake, named Tianzu Shrine. The torii of the shrine is located in the water. The water birds resting on the torii seem to be the incarnation of the gods. The shrine is relatively deserted on the other side of the lake, don't miss it!
Jinlin Lake is the symbol of the entire Yufuyuan. Many tourists are specially visiting the morning fog of Jinlin Lake.
When we approached Jinlin Lake, the first impression was that the lake was too small, and perhaps there was no artificial lake in our residential area. Of course, the lake is not named after the big one, and there is naturally a famous reason here.
First of all, no, the scenery here is so good. Around the lake, in the distance is surrounded by the mountains of Buyue, and there are many cafes and tea houses with a strong artistic atmosphere. In the middle of the lake, there is a very conspicuous building, which may be a hot spring hotel. These natural and human factors make such a small lake decorated and beautiful.
There is also a hot spring at the bottom of the lake. It interacts with the source of the lake. A cold and a hot heat blends here, making the surface temperature of the lake higher than the normal lake. In the autumn and winter, when the warm lake water is combined with the cold air, a hot air will flow out from the water surface, so these mists will come out. It is said that when the weather is strong, the fog can even cover the entire Tangzhiping street.
Maple.
I lived in a Japanese-style room in Yufuin, and I got up in the morning and saw the misty outside of Yubuyue. I was in a good mood. In the morning, the air is very fresh, moist and humid, and the feeling of living in the mountains is a kind of freedom from the world.
After breakfast, we have to leave for Jinlin Lake in Yufuyuan, but I think the most beautiful scenery is actually the small street scene seen on the road of Jinlin Lake. Narrow streets, wet in the morning mist, behind the misty mountains. The shop here is also lazy, it seems that the owner is also opening his door in the mood. The sense of leisure is full of streets, so I can't help but want to pause this moment.
Going forward and finally arrived at Jinlin Lake - I heard that this lake got the name because it was like a golden fish scale in the sun. But in the rainy days, I couldn't see this artistic conception, but in the cloudy sky, the wind blew gently, the water wave still swayed out of the silver light, and the lush vegetation around the Jinlin Lake was still very pleasing to the eye.
The small waterbirds on the other side of the lake are particularly serene in the rain.
When you go back, the shopping street has finally opened, and you have visited the shops and snack bars that sell specialty products. This street is called Tangwan Street, which is already a mature art and commercial district. The dishes and groceries featured in the courtyard are found here and are very popular.