I was in Yufuin last 2017 on a day-tour from Hakata, where I also shared things to do in Yufuin. On my second visit this spring 2023, I stayed for two nights together with my sister. This time, we decided to take an almost two-hour bus ride from Hakata bus terminal from the Willer Express website.
Here are my 10 things to do in Yufuin:
1. Go out early to see the quiet Yufuin
You'll appreciate the serenity of the place when only few shops are open. Few travellers carrying their luggage, catching their train or bus to their next destination or way home.
Compared to walking on the streets when the clock hits 9am, it will be too crowded, but it’s fun. That’s the vibe of this quaint town.
2. Breakfast at Cafe La Ruche
In 2017, I visited this restaurant in mid-afternoon, and there were no more tables available. I didn't think that I could just have ordered a take-out coffee back then. Looking back, I could just have ordered a take out coffee, but it didn’t crossed my mind. I walked towards the exit disappointed, because I was not able to dine-in. On my second visit to Yufuin, I really hoped to have a proper meal in this cafe.
From our accommodation, we exerted an effort to start our early morning walk towards Kinrin Lake, passed by the front yard of Pension Kinrinko Toyonokuni, took photos of very tall Japanese cedar trees, visited Dakemoto Park and enjoyed the morning mists in the lake as we crossed the small bridge towards the cafe.
Then when it was only 30 mins before the opening time, I started the queue and did not move outside the doorsteps of the cafe. My sister was checking me if it's okay for me to stay there alone, she is asking me to wait together near the lake as it is still too early then. Then I reply, "I will not move, I'll stay here". Upon her return to me, there was already a blockbuster queue awaiting for the cafe to open.
Luckily, we were able to get the table facing the lake. My sister was also the first to order at the counter.
Food: breakfast set meal with hot caramel latte
I must say, it was the highlight of our unending walk that day.
Ensure to visit the Cafe La Ruche website as they post updates on their holidays and open/close schedule.
3. Catch the morning mists on Kinrin Lake
On colder mornings, mists or steam rises from the surface of the lake. True enough from my visit to Denmark last 2019, that mystical scenery happens above a body of water on cold mornings.
Sun was already high then during spring, thus we were not able to catch the mist. But you can still enjoy a more serene moment in the lake while the day tour tourists have not yet reached the place. The lake is very healthy and make sure to greet the koi fish when you happen to see them.
4. Fill-up your tummy more
This will be an unending street of snacks and restaurants. So better be prepared on your gameplan for your target food to try.
Sugi Bee Garden
Order: honeycomb soft-serve ice cream with honey waffle stick
Nakatsu Fried Chicken Kichigo Yufuin
中津からあげ吉吾 湯布院店
Order: karaage 3pcs for 260 yen
Milch Cafe
川上-3015-1 湯布院町 Yufu, Oita 879-5102, Japan
Milch Donut and Cafe
井手ノ口-5-26 Yufuincho Kawakita, Yufu, Oita 879-5114, Japan
Order: Milch original blend coffee 340 yen, financier 140 yen, matcha donut 160 yen, hazelnut donut 140 yen
Please note that there is another Milch branch, closer to Yufuin train station and bus terminal. Take note of the closing time is at ~5:30sh. It's a good stop to have your coffee, take a rest or organize your luggage prior to a long trip.
Shokusaku Yufuin
食咲ゆふいん
Order: Oita specialty (chicken tempura set mean 1490 yen), Yufuin soda 300 yen
Ramen Samurai
ラーメン 侍
季節の料理 ねんりん
Japanese restaurant
1 Yufuincho Kawakami, Yufu, Oita 879-5102, Japan
Another ramen shop along Ekimae dori
菓匠 花より
Traditional teahouse
5. Appreciate the florals
It's another spring visit for me, so naturally the ‘plant-TITA’ in me was so happy. I was so pleased to see so I appreciate the plants, greeneries, and flora they have outside the shops, cafe or simply on the side streets.
6. Take the side streets
It was already post-sakura during our visit, but it was good that we were able to catch blooming double petal sakura trees on the side streets in Yufuin.
We took Yufumi Bridge, then walked along the Oita River.
7. Meet the characters
Your visit will be more meaningful if you happen to be familiar with the Ghibli movies and other Japanese manga and anime series.
You'll see a lot of stuff from pencils, postcards, towels, bags, puzzles, etc. inspired from characters of My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki's Delivery Service, Spirited Away, and more.
8. Visit galleries or museum
Yufuin Chagall Museum
Located near the lake, there is a black wooden barn-like building. Just above the Cafe La Ruche, there is a gallery featuring the works of Marc Chagall (French-Russian known for his distinct abstract style that merged Cubism, Fauvism, and Surrealism)
On our visit, there were other exhibitions or pop-up shops like textile and prints for handkerchiefs and pottery.
Yufuin Stained Glass Museum
A brick museum from the outside. With European touch in the inside. Has colorful strained glass and antiques from the old days in Europe.
Nearby is St. Robert's Church that gave us silent time for reflection.
9. Support the locals, continue shopping
Tourism has been greatly affected by the global lockdowns. As the borders are now open and most are doing travel revenge, let's be more respectful in visiting places. Support their local products and appreciate the effort they put in creating the crafty things they sell in the shops.
Some of the items are not just for display, check out their purpose or function, it could be a music box or a sharpener.
10. Visit the Yufu CIty Tourist Information Center
You may leave your luggage inside, be reminded that the office is open from 9a - 5:30p only. If the toilet near the train station is too crowded, you may opt to visit here instead.
This is a very good resting area. Get a book from the open shelves, head to the second floor, it has an open space with very beautiful wooden ceiling architecture. And, plan your next trip to Japan.
Date visited: 21-23 April 2023
Want to know more about this trip?
Read on Japan: Sasebo, Oita and Fukuoka - 8 days Itinerary and Expenses
Day | Places to See | Food and Restaurants | Accommodation | Others |
1 | | | ||
2 | Sasebo Flower Garden | Hikari Sasebo Burgers | | |
3 | Ramen Akira | Hotel Resol Sasebo | Omura Park | |
4 | Sasebo Port | Starbucks | Fujiyama Shrine | |
5 | Yufuin | Cafe La Ruche | same | |
6 | Soup Stock Tokyo | Beppu | ||
7 | same | Nanzoin Reclining Buddha | ||
8 | Roam around Hakata | Yoshinoya | n/a | Uminonakamichi Seaside Park |
No comments:
Post a Comment