Yufuin, Ōita

Yufu-dake (由布岳) is the representative sight of Yufuin

Yufuin panorama

Yufuin (湯布院町, Yufuin-chō) was a town located in Ōita District, Ōita Prefecture, Japan. Yufuin is now a district (町) within the city of Yufu. Its elevation is approximately 400 meters above ground.

As of 2003, the town had an estimated population of 11,342 and density of 88.77 persons per km². The total area was 127.77 km².

On October 1, 2005, Yufuin, along with the towns of Hasama and Shonai (all from Ōita District), was merged to create the city of Yufu. This controversial decision resulted in the recall of the mayor and a snap election in which he regained office.

Located in a green valley beneath the spectacular Mount Yufu (由布岳), a short walk from the town centre is a mix of paddy fields, housing and upmarket ryokan, with a few temples. Mount Yufu, or Yufu-dake, can be hiked in about 90 minutes.^[1] A common evening sound is the rhythmic ringing of temple bells. Although still connected to its rural roots, Yufuin is a tourist town and a popular destination for coach tours. There is a picturesque lake, and rivers flow down and across the valley. Some hotels have outdoor baths called rotenburo with a view of the mountain.

Spa town[]

Onsen are popular among locals and tourists alike

Yufuin was famous for natural hot spring spas (温泉, Onsen), resulting in a local economy based on domestic tourism, gift shops and hot-spring bathing. Some onsen are available to tourists, but many remain strictly for locals.^[2] International tourist visits to Yufuin are increasing, especially by Koreans.