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YUFUIN, OITA
Yufuin is a mountain village home to a hot spring whose source is found at the foot of Mt. Yufu. There are 12 public hot spring baths as well as the famous Shitanyu hot spring which is located on the shore of Lake Kinrinko. Hot water gushes from the bottom of the lake, and hot steam rises from its surface on a cold day, leading to it being known as the "town of morning mist". The hot spring water of the area is colourless and transparent. It is said to alleviate numerous ailments including rheumatism and neuralgia, as well as simply being great for a relaxing soak!
The small town has a number of long-established ryokan, smart-looking small inns called "pension" (similar to B&Bs), unique art museums, small galleries, sophisticated restaurants and cafes, making it a very relaxing place to take a break from the hectic sightseeing of other parts of Japan.
If visiting Yufuin be sure to try one of the area's most delicious culinary offerings, tender Bungo beef from a Japanese breed of cattle that has long been raised in Oita Prefecture. Regarded as among the finest wagyu (Japanese beef) in the country, steaks and charbroiled slices of Bungo beef are especially sumptuous. Local poultry is also popular, and there are many eateries in the area that serve it yakitori-style (grilled on skewers).
Access: 1hr 40mins from Tokyo Haneda Airport to Oita Airport. 1hr from Osaka Itami Airport. 55mins minutes by bus from Oita Airport to Oita Station. 45mins from Oita Station to Yufuin Station by a Limited Express on the JR Main Kyudai Line.
Examples of ryokan in Yufuin:
Sansou Murata
Tamanoyu