Yunomae(Japan) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Yufuin Town, the top family-friendly hotel is Yufuin Highland Hotel, offering spacious family rooms, a kids' playroom, and an indoor pool with gentle water slides. The hotel features a private onsen with outdoor baths overlooking the Yufu River, perfect for relaxing after a day of sightseeing.

Located in the heart of Yufuin, it’s just a 5-minute walk from Yufuin Park and Yufuin Shopping Street, making it ideal for families with children. Many rooms include futon beds and high chairs, and the hotel provides kid-friendly meals using local ingredients like black pork and fresh mountain vegetables. Some units even offer connecting rooms for larger groups.

The best time to visit Yufuin Town for autumn foliage is from late October to mid-November, when the maple trees along the Yufu River Trail and Mount Yufu turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold.

During this period, the town hosts the Yufuin Autumn Festival, featuring lantern displays, traditional music performances, and seasonal food stalls. The crisp air and golden light filtering through the trees create a magical atmosphere—perfect for photography and leisurely walks. Avoid peak weekends if you prefer quieter views, but early November offers the most balanced mix of color and comfort.

In Yufuin Town, immerse yourself in authentic local culture by attending the Yufuin Shrine Festival, held annually in spring, where traditional dances, Shinto rituals, and handmade crafts are showcased.

You can also take part in a local onsen mining experience, visiting historic sulfur springs and learning about their therapeutic properties. Another highlight is joining a farm-to-table cooking class at a local ryokan, where you’ll learn to prepare dishes like black pork shabu-shabu and Yufuin soba noodles using ingredients sourced directly from nearby farms. These hands-on activities offer deep insight into Yufuin’s heritage and sustainable lifestyle.

Yufuin’s hot springs are renowned for their sulfur-rich waters, which are naturally alkaline and known for improving skin conditions and easing joint pain. The mineral content gives the water a faint yellow hue and a distinctive scent.

Many ryokans, such as Yufuin Highland Hotel and Hanahana Inn, feature open-air onsen baths surrounded by forest or river views, allowing guests to soak under the stars or amid autumn leaves. Some resorts offer "forest bathing" onsen experiences, combining aromatherapy, natural soundscapes, and warm stone seating for ultimate relaxation.

Yes, Yufuin Town offers several scenic hiking trails, with the Yufu River Trail being the most popular. This easy-to-moderate path runs alongside the clear, cool river, passing through dense forests and small waterfalls—ideal for families and nature lovers.

For more adventurous hikers, Mount Yufu (700m) offers a challenging summit trail with panoramic views of the Aso Volcano and surrounding mountains. At the peak, you’ll find the Yufu Observation Deck, equipped with rest areas and interpretive signs explaining the region’s geology and flora. Early morning hikes are recommended for misty, ethereal landscapes.

Must-try local foods in Yufuin Town include:

• Black Pork Shabu-Shabu: Tender meat from locally raised Kurobuta pigs, served in a rich broth with fresh vegetables.

• Yufuin Soba: Handmade buckwheat noodles made from mountain-grown flour, served cold with a savory dipping sauce.

• Onsen Tamago: Eggs boiled in the hot spring water, resulting in a silky yolk and firm white—often enjoyed for breakfast.

• Mountain Vegetable Tempura: Fresh wild greens and roots like fuki and warabi, lightly battered and fried, showcasing the region’s rich biodiversity.

To reach Yufuin Town from Kumamoto City, take a direct bus from Kumamoto Station to Yufuin Bus Terminal, which takes about 1 hour and runs every 30–60 minutes. Buses are reliable and well-marked.

Alternatively, rent a car and drive via the Kyushu Expressway, exiting at the Yufuin Interchange, then follow Route 28 into town. Most ryokans and hotels offer free shuttle services from the bus terminal, making arrival convenient. For travelers without a car, the bus option is highly recommended due to its affordability and accessibility.

Key natural attractions in Yufuin Town include:

• Yufu River Trail: A peaceful walking path lined with willows and moss-covered rocks, perfect for birdwatching and photography.

• Mount Yufu: A scenic hike offering sweeping views of the Aso Caldera and surrounding peaks. The summit features a viewing platform and a small shrine.

• Yufuin Forest Park: Home to ancient trees, ferns, and hidden streams, this park is ideal for a quiet forest walk or picnic.

• Sulfur Springs Pools: Natural pools fed by underground thermal springs, often visited by locals for their healing properties.

Yes, Yufuin Town is excellent for solo travelers. The town is safe, quiet, and filled with cozy cafés, art galleries, and small bookshops perfect for introspection.

Many ryokans offer single rooms with private onsen access, and some host solo traveler meetups or meditation sessions. You can enjoy a peaceful evening soaking in an outdoor bath under the stars, or take a solo hike along the Yufu River Trail. The lack of crowds and focus on wellness make it an ideal destination for reflection and rejuvenation.

Night-time in Yufuin Town shines with serene and magical experiences. The town’s low light pollution makes it one of Japan’s best spots for stargazing, especially during autumn and winter.

Many ryokans offer night onsen sessions with illuminated gardens and minimal noise—perfect for relaxation. During festival season, the Yufuin Lantern Festival lights up the streets with hundreds of paper lanterns, creating a dreamlike ambiance.

Some hotels host moon-viewing tea ceremonies or live acoustic performances in garden courtyards, blending tradition with tranquility. For a quiet moment, stroll the riverside path under moonlight, listening to the soft flow of the Yufu River.