Yunotsubo Street (also known as Yunotsubo Kaidō) is the main sightseeing road in the heart of Yufuin, Oita Prefecture, one of Kyushu’s most beloved hot spring towns, renowned for its tranquil, relaxing atmosphere amidst natural beauty. The street stretches approximately 800 meters to 1.2 kilometers and forms the central walking path that connects the station area to Lake Kinrin, creating a natural flow of visitors surrounded by charming rural scenery.

One of its biggest appeals is its scenic backdrop. As you walk along the street, you’ll constantly see Mount Yufu rising behind the rooftops, creating natural beauty that blends harmoniously with the traditional architecture and vibrant storefronts.

Yunotsubo Street is best known for its approximately 70 boutiques, cafés, galleries, dessert shops, and craft stores, all offering unique specialties from the region. Visitors can explore souvenir stores filled with handmade wooden goods, aroma products, and artisanal crafts. Yufuin’s reputation for dairy products is well represented, with numerous sweet shops offering roll cakes, puddings, cheesecakes, and the ever-popular Yufuin milk soft-serve.

Food lovers will enjoy a wide variety of delicious snacks and local delicacies, such as the award-winning Kinsho Croquettes, made from local potatoes and minced Japanese beef, and the flavorful Bungo Beef Mabushi, Yufuin’s twist on hitsumabushi that uses Oita’s premium beef.

The street also features themed attractions—most notably Donguri no Mori, an official Studio Ghibli shop popular with fans worldwide, and Yufuin Floral Village, a quaint European-style miniature village inspired by England’s Cotswolds, perfect for photography.

As visitors continue down the road, Yunotsubo Street becomes the natural pathway to Lake Kinrin, famous for the mist that rises from the lake on cold mornings. This creates a mystical atmosphere that gives Yufuin much of its signature charm.

Overall, Yunotsubo Street combines natural scenery, local food culture, boutique shopping, and unique attractions in one of the most walkable and relaxing environments in Japan.

• By Train: From JR Yufuin Station, walk straight for approximately 10–15 minutes to reach the start of Yunotsubo Street.

• By Car: Parking lots are available near the Lake Kinrin area and along surrounding roads.

• By Bus: Intercity buses from Fukuoka, Beppu, or Oita drop off near Yufuin Station, making it easy to start your walk from the station.

• On Foot: The entire street is pedestrian-friendly, flat, and easy to explore at a relaxed pace.

• Visit between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM for fewer crowds and better photo lighting.

• Many shops close early (around 5:00–6:00 PM), so afternoon visits may limit your options.

• Try as many local snacks as possible—many shops offer tasting samples.

• The walk to Lake Kinrin is especially beautiful during autumn or winter when the mist rises.

• Weekends and holiday seasons are busy; weekday mornings are the best for a peaceful experience.

• Comfortable shoes are recommended since the walk from the station to the lake takes time.

• Bring cash—though many stores accept cards, small snack shops often prefer cash.

Admission Fee:

• Free — walking along Yunotsubo Street does not require any admission fee. Individual stores may charge for attractions, food, or specialty items.

Opening Time:

• The street itself is open 24 hours, but most shops operate between 9:30 AM and 5:00–6:00 PM. Hours may vary by shop and season.