Oita
Yufu City
Discover Yufu City
A Journey to Restore Body and Soul
Yufu City, spread across the foothills of Mount Yufu in Ōita Prefecture, is a natural sanctuary for restoring body and soul. Surrender to the stillness of Yufuin’s renowned hot springs and the quiet surface of Lake Kinrin, and let your senses settle in the solemn atmosphere of Bussanji Temple. Enjoy moments of gentle renewal—an experience of yōjō, the art of caring for one’s well‑being, found only in Yufu.
A Timeless Local Flavor Cherished Across Generations
Food
Yaseuma, a Traditional Local Sweet
In the Heian period (794–1185), Yase, a devoted wet nurse, travelled to Myōrenji Temple in Furuno to pray for the healthy growth of the young noble boy in her care.
Along the way, the child grew hungry and called out “Yase‑uma”—his baby‑like way of saying “something yummy.”
Each time, Yase would gently roll out thin sheets of wheat dough and coat them with roasted soybean flour for him to enjoy.
Over time, this simple, heartfelt treat came to be known as yaseuma.
A Traditional Sweet for Longevity
The birthplace of yaseuma is Hasama in Yufu City, Oita Prefecture.
Soft wheat dough is carefully kneaded, rolled flat, and enjoyed with a generous coating of roasted soybean flour and sugar.
Although its preparation is remarkably simple, this traditional snack carries the quiet wisdom of the past—its gentle, comforting flavor seems to reach every corner of the body.
Please enjoy this timeless, homespun sweetness that has been loved for generations.
The Deep Echo of the Ancient Gods
Culture
Shonai Kagura:
The Traditional Performing Art
Shonai Kagura is a traditional performing art that has been passed down for more than 200 years in Shonai, Yufu City.
It is said to have begun as a ritual offering at local shrines to pray for a bountiful harvest.
Today, twelve kagura troupes continue to carry this tradition forward.
In addition to regular performances held from May to October, all twelve troupes come together once a year for a large kagura festival.
They also perform at events both within and beyond the city, sharing the spirit of this “kagura homeland” with many visitors.
Into a World of Ancient Japanese Myths
The fast-paced rhythm of the hayashi and the bold, sometimes playful movements of the dancers are hallmarks of Shonai Kagura.
As drums and flutes resound through the space, masked performers in vibrant costumes bring ancient myths to life.
Their dynamic presence creates an atmosphere that feels almost otherworldly, as if you’ve stepped into a realm shaped by legends from long ago.
Recommended Local Spots
ACCESS
Oita Prefecture / Yufu City
FlightApprox. 1 hr 10 min
BusApprox. 1 hr
A Moment for Beauty to Grow
Yufuin Onsen
Nestled at the foot of Mount Yufu, Yufuin Onsen is a nature-rich hot spring town known for its approximately 850 springs and abundant flow of mineral-rich water.
Rainfall from the surrounding mountains seeps deep underground and is warmed by the geothermal heat of the Kuju Mountains and the Yufu–Tsurumi volcanic range, creating a classic volcanic hot spring.
Its history can be traced back to the Bungo Fudoki (early 8th century), a record of the region compiled in ancient Japan.
For centuries, the soothing waters of Yufuin have brought comfort to both body and soul.
Even today, this renowned hot spring continues to welcome visitors with a gentle warmth that has remained unchanged through the ages.
Springs That Nurture the Skin
Yufuin’s hot springs offer a variety of qualities, beginning with alkaline simple springs that gently remove old keratin and leave the skin smooth.
You’ll also find sodium chloride springs that take on a soft blue or milky hue over time, almost like a natural beauty serum.
Surrounded by carefully preserved nature and the rural landscape that defines Yufuin, these waters invite you to enjoy a moment of blissful self‑care—an experience that lets your inner glow emerge.
Yufuin’s Timeless Landscape
Lake Kinrin
Embraced by the rich natural surroundings of Yufu City, Lake Kinrin has long been a cherished part of the local landscape.
In earlier times, it was simply known in the Oita dialect as Taken-shitan Ike—“the pond beneath Mount Yufu.”
In 1884, the Confucian scholar Mōri Kūsō is said to have renamed it “Lake Kinrin” after seeing the scales of fish glimmer like gold in the evening light.
Morning Mist and Its Quiet, Dreamlike Beauty
A walking path circles the lake, making it an ideal place to stroll while watching fish and waterbirds glide through the clear water.
On cold mornings from autumn to winter, you may even encounter the lake wrapped in a soft veil of mist—a scene that feels quietly otherworldly.
Listen to the gentle flutter of waterbirds’ wings and enjoy a moment of pure calm, letting the energy of the surrounding nature settle through you.
Serenity Found in Yufu’s Quiet Heritage
Bussan‑ji Temple
Surrounded by Lake Kinrin, Mount Yufu, and the natural landscape of the Yufuin area, Bussan‑ji is one of the region’s most cherished temples.
Its origins date back nearly a thousand years, when a monk is said to have enshrined a statue of Kannon on Mount Yufu.
For centuries, the temple served as the center of local worship, but during the Keichō earthquake, its main statue fell into a valley.
Villagers later recovered it and moved it to the temple’s present location—a story that has been passed down through generations.
Finding Balance with Meditation and Shakyo
Stepping away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, visitors can take part in meditation and Shakyo—hand‑copying Buddhist texts—on weekends within the temple’s quietly sheltered grounds.
As you steady your breathing and move your brush one character at a time, the practice invites you to empty your mind and settle your soul.
With Mount Yufu standing gently in the background, it offers a simple, grounding way to feel restored.