Lake Kinrin

(Source : )

Yufuin is known as a popular hot spring resort in Oita prefecture as well as Beppu. Lake Kinrin is a sightseeing spot that is a symbol of Yufuin. A scholar saw the shiny golden scale of fish reflecting the light of the setting sun and named the lake which means “gold scale lake.” There is a hot spring spot at the bottom of the lake that keeps the temperature of the water relatively warm. Because of this, mist rises over the lake and creates a very mystical scene in cold winters. Lake Kinrin looks great with fresh green leaves in spring, red and yellow leaves in autumn, and the mist in winter. It is popular as a photo spot all through the year.

Mist-covered lake unusual even for Japan

This unusual lake has hot springs and fresh water springs at the bottom. The yield of spring water is so large that you can change the water in the lake twice in a day. The mist rises from warm water of the lake and produces a magical mood early in the morning in late autumn.

(Source: 公益社団法人ツーリズムおおいた)

Autumn leaves at Lake Kinrin

You can see beautiful red and yellow leaves surrounding Lake Kinrin in autumn. The surface of the lake gracefully reflects the colors of leaves. Especially when the morning mist covers the lake, the contrast between red and yellow leaves around the lake and white mist is simply stunning.

The best sightseeing spot in Yufuin: Yunotsubo Main Street

Yunotsubo Main Street is on the way from Yufuin station to lake Kinrin. Yunotsubo Yokocho (alley) here is filled with as many as 70 shops where visitors enjoy eating local specialty food and shopping for souvenirs. The buildings exude an atmosphere like that of the shops from the Edo period. This is the best sightseeing spot in Yufuin.