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A lake with morning mist

Fresh water and hot springs flow into the lake, and the water temperature is high throughout the year, creating a beautiful phenomenum of steam rising from the surface, early on winter mornings. Its name came from a Confucian scholar who spotted a gold-scaled fish in the waters around sunset one day.

Don't Miss

  • Misty views of the lake on autumn and winter mornings
  • The art museums around Lake Kinrin
  • The small shrine located at the lake's southern end

How to Get There

You can get to the lake by train and then on foot.

Yufuin Station is served by the Kyudai Main Line, which has limited express services to Hakata and Beppu. Lake Kinrin is a 25-minute walk from that station.

Places to explore

Follow one of the walking paths around the lake for great views of the surrounds and a chance to get up close to some of the area's distinctive flora and fauna.

There are many onsen, restaurants and cafes on the lake's shores.

Art museums

Check out the art museums in the area, many of which display works created by artists with special connections to Yufuin.



* The information on this page may be subject to change due to COVID-19.

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