Yufuin, Shonai, and Hasama (Yufu City, Oita Pref.)

With a history of more than 200 years, Shonai Kagura is a traditional art form representative of Oita Prefecture. This lively Shinto dance music has a fast tempo, played on Japanese taiko drums, and you will find the magnificent dance and music fascinating.

Kagura:

Shinto dance music found in Japan since ancient times

Called the Tirol of the Orient, this is one of the prominent large gorges in Japan. Shaped like the letter "V," the gorge has a depth of 30-60 meters, and the multiple streams of water flowing down the gorge and the graceful and curvaceous rock surfaces are the essence of a natural work of art.

Hot springs well up all over the city, at Yufuin. Blessed with this abundance, the local residents take the hot springs as a normal part of their life, and they even use the hot springs for laundry while the children play in the hot water.

Due to the many small streams feeding the lake and the hot springs source wells, the temperature of the lake hardly changes year round. Accordingly, on days when the temperature outside is low, a white mist rises, creating a fantastic atmosphere.

How about taking a ride on an old horse-driven carriage replete with atmosphere and listen to the sound of hoofbeats?

With Mt. Yufu in the background, the carriage runs along an old stone-paved road. The stylish black Yufuin Station was designed by the architect Arita Isozaki.