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Yunotsubo Kaido is Yufuin’s most charming shopping street, filled with cozy cafés, handmade goods, and scenic views of Mount Yufu.

People walk along Yufuin Yunotsubo Kaido, a lively shopping street lined with traditional buildings, shops, and signs in Japanese. Trees and distant green hills are visible in the background, adding to the area’s vibrant atmosphere.

A Relaxed Stroll Through Yufuin’s Heart

Yufuin is one of Oita Prefecture’s most beloved hot spring towns. While it’s known for its peaceful onsen and mountain scenery, our family found just as much joy wandering through Yunotsubo Kaido (湯の坪街道), the town’s main strolling street.

After checking into our ryokan, we spent the afternoon walking slowly down this lively lane. The warm scent of baked goods filled the air. Shopkeepers waved hello. Kids giggled at animal-themed shops.

What is Yunotsubo Kaido?

A traditional Japanese shop on Yufuin Yunotsubo Kaido with wooden walls, displaying snacks, packaged goods, and colorful signs in Japanese at the entrance. Inside, shelves are stocked with various products. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting.

Yunotsubo Kaido stretches for about 1.5 kilometers (1 mile), from Yufuin Station to Lake Kinrin (金鱗湖). It’s a pedestrian-friendly street lined with boutiques, food stalls, art galleries, and day-use onsen.

The street offers an easygoing mix of old-town charm and playful whimsy. You’ll find something for everyone, whether you’re after a cozy cafe, a handmade ceramic bowl, or a novelty keychain.

And all along the walk, Mount Yufu rises quietly in the background, reminding you that nature is never far away.

What to Do and Eat on Yunotsubo Kaido

Sample Local Specialties

A display shows two Japanese desserts: custard pudding sandwiched between two round, fluffy dorayaki pancakes, set against a backdrop featuring Yunotsubo Kaido mountain illustrations and Japanese text.

This was easily our favorite part. We tried:

  • Yufuin Purin – A silky, rich custard pudding served in cute glass jars.
  • Dorapurin – Dorayaki with purin inside.
  • Croquettes – Crispy and hot, perfect for munching between shops.

Shop for Handcrafted Souvenirs

We browsed shops offering Arita ware, Hita ceramics, and locally made textiles. Many shops on Yunotsubo Kaido feature handmade items you won’t find anywhere else, making them perfect for gifts.

Take a Break at a Cafe

Matcha lattes, cheesecakes, roll cakes, there’s no shortage of dessert cafes along the street. We ended up stopping for sweets more times than we planned. It’s hard to resist when every window display looks like a scene from a Japanese dessert commercial.

Visit Art Galleries and Studios

We enjoyed popping into small galleries and shops that showcased both traditional crafts and modern art. Yufuin has a strong creative spirit, and it shows in the details.

Browse Whimsical Shops

Our kids loved the animal-themed stores, plush dogs, cat-shaped snacks, and even alpaca toys. There’s a playful sense of fun tucked into almost every corner.

Don’t Miss These Highlights

Bags and boxes of Japanese snacks neatly arranged on shelves, with handwritten yellow labels and price tags, inside a brightly lit shop on Yufuin Yunotsubo Kaido.

Yasuragi Yokocho

This hidden alley feels like a tiny village of its own. There are food stalls, handmade goods, and even a fish spa! Tiny fish nibble gently at your feet while you sit and giggle, it was a big hit with the kids.

Yufuin Floral Village

It’s like stepping into a fairytale. Designed to look like a British countryside village, this section features little stone cottages, flower-lined walkways, and animal cafes. It’s also a great spot for photos.

Snoopy Tea House & Studio Ghibli Shops

Pop culture lovers will enjoy the Snoopy-themed cafe and nearby Ghibli stores. Totoro fans, be warned, you might walk out with more souvenirs than you planned.

Lake Kinrin (金鱗湖)

At the far end of the street, Lake Kinrin feels like a peaceful reward for your stroll. In the early morning, mist rises from the water, creating a quiet, dreamlike scene. It’s a lovely place to pause and take family photos before heading back.

How to Get to Yufuin Yunotsubo Kaido

Train

  • Take the JR Yufu Limited Express from Beppu or Oita to Yufuin Station (about 45 minutes). Yunotsubo Kaido starts just a short walk from the front of Yufuin Station.
  • Total travel time: 45–55 minutes.

Bus

  • From Beppu, take an express bus bound for Yufuin. The Kamenoi Bus operates direct services and it takes about 1 hour.

Pro Tip: Arrive before 10 a.m. to enjoy fewer crowds and catch morning mist over Lake Kinrin at the end of the street.

Is Yunotsubo Kaido Worth Visiting?

If you’re staying in a ryokan in Yufuin, then Yunotsubo Kaido is a must-visit. It captures everything we love about small-town Japan with walkable streets, friendly shop owners, local snacks, and a peaceful pace. It’s perfect for families, couples, and anyone looking to slow down and experience a more relaxed side of Japan.

More to Explore Nearby

After walking along Yunotsubo Kaido’s lively streets filled with sweets and souvenirs, explore these nearby spots to unwind, create, and take in the scenery.

  • Kinrin Lake – Just a short walk away, this misty lake glows in the early morning and is surrounded by cozy cafés and scenic walking paths.
  • Touki Pottery Experience – Try shaping and glazing your own Yufuin pottery at this welcoming hands-on studio near the heart of town.
  • Musouen Hotel – Whether for an overnight stay or just a daytime soak, this hillside ryokan offers panoramic views and relaxing open-air baths.

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