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Kinrin Lake

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Kinrin Lake

A lake known for its scenic charm and mystical, morning mist.

4.44 18

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Kinrin Lake is one of many popular tourist spots in the hot springs town of Yufuin. The lake sits under Mt. Yufu and as such was called takemoto-no-ike (lit. “lake under the mountain”) for years. However, it was renamed to Kinrin, or “golden scales”, by Mori Kuso in 1884 when he saw the golden glimmering scales of fish as they swam at sunset.

The hot spring waters well up at the lake’s bottom, keeping the waters at a steady, warm temperature all year around. As a result, an almost magical swirl of steam can be seen dancing across the lake surface in the early mornings of winter and fall.

The entire 400-meter perimeter of the lake is set up for easy walking so visitors can enjoy watching the fish and aquatic birds over a stroll. The lake is also home to a Shinto torii gate from the neighboring Tenso Shrine, lending an added air of mystique.
The autumn season, with brightly colored leaves, offers an especially gorgeous backdrop to see and enjoy.

  • Morning steam can be seen in the early morning hours of autumn and winter.
  • Famous spot to see the autumn leaves.
  • Don’t forget to visit the Tenso Shrine next door during your visit.

Photos

  • Kinrin Lake in Autumn

    Kinrin Lake in Autumn

  • The morning mists over Kinrin Lake

    The morning mists over Kinrin Lake

  • The torii gate of Tenso Shrine

    The torii gate of Tenso Shrine

  • Aquatic birds

    Aquatic birds

  • Cafe

    Cafe

  • Sunset

    Sunset

Reviews

18

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • 雨妤魚
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    I was supposed to happily welcome my 22nd birthday here, but I was really unhappy.
    There was morning mist, but it honestly didn’t look good at all.
    It’s just a lake. I really don’t know why it’s so popular.
    I was so upset. I hadn’t slept all night and was super excited for it, so being this disappointed first thing in the morning really got to me... I even stayed here for a night on purpose, and it took almost half an hour to walk here in the freezing cold...
    Maybe I just came at the wrong time.

  • William Chen
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    There are lots of unique shops around Kinrin Lake to check out.

  • 呂鳳芷
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    The lake isn't very big and the water isn't deep,
    but the whole atmosphere is just beautiful.

  • dino
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    Yufuin is one of the most popular tourist spots in Kyushu, and Kinrin Lake is right there. The whole area is really scenic and it's one of my personal favorites.

  • SOHO Huang
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    When the sunlight hits the lake, the whole surface sparkles. With the mist floating around, it really feels like a fairyland.

Details

Name in Japanese
金鱗湖
Address
1561-1 Yufuinchokawakami, Yufu City, Oita
Access
20 min. walk from Yufuin Station on the JR Kyudai Main Line
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)
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