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Kinrin Lake

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Kinrin Lake

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

4.54 24

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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.

Highlights

  • 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.

Videos

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

24

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • 周黛西
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    Kinrin Lake is a popular spot in Yufuin that almost no visitor misses. Although the lake isn't large, its surface sparkles in the sunlight, and it is surrounded by maple trees. If you visit in the fall, you may see their fiery red reflections on the lake. If you enjoy photography, don't miss the early morning mist, when you may get to see the dreamy, otherworldly sky torii gate!

  • KEIKO
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    Walking along Yunotsubo Shopping Street and browsing the shops, you'll eventually reach Kinrin Lake. When the weather is nice, you can see the lake's shimmering surface, and it really feels like a fairytale world. It's a great place for families, couples, and friends to take photos and make wonderful memories.

  • BobbyJenny
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    Visiting Kinrin Lake in Yufuin, Japan, was one of the most memorable experiences of my trip. Standing by the lake, I saw the clear, calm water reflecting the blue sky, white clouds, and surrounding trees. The scenery was so beautiful and uplifting that I couldn’t resist taking out my camera to capture it.

    As I strolled slowly along the lakeshore, everything was peaceful. All I could hear was the breeze rustling through the treetops and birds singing, which made me appreciate the beauty of nature. Although I didn’t get to see the famous morning mist that appears in fall and winter, the lake and mountain views were still moving. It reminded me that every season has its own unique charm.

    There are also many interesting shops and great places to eat near Kinrin Lake. You can sample local snacks while walking around and enjoy a leisurely visit. This trip not only let me admire the beautiful scenery, but also taught me to slow down and truly appreciate my surroundings. I hope to return to Kinrin Lake someday to experience it in another season. I’m sure it will bring even more wonderful surprises and lasting memories.

  • 汪汪妮
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    Kinrin Lake is beautiful, with crystal-clear water. I’ve visited in both summer and fall, and while the scenery was different, it was equally stunning. Sometimes the lake is blanketed in morning mist, creating a dreamy, almost otherworldly atmosphere. It’s a must-see in Yufuin and well worth exploring at a leisurely pace.

  • 陳泰任
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    Spirit Lake?? Kinrin Lake

    When I first heard the name “Kinrin Lake,” I couldn’t help imagining a mysterious, fantasy-like lake where kappa spirits might live. It wasn’t until I saw it in person that I understood “golden scales” refers to the golden shimmer on the lake’s surface when the sunlight hits it, like fish scales. Kinrin Lake in June doesn’t have the romance of spring cherry blossoms and morning mist, the colorful mix of autumn maples and ginkgo leaves, or the dreamy white of the first winter snow. Instead, it shows off a fresh, refined beauty that feels unique to summer.

    After a light rain, the lake looked especially clear and peaceful, like a naturally formed mirror reflecting the surrounding greenery and sky. The mysterious torii gate in the lake adds an even deeper, more enigmatic atmosphere to the scenery. Setting aside its religious meaning, purely from a photography perspective, the torii gate, lake surface, distant mountains, and reflections all come together to create a beautifully layered focal point. The moment I stood by the lake and pressed the shutter, it felt like more than just scenery. It was a natural painting that changes constantly with the seasons, the rain, and the light. The beauty of Kinrin Lake isn’t about one season standing above the rest, but about how every visit offers a unique view that belongs only to that moment and can never be repeated.

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)
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa