All Reviews of Yunotsubo Kaido

You have to explore Yunotsubo Kaido when visiting Yufuin! The entire street is filled with Japanese-style shops, dessert shops, and souvenirs, and browsing as you walk really makes it feel like you're traveling. This time, I didn't plan to eat at any particular place. I just bought whatever looked good, which actually made it more fun.

While shopping, I bought some freshly fried chicken. The outside was crispy, and it smelled so good while it was hot. It was just right after getting tired from walking. Browsing the shops while slowly eating a snack is exactly the pace of a stroll through Yufuin.

I also bought dorayaki. The soft pancakes and sweet filling made it perfect for an afternoon snack.

On my second visit to Yufuin, I made sure to explore Yunotsubo Kaido properly. Starting from the popular B-Speak, this street is about a 10-minute walk from Yufuin Station and is lined with countless unique little shops offering great food, shopping, and entertainment.

Along the way, you can enjoy award-winning croquettes that are crispy outside and tender inside. Travelers who love cute animals as much as I do shouldn’t miss the incredibly soothing Mameshiba Cafe and the cat cafe next door. Spending time with the adorable mameshiba dogs simply melts your heart. If you visit in the fall, you can also try the sweet, plump chestnuts in season. While peeling and eating them at the hotel, I regretted not buying a few more bags.

The shops on both sides of the street have a wide variety of styles. Some areas feel like a little town from an English fairy tale, and you’ll also find Miffy, Snoopy Cha-ya, and Donguri Republic, a must-visit for Hayao Miyazaki fans. The street is filled with so many exquisite little items that it’s easy to lose all self-control. From there, you can take a leisurely stroll all the way to Lake Kinrin. With its lovely scenery, Yunotsubo Kaido is definitely worth spending an entire afternoon exploring at your own pace.

On a bright afternoon at the beginning of autumn, Yunotsubo Kaido was bustling with people. Travelers from all over seemed to have gathered by chance along Yufuin's most popular walking route, adding a lively atmosphere to the town.

Shops line both sides of the street. In addition to the usual restaurants, cafes, and dessert shops, there are traditional Japanese craft stores and art shops in a variety of styles. Snoopy Chaya, Miffy Bakery, Donguri Republic, and the Harry Potter-themed shop in Floral Village also draw many visitors who stop and linger. As I walked along, I was sometimes drawn in by the tempting aroma of sweets and sometimes stopped by the dazzling assortment of goods and handicrafts.

Yunotsubo Kaido is a walking street that blends European charm with the atmosphere of the Japanese countryside. Strolling along it, you can enjoy shopping while also experiencing Yufuin's unique, laid-back atmosphere. Laughter fills the street, and everyone's face radiates the joy of traveling.

This is more than just a shopping street. It feels like a picturesque little town where culture, art, food, and scenery are all condensed into one place. There is a view at every step and a surprise in every shop. Travelers can slow down and leisurely experience the warmth of Yufuin.

Whether it's your first visit or a return trip, Yunotsubo Kaido is worth exploring with a relaxed mind and an unhurried pace. Walk slowly, take a close look, and fully enjoy this laid-back time in Yufuin.

Yufuin is a very popular hot spring area voted for by women. I really like this place. The scenery, shops, and snacks along the way are all unique. You can take a rickshaw around the hot spring area or stay overnight here. It's a really relaxing place with a slow pace of life. I highly recommend planning a visit here.

Yunotsubo Kaido

After leaving the dreamlike Kinrin Lake in Yufuin, I took a relaxed stroll along nearby Yunotsubo Kaido. It felt like stepping into another magical world full of imagination. The street is lined with all kinds of unique shops, from delicate goods and local souvenirs to an amazing variety of sweets and snacks. Each one feels like a carefully designed fairytale scene, making you want to explore them one after another.

The themed shops with immersive experiences were especially fun. They were lively and playful, sometimes reminding me of the magical world of Harry Potter, and other times making me feel like I had walked into the familiar picture-book worlds of Snoopy and Miffy from childhood.

The sweet, tempting aroma of dango along the way made the walk even happier. The seasonal Mont Blanc dorayaki from Yufuin Kikuchi was especially impressive. The chestnut flavor blended beautifully with the delicate dorayaki, and it looked so exquisite, almost like a piece of art, that I almost didn’t want to take a bite.

The charm of Yunotsubo Kaido is not just shopping and browsing. It’s a journey where sights, flavors, and childhood memories come together. Each carefully made souvenir brings home not only something delicious, but also a sweet and unforgettable memory from the trip.

Even though it’s a tourist area, it’s not noisy at all and feels really comfortable. If you don’t feel like walking, you can take a horse-drawn carriage—it’s retro and super fun! 🐴

After shopping, you can stroll over to Lake Kinrin or check out the Floral Village. The whole day feels so well-planned!