All Reviews of Yufudake

The first time I saw Mount Yufu in a travel photo, I was deeply captivated by its scenery. In summer, its slopes are covered in lush greenery and full of life. This time, I visited in early winter. From a distance, Mount Yufu had already changed into its fall and winter attire, with a thin layer of white snow covering the summit like a dusting of frosting. It lacked the liveliness of summer, but had a more solitary and mysterious beauty. Mount Yufu stands about 1,583 meters above sea level and is one of Yufuin's most iconic mountains. Because of the silhouette of its two side-by-side peaks, it is also affectionately known as the “Mt. Fuji of Bungo.” Its appearance changes with the seasons, and whether it is covered in verdant forests, fall foliage, or winter snow, each view has its own charm.

When you arrive in Yufuin, the majestic Mount Yufu catches your eye along the way. Its peaks rise high above the Yufuin Basin, taking on a different appearance from every angle. It is also one of the area's most iconic sights.

While driving by, you can see the shape of Mount Yufu from far away. With few tall buildings around to block the view, the entire mountain stands out. At its foot are lush green fields beneath a vast sky, creating simple yet pleasant scenery.

Mount Yufu remained outside our window throughout the drive, sometimes clearly visible and sometimes partly hidden by clouds and mist, which added a sense of variety. The mountain is not just a backdrop to Yufuin, but also a sight that accompanied us throughout our journey.

As soon as you step out of Yufuin Station, the magnificent Mt. Yufu comes into view. As you stroll along the lively Yunotsubo Street toward Lake Kinrin, this beautiful volcano remains quietly in the distance, as if gently guiding the way.

I especially recommend visiting this town in the fall, when the cool weather makes walking around particularly pleasant. If you want to capture a clean, refreshing street scene with Mt. Yufu and no bustling crowds of tourists, I suggest heading to the area in front of the station early in the morning for a shot with a different kind of charm. By the way, the classic logo on Milch's famous pudding sold aboard the Yufuin no Mori train was inspired by Mt. Yufu, so don't forget to try it if you get the chance.

Aso and the Yamanami Highway in December shed their lush summer green and turn into an endless expanse of dazzling gold.
The winter air is especially crisp and cold, but whenever sunlight breaks through the clouds, the entire mountainside seems to light up with a warm, gentle glow. The distant peaks are partly hidden by thick clouds and mist, while the wind rustles through the silver grass. The view is so vast that you lose track of time.
Away from the busy peak season, the roads in winter are less noisy, with more of nature's stillness and vastness. I really love December scenery like this—clean, pure, and wide open.

You can see its majestic outline right from the streets of Yufuin. It's really breathtaking!