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.
Yunotsubo Kaido | Review by 周黛西
Other Reviews by 周黛西
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Kinrin Lake
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.
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!
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Kurokawa Onsen
This hot springs village sits along the same river that waters the rice paddies between the northern mountains of Aso. The entire hot springs area is designed seamlessly with nature, with each hilltop inn and connecting halls a separate annex that attaches to the next mountain hill.
Kurokawa Onsen received two stars in the 2009 Michelin Green Guide Japan. Great care is taken to preserve the old-fashioned charm of the hot spring town. With no flashy signs, noisy crowds, or heavy traffic, the entire town feels seamlessly integrated with its natural surroundings and is filled with the traditional atmosphere of a Japanese hot spring village.
The hot spring street is short, and every ryokan is small yet refined, drawing you in to enjoy the leisurely, relaxing atmosphere unique to a hot spring village. If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle and find a quiet place to unwind, Kurokawa Onsen is a good choice.
Nestled between the mountains and river, the hot spring town feels like a hidden paradise. The green maples and cherry trees along the way seemed to be telling me, “Come back for another stroll in the fall〜” and “Don’t forget about spring, either〜” -
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Daikanbo
Mount Aso is the volcanic area and 5 peaks along the large caldera that was created as the result of 4 large eruptions some 270,000 to 90,000 years ago. Here, inside this world’s largest caldera and volcanic area you’ll find a train line running through the three local municipalities of Aso, Takamori and Minamiaso, towards the 50,000 people who live there.
One of the must-see attractions when visiting Aso is the Daikanbo Lookout. From this elevated vantage point, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Aso's magnificent mountains. No matter which direction you look, you can feel the grandeur and beauty of nature.
It's an easy walk along the path to the lookout. With clear skies and unobstructed views, you can see the Five Peaks of Aso, which are said to resemble the Buddha entering nirvana... Unfortunately, I'm not enlightened enough to see it and just wanted to enjoy the beautiful scenery around me. Looking down at Aso's cityscape below, the town is surrounded by neatly arranged rice fields like a patchwork quilt, giving it a peaceful, secluded feeling.
In summer, there's nothing but green. It felt as though this greenery cured my aging eyesight without any medicine, and my body, mind, and spirit all felt liberated. The scenery probably reveals a different charm with each changing season, making it well worth seeing. -
