Lake Kinrin 金鱗湖

Fresh water and hot springs flow into the lake, and the water temperature is high throughout the year, creating a beautiful phenomenum of steam rising from the surface, early on winter mornings. Its name came from a Confucian scholar who spotted a gold-scaled fish in the waters around sunset one day.

You can get to the lake by train and then on foot.

Yufuin Station is served by the Kyudai Main Line, which has limited express services to Hakata and Beppu. Lake Kinrin is a 25-minute walk from that station.

Follow one of the walking paths around the lake for great views of the surrounds and a chance to get up close to some of the area's distinctive flora and fauna.

There are many onsen, restaurants and cafes on the lake's shores.

Check out the art museums in the area, many of which display works created by artists with special connections to Yufuin.