Kinrinko

Lake Kinrinko, located in Yufuincho, Yufu City, Oita Prefecture, is one of Yufuin’s most popular tourist attractions. Surrounded by the rich natural landscape at the foot of Mount Yufu, it is known for its beautiful scenery created by the tranquil lake surface and the trees around it. The lakeshore is relatively small, measuring approximately 400 meters around, and visitors can observe fish, waterfowl, and seasonal plants up close while walking along the promenade. The lake can be reached on foot from JR Yufuin Station, and its proximity to Yunotsubo Kaido, nearby museums, restaurants, and other attractions makes it easy to include in a sightseeing itinerary.

Lake Kinrinko was once said to have been called “Gaken Shitan Ike,” a term in the Oita dialect meaning “the pond beneath the mountain,” because it lies below Mount Yufu. Its current name was given in 1884, during the Meiji era. It is said that when Mouri Kusou, a Confucian scholar and educator from Oita Prefecture, visited the lake, he saw the scales of fish illuminated by the setting sun and shining gold. He therefore named it “Kinrinko,” meaning “Golden-Scale Lake.” The name beautifully evokes the glow of the sunset reflected on the water and the glittering fish swimming below the surface.

One of Lake Kinrinko’s most distinctive features is that both spring water and hot spring water flow into the lake. Because of the influence of the hot spring water, the lake remains relatively warm throughout the year. From late autumn through winter, especially in the early morning when the air is cold, the difference between the air and water temperatures causes steam or mist to form. White fog and vapor drift across the quiet lake, while the surrounding trees and buildings appear softly veiled, creating an extremely dreamlike scene.

This morning fog and mist are known as one of Lake Kinrinko’s seasonal winter highlights, attracting many visitors from early morning. However, the density of the fog and the time it appears vary depending on the temperature, humidity, wind, and weather, so it cannot be guaranteed that visitors will see it. In general, early mornings on cold, calm days are considered the best time for viewing. As the sun rises and the temperature increases, the fog gradually dissipates, so those hoping to see the morning mist are advised to visit as early as possible.

At the fog-covered lake, the scenery on the opposite shore appears like a faint shadow. Visitors can watch waterfowl quietly moving across the surface and see the morning sun illuminating the mist. Although the phenomenon is often described as “steam,” the entire lake is not as hot as a hot spring. Lake Kinrinko is not a place for bathing, so visitors should enjoy the scenery safely from the promenade or lakeshore and take care to protect the natural environment.

Lake Kinrinko presents a different appearance in each season. In spring, the surrounding trees begin to sprout, and the lakeshore is enveloped in soft, fresh greenery. On clear days, the blue sky and green trees are reflected on the surface, creating a bright landscape full of vitality. With its mild weather, spring is ideal for walking and enjoying the natural beauty of Yufuin at the foot of Mount Yufu at a leisurely pace.

In summer, the greenery becomes deeper, creating a cool, refreshing waterside landscape. One enjoyable way to experience the lake is to walk beneath the shade of the trees while observing fish and waterfowl swimming on the surface. However, even in Yufuin, a highland hot spring resort, daytime temperatures can become quite high in summer. It is advisable to bring a hat and something to drink and to take frequent breaks. Early mornings and evenings are relatively comfortable, offering a quieter atmosphere than during the daytime.

In autumn, the trees along the lakeshore turn red and yellow. The combination of colorful foliage, the tranquil lake surface, and morning mist drifting between them is one of the landscapes that symbolizes Lake Kinrinko. The autumn leaves may also be reflected on the water, and visitors can enjoy different kinds of beauty depending on their viewing location and the direction of the light.

The autumn foliage generally reaches its peak in late autumn, but the timing and condition of the colors vary depending on temperatures and weather conditions each year. Those visiting specifically to see the autumn leaves should check the latest information provided by the official tourism websites of Yufu City and Yufuin. The area becomes particularly crowded during the foliage season, so early morning is recommended for those who wish to enjoy a quieter walk.

In winter, the leaves fall from the trees, allowing a clearer view across the lakeshore. This is the season when morning fog and mist are most likely to appear, and during snowfall, the lakeshore and surrounding mountains may be covered in snow. The scenery created by white snow, rising mist, and the quiet surface of the lake has a calm beauty distinct from that of the autumn foliage season. Temperatures are very low in the early winter mornings, and the promenade and surrounding roads may become icy. Visitors should wear nonslip shoes and take adequate measures to protect themselves from the cold.

A promenade has been developed around the lake, and one circuit is approximately 400 meters. Walking around it does not take very long, but stopping to take photographs or observe fish and waterfowl reveals many discoveries even along this short distance. The color of the water and the way the trees are reflected change depending on the viewing position and the direction of the light, so it is recommended to walk around the lake and look for a favorite view.

Some sections of the promenade offer views from spots close to the water. In the early morning, visitors can hear the calls and wingbeats of waterfowl and experience nature in a quieter setting than during the day. On the other hand, the promenade can become crowded during busy periods, such as weekends and the autumn foliage season. When taking photographs, it is important to stop in a place that does not obstruct the passageway and to be considerate of other visitors.

On the southeastern side of Lake Kinrinko stands Tenso Shrine along the lakeshore. Tall cedar trees grow within the shrine grounds, creating a quiet and sacred atmosphere quite different from the busy central area of Yufuin. When visiting Lake Kinrinko, paying a visit to Tenso Shrine as well as enjoying the natural surroundings allows visitors to experience the faith and culture rooted in this area.

One especially striking feature is the torii gate behind the main shrine building, which appears to rise from the water of the lake. The torii standing on the lake is one of the landscapes symbolizing Lake Kinrinko and is also a popular photography spot. From late autumn through winter, white morning mist sometimes envelops the torii in the early morning, creating an exceptionally mysterious scene.

On windless days, the torii and the surrounding trees may be reflected on the lake, producing a beautiful view in which the actual scenery and its image on the water overlap. The sight of the morning mist, torii, waterfowl, and trees coming together in a single scene is characteristic of Yufuin—a hot spring resort where rich nature and religious culture continue to coexist.

Around Lake Kinrinko are cafés, restaurants, accommodations, and souvenir shops where visitors can enjoy meals or take a break while looking out over the lake. Some establishments serve breakfast and drinks with views of the water, making them ideal places to relax during a walk. However, business hours and regular closing days may change, so those wishing to visit a particular establishment should check in advance.

On the way from Yufuin Station to Lake Kinrinko is Yunotsubo Kaido, a street lined with restaurants, confectionery shops, general stores, and other businesses. Visitors can enjoy local specialties from Oita Prefecture and sweets unique to Yufuin, as well as browse for crafts, goods, and souvenirs. After passing through the lively Yunotsubo Kaido and reaching the lakeshore, the tranquil scenery of Lake Kinrinko surrounded by nature feels even more impressive.

A short distance from Lake Kinrinko is Bussanji Temple, an ancient temple deeply connected with the mountain worship of Mount Yufu. This Rinzai Zen temple is surrounded by cedar trees and bamboo groves and is known for its traditional thatched-roof mountain gate. Visiting Bussanji together with Lake Kinrinko and Tenso Shrine provides an opportunity to learn not only about Yufuin’s natural beauty but also about the faith and history passed down through the region.

The walk from JR Yufuin Station to Lake Kinrinko generally takes approximately 25 to 30 minutes. The route through Yunotsubo Kaido is lined with many shops, allowing visitors to enjoy sightseeing and shopping along the way. However, the street can become crowded on weekends and during the tourist seasons, so it is best to allow plenty of time for the journey.

By car, Lake Kinrinko is approximately 10 minutes from the Yufuin Interchange on the Oita Expressway. Visitors arriving by car should use one of the paid parking lots around the lake. The surrounding roads and parking areas are prone to congestion on weekends and during the autumn foliage season, so it is convenient to visit relatively early or combine public transportation with walking.

Although Lake Kinrinko is not a large lake, it offers a remarkable concentration of attractions, including morning mist, autumn foliage, waterfowl, a torii standing in the water, and trees reflected on the lake’s surface. Its appearance changes significantly depending on the season and time of day, from the fresh greenery of spring and deep green foliage of summer to the autumn colors and winter morning mist or snowy scenery.

When visiting Yufuin, be sure to visit Lake Kinrinko in the early morning if possible, rather than limiting your sightseeing to the daytime. Walking along the lakeshore enveloped in silence and gazing at the torii and waterfowl emerging through the mist can be a memorable experience, offering an atmosphere quite different from the bustle of the hot spring town. Lake Kinrinko is a sightseeing destination where visitors can experience the unique beauty of Yufuin, a harmonious blend of nature, hot springs, history, and religious faith.