Mt. Yufu Hiking

Little knownBarely documented in English. This is the kind of place the site exists for.

Researched and written by Hinato

Mt. Yufuhikingtwin peakssummitYufuin

Oita · Yufuin

33.2444°N, 131.3606°E

Mt. Yufu Hiking rewards patience — the view most people describe isn't the one you get by rushing.

Mt. Yufu (1,584m) dominates Yufuin's skyline with its distinctive twin peaks (東峰 East Peak 1,583m and 西峰 West Peak 1,584m). The hiking trail from Yufuin town to the East Peak takes 90 minutes (one-way) through mixed forest transitioning to volcanic rock near the summit. The peak provides 360° views encompassing Beppu Bay, the Kuju mountain range, and the Yufuin basin far below.

The trail is well-maintained but steep in sections (700m elevation gain in 2.5km horizontal distance), making it a legitimate mountain hike rather than a stroll.

Before you go

Access hours

Trailhead accessible 24/7. Descend before dark.

Closed: Open year-round. Crampons required December–February when snow present.

Entry fee

Free. Bus from Yufuin Station to trailhead ¥200.

Best time to visit

October–November for autumn summit views; early morning (6:00am start) for sunrise over Beppu Bay; avoid rainy season (June–July)

Time to allow

3–4 hours round-trip to East Peak; add 40 minutes for West Peak ridge traverse

Making the trip

Access notes

Trailhead: Yufu-tozanguchi bus stop or Near station. Trail open year-round; snow possible December–February (crampons required). Free. Round-trip: 3–4 hours. Bring water (no sources on trail).

What to bring

**East peak vs West peak:** Most hikers stop at East Peak. West Peak requires an additional 20-minute traverse across a knife-edge ridge connecting the twins — exposed, with fixed chains for hand support. The West Peak is 1m higher but the view is nearly identical. First-timers: East Peak only unless you're comfortable with exposure. **Early morning ascent:** Start at 6:00am (trailhead accessible 24/7) to reach the summit by 7:30 for sunrise over Beppu Bay. Autumn (October–November) has the clearest mornings. The town below is usually hidden under morning mist, creating a cloud-sea effect with only the mountain peaks visible above the white layer. **Post-hike onsen:** Plan your hike to finish by 14:00, then use day-bathing at a Yufuin ryokan (多くの宿が14:00-16:00に日帰り入浴を提供). The combination of mountain exertion followed by hot spring bath is the intended Yufuin experience — locals do this regularly.

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