Yufuin’s natural protector, Mount Yufu, is one of the town’s most distinctive sights with its camel-backed peak. The perfect backdrop for camera shots of Yufuin’s main street, Mount Yufu is also a great place for hiking. The walk is rather long, at 5 miles (8 kilometers), taking about 4 or 5 hours round-trip. Do the moderate hike relatively easily with a basic level of fitness and strong motivation.
Set out from the trailhead across the valley floor, a pleasant plain covered with grass and wildflowers in spring and summer. Penetrate the forest that rings the base of the mountain, listening for the twittering of songbirds that hop from tree branch to tree branch. At the fork, head toward Goyagoshi, where the switchbacks begin crisscrossing the side of the mountain.
Though the mountain itself is relatively steep, appreciate how the winding trail keeps the walk somewhat straightforward.
At the top of the switchbacks, head to the right, toward Higashi-mine, which, despite some scrambling required, is relatively easy to mount. At the top, look out onto the landscape, which stretches from the seashore near Beppu to the valleys that shelter Yufuin and other towns.
Head back down or add on the Nishi-mine, where chains help haul you up to the top.
Enjoy a well-deserved lunch in the brisk breezes of the peak before you head back down for an equally well-deserved dip in the thermal baths in town.
The base of Mount Yufu is northeast of Yufuin, a 20-minute drive from the JR station. Take the bus to the trailhead from the train station in a little over 20 minutes. This line also leads to nearby Beppu. The trailhead has free parking and public restrooms. Another trail leads directly from Yufuin’s downtown, but it is not maintained as well as the more frequented one. Pick up trail maps from the tourist information office.
The trail is always open, but be careful when the sun goes down and in winter, when it can become quite icy. Much of the trail is exposed, so bring a hat and plenty of water.
