Kinrinko Lake

Lake Kinrinmorning mistphotographyhot spring lakeYufuin

Oita · Yufuin

33.2656°N, 131.3697°E

Lake Kinrin (金鱗湖, 'Lake of Golden Fish Scales') is a small spring-fed lake at the eastern edge of Yufuin town that produces ethereal morning mist year-round due to underground hot springs warming the water from below. When cold air meets the warm lake surface, mist rises in thick layers — creating a dreamlike scene particularly beautiful when backlit by dawn sun.

The lake is only 400 meters in circumference but contains both hot spring vents and cold spring sources, creating temperature gradients that sustain unique aquatic ecosystems.

Essential Information

Opening Hours

Lake access 24/7. Tsukanoma Cafe 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

Closed: Open year-round

Entrance Fee

Free. Parking ¥500 (limited spaces).

Best Season

October–March (pre-sunrise dawn 6:00–8:00) for thickest morning mist; position on east shore for backlit mist photography

Visit Duration

30–45 minutes for lakeside circuit; extend to 90 minutes for morning mist photography and café coffee

Getting There

Access Information

1561-1 Yufuin-cho Kawakami, Yufu City. A short walk east from Yufuin Station. Free access 24/7. Lakeside path: 15-minute circuit. Nearby parking ¥500 (limited).

Insider Guide

Premium

**Mist photography timing:** The mist is most dramatic October–March when air temperature drops below 10°C. Arrive 30 minutes before sunrise (check sunrise time seasonally). Position on the east shore to shoot westward — mist backlit by dawn creates golden atmosphere. The mist dissipates by 9:00am as air warms. **Tsukanoma Cafe:** Yufu as backdrop. Morning coffee (¥500) and thick pancakes (¥900) allow lingering over the view after mist photography. **Off-season advantage:** Summer (July–August) has minimal mist due to warm nighttime temperatures, making the lake less photogenic. Visit in shoulder seasons (April–May, September–November) when mist still occurs but Yufuin's tourist crowds are smaller than winter peak.

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