Lake Kinrin (金鱗湖) is a small lake about 400 m around at the foot of Mt. Yufu, and one of Yufuin's most iconic sights. In 1884 the Confucian scholar Mori Kuso named it 'Golden Scale Lake' after seeing fish scales shimmer gold in the sunset. Both cold spring water and hot spring water well up from its bed, keeping the water warm, so on chilly late-autumn and winter mornings a dreamlike mist rises from the surface.
The signature morning mist rising off the water on cold dawns in late autumn to winter (roughly Dec-Feb), evoking an ink-wash painting
A gentle lakeside loop trail (about a 20-30 minute walk) with mirror-like reflections on the calm water
Tenso Shrine on the southeast shore and its small torii gate standing by the water, a popular photo spot
The thatched-roof communal bath 'Shitanyu' on the shore, alongside onsen, cafes and galleries for a relaxed stroll
Yunotsubo Kaido, the lively street of food stalls and souvenir shops leading from Yufuin Station
Good to know
SeasonThe famous mist only forms well on cold late-autumn-to-winter dawns (about 5:00-8:00). If mist is your goal, check the season and go very early.
SeasonMidday and peak seasons bring heavy crowds to the lakeside path and Yunotsubo Kaido. For quiet and better photos, aim for before 9 a.m. or after 3 p.m.
MannersThe lakeside 'Shitanyu' is a mixed-gender communal bath and its interior is partly visible from the walking path. Respect bathers' privacy and do not photograph people who are bathing.
RulesShitanyu works on an honor system: place 200 yen in the collection box. Fees and hours can change, so confirm the latest details and follow local bathhouse etiquette.
MannersTenso Shrine is an active place of worship. Behave quietly around the torii and sacred tree, take your litter with you, and keep noise down at dawn out of respect for nearby guesthouses.
SafetyOn weekends and holidays the surrounding roads get very congested and coin parking fills quickly; narrow lanes crowded with pedestrians make driving difficult, so walking or the bus is recommended.
Practical info
About a 30-minute walk from JR Yufuin Station (via Yunotsubo Kaido), or roughly 10 minutes by local bus (get off at 'Takemoto / Kinrinko-iriguchi'). No admission fee; it is an open-air spot accessible any time. Confirm fees, hours and rules before visiting.
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