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Kinrin Lake

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Kinrin Lake

A lake known for its scenic charm and mystical, morning mist.

4.48 21

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Kinrin Lake is one of many popular tourist spots in the hot springs town of Yufuin. The lake sits under Mt. Yufu and as such was called takemoto-no-ike (lit. “lake under the mountain”) for years. However, it was renamed to Kinrin, or “golden scales”, by Mori Kuso in 1884 when he saw the golden glimmering scales of fish as they swam at sunset.

The hot spring waters well up at the lake’s bottom, keeping the waters at a steady, warm temperature all year around. As a result, an almost magical swirl of steam can be seen dancing across the lake surface in the early mornings of winter and fall.

The entire 400-meter perimeter of the lake is set up for easy walking so visitors can enjoy watching the fish and aquatic birds over a stroll. The lake is also home to a Shinto torii gate from the neighboring Tenso Shrine, lending an added air of mystique.
The autumn season, with brightly colored leaves, offers an especially gorgeous backdrop to see and enjoy.

Highlights

  • Morning steam can be seen in the early morning hours of autumn and winter.
  • Famous spot to see the autumn leaves.
  • Don’t forget to visit the Tenso Shrine next door during your visit.

Videos

Photos

  • Kinrin Lake in Autumn

    Kinrin Lake in Autumn

  • The morning mists over Kinrin Lake

    The morning mists over Kinrin Lake

  • The torii gate of Tenso Shrine

    The torii gate of Tenso Shrine

  • Aquatic birds

    Aquatic birds

  • Cafe

    Cafe

  • Sunset

    Sunset

Reviews

21

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • 汪汪妮
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    Kinrin Lake is beautiful, with crystal-clear water. I’ve visited in both summer and fall, and while the scenery was different, it was equally stunning. Sometimes the lake is blanketed in morning mist, creating a dreamy, almost otherworldly atmosphere. It’s a must-see in Yufuin and well worth exploring at a leisurely pace.

  • 陳泰任
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    Spirit Lake?? Kinrin Lake

    When I first heard the name “Kinrin Lake,” I couldn’t help imagining a mysterious, fantasy-like lake where kappa spirits might live. It wasn’t until I saw it in person that I understood “golden scales” refers to the golden shimmer on the lake’s surface when the sunlight hits it, like fish scales. Kinrin Lake in June doesn’t have the romance of spring cherry blossoms and morning mist, the colorful mix of autumn maples and ginkgo leaves, or the dreamy white of the first winter snow. Instead, it shows off a fresh, refined beauty that feels unique to summer.

    After a light rain, the lake looked especially clear and peaceful, like a naturally formed mirror reflecting the surrounding greenery and sky. The mysterious torii gate in the lake adds an even deeper, more enigmatic atmosphere to the scenery. Setting aside its religious meaning, purely from a photography perspective, the torii gate, lake surface, distant mountains, and reflections all come together to create a beautifully layered focal point. The moment I stood by the lake and pressed the shutter, it felt like more than just scenery. It was a natural painting that changes constantly with the seasons, the rain, and the light. The beauty of Kinrin Lake isn’t about one season standing above the rest, but about how every visit offers a unique view that belongs only to that moment and can never be repeated.

  • Gina C
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    Kinrin Lake is one of the must-visit spots in Yufuin. Although the lake isn’t large, it has a relaxing charm. In the early morning especially, white mist often rises from the lake because of the hot spring heat, making it feel like you’ve stepped into a magical scene.
    Taking a slow walk along the lakeside and enjoying the views of the water and mountains really helps you unwind. Each season offers a different kind of scenery. Whether it’s the autumn maple leaves or the winter morning mist, it makes you want to stop and quietly take it all in.

  • 雨妤魚
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    I was supposed to happily celebrate my 22nd birthday here, but I ended up really unhappy.

    There was morning mist, but it honestly didn’t look good at all.
    It’s just a lake, so I don’t know why it’s so popular.

    I was so mad. I didn’t sleep all night because I was super excited.
    It made me upset first thing in the morning… and I even stayed here for a day just for this. It took almost half an hour to walk over, and it was freezing… Maybe I just came at the wrong time.

  • William Chen
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    There are lots of unique shops around Kinrin Lake to check out.

Details

Name in Japanese
金鱗湖
Address
1561-1 Yufuinchokawakami, Yufu City, Oita
Access
20 min. walk from Yufuin Station on the JR Kyudai Main Line
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)
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