In this article we will be introducing one of the premier means of getting to Yufuin from Fukuoka: the JY Kyushu-run D&S train (short for design & story) train Yufuin no Mori. 

In this sample itinerary the first day will focus primarily on art in Fukuoka, which has lately been making waves as a forward-thinking city promoting the arts. Daytime will take visitors through several of the city’s main artistic attractions, while the nighttime portion will provide travelers with unique entertainment and a trip to the city’s famed yatai food stalls.

The next day, travelers will take the D&S train Yufuin no Mori to up to Yufuin, which boasts the second largest hot spring water output in all of Japan, and enjoy the lush natural scenery from the train windows. In Yufuin visitors will have many ways to enjoy the city including a tour by horse drawn carriage and a walk around the picturesque Kinrinko Lake.  

Start: Hakata Station

Marine World Uminonakamichi Seaside Park

Conceived as “an aquarium where I can renew myself everyday”, one can feel the proximity to the sea. Apart from the roughly 30,000 individuals of nearly 350 species of aquatic life from Kyushu’s prefectures, the facility also offers activities such as dolphin and sea lion shows, informative panel displays and interactive workshops, making it an excellent place to spend some time. 

Marine World Uminonakamichi Seaside Park
Address: 18-28 Nishitozaki, Higashi Ward, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture
TEL：092-603-0400
Business hours: 9:30-16:30 (closes at 17:30, depending on the season)
Closed: The first Monday and Tuesday in February
For details, please visit the official website.

Lunch at Ganso Hakata Mentaiju

As the name suggests, this restaurant specializes in mentaiko, or spicy marinated cod roe. Their namesake is the Ganso Hakata Mentaiju, a whole piece of mentaiko that they wrap in konbu and then place on a bed of nori seaweed and rice, finished off with a dousing of their special sauce. The restaurant is also famous for dishes like the Mentai Stew Dipping Noodles, featuring a broth flavored with the mentaiko. 

Ganso Hakata Mentaiju
Address: 6-15 Nishinakasu, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture
Tel: 092-725-7220
Business hours: 7:00-22:30, LO 22:00
Closed: No regular holidays
For details, please visit the official website.

Fukuoka Asian Art Museum

The museum is located within the Hakata Riverain building where it exhibits modern and near-modern pieces produced exclusively by Asian artists. The museum includes the gallery, an art information corner, and an Asian art hall, in addition to art making events and workshops. 

Fukuoka Asian Art Museum
Address: 7-8F, Riverain Center Building, 3-1 Shimokawabatamachi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka
Tel: 092-263-1100
Hours: 9:30 - 19:30, Friday and Saturday - 20:00, Gallery viewing - 17:30 (closes at 18:00), Friday and Saturday - 19:30 (closes at 20:00)
Closed:  Wednesdays and the following weekday if Wednesday falls on a national holiday.
Open on certain days for special programs, closed Dec. 26-Jan. 1.
For details, please visit the official website.

Art Gallery 410Gallery

A fine art gallery modelled on the concept of being “a gallery located inside a vintage building”. Their collection does not discriminate based on genre and it features a wide variety of different kinds of art. They occasionally provide support to artists and hold workshops as well. It is often used by artists as a place to convene and chat with one another. 

Art Gallery 410Gallery
Address: 11-8-4F Kamikawabatamachi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka
TEL：092-982-0410
Business hours: 13:00-19:00
Closed: No regular holidays
Admission: Free
For details, please visit the official website.

teamLab Forest Fukuoka (BOSS E・ZO FUKUOKA)

A permanent museum established by world-renowned art collective teamLab. The Catching and Collecting Forest portion of the exhibit allows guests to use their smartphones to capture interactive images of animals that are projected onto the wall to learn about them. In the Athletics Forest one will be able to improve their spatial awareness as they navigate the colorful and fantastic interior. Both portions of the exhibit provide ample opportunity to get lost in what feels like another world. 

teamLab Forest Fukuoka (BOSS E ZO FUKUOKA)
Address: BOSS E-ZO FUKUOKA 5F, 2-2-6 Jigyohama, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture
TEL：092-400-0515
Business hours: Weekdays 11:00 - 20:00, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays 10:00 - 20:00
Closed: Open every day
Admission: Adults 16 years old and up: 2,200 yen, Children 15 years old and under: 800 yen　
Prices may differ during high season.
For details, please visit the official website.

Naka River Cruise

This river cruise over the Naka River that divides the Chuo from Hakata wards is the perfect way to enjoy the scenery of Nakasu, Kyushu’s premier downtown area, and Hakata Bay. The roughly 30 minute long course will take riders to see the popular Hakata Port Tower landmark and Bayside Place prior to returning to dock. The music and other live performances atop the boat are also popular.

Naka River Cruise
Address: At the foot of Fukuhaku Deai Bridge, 6-3-1 Nishi-Nakasu, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture (Assembly place)
TEL: 080-5215-6555 (Hakata Marine Tourism)
Hours: First service 11:00 - Last service 21:00 - (Sails every hour except 17:00 and 19:00, the tour takes about 30 minutes)
Closed: No regular holidays *Service is subject to weather, low tide, wave conditions, etc.
Fees: Vary depending on the course.
For details, please visit the official website.

THE LIVELY Fukuoka Hakata

The first lifestyle hotel to open in Fukuoka. The interior is replete with art meant to express the charm of Hakata. Care was taken to ensure that, while elegant, the interior retains a certain air of playfulness. There is also a free nighttime bar open exclusively to guests spending the night and original sweets unique to the hotel. Check-in and check-out by smartphone are also available. 

THE LIVELY Fukuoka Hakata
Address: 5-2-18 Nakasu, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture
TEL：050-3138-2071 (Hours: 10:00-19:00, Monday-Sunday except national holidays)
For details, please visit the official website.
 

010 BUILDING

A facility established to bring the world’s best creators together. Together they wish to help make quality art and entertainment more accessible to ordinary people, and to this end they frequently hold events and projects on the premises. 

010 BUILDING
Address: 1-4-17 Sumiyoshi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka
Business hours: 17:00 - 24:00
For details, please visit the official website.

The Nakasu Yatai Street

When night falls in Fukuoka, roughly 100 yatai with their colorful noren curtains emerge to set up shop across town. While ramen is a perennial staple diners can expect to find the unexpected with many stalls defying genre to make original cuisine. Communicating with fellow diners in the cramped space ends up becoming part of the fun as it is an excellent opportunity to socialize. The warm, congenial atmosphere of yatai is often said to represent the soul of Fukuoka better than anything else.

The Nakasu Yatai Street
Address：Nakasu, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka
TEL：None
Opening hours：around 18:30 - 24:00 (depends on the store)
Closed：depends on the store
 

Kushida Shrine

Kushida Shrine is the tutelary shrine of Hakata and is located close to the south end of the Kawabata shopping arcade. It is also the starting point of the grand finale of the Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival, the oiyamakasa, translating to “yamakasa chase”, where large decorative floats are raced around the Hakata ward. In the adjacent Hakata History Building cultural artefacts such as yamakasa ema (votive tablets) are on display in addition to many other treasures of the shrine. 

Kushida Shrine
Address: 1-41 Kamikawabatamachi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture
TEL：092-291-2951
Hours: Open all year round
4:00 - 22:00 (visiting hours), 9:00 - 17:00 (ticket office, inquiries)
Closed: Open daily; Hakata History Museum is closed on Mondays, or the following day if Monday is a national holiday.
For details, please visit the official website
 

Yufuin no Mori

A limited express train run by JR Kyushu that connects Hakata and Yufuin. The train’s interior is designed to resemble a forested resort hotel and is both tranquil and relaxing. A high-decker with an elevated floor, the train provides passengers with a more dynamic view of the scenery as they pass by. There are numerous unique refreshments on offer as well, including ice cream made with tea from a popular local café, a yuzu-honey squash, and station bento made with Oita-sourced ingredients (prior reservation required). As for souvenirs and unique goods there are key holders modelled on the train as well as railway exclusive food, sweets, and other trinkets. 

★The Yufuin no Mori does not have free seating so reservations are required. Reservations open one month prior to the date of departure. We recommend visiting the JR Kyushu Homepage to reserve ideally one month in advance.

★Unique features of the train include: 
- Car 1 and Car 5 both have viewing seats which allow riders to either take in the impressive view of scenery approaching the train from the front or of expanding scenery vanishing into the distance from the back.
- Car 3 features box seating which can be reserved for the same price as the other seats. There is also a buffet and a place where sweets from popular stores and local beers from near the train’s route can be purchased, as well as local souvenirs from those areas. There are also accessible bathrooms. 
- Cars 3 and 4 feature a large observation window as well. A large window extends from the floor to the ceiling, giving it a distinctively luxurious feel. 
- In Car 5 there are additionally rooms designed for nursing mothers or passengers who are feeling ill, as well as for individuals with physical disabilities. 

Yufuin no Mori
Address: 1-1 Hakata Eki Chuogai, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture
Business hours: Please check the official HP
Fare: Hakata - Yufuin: 5,690 yen, Hakata - Hita: 3,910 yen　
For details, please check the official website.

Yufuin Chikki

This service is located 20 seconds away from the Yufuin train station in the Yufuin Tourist Information Center where they offer a hand luggage checking and delivery service. Apart from their luggage delivery service (limited to lodgings registered with the Yufuin Onsen Tourism Association), they also allow visitors to temporarily check their luggage with them, as well as provide baby stroller and wheelchair rental services. 

Yufuin Chikki
Address: 8-5 Kawakita, Yufuin-cho, Yufu City, Oita Prefecture (in Yufu Tourist Information Center)
TEL: 0977-28-4550
Business hours: 9:00-17:00 (deliveries accepted until 15:00)
Closed: Open every day
Fees: 1 adult: Luggage delivery service in front of the station / 600 yen and up per piece, temporary storage / 500 yen and up per piece, please check the official website for details.
For details, please visit the official website.

Mountain Cottage Cuisine Yu no Takean

A restaurant that serves cuisine that makes use of ingredients that can be found in the neighboring mountains. Located directly next to Kinrinko Lake, it is easily recognized from its thatched roof and unique location in the midst of a grove of trees. Food made with locally sourced ingredients can be enjoyed together with alcohol and wine produced in the area. As it is located in the middle of a grove, guests can enjoy Yufuin’s four seasons and nature as they dine. 

Mountain Cottage Cuisine Yu no Takean
Address: 2633-1 Kawakami, Yufuin-cho, Yufu City, Oita Prefecture
TEL：0977-84-2970
Business hours: 11:00 - LO 21:00
Closed: Unscheduled holidays (about twice a year)
For details, please visit the official website.

Kinrinko Lake

As hot onsen water is constantly filtering into this lake it possesses a mild temperature all year round, and even in the chilly winter it is mysteriously warm to the touch. In the winter the lake is famous for being covered in a layer of mist in the mornings, and as the surrounding trees and nature change with the seasons so too does the atmosphere of the lake. 

Kinrinko Lake
Address: 1561-1 Kawakami, Yufuin-cho, Yufu City, Oita Prefecture
TEL：0977-84-2446（Yufu Tourist Information Center)
Business hours: Open all year round
 

CAFE LA RUCHE

A popular bakery and café facing Kinrinko Lake, with their croissant being a particular point of pride for them. On particularly cold mornings a thin cloud of steam emanates off the lake, allowing guests to enjoy the magical scenery from the café’s terrace. 

CAFÉ LA RUCHE
Address: 1592-1 Kawakami, Yufuin-cho, Yufu City, Oita Prefecture
TEL: 0977-28-8500
Business hours: Weekdays 9:00-17:30 (LO 17:00), Saturdays 9:00-17:30 (LO 17:00), Sundays and holidays 8:00-17:30 (LO 17:00)
Closed: Wednesdays and special holidays.
For details, please visit the official website.

Saigakukan

With the summit of Mount Yufu jutting out proudly in the distance, this onsen resort is highly picturesque. One can view the mountaintop from the guest rooms, onsen, and restaurant. They specialize in cuisine made with ingredients from the East Fukuoka/Oita area and from October to February they serve an excellent pufferfish course. 

Saigakukan 
Address: 2378-1 Kawakami, Yufuin-cho, Yufu City, Oita Prefecture
TEL：0977-44-5000
Business hours: Check-in 15:00, Check-out 11:00
Closed: Unscheduled holidays
For details, please visit the official website.

Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour

A symbol of Yufuin is the horse-drawn carriage, or tsujibasha. Since starting in 1975 it has been a beloved mainstay of tourism in Yufuin for almost 50 years. While the rural landscape is a joy to behold, the tour passes close to the beautiful twin peaks of Mount Yufu as well. 

Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour
Address: Yufuin-cho, Yufu City, Oita Prefecture
TEL: 0977-84-2446 (Yufu Tourist Information Center)
Hours: March 2-December 31, 9:00 - reception (hours and number of services vary by day)
Closed: Jan. 1 - Mar. 1, other times depending on the horse's condition and weather.
Fare: Adults 2,200 yen, elementary school students and younger 1,650 yen

Sansho Curry Udon Kikusuke

Located in a quiet glade atop a small hill one will find this curry udon specialist. The menu features several delectable curries, including the sansho pepper-forward Red Curry and the smooth flavor of the cashew nuts in the White Curry, both excellent attendants to the chewy texture of the udon noodles.  We recommend the window-seating that provides a panoramic view of Yufuin’s cityscape below. 
 
Sansho Curry Udon Kikusuke
Address: 1269-36 Kawakami, Yufuin-cho, Yufu City, Oita Prefecture
Tel: 0977-85-5262
Business hours: 11:00-15:00
Closed: Tuesday and Wednesday

Artegio 

Artegio is a modern art museum that primarily collects pieces connected to music. Artists with free command of both visual and auditory art forms created many of the pieces here, which are meant to be experienced together with musical accompaniment. Inside the building there is sofa seating as well as a reading room filled with literature pertaining to art. In the library spanning the first and second floors there are roughly 1,000 volumes, mostly about music and painting.  

Artegio
Address: 1272-175 Kawakami, Yufuin-cho, Yufu City, Oita Prefecture
Business hours: 10:00-16:30
Closed: Wednesday
Fee: Museum admission: Adults 600 yen, elementary school students 300 yen
For details, please visit the official website.

Onsen Recreation Village Yufuin Tsuka no Ma

This “onsen village” was conceived of as a more casual style of onsen resort. With a primary concept of “a place where you can refresh both body and mind”, the founders sought a way to adapt the traditional practice of visiting restorative hot springs for today’s generation. Surrounded by nature, the buildings are sparse and spread out throughout the area. Remote and tranquil, this is the perfect place to wash the stress away. 

Hot Spring Recreation Village Tsuka no Ma
Address: 444-3 Kawakami, Yufuin-cho, Yufu City, Oita Prefecture
TEL: 0977-85-3105 (Telephone service available from 9:00 to 21:00)
Closed: Tuesday and Wednesday
For details, please visit the official website.