Lake Kinrin (Kinrinko)
金鱗湖
A small lake below Mount Yufu at the far end of Yufuin's hot spring town. Hot and cold springs rise from its bed, and mist lifts off it on cold autumn and winter mornings.
Named after fish scales glinting in the sunset
Lake Kinrin is a lake in Yufuin Onsen (hot spring town) in Yufu city, Oita Prefecture. It is a small lake, about 400 m round and about 2 m deep, with a footpath along the shore so you can walk all the way around.
Long ago, locals called it Takenshitan-ike in the local dialect, meaning "the pond below the mountain", that is, below Mount Yufu. The story goes that in 1884 the scholar Mori Kuso saw the scales of fish shining gold in the light of the setting sun and named it Kinrinko. "Kinrin" means "golden scales".
A lake wrapped in morning mist
Both hot spring water and cold fresh water well up from the bottom of the lake, and some of the streams flowing into it carry warm spring water too. As a result, the water is warmer than the surrounding air, and on chilly early mornings from autumn into winter a steam-like mist rises from the surface. The mist-covered lake is one of Yufuin's signature views.
In autumn the trees around the lake change colour, and it is also known as a spot for autumn leaves.
Things to see by the lake
On the shore there is Shitan-yu, an old-fashioned kyodo yokujo (a public bathhouse used by local people), as well as a shrine, and a torii (the gate that marks a shrine) belonging to the shrine stands in the lake itself. Overlooking the lake is an art museum with a collection of works by Chagall.
From the lake you can also see Mount Yufu with its two peaks.
Getting there
The lake is about 1.5 km from Yufuin Station on the JR Kyudai Main Line, and you can walk there through the hot spring town. There is also paid parking nearby. You can visit the lake freely all year round.
Tips
- If you want to see the mist, go on a clear, cold morning between autumn and winter, as early as you can.
- During the day the lake is busy with visitors. For a quiet lake, the morning is the best time.
- Fish and waterbirds live in the lake. Please watch them quietly.
Sources
Updated 28 September 2026. Opening hours and prices change, so check the official site before you go.
