Mount Yufu, the iconic double-peaked volcano towering over Yufuin town, offers one of Kyushu's most rewarding autumn foliage hikes from late October. The trail winds through dense beech and oak forests that turn vivid scarlet and amber before reaching the dramatic open summit with 360-degree views of Oita's highland scenery. The contrast between the coloured forest canopy below and the volcanic rock summit above makes for extraordinary photography. After descending, hikers can soak weary muscles in one of Yufuin's celebrated ryokan hot springs.
- Type
- Experience
- Category
- Autumn Leaves
- Season
- Autumn
- Month
- Late October–Early November
- Region
- Kyushu
- Prefecture
- Oita
- City
- Yufu
Highlights
- ◆Summit views at 1,584 m overlooking Yufuin basin in autumn colour
- ◆Beech and oak forest trails at peak colour late October
- ◆Well-marked trail suitable for intermediate hikers
- ◆Combine with Yufuin onsen ryokan stay post-hike
- ◆Early morning hikes reward with mist-filled valley views