Kinrin Lake

Some reviews are AI-translated.

• Lucas L.

  4 Nov 2026 See More

  Kinrin Lake got its name because the shimmering surface of the water looks like golden fish scales. The lake isn't large, and it takes just over 10 minutes to walk around it. The torii gate ⛩️ at the back is great for photos〜 If you're driving, I recommend the “Kinrin Lake Entrance Parking Lot.” It's close by and has the cheapest parking fee! However, some sections of the road are quite narrow, and there are lots of tourists, so be extra careful.

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• Linda Liao

  1 Nov 2026 See More

  In the early morning, the lake was covered in a thin mist, and the chilly air made me instinctively tuck my neck into my collar, as if the lake were veiled in mystery. After waiting for quite a while, the sun finally began to peek out. The morning mist slowly lifted with the light, and the lake and mountains gradually came into view. Ducks swam leisurely across the water, creating an exceptionally peaceful and soothing scene. Kinrin Lake is said to have gotten its name from the way fish scales shimmer gold when the setting sun shines on the water. Also, hot spring water and fresh water flow into the lake from below, so the water stays relatively warm in fall and winter, making it easy for dreamy morning mist to form—one of the lake's special features. There is also Cafe La Ruche by the lake, where you can sit down with a cup of coffee and enjoy the view outside. Set aside one or two hours for a leisurely walk and some photos, and enjoy the relaxing time without rushing to your next stop~

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• 一個漸漸喜歡上慢旅的人

  18 Sep 2026 See More

  My first encounter with Lake Kinrin was at dusk in the summer. The glow of the setting sun fell across the water, framing the lakeside torii gate. At the time, I simply found it relaxing and had yet to fully appreciate its breathtaking beauty. It wasn't until my second visit, when I specifically chose to stay at a lakeside inn, that the view truly left me in awe. On an autumn morning, I walked from the foot of Mount Yufu to Lake Kinrin in the cool light of dawn.

  In the early morning, warm spring water flows into the chilly lake, and dreamy wisps of mist rise over all of Lake Kinrin. The ethereal mist, the layered slopes of Mount Yufu in the background, and the lake scenery blend together like an unreal ink painting, instantly taking my breath away.

  Travel really is a wonderful process of discovering entirely new scenery each time you return. I'm so glad I was able to ride the Yufuin no Mori train again and return to this hot spring town I could never tire of, keeping the memory of this early-morning-only fairyland in my heart.

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• Eddie

  14 Sep 2026 See More

  Looking at this photo taken at Kinrin Lake in December, I still remember just how cold it was. In the morning, the surface of the lake was covered in thick mist, making the mountains and woods in the distance look a little blurry. It made the whole scene feel very peaceful.

  The small Western-style building across the lake was also hidden in the mist, with only a faint outline visible, giving the entire scene a very distinctive feel. Although it was very cold, seeing the morning mist made getting up early well worth it.

  Seeing the photo now actually makes me miss winter in Japan a little. If I have another chance to visit Yufuin, I think I'll still want to come back to Kinrin Lake and see what it looks like early in the morning.

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• 周黛西

  15 Aug 2026 See More

  Kinrin Lake is a popular spot in Yufuin that almost no visitor misses. Although the lake isn't large, its surface sparkles in the sunlight, and it is surrounded by maple trees. If you visit in the fall, you may see their fiery red reflections on the lake. If you enjoy photography, don't miss the early morning mist, when you may get to see the dreamy, otherworldly sky torii gate!

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