Kinrin Lake

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.