Yufuin, Ōita

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A view of Yufuin

Yufuin (湯布院町, Yufuin-chō^?) is a district (町) of the city of Yufu, Ōita, Japan.

Yufuin was a town located in Ōita District until October 1, 2005, when Yufuin merged with the towns of Shōnai and Hasama to form the city of Yufu.

Located in a green valley beneath the spectacular Mount Yufuin (由布岳), a short walk from the town centre is a mix of paddy fields, housing and upmarket ryokan, with a few temples. A common evening sound is the rhythmic ringing of temple bells. Although still connected to its rural roots, Yufuin is a tourist town. There is a picturesque lake, and rivers flow down and across the valley. Some hotels have outdoor baths called rotenburo (露天風呂) with a view of the mountain.

1 Merger
2 Population
3 Spa town
4 Sights
5 Annual events
6 Transportation options
7 TV drama
8 See also
9 External links

[edit] Merger

On October 1, 2005, the former towns of Hasama, Shonai and Yufuin (all from the now-dissolved Ōita District) merged under the administration of Yufu-shi. This controversial decision resulted in the recall of the mayor and a snap election in which he regained office.

[edit] Population

As of 2003, the town had an estimated population of 11,342 and density of 88.77 persons per km². The total area was 127.77 km².

[edit] Spa town

Yufuin is famous for natural hot spring spas (温泉, Onsen^?), resulting in a local economy based on domestic tourism and hot-spring bathing. International tourist visits to Yufuin are increasing.