Mt. Yufu-dake

The twin-peaked Mt. Yufu-dake soars to 1,583 metres dominating its surroundings. It is also a popular and relatively easy mountain to climb, taking about 2~2.5 hours from the main start point, on the road running between Yufuin and Beppu, at 700 metres. On the lower slopes the trail to the top zig zags up through lovely deciduous tree forests. Higher up the trees fade away and the glorious views open up across Yufuin. Nearer the top the path steepens but reaching the mountain's peak is rewarded with a grand 360-degree panorama across Kyushu to Beppu Bay and Kunisaki. Bring a picnic with you to enjoy a wondrous backdrop to lunch.

More energetic and adventurous climbers may like to journey to the top of neighbouring Mt. Tsurumi-dake on the Beppu Ropeway to join the trail that leads down to the foothills before taking the more arduous secondary route to Yufu-dake’s peak.