This morning, we returned to our usual routine and set off on another adventure. Today was a day we had been eagerly anticipating, as the goal of our trip to Japan was to ride a train. And not just any train, but a rare one that requires careful planning, schedule checking, and advance booking. Simply walking up to the station and buying a ticket is not an option; only those who have booked in advance have the chance to experience it.

"Yufuin No Mori" is the train that Nulek is referring to. This famous sightseeing train on Kyushu Island departs from Hakata Station and travels to Yufuin. Some trains continue on to Beppu Station in Oita Prefecture.

The Yufuin no Mori, which translates to "Yufuin Forest," is aptly named for its olive green exterior, reminiscent of the lush greenery of the region. The golden accents, resembling sunlight filtering through the leaves, evoke a sense of tranquility and natural beauty. As the train glides through the picturesque landscape, passengers are transported to the heart of Yufuin, a charming mountain village nestled amidst breathtaking scenery. The journey offers a glimpse into the lives of local residents and the captivating natural wonders that surround them.

The journey takes approximately two hours, which, although lengthy, is a worthwhile and refreshing experience. The excitement begins as the train approaches the platform, where a female train hostess in uniform awaits, bowing in traditional Japanese style. This welcoming gesture leaves a lasting impression even before boarding the train.

The train's exterior is adorned with green and gold accents, while the interior features a green and wood color scheme to evoke a natural, forest-like atmosphere. Gold accents add a touch of luxury. The meticulously crafted seats, wooden details, green curtains, and overall design all contribute to the immersive forest theme. In addition to the seating area, there is a dedicated viewing zone and a snack bar. The food and beverage car is entirely made of wood and offers a selection of meals and drinks. An open-air space allows passengers to enjoy their Ekiben lunch boxes while taking in the scenery. Friendly female staff members are available to assist passengers and offer to take their photos, making the experience even more enjoyable. Overall, the train journey is more than just transportation; it is a truly immersive and worthwhile experience.

We were captivated by the breathtaking scenery throughout the journey, remaining awake despite its considerable length. After a two-hour trip, we arrived in Yufuin. Enveloped by mountains and forests, Yufuin welcomed us with a gentle drizzle. Although we were slightly dampened, the rain created a mesmerizing mist that blanketed the area, making for a truly unforgettable and picturesque welcome.

What is the allure of Yufuin, a small town? Why do people fall in love with it? Let's follow us as we explore the atmosphere of this town. We spent a considerable amount of time here.

Stepping off the olive-green Eco train, Yufuin No Mori, at Yufuin Station, visitors are greeted by the unmistakable sight of Mount Yufu. This majestic peak dominates the town's skyline, visible from almost any corner.

Stroll along this street in Ufuin, where shops line both sides, offering a variety of goods. From designer brands to handmade crafts, restaurants, cafes, and dessert shops, the area is filled with charming and tempting options.

And if you continue walking along the main road before entering the walking street, you will find the Oita River (Oita-gawa) cutting through. And when you turn into Yunotsubo Walking Street, this street is even more suitable for people who like gift shop style goods, because it is full of cute trinkets, local products, local snacks, gifts, souvenirs, snacks, restaurants, cafes, and cake shops. Although the distance is less than 1 kilometer, it will take a long time to walk in and out of the shops, both shopping and tasting. Even on a rainy day like this, it doesn't discourage tourists like us and many other shoppers. We can still walk in the drizzle.

Each shop boasts its own unique identity, with selling points that leave a lasting impression. Some shops are filled with Totoro dolls from Studio Ghibli, attracting customers with their whimsical charm. Others specialize in dog-related merchandise, while some are cat cafes. There are also shops dedicated to cakes, pastries, and home decor.

And when you walk along and see a yellow car, it is the end of the walking street. If you walk for another 15 minutes, you will reach Lake Kinrin, which is one of the most beautiful scenic spots in Yufuin. The walking street is actually a street leading to Lake Kinrin. It takes about 25 minutes to walk from the station, but as I said, the distance is not far at all. However, there are so many things to see along the way that it takes quite a while to reach the lake.

Kinrin Lake: A Tranquil Oasis in Yufuin

Kinrin Lake, a picturesque destination in Yufuin, offers a serene escape amidst nature's beauty. While the lake's surroundings may not boast the vibrant autumn foliage of Kyoto, its tranquil charm captivates visitors year-round.

During the peak season in late November, the lake's shores transform into a canvas of vibrant hues as the leaves change color. However, even outside this period, the lake's serene beauty remains captivating. The stillness of the water reflects the surrounding landscape, creating a mesmerizing mirror effect.

Adjacent to the lake stands Pension Kinrinko Toyonokuni, a charming accommodation offering a French restaurant and an onsen bathhouse. This idyllic retreat provides a perfect opportunity to immerse oneself in the tranquility of the lake and indulge in culinary delights.

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Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of Yufuin, Lake Kinrin offers a tranquil haven for those seeking a moment of respite. As we, two individuals with a penchant for nature over shopping, found ourselves captivated by the lake's serene beauty, we lingered there for an extended period, immersing ourselves in the tranquility of our surroundings.

After spending a considerable amount of time immersing ourselves in the serene and picturesque natural surroundings, we returned to the pedestrian street for another stroll. This time, we ventured into the Yufuin Floral Village, a European-style replica village reminiscent of the quaint Cotswolds in the United Kingdom, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful villages in the world. Admission to the village is free, allowing visitors to freely explore its charming streets.

The name of the village, which translates to "Flower Village," aptly reflects its vibrant floral displays. Visitors can find a variety of shops, including restaurants, dessert cafes, souvenir shops, home decor stores, jewelry shops, toy stores, and even cosmetics shops. Each store boasts a European-inspired interior design, adding to the village's charm. Additionally, there are attractions featuring various animals, such as a cat cafe and an owl park where visitors can interact with owls. However, these attractions come at a premium price. For a more budget-friendly option, consider purchasing owl-themed souvenirs instead.

After a satisfying stroll through the Flower Village, we ventured out to the walking street, browsing through the various shops and stalls. The rain had finally stopped, leaving only a gentle mist that caressed the peak of Mount Yufu, a sight to behold.

Taking advantage of the wait, we decided to try some delicious local delicacies before boarding our pre-booked 5 pm train back. As you might have guessed, it was none other than the olive-green Yufuin No Mori train.

The Yufuin No Mori 6 train arrived at the platform at 5:00 PM, ready to depart at 5:06 PM. The interior of the train was as beautiful as it had been on the way there, as I had already shown in the video. However, riding this olive-green train was a source of small pride and joy. As I mentioned, booking it was incredibly difficult, and many people were disappointed when they couldn't get a reservation. Those who couldn't ride this train had to take the regular Yufu train instead.

We will arrive at Hakata Station in Fukuoka at 7:18 p.m. We probably won't have time to go sightseeing, as we will be leaving for Tokyo tomorrow.

The journey from Yufuin to Hakata, Fukuoka, is a scenic one, with lush greenery and picturesque landscapes lining the route. The expansive windows offer unobstructed views of the passing scenery, keeping the eyes engaged and refreshed even after a long day of sightseeing.

As we bid farewell to the beautiful train, we were pleasantly surprised with a small token of appreciation - a sweet candy. This thoughtful gesture served as a lasting reminder of our exceptional train journey through a country renowned for its railway excellence.

To be continued, where will we go next…

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