Kirimidai

Flow of the course

About this spot

This lookout sits on a mountain pass at about 680 meters elevation, along the Yamanami Highway connecting Yufuin and Beppu. Below spreads the farmland and hot-spring town of the Yufuin basin like a diorama, with Mt. Yufu spreading its foothills grandly beyond it, a view straight out of a postcard. It's known as a famous spot for morning mist, which also gave the lookout its name, and from late autumn through winter you can sometimes see a sea of clouds covering the entire basin in the early morning. At dusk, the townscape is dyed a deep reddish glow, and you can slowly watch the transition as lights begin to come on in the houses below. The observation area is just a short walk from the parking lot, making this an easy, spectacular spot to stop by as a final stop on the drive.

Tips

The top of the pass is windy and noticeably cooler than the city below, so it's reassuring to bring a light layer for the evening. This is a popular viewpoint with limited parking, so be considerate of others when it's crowded. For photos, aim for just before dusk, when the sunset light shifts toward the Mt. Yufu side. The mountain road has many curves, so drive down carefully after sunset.

Best time to visit

About 30 minutes. At dusk, the Yufuin townscape is dyed a deep reddish glow, offering the perfect view to close out the day.

Access & map

879-5102 Oita Prefecture, Yufu City, Yufuin-cho Kawakami 1946-14