# Mount Yufu

> A 1,583-meter volcano with two summits that fills the skyline behind Yufuin, known locally as Bungo Fuji. Yufu City's trail map gives about 2.5 hours from the main trailhead to the top, with chains on the west peak and a crater-rim loop meant only for experienced hikers.

- Prefecture: Oita
- Type: Mountain
- Address: Yufu, Oita, Japan
- Official site: https://www.city.yufu.oita.jp/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/yufudake-map.pdf

From Yufuin Station the mountain is hard to miss: a cone with a notch in the top, 1,583 meters high, standing over the ryokan roofs. People here call it Bungo Fuji. Kamenoi Bus runs from the Yufuin Station bus center to the Yufu Tozanguchi stop in about 10 minutes, and the main trailhead there has toilets, a route board and a limited number of free and paid parking spaces. The first stretch crosses grassland and woods to Goyagoe, an open clearing where most people stop for a breather. Then the path zigzags up to Matae, the saddle on the crater wall between the two summits. Yufu City's map puts the whole climb at about 2 hours 30 minutes. The east peak is the easier one. The west peak, the true summit, has chained sections and a sideways traverse on a rock face called Kani no Yokobai, the crab crawl. Circling the crater rim takes about 90 minutes more over loose rock, and the city says it is for experienced hikers only, warning that legs tired from the climb are where accidents happen. There is almost no shade on the mountain, so wear a hat, and keep your hands free for the rocks. The Yufuin entry covers the town and its baths for afterwards.

## FAQ

### How long does it take to climb Mount Yufu?

Yufu City's trail map gives about 2 hours 30 minutes from the main trailhead to the summit. Add time for the descent, and about 90 minutes more if you circle the crater rim.

### Can I get to the trailhead without a car?

Yes. Kamenoi Bus runs from the Yufuin Station bus center to the Yufu Tozanguchi stop in about 10 minutes, and the main trailhead is right there. Check the return times before you start.

### Is the crater-rim loop suitable for beginners?

No. Yufu City describes it as a route for experienced hikers, with loose rock and poor footing, and the west peak has chained sections. Beginners can climb the east peak and come back the same way.

### What should I bring?

The city recommends thick-soled trekking shoes, a hat, since there is almost no shade, work gloves for gripping the rocks, water, food and rain and cold-weather layers. Use a backpack so both hands stay free.

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Source: Mount Yufu — Japan Voyage