[Yufuin] Hot Spring Meets Crater! An Easy Walk to Earth’s Inner Power

2026.03.15

Let me introduce you to Mt. Garan (Garandake) located beyond Tsukahara Highlands, a 15-minute drive from Yufuin Station. You can choose between a walking trail that takes you to the crater in 5 minutes from the hot spring entrance, or a mountaintop route offering panoramic views. This is an appealing spot where you can experience the contrast between the tranquil greenery and the rugged crater.

The Ultimate Contrast: Leaving Lush Greenery for a Powerful Volcanic Adventure

Driving from Yufuin Station, you'll reach Tsukahara Highlands, past the majestic Mount Yufu . Located at an altitude of approximately 600 meters, this place offers a tranquil and relaxed atmosphere, a stark contrast to the bustling tourist spots you just passed through.

What unfolds before you is an endless expanse of grassland and a vast sky. Enjoy a refreshing drive through the highlands, feeling lighter with every deep breath, as you continue along the road. At the end of the road, the breathtaking scenery awaits you.

Explore Mt. Garandake in your everyday clothes and sneakers

Mount Garandake, located there, is a spot where anyone can easily experience an astonishingly extraordinary moment.

The biggest draw is that you can see the crater, the source of the steam, up close, and the entrance to it is a hot spring. While massive volcanoes like Mt. Aso are wonderful, there are few places in Japan where you can feel the breath of a volcano so easily and directly.

Your adventure begins at the reception of "Tsukahara Onsen Kako no Izumi" (Tsukahara Hot Spring).

Two adventures for everyone, from casual walkers to active hikers

Once you park your car in the parking lot of "Tsukahara Onsen Kako no Izumi," you'll have two routes to choose from. Select the one that suits your mood that day. Neither route requires special hiking boots or a heavy backpack. You can walk in your everyday clothes, feeling like you're taking a leisurely stroll.

① [Easy Route] 5-min walk to the crater side

This is recommended for those who want to easily enjoy a spectacular view. Just a five-minute walk in your usual sneakers will take you right in front of the crater.

The white plumes of smoke billowing vigorously from the ground and the smell of sulfur tell you that this is the source of the hot springs. You can get one of the closest you can get to a crater in Japan, where you can directly feel the Earth's heat.

Once you've enjoyed the awe-inspiring view of the crater, be sure to turn around. In stark contrast to the rugged rock face before you, you'll find the gentle green of Tsukahara Highlands and a panoramic view of the land stretching into the distance.

②[Hiking Route] Head for the summit for  panoramic views

If you want to view the crater from the highest point, head to the summit at an altitude of 1,045m from the trailhead located just before the parking lot of "Tsukahara Onsen Kako no Izumi".

After about an hour of walking along a path that's easy even for beginner hikers, overlooking the rugged rocky crater, you'll reach a viewpoint near the summit where a panoramic view unfolds, encompassing Mount Yufu, Mount Tsurumi, and even Beppu Bay.

Enjoying the plumes of smoke rising from the crater and the magnificent view of the surrounding mountains, it's another 30 minutes or so to the western peak. You'll arrive at a hill with truly spectacular views, where you can see the green landscape you just drove through.

From the crater to the "Hidden Medicinal Spring"—Experience Japan's finest

After enjoying a stroll or hike, head straight to the hot springs at the starting point.

Tsukahara Onsen Kako no Izumi, known as one of Japan's three greatest medicinal hot springs, is a rare, secluded hot spring that boasts the second-highest acidity in Japan and the highest iron content in the country.

Now, you'll be bathed in the energy emanating from directly beneath the crater you just witnessed. This is the ultimate luxury that can only be experienced here. Be sure to experience this perfect flow for yourself.

For more detailed information about Mount Garandake and Tsukahara Onsen Kakou no Izumi, please also check the Feature Articles page on the official travel guide [YUFUINFO] below.