From Fukuoka: Yufuin, Hita Attack on Titan Spots & Nyoirinji Day Tour

Depart from Fukuoka
and stroll through Yufuin hot spring town

Depart at 8:00 AM from Lawson Fukuoka Oriental Hotel in front of the Chikushi Exit of Hakata Station and arrive in Yufuin around 10:00. Enjoy 120 minutes of free time exploring artistic streets and cafés, and visit Lake Kinrin, the symbol of Yufuin. The lake is known for the morning mist created by the temperature difference between hot spring water and fresh water rising from the lakebed.

Ride the Yufuin no Mori sightseeing train to Hita

With the train ticket option, board the wooden Yufuin no Mori sightseeing train around 12:30 for a ride of about 60 minutes from Yufuin to Hita. Through its large panoramic windows you’ll see Jion Falls, flat-topped Mt. Kirikabu, the red-brick Bungo-Mori Roundhouse Park and the Kusu River. Guests who choose the vehicle-only option travel to Hita by vehicle with the driver.

Explore Attack on Titan spots in Hita

Arrive in Hita around 13:50 for 90 minutes of free time. Hita is the hometown of Attack on Titan creator Hajime Isayama. See the life-size Captain Levi statue at Hita Station (about 10 minutes) and visit the Attack on Titan exhibition at the Hita Museum annex (about 80 minutes), featuring character designs, reproductions of original artwork and recreated walls and battle scenes. Admission of 700 yen (free for under 18) is not included.

Alternatively, tour the Sapporo Breweries Hita Factory, which brews beer with local spring water. The factory tour is free and tastings cost extra; on days the factory is closed (Mondays/Tuesdays), you’ll visit Hita’s historic merchant district instead.

Pray for a safe return at Nyoirinji, the Frog Temple

Around 16:10, arrive at Nyoirinji, a Nara-period temple designated a cultural property of Fukuoka Prefecture, and spend about 50 minutes there. Because the Japanese word for frog (kaeru) sounds like “return,” the temple is known as a place to pray for a safe return, and it has about 10,000 frog statues. During the wind chime festival from June 1 to September 30, thousands of wind chimes hang throughout the grounds, and you can dedicate one for 500 yen (not included; chimes cannot be taken home). The tour returns to Hakata Station around 6:00 PM.

※ If the train is suspended, guests with the train ticket option will receive a train fare refund or free cancellation.
※ The mist at Lake Kinrin may not be visible depending on the time of day and weather.