Name: Kinrin Lake
Address: 1561-1 Yufuinchō Kawakami, Yufu, Oita 879-5102, Japan
Telephone: 0977-84-3111
Rating: 4

A small shrine is located at the southern end of this picturesque lake famous for its morning mists.

Canal City Hakata

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Dazaifu Tenmangu太宰府天満宮

Kumamoto Castle

Fukuoka Airport

Kushida-jinja Shrine

Kinrin Lake's unique characteristic is that part of its water comes from a hot spring, resulting in a mix of warm and fresh water.

Warm Waters

During autumn and winter mornings, the warm water meeting the cool air creates a mystical fog that blankets the lake, making it a popular time for photographers.

Mystical Mornings

The name 'Kinrin' translates to 'golden scales,' inspired by a Confucian scholar who saw fish scales shimmering like gold in the setting sun's reflection on the lake.

Golden Reflection

Kinrin Lake is easily accessible by foot from the Yufuin train station and the main Yufuin Onsen area, making it a convenient and popular destination.

Easy Access

A small, picturesque shrine called Tenso Shrine sits on the edge of Kinrin Lake, adding to the scenic beauty and spiritual atmosphere of the area.

Tenso Shrine

Kinrin Lake

Kinrin Lake, nestled at the foot of Mount Yufu, is distinguished by its unique thermal springs that subtly mingle with the lake's freshwater. This unusual confluence creates a phenomenon where, particularly on cool mornings, a mystical mist blankets the water's surface, lending an ethereal quality to the surrounding landscape. The lake's name, meaning "Golden Fish Scales," originates from a Confucian scholar who, upon seeing the setting sun reflect off the lake's surface, likened the shimmering scales of fish to the golden light. Unlike many volcanic lakes, Kinrin Lake supports a diverse ecosystem, including various fish species and waterfowl, thriving in the slightly warmer waters. The small, unassuming Tenso Shrine, perched on the lake's edge, adds a spiritual dimension to the area, often overlooked by casual visitors. The lake's shallow depth contributes to its rapid temperature fluctuations, further influencing the formation of the morning mist and the overall ambiance.

Introduction

Kinrin Lake's unique characteristic stems from the confluence of both fresh water and hot spring water, a direct connection to the famed Yufuin Onsen. This unusual mix maintains a relatively high water temperature throughout the year, creating the atmospheric phenomenon of steam rising from the lake's surface, particularly noticeable on early winter mornings. This phenomenon enhances the mystical allure of Kinrin Lake, making it a visual spectacle intrinsically linked to Yufuin's geothermal activity.

The lake's proximity to Yufuin's onsen district means that many ryokans, restaurants, and cafes line its shores, offering visitors a chance to enjoy the views while experiencing the local cuisine and hot spring culture. Shimon-Yu, a mixed bathing onsen, is within walking distance, further connecting the lake to the onsen experience.

Exploring the walking paths around Kinrin Lake provides not only scenic views but also access to the area's distinctive flora and fauna, thriving due to the unique thermal environment influenced by the onsen waters. The lake is a short walk from Yunotsubo Street, a hub of local crafts, food stalls, and restaurants, effectively linking the natural beauty of Kinrin Lake with the cultural and culinary experiences of Yufuin. The blend of the lake's natural thermal activity and the surrounding onsen-related amenities creates a holistic Yufuin experience.

Yufuin Onsen Connection

Tenso Shrine, quietly situated on the southeastern shore of Kinrin Lake, adds a layer of mystique to the lake's serene landscape. The shrine faces the lake, creating a picturesque scene, especially when the lake is shrouded in morning mist. A stone torii gate of Tenso Shrine rises directly from Kinrin Lake's surface, enhancing the mystical atmosphere, particularly during the early morning mists.

According to local legend, Tenso Shrine and Kinrin Lake share a connection through a dragon god. The legend tells of a dragon who, after losing its way, prayed to Tenso Kami for a place to reside. In return for granting Kinrin Lake as a sanctuary, the dragon vowed to bring forth a fresh spring and protect the land. Clear water springs from both the lakebed and the shrine grounds to this day, solidifying its reputation as a spiritual power spot.

Kinrin Lake is fed by spring waters, both hot and cold, with one of the cold water sources originating at Tenso Shrine. The shrine marks the location of this spring. The presence of the torii gate floating on the lake near Tenso Shrine contributes to the fantastical beauty of Kinrin Lake, making it a must-see feature for visitors. The lake provides a tranquil backdrop to the small shrine building, enhancing the overall spiritual ambiance of the area.

Kinrin Lake in Yufu, Oita, Japan, is a rare habitat within Japan for Stenothyra thermaecola Kuroda, a unique freshwater snail species. This particular snail thrives in environments influenced by hot springs, a characteristic that defines Kinrin Lake. The lake's water composition, influenced by geothermal activity, creates a specific ecological niche that supports this species. The presence of Stenothyra thermaecola Kuroda underscores the lake's distinctive biodiversity and its importance as a specialized ecosystem. The snails' existence is intrinsically linked to the thermal properties of the lake, where hot spring water mixes with the freshwater, maintaining a consistent, warm temperature suitable for their survival.

Kinrin Lake's ecosystem, therefore, offers a valuable opportunity for studying the adaptation and resilience of Stenothyra thermaecola Kuroda in a unique environment. The lake's relatively small size and accessibility make it an ideal location for observing the snails' behavior and ecological interactions. The proximity of Shitanyu, a public bathhouse on the lakeshore, further emphasizes the interconnectedness of human activity and the natural environment in this area. Understanding the specific conditions that allow Stenothyra thermaecola Kuroda to flourish in Kinrin Lake is crucial for conservation efforts and for appreciating the delicate balance of this thermal aquatic ecosystem.

Stenothyra Thermaecola Kuroda Habitat

Kinrin Lake, nestled in Yufuin, Oita, is renowned for its mystical morning mist, a captivating spectacle during autumn and winter. This ethereal phenomenon arises from the unique combination of cold mountain air and warm spring water that feed the lake. The resulting mist blankets the water's surface, creating a dreamlike ambiance that draws photographers, nature enthusiasts, and tourists seeking a magical experience. The best time to witness this spectacle is early in the morning, before sunrise, when the mist is at its thickest, transforming the lake into a scene straight out of a fantasy.

The lake's unusual characteristic of having both hot spring and freshwater sources contributes to the large yield of spring water, enough to potentially change the lake's water twice daily. This phenomenon is especially pronounced during the colder months, as the warm water interacts with the crisp air, intensifying the mist's density and visual impact. The morning fog is so well-known that it has become a defining feature of Yufuin, attracting visitors who wish to immerse themselves in this surreal landscape.

Local stories enhance the allure of the morning mist, intertwining it with the spiritual essence of the area. Even on mornings of deepening autumn, a traveler overlooks the misty lake, finding many tourists as well as the villagers. The mist not only transforms the lake into a visual spectacle but also evokes a sense of tranquility and wonder, making it an unforgettable experience for those who witness it.

Morning Mist Phenomenon

Kinrin Lake, or "Golden Scale Lake," derives its enchanting name from a captivating legend rooted in the observations of Confucian scholar Mouri Kuusou during the Meiji period. The tale recounts Kuusou's sighting of fish scales shimmering like gold in the setting sun's reflection upon the lake's surface, an event that inspired the lake's poetic moniker. This legend adds a layer of mystique to the already picturesque setting, drawing visitors seeking to experience the subtle beauties appreciated by the scholar.

The golden scales narrative enhances the lake's allure, especially during moments when sunlight interacts with the water, creating a visual echo of the original golden shimmer. The legend invites a deeper appreciation for the lake's natural beauty, encouraging visitors to contemplate the interplay of light, water, and life that so captivated Mori Kuso. This shimmering spectacle is most pronounced during sunset, offering photographers and nature enthusiasts a chance to capture the essence of the "Golden Scale" in their own way. The story connects observers through time, linking modern visitors to the historical appreciation of Kinrin Lake's unique charm.

Kinrin Lake

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Warm Waters

Mystical Mornings

Golden Reflection

Easy Access

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