Tourist attraction • 1503-3 Yufuinchō Kawakami, Yufu, Oita 879-5102, Japan
Yufuin Floral Village is a unique tourist attraction located in Yufu City, Oita Prefecture. Stepping through the entrance, visitors might feel like they’ve wandered into a small unknown town. Cute buildings and paths that seem to have sprung out of a fairy tale lead visitors into a fantastical world.
One of the biggest attractions of this village is the abundance of Ghibli merchandise. Souvenirs of popular characters like Totoro and Heidi are everywhere. For Ghibli fans, it’s a real treasure trove! Although there might be few Yufuin-exclusive items, just browsing through the various merchandise is sure to be enjoyable.
At the Floral Village, visitors can also enjoy interactions with cute animals. At the entrance, goats and guinea pigs greet you, and there are several spots within the village where you can interact with animals (some may require a fee). This is especially recommended for families with children.
While enjoying the local delicacies of Yufuin, this spot is an easy stop along the way. It’s also easily accessible from the famous Yunotsubo Street, making it an ideal stop during sightseeing.
However, some voices reflect that the place is not as large-scale as seen in the photos online, and it seems to be mainly designed for foreign tourists. If you are expecting a traditional Japanese hot spring town, you might be a bit disappointed.
Yufuin Floral Village is an ideal spot to enjoy a fantastical space away from the real world. It is especially recommended for Ghibli fans and families with children. Just remember not to set your expectations too high and enjoy a leisurely stroll.
Business hours: Weekdays 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM, Weekends 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM Admission: Free
Why not add a touch of whimsy to your Yufuin trip with a visit to the Floral Village?