Yufuin Floral Village: The Studio Ghibli Village In Japan

On our second day in Kyushu, we booked a tour via Klook that included stops at Dazaifu Shrine, Yufuin Floral Village, and Beppu’s Boiling Hell Hot Spring. While all three were intriguing in their own right, I was most excited about one particular destination – Yufuin Floral Village. Honestly, I wouldn’t have minded skipping the other stops that day, as long as I got to visit this fairytale-like spot.

Yufuin Floral Village is a small but magical attraction nestled in Oita Prefecture.

As soon as we arrived, I headed straight to the iconic alley designed to replicate the charm of England’s Cotswolds villages. I was just strolling casually down Yunotsubo Street when one turn transported me into what felt like an anime world. Ghibli fans will love this place. It’s dotted with references to Studio Ghibli films. Even as someone who isn’t into Ghibli, I found the shops and cafes absolutely adorable.

Sticking with the storybook theme, the village is filled with dainty boutiques, quirky museums, and charming cafes selling merchandise from beloved franchises like Harry Potter, Pokemon, Moomin, and Heidi, Girl of the Alps. There are even photo studios designed for artsy snapshots. The shops are housed in honey-yellow stone cottages adorned with flowers, hanging signs, and lanterns. It truly feels like a whimsical escape.

Though the village is quite small, I was surprised by the number of food establishments packed into the area. As our bus passed by, I already spotted a crab stick stand, a fresh oyster stall, and even a Snoopy-themed restaurant. It was overwhelming in the best way. I wanted to try everything, but since we were pressed for time, I only managed to get a karaage and a vending machine coffee.

Our tour guide told us that Oita is famous for chicken dishes like Tori-ten and Karaage, and hyped them up so much we had to try them. He brought us to Kichigo, a local favorite that won the highest gold award at the 2019 Karaage Grand Prix. And yes, he wasn’t lying. Kichigo’s karaage was packed with flavor, crispy on the outside and incredibly juicy inside. I wrote a separate review for this spot!

Among the most unique offerings at Yufuin Floral Village are its animal-themed cafes. There’s a cat café, a Shiba Inu café, a fish farm, and even an owl forest zoo. With only an hour and a half in the village, my husband and I somehow decided to spend most of our time at the cat café, Gallery Alice’s Tea Room. We’re just obsessed with cats, and playing with them felt like the best way to enjoy our limited time. Cats over everything!

The entry fee includes a one-hour stay and a cup of coffee. I was expecting a freshly brewed drink, but sadly, it was just from a vending machine. The interior was nicely decorated with faux greenery and wood accents. The dining area was spacious but we chose to sit on the floor for easier interaction with the Bengal cats.

The cats were affectionate but not very playful. In fact, many guests didn’t get to interact much since the cats mostly kept to themselves. Fortunately, one cat did settle on my lap after I laid out a blanket. Apparently, that’s the trick! I was happy, but I still don’t think the entrance fee was worth it for everyone, especially those who didn’t get any interaction. To be honest, I should’ve expected this behavior. My own cats act the same way with visitors!

Before leaving, we stumbled upon こいこい通り, a humble fish farm home to a large number of koi carps. At first glance, it didn’t appeal to me. It looked like a simple pond back home. But after learning about their rehabilitation efforts, I gained a newfound appreciation. For just 200 yen, we got to feed the carps, who instantly swarmed over for their treat.

Our guide also encouraged us to visit nearby Lake Kinrin, and I’m so glad we did. This tranquil lake is surrounded by vibrant greenery, and the traditional architecture of the houses along its edges adds to its calming atmosphere. The still waters seemed to reflect not just the scenery, but also a sense of inner peace. If I had more time, I would’ve sat on a bench for hours, just soaking in the view.

Yufuin Floral Village is undeniably charming. However, I couldn’t fully enjoy its beauty due to the massive crowd. Unfortunately, we visited during Golden Week, one of Japan’s busiest holidays. The time constraints of a group tour didn’t helped either, so we really didn’t get to explore at our own pace. Still, I highly recommend Yufuin Floral Village to anyone visiting Kyushu. Just make sure to go during off-peak seasons and give yourself plenty of time to wander, snack, and soak up the fairytale atmosphere. That’s exactly what I’ll do when I get the chance to return.