I recently had the most incredible wellness experience in Oita Prefecture—a trip to Yufuin Onsen. If you’re looking for a total escape, this is the place.

Yufuin is tucked away in a beautiful valley, and the scenery alone is incredibly soothing. Just walking around town, you’re surrounded by mountains and the quiet calm of the countryside. It’s the definition of Immersion in Nature.

Of course, the star of the show is the hot spring water. I stayed at a ryokan, and soaking in that warm, mineral-rich water while looking up at Mount Yufu was pure magic. It felt like every bit of stress was just melting away.

This wasn't just physical relaxation; it was a profound mental clarity. The gentle steam, the quiet sound of nature, and the focused stillness in the bath forced me to slow down and truly be present.