Things to Do in Oita Prefecture: Looking for a prefecture in Japan that offers a wide range of activities and attractions?
Look no further than Oita!
Located on the eastern coast of Kyushu island, Oita prefecture is known for its natural hot springs, scenic mountains, and rich cultural heritage.
Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply looking for a relaxing getaway, Oita has something to offer you.
Overview of Oita Prefecture
Located on the island of Kyushu, Oita Prefecture is known for its natural beauty, hot springs, and delicious local cuisine.
The capital city of Oita Prefecture is Oita City, which is a great place to start your trip.
The city is home to many attractions, including Oita Castle Ruins Park, which offers beautiful views of the city and surrounding mountains.
Getting to Oita
Whether you’re coming from Osaka, Hiroshima, or elsewhere in Japan, you can reach Oita by plane, train, or bus.
By Plane
If you’re coming from outside of Japan, you’ll most likely arrive at Haneda or Fukuoka International Airport.
From there, you can take a domestic flight to Oita Airport, which is located in Kunisaki City and serves several airlines, including Japan Airlines and ANA.
Once you arrive at Oita Airport, you can take a bus or taxi to your destination.
By Train
Oita is also accessible by train, with several stations throughout the prefecture.
If you’re traveling from Tokyo, you can take the Shinkansen to Kokura and then transfer to a local train to Oita.
The journey takes approximately 5 hours.
If you’re coming from Osaka, you can take the Kyushu Shinkansen to Kokura and then transfer to a local train to Oita.
The journey takes approximately 3 hours.
By Bus
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, you can also take a bus to Oita from various locations in Japan.
Several bus companies operate routes to Oita, including Willer Express and JR Bus.
The journey time and cost vary depending on your starting point.
Cities in Oita Prefecture
When it comes to exploring Oita Prefecture, there are several cities worth visiting.
Each city has its own unique charm and attractions that are worth checking out.
Here are some of the top cities to visit in Oita Prefecture:
Oita City
As the capital city of Oita Prefecture, Oita City is a great place to start your journey.
The city is home to several historical landmarks, including Oita Castle Ruins Park, which offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding mountains.
You can also visit the Oita Prefectural Art Museum, which features a collection of modern and contemporary art.
Beppu
Beppu is famous for its hot springs, which are some of the best in Japan.
The city has eight major hot spring areas, each with its own unique characteristics and healing properties.
Yufuin
Yufuin is a small town located in the mountains of Oita Prefecture.
The town is known for its beautiful scenery, hot springs, and artisanal crafts.
You can take a stroll through the town’s charming streets, visit the Yufuin Floral Village, or relax in one of the many hot spring baths.
Usuki
Usuki is a small coastal town known for its historic sites and natural beauty.
The town is home to the Usuki Stone Buddhas, which are a collection of over 60 stone statues that date back to the 12th century.
You can also visit the Usuki Castle Ruins, which offer stunning views of the town and the surrounding sea.
Hita
Hita is a small town located on the banks of the Mikuma River.
The town is known for its traditional architecture, including several well-preserved merchant houses from the Edo period.
You can also visit the Hita Gion Yamaboko Float Museum, which features a collection of traditional floats used in the town’s annual festival.
Onsens and Hot Springs
There are a number of onsen resorts dotted around as alluded to earlier.
We’ll look at the best of the best here.
Unveiling the Mysteries of Beppu
If you are looking for a unique and memorable experience, Beppu in Oita Prefecture is the perfect destination for you.
Beppu is known for its hot springs, which are said to have healing properties.
Hells of Beppu
The “hells” of Beppu are a collection of hot springs that are too hot for bathing.
However, they are still worth a visit because of their unique colors and steamy atmosphere.
There are several “hells” in Beppu, each with its own distinct features.
For example, the “blood pond hell” has a red color due to the iron oxide in the water, while the “white pond hell” has a milky white color due to the high concentration of calcium carbonate.
You can visit all the “hells” by purchasing a ticket that allows entry to all of them.
Sand Bath Experience
Another unique experience in Beppu is the sand bath.
The Beppu Beach Sand Bath is located in the Kannawa district and is a popular attraction for tourists.
You can enjoy a relaxing sand bath by burying yourself in naturally heated sand.
Steam from the hot springs heats the sand, and the temperature can reach up to 50 degrees Celsius.
People believe that taking a sand bath has many health benefits, such as improving blood circulation and relieving muscle pain.
The Charm of Yufuin
If you’re looking for a peaceful and relaxing retreat in Oita Prefecture, Yufuin should be on your list.
This charming town is located in the mountains and offers a variety of activities and sights to enjoy.
Here are some of the highlights:
Yufuin Onsen
One of the main draws of Yufuin is its hot springs, also known as onsen.
There are many onsen in the town, and they offer a great way to relax and rejuvenate.
The water in Yufuin Onsen is said to be high in minerals and is believed to have therapeutic properties.
You can visit one of the public baths or stay at a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) that has its own onsen.
Lake Kinrin
Another popular attraction in Yufuin is Lake Kinrin.
This small lake is located at the end of the town’s main walking route and is known for its natural hot springs.
The lake’s reflection is especially beautiful during autumn when the surrounding trees change color.
You can take a walk around the lake or rent a boat to enjoy the view from the water.
Yufuin Floral Village
If you’re a fan of flowers, you won’t want to miss Yufuin Floral Village.
This attraction is a collection of shops and gardens that showcase a variety of flowers and plants.
You can stroll through the gardens, take a workshop to learn about flower arranging, or shop for souvenirs.
The village is especially beautiful during spring and summer when the flowers are in bloom.
Historical and Cultural Landmarks
Oita Prefecture is full of historical and cultural landmarks that offer a glimpse into the region’s rich heritage. F
Usuki Stone Buddhas
Usuki is famous for its unique and impressive stone Buddha statues.
Artisans carved the Usuki Stone Buddhas into the cliffs and walls of the surrounding mountains.
This series of 59 Buddhist sculptures dates back to the 12th and 13th centuries, and people consider them some of the finest examples of Buddhist art in Japan.
They carved the stone Buddhas in various poses, including seated, standing, and reclining.
The 11-faced Kannon, the 4.5-meter-tall Dainichi Nyorai, and the Amida Nyorai are some of the most notable statues.
Many of the statues have National Treasure of Japan designation.
Funai Castle
Funai Castle is a historic castle that was built in the 16th century.
It is located in the center of Oita City and is one of the few castles in Japan that still has its original castle tower.
The castle was built by Otomo Sorin, a powerful feudal lord who ruled over the Oita region during the Sengoku period.
Today, visitors can explore the castle ruins and learn about its history at the Funai Castle Ruins Museum.
The museum has exhibits on the castle’s construction, its role in the local history, and the life of Otomo Sorin.
There is also a beautiful garden surrounding the castle ruins, which is a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery.
Oita Prefectural Art Museum
The Oita Prefectural Art Museum is a must-visit for art lovers.
The museum has a collection of over 5,000 pieces of art, including works by local artists and famous artists from around the world.
The museum’s collection includes paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and other types of art.
In addition to the permanent collection, the museum also has temporary exhibitions throughout the year.
Outdoor Activities
Oita prefecture offers a wide range of outdoor activities for you to enjoy.
- Hiking in Yufu – Yufu is known for its beautiful mountain scenery and hot springs. You can hike to the top of Mount Yufu for stunning views of the surrounding area. There are also many other hiking trails in the area to explore.
- Sand Bathing in Beppu – Beppu is famous for its hot springs, but it also offers a unique experience of sand bathing. You can bury yourself in hot sand and let it warm your body. It is said to have many health benefits and is a must-try experience.
- Kuju Flower Park – This park is home to a variety of beautiful flowers, including cherry blossoms in the spring.
- Visit the Monkeys at Takasakiyama Natural Zoo – This zoo is home to over 1,000 monkeys that roam freely in the area. You can observe them from a safe distance and learn more about these fascinating animals.
- Explore the Oita Marine Palace Aquarium Umitamago – This aquarium is home to a variety of marine life, including dolphins, sea lions, and penguins.
- Cherry Blossom Viewing – Oita prefecture is home to many beautiful cherry blossom trees that bloom in the spring. You can take a stroll through the parks and streets to enjoy the stunning pink flowers.
- Cross the Kokonoe Yume Grand Suspension Bridge – This pedestrian bridge is one of the longest suspension bridges in Japan. You can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys as you cross the bridge.
Local Cuisine
Here are some of the top local dishes you should try during your visit:
- Chicken tempura. They marinate the chicken in soy sauce and coat it in a mixture of flour and egg before deep-frying it to perfection.
- They grow Kabosu, a citrus fruit used in many local dishes. Its tart flavor pairs well with seafood and they often use it as a garnish or in dressings.
- Beppu, a city in Oita, boasts hot springs and mud baths. They use the mud from these baths to make a unique type of hot pot, which many believe has many health benefits.
- Many soy sauce breweries call Oita home. They produce soy sauce known for its rich flavor. Visitors can learn about the production process and sample different types of soy sauce.
- Barley rice is a staple food in Oita. They often serve it with various dishes. Its nutty flavor and slightly chewy texture make it a delicious and healthy alternative to regular rice.
- They make spicy miso, a popular condiment in Oita, by mixing miso paste with chili peppers and other spices. They often use it as a dip for vegetables or as a seasoning for meat dishes.
- Oita is famous for its sweet potatoes, which they use in many local desserts. They often roast or boil them and serve them with a sweet syrup or honey.
There are also many excellent restaurants in Oita where you can sample these dishes and more.
Festivals and Events
Here are some of the top festivals and events to check out during your visit to Oita:
- Yufuin Floral Village is a popular tourist destination in Oita Prefecture. During the winter months, the village illuminates with thousands of colorful lights, creating a magical atmosphere.
- Beppu City holds the Mamedamachi Gion Festival in July to celebrate the city’s history and culture. The festival features traditional dance performances, food stalls, and a parade of portable shrines.
Kunisaki Peninsula and its Temples
The Kunisaki Peninsula in Oita Prefecture is home to a remarkable array of time-honored temples and shrines that offer a glimpse into Japan’s rich cultural heritage.
The peninsula is also known for its thousands of statues of the Buddha in caves, making it a popular destination for those interested in Buddhism and Japanese history.
Visiting the Temples
A visit to the Kunisaki Peninsula is not complete without a trip to its many temples and shrines.
These religious sites offer a unique opportunity to experience Japan’s rich cultural heritage and learn about the country’s religious traditions.
Futagoji Temple is one of the most famous temples on the peninsula, and people consider it a national treasure.
The temple dates back to the Kamakura period (1185-1333) and boasts beautiful gardens and stunning architecture.
The Usa Jingu Shrine is another temple that visitors must see.
It is dedicated to Hachiman, the god of war and archery.
Before You Go
Oita prefecture is, like Saga in Kyushu, one of the least visited areas for tourists.
So long as you avoid the crazy busy time of Golden Week and Obon in Japan, you can have a unique experience and memories that will last a lifetime
