Oita is the capital of the prefecture and a useful transport hub to the region. Also offers plentiful bars and clubs centred on the Myakomachi area. This area is also a good place to try the famous local mugi shochu (a barley based spirit) and a great opportunity to meet the friendly locals.
Beppu is the gaudy and glitzy, hot springs capital of Japan. In contrast the secret mountain onsens of Myoban offer a blissfully serene escape in a spectacular setting. Amongst the plentiful onsens is a somewhat appropriate Sex Museum. Close by is the excellent Umi Tamago aquarium displaying everything from Walrus, local fish species to basketball playing sea otters! Next door is the Takasakiyama monkey park. Also close to Beppu is one of the only Safari Parks in Japan.
Finnish your Beppu experience in a 1950s dance club....
Yufuin is the antidote to Beppu, a hip, and stylish onsen hot spot. This is a good place to go shopping for local crafts as well. Close by is the scenic Mount Yufuin or Yufudake that offers great hiking and even better views.
In between Yufuin and Beppu is the quaint traditional onsen resort town of Yunohira. Set amonst thickly forested mountains this is a great place to escape the crowds and experience rural Japan.
Hiji A pleasant little city with scenic castle ruins and good views of Beppu Bay. Nearby the Harmonyland Theme Park is a good place to keep the young or young at heart occupied.
Hita is a small city in the west featuring onsens, festivals and the Sapporo Beer Factory. The Gion area of Hita is described as the mini Kyoto of Kyushu.
Nakatsu is a town on the Fukuoka-Oita border. It is famous as the birthplace of Fuzukawa Yukichi, a famous educator who is pictured on the 10,000 yen note. Near his birthplace is Nakatsu Castle. The Yabekai gorge close by offers onsens, water sports such as water skiing, excellent ice skating during winter and
ancient hand carved and natural caves in which you can drive or walk through.
Usa The expansive Usa Shrine complex is a great place to relax, unwind and take in the shrines 1000 year history. After some contemplation head to Ajimu for a free tast of the local wine and for a round of put put golf.
Bungo Takada The stunning Fuki ji is the oldest wooden structure in Kyushu and one of the oldest in Japan and well worth a look. Close by Taizoji with its famously uneven steps. This city has good access to the Kunisaki Peninsula with its famous Buddhist carvings.
Bungo OnoHalf way between Aso San and Oita City there are numerous waterfalls, beautiful river swimming pools and extensive limestone caves to explore.
Saiki Small fishing city in the South of the Prefecture. Beautiful sunsets and exceptional restaurants with the freshest seafood and best sashimi. Some of the nicer beaches in Japan are close by.
Usuki A beautiful coastal castle town that is famous for the numerous ancient stone Buddhas carved into rockfaces 4 km from the city centre.
The Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions about Oita (prefecture)
Where To Stay & Best Hotels in Oita (prefecture) - updated May 2024
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Oita (prefecture) Travel Guide from Wikitravel. Many thanks to all Wikitravel contributors. Text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0, images are available under various licenses, see each image for details.
