Oita (prefecture) Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, and cultural traditions of Oita Prefecture in Japan with this comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Oita (Prefecture)

Oita Prefecture is located in southern Japan’s Kyushu island, where natural beauty meets rich cultural heritage. It is blessed with hot springs, mountains, and a long coastline along Japan’s Inland Sea, providing visitors with plenty of outdoor activities and scenic views. Furthermore, it has a rich history and has preserved many of its ancient artifacts and customs.

List of Places to Visit in Oita (Prefecture)

Here are some must-visit places in Oita Prefecture divided into two categories.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Usa Jingu Shrine - one of the oldest and most significant Shinto shrines in Japan.

  2. Takasakiyama Natural Zoological Garden - a park that houses over 1,500 native Japanese monkeys that roam freely.

  3. Oita City Historical Museum - a museum that showcases the history of Oita from the Jomon period to modern times.

  4. Bungotakada City Folklore Materials Museum - a museum that displays the traditional crafts and customs of the Bungo region since ancient times.

  5. Beppu Jigoku Meguri - a collection of eight hot springs with various unique features and colors.

Natural Attractions of Oita (Prefecture): Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Mount Takasaki - a 628-meter mountain that provides stunning panoramic views of Beppu Bay and its surrounding areas.

  2. Yufuin Onsen - a hot spring town that sits in a picturesque valley surrounded by hills and mountains.

  3. Saiki Bay - a calm bay that offers scenic views and a relaxing atmosphere.

  4. Hells of Beppu - a group of eight hot springs, each with its unique color and unique features.

  5. Kuju Mountains National Park - a national park that boasts volcanic peaks, alpine grasslands, and evergreen forests.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Oita (Prefecture)

There are numerous hiking and biking trails in Oita Prefecture, ranging from beginner to advanced levels. Some of the must-try routes include:

  1. Kuju Mountains Hiking Trail - a challenging trail that navigates through the Kuju Mountains National Park and provides stunning views of the volcanic peaks and rolling hills.

  2. Oita Cycling Road - a 55-kilometer road that connects Oita City and Beppu City and provides scenic views of the coastline and countryside.

  3. Hyotan Road - a 17-kilometer road that connects Yufuin and Kunisaki and provides picturesque views of the surrounding valley and mountains.

Best Things to Do in Oita (Prefecture): Activities and Tours

Besides hiking, biking, and soaking in hot springs, Oita Prefecture has plenty to offer in terms of activities and tours. Here are a few must-try experiences:

  1. Enjoy a Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony in Usuki - a tea ceremony that takes place in a traditional tea house, serving matcha tea and Japanese sweets that maintain the traditional ways.

  2. Take a Sake Brewery Tour in Hita - a tour that takes you through traditional sake breweries and try new flavors.

  3. Participate in the Bungotakada Bamboo Lantern Festival - a festival that takes place in early August and features bamboo lanterns, traditional floats, entertainment, and food.

  4. Visit Oita’s Beaches - some of the best places to surf, swim or sunbathe on include Himeshima Island, Nakatsu Beach, and Tanoura Beach.

Week-Long Itinerary for Oita (Prefecture)

Here’s a sample itinerary for those planning to visit Oita Prefecture for a week:

Day 1: Arrival in Oita, Explore Beppu’s Hells and onsens.

Day 2: Hiking in the Kuju Mountains National Park.

Day 3: Visit Usa Jingu Shrine, and then head towards Yufuin to soak in their hot springs.

Day 4: Take a sake brewery tour in Hita.

Day 5: Explore Oita City’s historical sites and museums.

Day 6: Visit Takasakiyama Natural Zoological Garden and take a cycling road trip from Beppu to Yufuin.

Day 7: Swim or sunbathe on one of Oita’s beaches and return back to Beppu.

Food and Drink Scene of Oita (Prefecture)

Oita Prefecture is known for its rich seafood and crunchy vegetables, high-quality sake and shochu, and instant noodles. Here are a few must-try dishes and beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Chicken Tempura - a local delicacy that is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

  2. Yufu (Hot Pot) - a hot pot dish that is cooked at your table with vegetables and meat.

  3. Tekkadon - a rice bowl with sashimi-grade tuna and soy sauce marinated with sweet onions.

  4. Kara-age - Japanese style fried chicken with a crispy outside and juicy interior.

Local Beverages

  1. Sake - traditional Japanese rice wine made by fermenting rice.

  2. Shochu - a Japanese distilled spirit made from rice, barley, or sweet potato.

  3. Yufuin Wine - locally made wine that comes in various flavors like Muscat, Koshu, and other fruits.

Where to Stay in Oita (Prefecture): Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Oita Prefecture caters to all kinds of visitors, whether on a budget or going for luxury; there are plenty of hotels, hostels, and guesthouses to choose from. Some popular accommodations include:

  1. Beppu Kamenoi Hotel - a luxury hotel with traditional Japanese-style rooms and baths.

  2. Yufuin Tamanoyu - a traditional Ryokan with Japanese-style guestrooms that serve Kaiseki-style dishes.

  3. Oita Regal Hotel - a modern hotel located in the center of Oita City.

  4. Guesthouse Asora - a budget-friendly guesthouse located in Beppu City.

What to Buy in Oita (Prefecture): Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Oita Prefecture is famous for its local crafts, pottery, and ceramic items. Some of the must-buy souvenirs and products include:

  1. Bunga pottery - a traditional pottery style with a history of over 100 years in Bungotakada City.

  2. Kitsuki porcelain - porcelain items produced in Kitsuki City, known for their delicate and elegant designs.

  3. Local Sake and Shochu - traditional Japanese alcoholic drinks made from locally sourced rice, barley, and sweet potatoes.

Local Culture and Customs of Oita (Prefecture)

Oita Prefecture has a rich cultural heritage and is home to several ancient customs and traditions. Some of the most remarkable include:

  1. Usuki Stone Buddhas - a collection of stone Buddhas carved into steep cliffs and shrines, some dating back to the eighth century.

  2. Beppu Oita Toji - a unique festival that takes place every year at the end of December or early January, where visitors dressed in white visit several shrines in Beppu for spiritual purification.

  3. Onsen Etiquette - Onsen or hot spring culture is an iconic part of Japanese culture, and it is regarded as essential to follow proper etiquette when using the onsens.

Best Time to Visit Oita (Prefecture)

The best time to visit Oita Prefecture is during the autumn season or spring season. The autumn leaves provide a colorful backdrop, and the mild climate in spring makes outdoor activities more enjoyable.

Do’s and Don’ts of Oita (Prefecture)

Here are some general Do’s and Don’ts of Oita Prefecture:

Do:

  1. Take off your shoes when entering temples, shrines, or traditional Japanese restaurants.

  2. Try to speak some Japanese; locals appreciate the effort.

  3. Follow proper etiquette when using onsens.

  4. Respect local customs and traditions.

Don’t:

  1. Don’t talk loudly in public places.

  2. Don’t litter or smoke in public areas.

  3. Don’t walk, eat or drink in public transportation.

  4. Don’t tip, as it is not customary in Japan.

Safety and Health

Safety in Oita (Prefecture)

Oita Prefecture is known for its low crime rate, making it one of the safest places to visit in Japan. However, it is always advisable to be cautious and take necessary precautions, like not leaving valuables unattended.

Health in Oita (Prefecture)

Japan, in general, is known for maintaining excellent public health standards, and Oita Prefecture is no exception. The medical facilities here have modern equipment and professional staff.

Getting to Oita (Prefecture): Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Oita (Prefecture)

Oita Airport (OIT) is the most convenient airport to travel to Oita Prefecture. It has direct flights to numerous cities in Japan, and few international cities offer connecting flights.

Bus Stations Near Oita (Prefecture)

Oita Bus Terminal is the city’s main bus station, offering bus services to different cities within the prefecture and a few broader regions of Japan.

Other Options

The shinkansen (bullet train) does not go directly to Oita Prefecture, but visitors can take a shinkansen to Kokura Station and transfer to an express train or bus to reach Oita.

How to Get Around in Oita (Prefecture)

Trains, buses, and taxis are the most convenient ways to get around Oita Prefecture. Local trains and buses operate within the various cities of Oita, while long-distance buses and express trains run between cities and outside the prefecture.

Where to Go Next from Oita (Prefecture): Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some nearby destinations and excursions that visitors can opt for after touring Oita Prefecture:

  1. Hiroshima - A city famous for its peace park and museums, is accessible by a ferry ride from Beppu City.

  2. Kumamoto - A city known for its castle, gardens, and on-site samurai experience is accessible by express trains from Oita City.

  3. Fukuoka - A popular destination for shopping, dining, and modern entertainment is accessible by train from Oita City.

Conclusion

Oita Prefecture is a must-visit destination that offers the perfect balance between natural beauty and cultural heritage. It has plenty to offer its visitors, from its natural hot springs, scenic views, outdoor adventures, and traditional customs and cuisines. A visit to Oita Prefecture is an unforgettable experience that offers a unique insight into Japan’s rich history and culture.

Totoro Bus Stop in Saiki Totoro Bus Stop in Saiki Usa Shrine Usa Shrine


    Oita
    Saiki