Oita Travel Guide

Plan your visit to Oita with this exhaustive guide that includes the best things to do, see, eat, and experience in this beautiful city.


Introduction to Oita

Located in the Kyushu region in Japan, Oita is a charming and scenic city that remains largely undiscovered by tourists. Still, it offers plenty of experiences and attractions for visitors to enjoy. From its beautiful coastline to stunning mountainscapes, traditional pagodas, historic hot springs, and delicious cuisine, Oita has something to offer for every traveler.

List of Places to Visit in Oita

If you’re visiting Oita, here are some of the top places to explore:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Oita City Art Museum: showcases a collection of contemporary art
  • Usuki Stone Buddhas: an open-air museum in Usuki with historical Buddhist figures and statues
  • Oita Prefectural Museum: displaying historical artifacts and traditional crafts
  • Funai Castle: a famous castle in Japan famous for its unique architecture and historical significance

Natural Attractions of Oita: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Mount Takasaki Monkey Park: an outdoor park that houses over a thousand monkeys
  • Beppu Jigoku (Hells of Beppu): a collection of multi-coloured hot springs in a geothermal field
  • Yufuin: a scenic town with a rural atmosphere, known for its hot springs and soft cream
  • Oita Marine Palace Aquarium Umitamago: an aquarium that specializes in exotic sea animals such as sea turtle and shark

Can’t decide where to start? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Oita

Oita is known for its incredible array of hiking and biking trails that showcase the natural beauty of the region. Here are some of the most popular:

  • Tsukumi Highland Cycling Road: a scenic route that offers stunning views in every season.
  • Kuju Mountains: it has like Takahara, Kuju, Kokonoe, and Yufuin. The mountain gives an unforgettable hiking experience.
  • Yabakei Gorge: a popular hiking spot among travellers.
  • Oita Nature Park: a vast park that offers diverse outdoor activities.

Best Things to Do in Oita: Activities and Tours

  • Cycling Tour: Rent a bike and explore the hidden beauties of Oita that one can’t find on a map.
  • Try Onsen: Oita is known for its rich hot springs, so indulge in it, and try different hot springs
  • Museum Tour: There are high prospects for museum lovers with Oita Kaizuka Archaeological Museum, Usuki Stone Buddhas, and many more.
  • Express Train Ride: Oita’s coastal train journey is a spectacular experience, and one gets to see the area’s natural beauty, i.e. mountains, sea, trees, and more.

Week-Long Itinerary for Oita

Oita travel itinerary can accommodate any tourist’s needs, including an adventurous outdoor enthusiast or culture-loving tourist.

Here’s an itinerary for a week-long adventure in Oita:

Day 1: Arrival and Cycling Day

  • Arrive and settle in hotel/guest house and pick up rental bikes.
  • Start cycling on Tsukumi Highland cycling road, which will give scenic views to travelers.
  • Stay overnight

Day 2: Hiking Day

  • Have breakfast, and then head out to Mt Kuju.
  • Enjoy the trek and walk around Kuju’s springs, lakes and enjoy the hot spring if time permits.
  • Stay overnight in Kuju’s town

Day 3: Beppu Day Tour

  • Go to Beppu and see the Hell’s of Beppu
  • Try onsen and sand of ‘Beppu Beach Sandbath Hot Springs’
  • Stay overnight and have seafood dinner in Beppu.

Day 4: Usuki Day Tour

  • Head out to Usuki
  • Visit Stone Buddha and other historical places, and learn about them.
  • Come back to stay overnight.

Day 5: Yufuin Day Tour

  • Go out for Yufuin, which is famous for its hot spring and milk.
  • Take a walk around Yufuin street and enjoy a small town’s ambiance
  • Stay overnight.

Day 6: Marine Park Day

  • Visit Oita Marine Palace Aquarium Umitamago.
  • Enjoy and see sea animals that are endemic to the area
  • Stay overnight

Day 7: Departure

  • Leave for home with unforgettable experiences and memories.

Food and Drink Scene of Oita

Food in Oita is locally sourced, and the cuisine is unique with incredible taste. Experience everything from high-end meals to street food in the city’s local markets. Here are some dishes and beverages to try:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Toriten (Tempura Chicken)
  • Oita Kaiseki: A multi-course meal.
  • Bungo Beef Steak: A Japanese beef known for its rich taste.
  • Lakatan (Yellow Sweet Potato) Soft served.

Local Beverages

  • Sake: Oita’s sake has a distinct flavor because of the water source and brewing technique.
  • Kabosu Soda: Oita’s variation of Sprite, a unique citrus flavoured drink.
  • Yufuin beer: A famous beer that’s brewed in the region, with diverse flavors to choose from.

Where to Stay in Oita: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Oita has a wide variety of accommodations for travelers according to their needs. From Onsen ryokans and traditional Japanese inns to budget-friendly hostels, here are recommendations for staying in Oita:

  • Beppu Kamenoi Hotel: Affordable, modern hotel in central Beppu.
  • Yufuin Ryoken/B&B Cuore: A traditional Japanese inn that offers the comfort and luxury of onsen.
  • Shimizu Sanso Guest House: A charming cottage located in the heart of forest surrounded by greenery, perfect for nature lovers.

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

Oita offers a wide range of handicrafts and products, making it an ideal place for souvenir shopping. Here are some suggestions:

  • Oita kanshitsu: crafting of object with a special tree sap
  • Kabosu kosho: Kabosu-flavored spicy seasoning.
  • Japanese style umbrellas - one of the famous local products
  • Local Sake: Don’t go without buying yourself a dear bottle of sake.

Local Culture and Customs of Oita

Oita offers a plethora of cultural activities as per the local’s traditional way of living. Here are some customs and cultural events that travelers can participate in:

  • Hanabi (fireworks) festival held in Beppu every year during Golden Week (late April to early May).
  • Oita Illumination in winter is one of the popular festivals when the city is immersed in the world of lights.
  • Souran Hinamatsuri, a traditional Japanese festival celebrated to usher in the Spring season
  • Chasing the goldfish: It’s a festival that August 5th every year, where people try and catch goldfishes in Okoppe pond.

Best Time to Visit Oita

Oita is a year-round destination with a unique charm in every season. The best season is autumn (September, October, and November), for having moderate temperature and incredible scenery, but each season has its own unique feature.

Do’s and Don’ts of Oita

Do:

  • Try some local cuisines, including seafood
  • Take your time and explore the hidden beauties of Oita.
  • Respect the local customs and traditions

Don’t:

  • Don’t leave your hotel/guesthouse without proper research of where you’re going
  • Don’t wear shoes in the traditional Japanese inns (Ryokens)

Safety and Health

Safety in Oita

Oita is one of the safest regions in Japan, with low crime rates. Tourists must stay alert and follow the basic safety guidelines.

Health in Oita

It is recommended to carry OTC medicines, hand sanitizer, and wear a mask to protect yourself from environmental health hazards.

Getting to Oita: Transportation Options and Logistics

Travelers can reach Oita by air, rail, or bus. It is directly connected with other major cities in Japan. The two accessible transport options are:

Airports Near Oita

  • Oita Airport (OIT): The nearest airport to Oita serves domestic and international flights, with direct flights to Tokyo, Seoul, Shanghai, and Taipei.

Bus Stations Near Oita

  • Oita Bus Terminal: It’s located in Oita City, and travelers can take a bus from there to their destinations.

Other Options

  • Renting a car can be considered an option, and it’s recommended for travelers who want to explore the beautiful countryside of Oita at their own pace.

How to Get Around in Oita

Getting around in Oita is easy and convenient. Trains, buses, and taxis are readily available for transportation. It’s recommended to rent a bike for exploring the town’s hidden gems or do hiking and trekking.

Where to Go Next from Oita: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

There are many beautiful places near Oita that are worth a visit. Here are some of the popular destinations:

  • Kumamoto: Famous for its beautiful castle, hot springs, and Kumamoto ramen.
  • Fukuoka: A perfect destination to experience the urban city feel of Japan.
  • Nagasaki: A city that steeped in history and tradition, famous for the atomic bomb museum.

Conclusion

Oita is a hidden gem that offers a unique experience of Japan by its pristine nature, deep cultural heritage, and modern lifestyle. Plan your next vacation in Oita with this guide and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Funai Castle Funai Castle Monkeys at Takasakiyama Monkeys at Takasakiyama Oita Prefectural Art Museum Oita Prefectural Art Museum