30 Best Tourist spots & Things to Do in Oita Prefecture | Dec 2025
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What activities can I do in Oita Prefecture?
Oita Prefecture, located on the eastern coast of Kyushu Island, offers a diverse range of attractions and activities for travelers. Here are some of the top things to do in Oita Prefecture: 1. Explore Beppu: Beppu is famous for its hot springs and is one of Japan's most renowned onsen towns. Visit the ""Hells of Beppu"" (Jigoku Meguri) to witness the unique and colorful hot springs. Don't miss the chance to relax in a traditional onsen bath. 2. Visit Yufuin: Yufuin is another popular hot spring town known for its picturesque scenery and charming atmosphere. Take a stroll along Yunotsubo Street, lined with cafes, boutiques, and art galleries. Enjoy a relaxing soak in one of the many ryokan (traditional Japanese inns) that offer private hot spring baths. 3. Explore Usuki: Usuki is home to the famous Usuki Stone Buddhas, a collection of over 60 stone statues carved during the Heian period. These statues are designated as National Treasures of Japan and are a must-visit for history and art enthusiasts. 4. Hike Mount Aso: Located in Kumamoto Prefecture but easily accessible from Oita, Mount Aso is one of the largest active volcanoes in the world. Take a cable car to the summit and enjoy panoramic views of the caldera. If conditions permit, you can even hike to the crater rim. 5. Visit Takasakiyama Monkey Park: Located in Beppu, Takasakiyama Monkey Park is home to over 1,500 wild Japanese macaques. Take a walk through the park and observe these playful monkeys up close. Don't miss the feeding time, when the monkeys gather in large numbers. 6. Explore Hita: Hita is a historic town known for its well-preserved traditional architecture. Stroll through the charming streets lined with old merchant houses and visit the Hita Gion Yamaboko Museum to learn about the local festival held every July. 7. Relax at Hells Valley Onsen: Located in the heart of Beppu, Hells Valley Onsen offers a unique bathing experience. These hot springs are too hot for bathing but are perfect for foot baths. Soak your feet in the hot mineral-rich waters while enjoying the scenic surroundings. 8. Visit Kitsuki Castle Town: Kitsuki is a small castle town known for its well-preserved samurai district. Explore the narrow streets lined with traditional samurai houses and visit Kitsuki Castle, one of the few remaining original castles in Kyushu. 9. Enjoy seafood in Saiki: Saiki is a coastal city known for its fresh seafood. Visit the local fish market and try some of the region's specialties, such as sashimi, grilled fish, and seafood rice bowls. 10. Take a scenic drive along the Kunisaki Peninsula: The Kunisaki Peninsula offers stunning coastal scenery and is dotted with ancient temples and shrines. Rent a car and take a leisurely drive along the coastal roads, stopping at temples like Futago-ji and Monjusen-ji. These are just a few of the many things to do in Oita Prefecture. Whether you're interested in hot springs, history, nature, or delicious cuisine, Oita has something to offer every traveler.
When is the best time to travel to Oita Prefecture?
The best time to travel to Oita Prefecture in Japan is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These periods offer mild temperatures, comfortable weather, and beautiful natural landscapes. During spring, you can witness the blooming of cherry blossoms, especially in places like Taketa and Usuki. This creates a picturesque setting and is perfect for hanami (flower viewing) activities. The weather is pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 10 to 20 degrees Celsius. Autumn is also a great time to visit Oita Prefecture, as the region is known for its stunning autumn foliage. The mountains and parks in Oita, such as Kuju and Yufuin, offer breathtaking views of colorful leaves. The temperatures during autumn range from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius, making it comfortable for outdoor activities. It's important to note that Oita Prefecture can be quite hot and humid during the summer months (June to August), with temperatures reaching 30 degrees Celsius or higher. Winter (December to February) can be cold, especially in the mountainous areas, with temperatures dropping below freezing. However, if you enjoy skiing or hot springs, winter can still be a great time to visit. Overall, the best time to travel to Oita Prefecture is during spring and autumn, when the weather is pleasant and the natural beauty of the region is at its peak.
Travel culture you should know when traveling to Oita Prefecture
Oita Prefecture, located on the eastern coast of Kyushu island, is a hidden gem for travelers seeking a unique cultural experience in Japan. Known for its natural hot springs, stunning landscapes, and rich history, Oita offers a blend of traditional and modern attractions that cater to a wide range of interests. One of the highlights of Oita's cultural scene is its hot spring culture. Beppu, a city in Oita, is famous for its numerous hot spring resorts, known as ""onsen."" Visitors can soak in the rejuvenating waters of these natural hot springs, which are believed to have healing properties. Beppu is also home to the ""Hells of Beppu,"" a collection of unique hot springs that showcase different types of volcanic activity. Oita is also known for its traditional arts and crafts. The city of Hita is particularly famous for its traditional wooden furniture, known as ""Hita-kagu."" Visitors can explore local workshops and learn about the craftsmanship behind these exquisite pieces. Oita is also renowned for its bamboo crafts, pottery, and lacquerware, which can be found in various towns and villages throughout the prefecture. For history enthusiasts, Oita offers a glimpse into Japan's past. Usa Shrine, located in Usa City, is one of the oldest and most significant Shinto shrines in Japan. It dates back to the 8th century and is dedicated to the deity of Hachiman, the god of war. The shrine is known for its beautiful architecture and serene atmosphere, making it a popular destination for spiritual and cultural experiences. Oita is also home to many historic castles and samurai residences. Nakatsu Castle, built in the 14th century, is a popular attraction that offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes. Kokonoe Yume Otsurihashi, a suspension bridge located in Kokonoe Town, is another must-visit spot. It is the highest pedestrian-only suspension bridge in Japan and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and gorges. In addition to its cultural attractions, Oita is blessed with natural beauty. The prefecture is home to the Kuju Mountains, which offer stunning hiking trails and picturesque landscapes. Yufuin, a small town nestled at the foot of Mount Yufu, is known for its scenic beauty and charming streets lined with cafes, galleries, and boutiques. Oita Prefecture also hosts various festivals throughout the year, celebrating its cultural heritage. The Oita Fire Festival, held in February, is a spectacular event where locals parade through the streets carrying torches to ward off evil spirits. The Kunisaki Art Festival, held in autumn, showcases contemporary art installations in the rural landscapes of Kunisaki Peninsula. Overall, Oita Prefecture offers a diverse range of cultural experiences, from hot spring traditions to traditional arts and crafts, historic sites, and natural beauty. Whether you are seeking relaxation, adventure, or a deeper understanding of Japan's rich cultural heritage, Oita is a destination worth exploring.
Shopping list or souvenirs to buy when traveling to Oita Prefecture
When shopping in Oita Prefecture, there are several unique and popular souvenirs that you can consider bringing back home. Here are some suggestions for your shopping list: 1. Yufuin no Mori: Yufuin is a charming hot spring town in Oita known for its traditional crafts. Yufuin no Mori is a popular souvenir shop offering a wide range of local products such as Yufu-style pottery, handmade glassware, wooden crafts, and textiles. You can find beautiful ceramics, tea sets, and other decorative items here. 2. Bungotakada Bamboo Crafts: Bungotakada is famous for its bamboo crafts, particularly bamboo baskets and accessories. These intricate and finely woven items make for unique and practical souvenirs. Look for shops specializing in bamboo crafts in Bungotakada or visit local markets to find a variety of bamboo products. 3. Oita Traditional Crafts Center: Located in Beppu, the Oita Traditional Crafts Center is a great place to explore and purchase traditional crafts from the region. Here, you can find items like Oita-style lacquerware, handcrafted wooden products, and woven textiles. The center also offers workshops where you can try your hand at making your own crafts. 4. Beppu Onsen Tamago: Beppu is renowned for its hot springs, and one popular souvenir is the Beppu Onsen Tamago, or hot spring eggs. These eggs are boiled in the hot spring waters, resulting in a unique flavor and texture. They are often sold in packs and make for a delicious and unusual snack. 5. Oita Matcha: Oita Prefecture produces high-quality matcha (powdered green tea), which is a popular souvenir among tea enthusiasts. Look for shops that specialize in tea or visit local tea farms to purchase authentic Oita matcha. You can also find matcha-flavored snacks, candies, and desserts. 6. Oita Wagyu Beef: Oita is known for its delicious and tender wagyu beef. If you are a meat lover, consider bringing back some Oita wagyu beef as a special treat. Look for reputable butcher shops or specialty stores that offer a variety of cuts and products made from this premium beef. Remember to check the customs regulations of your home country regarding food products before purchasing perishable items like eggs or beef.
Oita Prefecture travel review
Oita Prefecture: A Hidden Gem in Japan Nestled in the southern part of Japan's main island, Oita Prefecture is a hidden gem waiting to be explored by adventurous travelers. With its stunning natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and soothing hot springs, Oita offers a unique and unforgettable experience for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path destination. One of the highlights of Oita is its breathtaking natural beauty. The prefecture is home to the magnificent Kuju Mountains, a range of volcanic peaks that offer hiking trails with panoramic views of lush green forests, sparkling lakes, and cascading waterfalls. Mount Yufu, a dormant volcano, is another popular spot for hiking enthusiasts, providing an opportunity to conquer its challenging trails and witness the stunning vistas from its summit. For those seeking relaxation, Oita is renowned for its hot springs, known as onsens. Beppu, a city located on the coast of Oita, is famous for its numerous hot spring resorts. Visitors can soak in the therapeutic waters and indulge in rejuvenating spa treatments while enjoying the picturesque views of Beppu Bay. The city's unique ""Hells of Beppu"" are a must-visit attraction, where you can witness spectacular geothermal phenomena such as boiling mud and vibrant colored hot springs. Oita is also a treasure trove of cultural heritage. Yufuin, a charming town nestled at the foot of Mount Yufu, is known for its traditional architecture, quaint streets, and art galleries. Strolling through Yufuin's streets, you can explore local handicraft shops, savor delicious traditional cuisine, and visit the beautiful Yufuin Floral Village, a botanical garden boasting a vast array of flowers and plants. History enthusiasts will be captivated by Oita's rich historical sites. Usa Jingu, one of Japan's oldest and most important Shinto shrines, dates back over 1,200 years and is dedicated to the deity Hachiman, the god of warriors. The shrine's serene atmosphere and beautiful architecture make it a perfect place for reflection and spiritual exploration. Oita's culinary scene is another reason to visit this prefecture. Known for its delicious seafood, Oita offers a wide range of fresh and flavorful dishes. Be sure to try the local specialty, ""toriten,"" which is a type of tempura made from chicken. Oita is also famous for its ""Bungo beef,"" a high-quality wagyu beef that is tender and full of flavor. Food lovers will be delighted by the diverse selection of restaurants and street food stalls that showcase the region's culinary delights. In addition to its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and gastronomy, Oita also hosts various festivals throughout the year. The Oita Fire Festival, held in February, is a spectacular event where locals parade through the streets carrying flaming torches, creating a mesmerizing display of light and fire. The Oita International Wheelchair Marathon, held annually in November, attracts athletes from around the world to compete in this prestigious event. Getting to Oita is relatively easy, with direct flights from major cities like Tokyo and Osaka to Oita Airport. Once in Oita, the prefecture's efficient transportation system makes it convenient to explore its various attractions. In conclusion, Oita Prefecture offers a unique and authentic travel experience for those seeking to discover Japan's hidden treasures. From its stunning natural landscapes and rejuvenating hot springs to its rich cultural heritage and delectable cuisine, Oita has something to offer every type of traveler. So, pack your bags and embark on a journey to this enchanting prefecture, where adventure and relaxation await you.