Oita is one of those places that are probably unheard of outside Japan but are pretty well-known domestically. before my trip, I didn’t know anything about this humble prefecture either, but it [turned out to be] a boiling hot destination. In some ways, quite literally.
When it pertains to hot springs, only a few can rival Oita, which is home to several mountain ranges and active volcanoes. Onsen attractions drive the prefecture’s tourism, drawing in travelers who seek a warm, kicking back getaway. Locals have learned to live amid the slopes and the steam. From their sources of livelihood to the flavors of their cuisine, Oita is an remarkable display of how people and nature can work together.
Oita is just one of the seven prefectures that make up Kyushu Island. You are a lot of likely familiar with Fukuoka because this is where the Fukuoka international airport and Hakata Station, the two primary gateways to the island, are located. From Fukuoka, Oita is just a train or bus ride to the east. It occupies the northeastern corner of the island. Its namesake city is the capital, but the cities of Beppu, Yufu and Hita also have a lot to offer visitors.
If you’re planning a visit to Oita Prefecture, here are some of the best things to do and places to squeeze into your itinerary.
WHAT’S covered IN THIS GUIDE?
Lake Kinrin, Yufuin
Yu No Tsubo Street, Yufuin
Yufuin no Mori
Mamedamachi, Hita City
Hita Yakisoba
Myoban Onsen, Beppu
Hells of Beppu Tour
Jigokumushi Kobo cooking Center, Beppu
Jigoku-mushi Pudding, Beppu
Onsen Bath, Beppu
Foot Bath, Beppu
Kuju flower Park, Taketa
Usuki stone Buddhas
Inazumi Underwater Cave, Bungo-ono
Harajiri Falls, Bungo-ono
How to get to Oita Prefecture
How to get to Fukuoka
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Lake Kinrin, Yufuin
There’s something mystifying about Lake Kinrin. Of all the places we set foot on in Oita, Lake Kinrin is probably where I burned the most time just admiring in awe.
In the morning, the placid lake is often enveloped in mist, born when hot and cold springs meet and embrace, adding even a lot more drama to the already romantic scenery. The glassy surface is disturbed only by the fish that appear like golden shimmers at sunset, which gave it its name. Kinrin is also called “Golden Fish Lake” or “Golden scale Lake.”
The trail to the lake is picturesque too, especially in autumn, when the fiery colors sway with the wind, as though welcoming and ushering you in. Don’t miss to take some snaps on one of the small pedestrian bridges around the area.
Yu No Tsubo Street, Yufuin
After taking in the appeal of Kinrinko, it’s time to head to the shops! Yu No Tsubo is Yufuin Onsen’s main street, flanked by quaint cafes, quirky attractions, and specialty shops.
If you see one that appeals to you, don’t be shy and let yourself in. You’ll find a large selection of local food products and souvenirs. If you’re a fan, you’ll find a Snoopy souvenir store in a corner.
Other attractions include Owl’s Cafe, Cheshire Cat’s Cafe, and Yufuin floral Village, which has a “Heidi in the Alps” area and a replica of Cotswold town.
Yufuin no Mori
For train lovers, Japan is a paradise. You’ll find several specially themed trains choo-chooing across the country, like the Ninja train in Mie, the Detective Conan train in Tottori, and the Aso kid and A-Train in Kumamoto.
Of course, Oita won’t be left behind. If you’re traveling to or around Oita, you can catch Yufuin no Mori, a limited express train that straddles parts of Kagoshima main Line and Kyudai main Line and connects Hakata station in Fukuoka to several crucial destinations in Oita including Hita, Yufuin, Oita City, and Beppu.
Its refreshing green coaches showcase the vibe of the Yufuin district and are very kicking back to the eye. Its double-decker configuration also makes it stick out instantly.
Inside the carriages, aside from the passenger cabins, you’ll find a lounge, which is open to all passengers, and a snack bar, where you can purchase desserts, bento boxes, and drinks, including their signature Yufuin cider.
Mamedamachi, Hita City
Formerly an old merchant town, Mamedamachi is now a shopping destination that fosters an atmosphere that takes you to the olden days. Its streets and alleys are lined with storehouses and specialty shops that showcase the rich culture and fine craftsmanship of the city. You’ll find stores showcasing their best earthenware and wooden products, as well as local delicacies.
One of the most checked out sites is Kuncho sake Brewery, where you can learn about the art of making Japanese rice wine. Hita is an ideal place for making sake because of the abundant supply of clean, sweet freshwater.
Other attractions are restaurant Sen’ya, Chofuku-ji temple (a national crucial cultural Property), and Iwaoyakuho Nihongan house (a national tangible cultural Property).
Hita Yakisoba
While a lot of Japanese cities take pride in their own take on the hearty ramen, Hita City has made a name for itself as a yakisoba destination. Yakisoba is a stir-fry buckwheat noodle dish, which is popular throughout Japan. but here in Hita, they take yakisoba seriously.
Hita Yakisoba is normally fried on a very hot plate nearly to a crisp, giving it that signature smoky aroma. Copious amounts of bean sprouts, onions, special soy sauce and meat (usually pork) are added.
Myoban Onsen, Beppu
Oita Prefecture’s track record as an onsen wonderland is powered mostly by Beppu’s eight hot spring areas. one of them is Myoban Onsen, perched on a mountain slope, supplying a postcard-worthy view of the Myoban Bridge, Beppu city, and Beppu Bay. The place is also dotted with over a dozen onsen baths and standard inns (ryokan) and perpetually blanketed in the stench of sulfur. Some say it smells like rotten eggs, but I dunno… I kinda like it… LOL. Is that wrong?
The main attraction here is the production of yunohana or “bath salts”, the natural crystallized minerals harvested from hot springs that people use to replicate onsen at home. The collection of these bath salts are done inside standard straw huts called yunohana-goya, which you can visit to learn a lot more about this 300-year old Beppu tradition.
Hells of Beppu Tour
In Japan, hot springs are colloquially called “hell.” Don’t be shocked to see establishments and products identified or labeled with the word. They are not in any way affiliated with the fiery pits of the underworld, only the steamy hot springs.
Beppu’s map is shaded with lots of of these hells. lots of operators organize a sightseeing excursion that will allow you to see all these hells in a day. a lot of of them are located in the Kannawa and Shibaseki districts. here are some of the normal stops.
Umi Jigoku (sea hell)
Oniishibozu Jigoku (mud bubble hell)
Shiraike Jigoku (white pond hell)
Kamado Jigoku (cooking pot hell)
Oniyama Jigoku (monster mountain hell)
Chinoike Jigoku (blood pond hell)
Tatsumaki Jigoku (spout hell)
We didn’t get to try the hell tour, but we were able to see one of them. Umi Jigoku is also called Sea hell because of its pond’s turquoise color, reminiscent of the ocean. The site uses good views of the pond and the surrounding hillside.
But there is another pond in the vicinity, which cradles rust red springs. A greenhouse featuring a lotus pond and a gallery showcasing the history of the place is also open to visitors.
Jigokumushi Kobo cooking Center, Beppu
One standard way of cooking is jigoku-mushi, which indicates “hell-steaming” or cooking using the steam coming from hot springs. The salty steam is said to highlight the natural flavor of the ingredients while it retains the nutrients that would otherwise be lost through other cooking methods.
At Jigokumushi Kobo cooking Center, you can steam your food yourself. All you need to do is pick your orders using a machine, hand over the tickets to the staff, and wait for the fresh and raw ingredients, normally served in woven trays. Then, you bring your food to a jigokumushi workshop, where you’ll find kitchen hearths.
Put your gloves on, put the food inside, and let the waiting game begin! once cooked, don’t forget to pick up your sumptuous meal out of this special oven.
Jigoku-mushi Pudding, Beppu
Another hell-steamed delicacy that you can take pleasure in in Beppu is the popular jigoku-mushi pudding (hell-steamed pudding). At Myoban Onsen, you will find Okamotoya Shop, which serves their signature pudding in all its milky goodness.
If you’re allergic to dairy or lactose intolerant, you can try hell-steamed chicken eggs and other products.
Onsen Bath, Beppu
Of course, hot springs are not just for cooking or sightseeing. Beppu harbors a good selection of ryokan featuring onsen facilities. If you’ve never took pleasure in an onsen before, well, you must give it a try.
Onsen in Japan. (This photo was not shot in Oita.)
It may be a bit of a culture shock for foreigners and first timers because one is required to go completely naked. I know because it was daunting to me at first, but in reality, no one will actually pay attention to you or your body, unless you’re covered in tattoo or doing something disrespectful. You’ll probably get over being conscious in the first five minutes.
When using an onsen, always remember the following:
No bathing suit or underwear allowed. strip down to your birthday suit.
Wash and shower before you take a dip. sit on the supplied stool while you wash. You’ll find liquid soap and shampoo near every shower space.
Don’t let your hair or towel get in the water.
No swimming, jumping, or diving!
No loud noises. keep quiet.
Dry yourself with a towel before heading back to the locker room.
In a lot of public onsen baths, people with tattoo are not allowed, at least not those with the big, evident ones. In Japan, lots of still associate tattoos with criminality, for this reason the policy. but you might find establishments with private onsen facilities.
Foot Bath, Beppu
If you’re not down for a proper onsen experience, you can try a foot bath. Near Jigokumushi Kobo cooking center in Beppu City, you’ll find a couple of foot bath spots that are open to everyone.
You can simply walk in and if there is an available space, dip your feet in the hot springs. (Make sure you remove your socks and shoes, if that’s not obvious.)
You might want to bring a small towel to wipe your feet dry after the steamy foot session.
Kuju flower Park, Taketa
Set between the Kuju Mountains and the Aso mountain Range, the Kuju flower Park is a picturesque stop to add to your Oita itinerary. It’s also close to Kurokawa Onsen, a hot spring town in Kumamoto Prefecture, so you can also drop by as part of a Kumamoto tour.
Kuju flower Park is huge, spanning 39 acres and blooming with 3 million flowering plants including tulips, poppies, roses, and lavender. lots of of these are seasonal so the park’s appearance changes from season to season, and it normally closes in winter.
Usuki stone Buddhas
Fringing a northeastern nook of Oita Prefecture, Usuki is a city that used to be a former castle town. It is best known for the Usuki stone Buddhas, sculpted into the rock cliffs in the 12th century. These buddha statues along with other Buddha relics in other parts of the country are declared national Treasures of Japan.
Inazumi Underwater Cave, Bungo-ono
Locally called Inazumi Shonyudo, this is the largest underwater cave in Japan. I’ve always wanted to see this, but we never got a chance to. Nevertheless, I’m putting it on this list. Haha.
The cave in its present form was created by Mt. Aso’s eruption 300,000 years ago. much of the cave is underwater, but it is said that some parts can be explored on foot.
Harajiri Falls, Bungo-ono
Also located in Bungo-ono City is Harajiri Falls, an arc-shaped waterfall that cascades down 20 meters. It was formed 90,000n years ago after another major eruption of nearby Mt. Aso. It’s part of Ogata River, which flows across the southern sections of Oita Prefecture. A wooden suspension bridge that bestrides the river, allowing a front view of the falls.
How to get to Oita Prefecture
Most visitors come from Fukuoka’s Hakata Station. From here, you can catch a train to any of the major cities in Oita Prefecture. travel time can take an hour to over two, depending on your destination and the type of train you’re boarding. To check the schedule and fares, you can seek advice from Hyperdia.
If you wish to explore Oita from Fukuoka or as part of a grander Kyushu Island itinerary, you might want to consider getting a JR Kyushu Rail Pass to save a lot of fares! Our trip was organized and covered by JR Kyushu, so we were able to experience using the JR Kyushu Rail Pass extensively for the entire trip.
The JR Kyushu Rail Pass comes in three versions: Northern, Southern, and ALL Kyushu. but let’s focus on the two passes only: northern and ALL Kyushu.
If you’re interested in only Yufuin, Beppu, Oita City or Hita, the JR northern KYUSHU area PASS is enough. It covers a lot of of the crucial vacationer attractions in Oita Prefecture and even other prefectures like Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, and Kumamoto. However, you won’t be able to use it to travel to stations south of Oita Station.
– Can be used for: local trains, limited express trains, and Hakata-Kumamoto Shinkansen
– Price: ¥8660 (3 days); ¥10,190 (5 days)
– number of seat reservations allowed: 10 (for 3 days), 16 (for 5 days)
If you’re going to Usuki and Bungo-ono, you will need to shell out for extra single tickets. If you’re also checking out a lot more destinations in the south, consider getting the ALL KYUSHU area PASS instead.
– Can be used for: local trains, limited express trains, and Hakata-Kagoshima-chuo Shinkansen
– Price: ¥15,280 (3 days); ¥18,330 (5 days)
– number of seat reservations allowed: 10 (for 3 days), 16 (for 5 days)
To give you an idea on how much savings you can get, here’s an example. The fa