Ten nature parks together cover about a quarter of Ōita Prefecture’s area. The prefecture is also home to historic shrines, traditional ceramics and local products. When choosing accommodation, it’s worth first considering which of these interests you most—and which places you’d like to visit along the way.
Nature, hiking trails and activities
Tadewara Marsh is in Aso-Kuju National Park and was registered as a Ramsar wetland in 2005, together with Bogatsuru. The Chōjabaru Visitor Center is right next to it. The center features nature exhibits and a high-resolution screen showing the four seasons of Kujū. Members of the group 九重の自然を守る会 lead nature observation activities in the marsh. You can combine your visit with the exhibits or a nature observation activity.
On the Kunisaki Peninsula, the Kunisaki Peninsula Minemichi Long Trail follows old pilgrimage routes used by monks for hundreds of years. The route offers views of the mountains and sea along the way. It thus combines a historic trail with scenic views; plan your hike using the information for the relevant route.
In Bungo-ono City, Harajiri Falls is 120 meters wide and 20 meters high. Visitors can cross the Takimibashi suspension bridge, walk around the waterfall and look down from above. These different vantage points offer more than one view of this natural landmark. Elsewhere in the prefecture, Ōita Prefecture promotes cycling routes and sets up bicycle stations along them, where cyclists can conveniently stop and rest. Check the information for your chosen route before planning your trip.
Visitors can ski and snowboard at Kuju Forest Park Ski Resort. If you plan to take part in these activities, check the latest operating information before your trip.
Hot springs and local culture
Beppu has eight hot spring areas that have been popular since ancient times. A distinctive sightseeing route is the Beppu Hell Tour: at its stops, visitors can see hot water and mud emerging from underground. A regular sightseeing bus connects the individual stops; check the latest timetable before your visit.
The region’s cultural heritage also offers clear pointers for planning your trip. The main sanctuary of Usa Jingū is designated a National Treasure. The shrine is considered the head shrine among more than 40,000 Hachiman shrines; worship of Hachiman dates back to the 8th century. The Main Hall of Fuki-ji and the Usuki Stone Buddhas are also National Treasures.
In Hita, the Hita Gion Festival is part of the UNESCO-listed “Yama, Hoko and Yatai float festivals.” Its inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity was decided on November 30, 2016. During the festival, floats parade through the Kuma, Takeda and Mameda districts to the sounds of Gion music. The festival floats known as “Yama” are rebuilt each year. The Hita Gion Yamaboko Kaikan displays, among other things, the rear curtains of the six floats featured in the festival. Check the latest visitor information before your visit.
Ceramics and local cuisine
Onta-yaki is a style of ceramics developed in Ōita Prefecture in the early 18th century. In the Onta area, artisans use traditional methods and materials to make everyday ceramics such as pots, bottles, cups, bowls and plates; these often feature a caramel-colored glaze. Local cuisine complements this craft tradition: Ōita is known for high-quality shiitake mushrooms, kabosu citrus fruits and Bungo beef, which is fed barley. Barley miso and kabosu-based seasonings are part of the region’s long fermentation tradition.
Getting there and choosing accommodation
Ōita Station is served by the Kyūdai, Hōhi and Nippo Main lines and provides access to Beppu, Yufuin, Hita, Saiki and other parts of the prefecture. From Ōita Airport, travelers can take a limousine bus to Hiji Station and transfer there to the Nippo Line for Usa or Kitsuki stations. Use these connections as a guide when choosing where to stay, and check the timetables for your travel dates.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Beppu, Ōita, Nakatsu, Hayami District, Kusu District, Kusu District, Yufu, Taketa, Hita, Saiki, Usa, Usuki, Tsukumi, Kunisaki, Bungo-Takada.
For the main travel overview: Japan.
