Oita City: Features, Popular Tourist Attractions, Gourmet

Oita City is the capital of Oita Prefecture, located in eastern Kyushu, and is a nature-rich city facing Beppu Bay.

The city has areas known for hot springs and is popular as a hub for accessing Beppu Onsen. Historically, it flourished as a castle town of Funai Castle (Oita Castle), and during the Sengoku period, it was the stronghold of the Christian daimyo Otomo Sorin, where Nanban (Southern Barbarian) culture blossomed.

In terms of cuisine, the city is known as the birthplace of toriten, a signature Oita specialty, with numerous toriten restaurants ranging from long-established shops to new eateries lining the streets. Visitors can also enjoy fresh seafood including Seki-aji (horse mackerel) and Seki-saba (mackerel).

In recent years, new tourist spots combining nature and gourmet experiences have been gaining attention, such as Michi-no-Eki Notsuharu, which overlooks Nanase Dam that opened in 2020. With excellent access—approximately 2 hours by limited express from Fukuoka and about 1 hour by bus from Oita Airport—an increasing number of travelers are visiting the city alongside trips to Beppu and Yufuin.