Oita: Features, Popular Tourist Attractions, Gourmet

Oita Prefecture is a popular tourist destination in eastern Kyushu, widely known as the “Onsen Prefecture” for having the highest volume of hot spring water in Japan.

The prefecture is home to numerous hot spring resorts, including the famous Beppu Onsen and Yufuin Onsen. Each offers distinct water qualities and atmospheres, making Oita an irresistible destination for hot spring enthusiasts. Beppu is particularly famous for the “Jigoku Meguri” or Hell Tour, a popular sightseeing course that takes visitors through seven unique hot spring sources. Visitors can witness mystical natural phenomena such as the Umi Jigoku (Sea Hell) with its cobalt blue waters and the Chinoike Jigoku (Blood Pond Hell) with its crimson pools.

In terms of history and culture, the Rokugo Manzan culture preserved on the Kunisaki Peninsula is a major highlight. The syncretic Shinto-Buddhist faith that originated in the Nara period still thrives here today. Visiting ancient temples such as Fukiji and Futago-ji allows visitors to experience Japan’s spiritual heritage in a solemn atmosphere. Additionally, the Usuki Stone Buddhas in Usuki City are a nationally designated treasure, featuring over 60 Buddhist statues carved into cliff faces between the Heian and Kamakura periods, standing in quiet contemplation.

Local cuisine is another major attraction of Oita tourism. The “Seki-aji” horse mackerel and “Seki-saba” mackerel, raised in the Bungo Channel, are renowned as some of Japan’s finest branded fish and can be enjoyed as fresh sashimi or in the local dish “ryukyu” (marinated raw fish). Traditional dishes include “toriten,” battered and fried chicken, and “dango-jiru,” a hearty soup with flat wheat noodles and vegetables. These local specialties can be easily found at restaurants throughout the prefecture. Nakatsu City is also famous as the “Holy Land of Karaage” (Japanese fried chicken), with numerous specialty shops lining its streets.

For those seeking natural beauty, trekking in the Kuju Mountains and Aso-Kuju National Park is highly recommended. During the spring Miyama Kirishima azalea season and autumn foliage, the magnificent mountain scenery captivates many hikers. In Hita City, which retains the charm of an old castle town, visitors can stroll through the historic Mameda-machi district and enjoy local Hita yakisoba noodles.

With its hot springs, rich history, delicious cuisine, and stunning natural landscapes, Oita Prefecture is a travel destination where new discoveries await with every visit.