Oita Prefecture is often recognized for its world-class onsen, attracting visitors to its famed hot springs in Beppu and Yufuin. However, beyond these steaming landscapes lies an even deeper experience — one rooted in spirituality, history, and untouched nature.
While many come to Oita in search of relaxation, few venture into the Kunisaki Peninsula, an ancient center of mountain worship, Buddhist devotion, and pilgrimage routes that have remained largely unchanged for over a millennium.
If you are visiting Oita for the first time, be sure to check out my
first-time visitor’s guide. But for those seeking something beyond the well-trodden paths, the
Minemichi Long Trail offers a transformative journey into Japan’s sacred past.