Oita Prefecture Travel Guide

Oita is well-connected and easy to reach, making it an ideal destination for travelers looking to experience Japan’s famous onsen culture with ease.

✈️ By Air
Direct flights from Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya land at Oita Airport. From there, a direct bus gets you to Beppu or Oita City in under an hour.

🚄 By Train
From Osaka, Kyoto, or Hiroshima, take the Sanyo Shinkansen to Kokura Station (Fukuoka), then transfer to the Sonic Limited Express to Beppu or Oita (~2 hours total).

⛴ By Ferry — A Scenic Alternative
The overnight Sunflower Ferry from Osaka to Beppu (~12 hours) offers private cabins, shared spaces, ocean-view onsens, and dining options — an ideal way to wake up to Kyushu’s stunning coastline while saving on accommodation costs.

Beppu’s hot springs defy expectations by offering a rich, mineral-infused experience without the overpowering sulfur scent often associated with geothermal areas. It is home to over 2,300 hot spring sources, the most in Japan and second only to Yellowstone National Park worldwide. Volcanic activity from Mount Tsurumi and Mount Garan heats rainwater deep underground, enriching it with minerals that create Beppu’s diverse onsen waters.

Dating back to the 8th century, Beppu’s hot springs were believed to be used by gods like Sukunahikona no Mikoto for healing. Today, it remains a retreat for both body and mind, offering an unmatched variety of spring types, each with unique minerals and health benefits.

One of Beppu’s most iconic attractions, the Jigoku Meguri takes you through eight unique geothermal hot springs, known as the "hells of Beppu." These springs are too hot for bathing but offer spectacular natural sights:

• Umi Jigoku (Sea Hell): A cobalt-blue, boiling pond
• Oniishibozu Jigoku: Bubbling gray mud pools
• Kamado Jigoku: Famous for its vibrant red waters
• Shiraike Jigoku: Milky-white pools surrounded by lush gardens

In Beppu, experience Jigoku Mushi — a traditional cooking method that uses natural hot spring steam. Fresh seafood, vegetables, and eggs are steamed using geothermal heat, resulting in healthy and flavorful dishes. Check out my reel for a closer look!

Beppu has plenty of affordable hostels and guesthouses that offer comfort without stretching your budget. Great options include Beppu Hostel U&T and OMOLOSO Hostel.

While Beppu is famous for its dramatic onsen landscape, Yufuin offers a quieter, more picturesque alternative. Nestled in the mountains, Yufuin is perfect for those who enjoy slow travel, nature, and a more refined hot spring experience.

A charming, European-style village with storybook-like buildings, themed shops, and adorable animals like owls and rabbits. It’s a perfect spot for handmade crafts, light snacks, and Ghibli-themed souvenirs — a must-visit for fans!

A serene, mist-covered lake surrounded by peaceful walking trails. Its name, meaning "Golden Scale Lake," comes from the shimmering reflections on the water at sunrise and sunset.

Yufuin’s main street is lined with boutique shops, cozy cafes, and local art galleries. You’ll find everything from handcrafted ceramics and woodwork to locally made sweets and souvenirs.

Yufuin has become increasingly popular due to media exposure, but for a quieter experience, consider staying at a historic ryokan like Kamenoi Besso for a peaceful retreat.

I always lean toward quieter stays, even in popular destinations, and Kamenoi Besso might be the perfect choice. This historic luxury ryokan, founded in 1921, beautifully blends traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern comfort. Its private villas feature in-room onsen baths and offer a cozy, homey vibe — reminding me more of a Japanese grandmother’s house than a typical hotel.

If you’re traveling on a budget, Yufuin has plenty of affordable and comfortable stays, like Yufuin Tabinokura and Yufuin Country Road Youth Hostel.

Tucked away in the heart of Oita Prefecture, Hita is a charming riverside town that feels like stepping back in time. Known for its beautifully preserved Edo-period architecture, tranquil river views, and centuries-old traditions, Hita offers an authentic glimpse into Japan’s rich cultural history.

Once a bustling commercial hub directly governed by the Tokugawa Shogunate during the Edo period, Hita has retained much of its historical character. Personally, I loved this part of Oita — it’s calm, atmospheric, and filled with charming small shops and cozy eateries, offering a peaceful break from Japan’s busier tourist spots.

The heart of Hita’s cultural charm lies in Mamedamachi, a well-preserved merchant district that has remained virtually unchanged for centuries. The narrow streets are lined with Edo-era warehouses (kura), traditional merchant houses, and locally owned craft shops.

Founded in 1702, the Kuncho Sake Brewery is a must-visit for anyone interested in the art of traditional Japanese sake-making. Housed in an elegant Edo-period building, the brewery offers free tours where visitors can learn about the centuries-old brewing process and sample a variety of local sake.

The Hina Doll Museum showcases an exquisite collection of handcrafted dolls used during Hinamatsuri (Doll Festival), an important Japanese tradition. The displays highlight the incredible craftsmanship and artistic heritage of the region’s doll-making culture. Entry Fee is only ¥300!

One of Hita’s most beloved culinary traditions is its eel cuisine (unagi), particularly the local specialty known as Hita Mabushi (日田まぶし). This unique dish features crispy-skinned grilled eel served over steamed rice in a wooden container.

Where to Try It:

Hita Mabushi Senya (日田まぶし 千屋): A popular local restaurant specializing in crispy eel, served in traditional wooden tubs.
💰 Price: ¥2,500–¥5,000

Ryokan & Sauna Yorozuya Hita offers an ideal blend of luxury and traditional Japanese hospitality. Originally established in 1922 as a hot spring inn, the ryokan underwent a complete renovation in April 2023 and has since been transformed into a modern retreat designed for guests seeking deep relaxation and rejuvenation.

Each suite features a private sauna, providing a deeply personal and calming experience. Guests can also enjoy a cold-water bath maintained at a refreshing 16.5°C, perfect for cooling down after a sauna session. For additional relaxation, every room comes with its own hot spring bath, offering the ultimate in comfort and tranquility.

While the price reflects its luxury status, Ryokan & Sauna Yorozuya Hita is worth considering if you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply looking to indulge in a high-end, restorative stay.

Want more? Read my Spiritual Oita Travel Guide for off-the-beaten-path adventures through temples and hidden pilgrimage routes.