Oita Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Oita
Hot spring spas, or onsen, are the main attraction, but this area also features natural beauty and some of Japan’s earliest Buddhist sites.

It’s common to see steam spilling from towns and roadsides in Oita, one of Japan’s most geothermally active areas. Crowned by a ring of volcanoes separated by mineral-water-filled marshland, it is largely untouched except for lively communities around its famous springs. Alternate between Oita’s onsen and hikes, each revealing a completely new aspect of Japanese life.

Go from the train to Takasaki Mountain, whose Takasaki Monkey Park is famous for its community of Japanese macaques especially renowned for their human-like love of hot steam baths. Hike to the top of Mt. Yufu for panoramic views or ride the ropeway to the top of Mt. Aso to look into the steamy expanse of the Aso caldera, one of the world’s largest volcanic craters. Find more ethereal nature at the Yabakei Gorge and the Hells of Beppu, where hot springs are as beautiful as they are dangerous.

Oita was one of the first places Buddhism flourished in Japan, so drive to the Kunisaki Peninsula, where there are many early Buddhist temples and stone statues carved into hillsides. Clamber up the stone steps leading to Rakan-ji Temple, with its 3,700 stone Buddhas. Marvel at the intricate carvings that adorn Fuki-ji Temple, the island’s oldest wooden building.

Oita sprawls across the northeastern corner of Kyushu. Due to its rural character, much of the prefecture is best accessed by car, though a fairly robust train service connects major towns. Ride the train from Fukuoka, Kyushu’s capital and largest city, to Oita City in about 2.5 hours, to Beppu in 40 minutes and Yufuin in an hour. Trains to other major Japanese cities are available from Fukuoka. Oita Airport offers a variety of Japanese destinations. Take a ferry to Osaka or Kobe from Oita City in about 12 hours. Car rentals are available from Oita Airport and in most city centers.

Before leaving Oita, relax at the Meiji-era Takegawara Onsen, which includes the region’s famous hot sand bath.

Where to stay in Oita

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Miyakomachi

Though Miyakomachi may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like JR Oita City and Yuho Park.

Miyakomachi
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Saganoseki

While visiting Saganoseki, you might make a stop by sights like Sekizaki Observatory and Nippokaigan Quasi-National Park.

Saganoseki
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Tsurusaki

While Tsurusaki may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Oita Big Eye Stadium and JR Oita City.

Tsurusaki
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Notsuharu

Though Notsuharu may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Isshinji Temple and Tokiwa Wasada Town Mall.

Notsuharu

Niagemachi

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

You'll enjoy the restaurants and parks in Niagemachi. You might want to make time for a stop at Funai Castle or Oita Castle Ruin Park.

Niagemachi
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Nagahamamachi

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Nagahamamachi and surrounding area, you can visit JR Oita City and Yuho Park.

Nagahamamachi
Hotel MyStays Oita
Hotel MyStays Oita
3 out of 5
1-32 Niage-machi, Oita, Oita-ken
The price is AU$47 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
AU$47
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Oita. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and onsite parking. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,015 reviews)
Awesome View, great value.
"We absolutely loved our stay here. The best part other than our awesome view was the shower! I loved the water pressure. The room was clean, the bed was comfortable. It was a 12 minute walk from Oita Station, and there was a Lawson around the corner. We also got free breakfast at the hotel and it ..."

Reviewed on 29 Nov. 2023

Hotel MyStays Oita
JR KYUSHU HOTEL Blossom Oita
JR KYUSHU HOTEL Blossom Oita
3.5 out of 5
1-14 Kaname machi, Oita, Oita
The price is AU$128 per night from 7 Apr to 8 Apr
AU$128
per night
7 Apr - 8 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Oita. Enjoy free WiFi, hot springs on site, and a sauna. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (658 reviews)
"Excellent location next to train station. Love the rooftop onsen with great view of the city. Highly recommended!"

Reviewed on 23 Mar. 2024

JR KYUSHU HOTEL Blossom Oita
Rembrandt Hotel Oita
Rembrandt Hotel Oita
4 out of 5
9-20, Tamuro-machi, Oita, Oita
The price is AU$87 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
AU$87
per night
21 Apr - 22 Apr
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Oita. Enjoy free WiFi, 5 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Popular attractions JR Oita City and Oita Prefectural Art Center are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (228 reviews)
"A very nice hotel, walking distance from any necessary places."

Reviewed on 21 Mar. 2024

Rembrandt Hotel Oita
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
BETTEI
BETTEI
3-20, Oita, Oita
Stay at this apartment in Oita. Enjoy free WiFi, hot springs on site, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions JR Oita City and Uenogaoka Bochi Park are located ...
BETTEI
KANTAN
KANTAN
3 out of 5
2-chome-12-12 Ikushiminatomachi, Oita, Oita
Stay at this 3-star vacation home in Oita. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a terrace. Popular attractions Umitamago and Takegawara Onsen are located nearby. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (5 reviews)
"対応も良く価格もリーズナブルで良かった"

Reviewed on 16 Feb. 2024

KANTAN
GRAND BASE Beppu Ekimae
GRAND BASE Beppu Ekimae
3.5 out of 5
8-7-1 Tanoyumachi, Beppu, Oita
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Beppu. Enjoy free WiFi, a flat-screen TV, and a separate tub and shower. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (94 reviews)
"We did not receive any email notification about instructions and password beforehand. No one try to inform us until we found out once arrived. So panicked and unpleasant experience."

Reviewed on 21 Dec. 2023

GRAND BASE Beppu Ekimae
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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