Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Oita Prefecture, Japan

Oita Prefecture is among the most frequented destinations on the island of Kyushu in Japan, renowned primarily for its exceptional onsens, or traditional Japanese hot springs. Consequently, Oita serves as an ideal locale for those seeking relaxation in some of the most renowned baths within the country.

Nonetheless, onsens are not the sole attraction of this region. Visitors can also explore numerous picturesque towns and cities, including Oita itself, the capital of Oita Prefecture, along with other distinctive locations celebrated for their Buddhist art and architecture.

Overall, Kyushu offers a more tranquil and less congested atmosphere compared to islands such as Honshu, making a visit to Oita Prefecture an opportunity to venture beyond the central areas of Japan and experience a less traversed segment of the country.

Here are the 15 best things to do in Oita Prefecture…

1. Start your trip in Oita

Oita City is the capital of the broader Oita Prefecture and serves as an excellent base for your exploration of the region.

Oita is well connected to several cities throughout Japan, making it an ideal starting point for visitors. This laid-back city is also recognized for its vibrant nightlife, which is primarily centered around the famous Miyakomachi district.

Within this area, visitors will find a significant concentration of bars and clubs, making it an excellent location to sample the local alcoholic beverage for which Kyushu is well known: mugi shochu.

This spirit, crafted from locally sourced barley, offers a unique experience and there is no better place to enjoy it than in Oita.

2. Visit Harajiri no Taki

Harajiri no Taki is a magnificent waterfall in Oita Prefecture that must be witnessed to truly appreciate its beauty.

Surrounded by lush rice fields, this waterfall gracefully ascends to approximately 20 meters in height.

Regularly recognized as one of the most stunning waterfalls throughout Japan, it is certainly worth a visit if you are exploring this region.

You can access the waterfall via a bridge that provides a breathtaking view or walk atop the falls to observe the water cascading over the ledge.

If possible, aim to visit in spring, as the surrounding countryside bursts forth in vibrant colors.

3. Travel to Taketa

If you are looking to truly escape the hustle and bustle in Kyushu, consider a trip to the enchanting village of Taketa, situated near the city of Oita.

This picturesque village can be accessed via a scenic train ride and is renowned for its onsens, in addition to the ruins of a former castle that are gracefully deteriorating.

If your visit coincides with November, be sure to include Taketa in your itinerary, as it hosts a renowned light festival where bamboo poles adorned with candles illuminate the town.

This creates a whimsical atmosphere, as Taketa glows with hundreds of candles, often being the highlight of many visitors’ experiences.

4. Visit Usuki

Usuki is a notable coastal town in Oita, celebrated for its charming castle.

During your visit, stroll through the castle grounds and take a leisurely walk to the famous ancient stone Buddha statues, chiselled from the cliffs, which are among the region’s most popular natural attractions.

This town is also celebrated for its delectable miso paste, a culinary staple that has been produced in this area for over 400 years.

In this regard, visitors may even sample miso-flavored ice cream in Usuki.

5. Go spelunking at the Inazumi Underwater Limestone Caves

The Inazumi Underwater Limestone Caves, or Inazumi Shonyudo, are the largest stalactite caves in Japan.

Moreover, these caves are believed to be over 3 million years old, having formed as a result of volcanic activity.

Today, following another volcanic eruption, the caves have filled with water, yet visitors can still explore the upper sections, allowing them to admire the dynamic interplay of light reflecting on the water’s surface within the cave chambers.

6. Soak in the onsen in Beppu

Renowned for its onsens, Japan boasts many hot springs and bathhouses, but Beppu stands out for its quality of baths.

For numerous domestic travelers, Beppu’s hot springs represent the primary motivation for visiting Kyushu. Here, one can spend days soaking in a vast array of different baths known as ‘hells,’ situated throughout various circuits extending into the countryside surrounding the city.

In addition to the hot springs, which are undoubtedly the main attraction, Beppu also has other notable highlights, including the famous Sex Museum and an expansive aquarium.

7. Enjoy the city of Yufuin

If you seek an opportunity to explore Oita Prefecture, consider visiting the town of Yufuin.

Here, you will encounter the iconic Mount Yufuin, although it is not the only attraction this town has to offer.

Similar to many towns in Japan, Yufuin features a range of onsens, including several onsen villages situated on the outskirts.

You can also enjoy shopping in locations like Yunokaido, which is renowned for local crafts. Visitors even have the chance to create their own chopsticks or observe traditional glass-blowing techniques to produce decorative ornaments.

8. Explore Takasakiyama Nature Zoo

Takasakiyama Nature Zoo is a prime destination in Oita for those wishing to immerse themselves in the area’s beautiful scenery.

The name can be somewhat misleading, as this venue is not a conventional zoo; rather, it serves as a large nature reserve where animals roam freely.

During your visit, you can embark on a guided tour with one of the park rangers, who will share insights about the area’s history and the importance of wildlife conservation.

The park is particularly famous for its monkeys, which you can observe up close during feeding times.

9. Soak in the Yunohira Onsen

Yunohira Onsen is situated near Yufuin and is part of a quaint village in the countryside.

However, the primary reason for visiting is that it ranks among the most esteemed hot springs in Kyushu, while the village itself is a delightful place to explore.

As you wander through the village, you can enjoy the intricate alleyways and discover the perfect bathhouse tailored to your preferences, as there are numerous options available to accommodate diverse tastes and budgets.

10. Hike Mount Yufu

Located just outside the city of Yufuin, Mount Yufu, or Yufudake in Japanese, stands as one of the most significant mountains in the region and is a wonderful destination for hiking enthusiasts.

To reach the mountain’s summit, anticipate a 2-hour ascent, and the entire round trip can take up to 5 hours, depending on your fitness level.

The effort is undoubtedly rewarding, providing breathtaking views of Yufuin and the Bay of Beppu from the top.

11. Check out the displays at Kuju Flower Park

Kuju Flower Park is a remarkable destination within Oita Prefecture, situated within a larger national park.

This park is ideal for those wishing to view an impressive array of blooms, as it spans an impressive 220,000 square meters and contains over 300,000 individual blossoms of approximately 500 unique species.

Among the flowers showcased are lavender, roses, tulips, cherry blossoms, and sunflowers, ensuring that regardless of when you visit, you will encounter stunning floral displays to inspire your imagination.

12. Check out Usa Shrine

For those interested in the history of Oita Prefecture, a visit to the beautiful Usa Shrine is essential.

This expansive complex, believed to date back over 1,000 years, serves as a significant Shinto shrine containing a main hall ideal for exploring the history and artwork linked to this intriguing religion.

In addition to appreciating the intricate reliefs, visitors can also partake in an annual festival featuring the release of birds and fish from the temple grounds.

13. Tour the Taio Gold Mine

For those seeking a unique experience in Oita Prefecture, the Taio Gold Mine offers a fascinating glimpse into the local mining history.

Visitors should note that the mine is quite narrow, so some maneuvering may be required; nonetheless, the experience of learning about this unique attraction is well worth it.

Additionally, guests have the opportunity to engage in activities such as panning for their own gold.

14. Visit Nakatsu

Nakatsu is renowned for its picturesque charm, positioned between Oita and Fukuoka.

Highlights of a visit to this historical region include the intricately designed Nakatsu Castle and the breathtaking Yabekai Gorge, an ideal destination for engaging in various water sports, such as water skiing, or even ice skating during winter.

Additionally, the gorge offers opportunities for spelunking within its caves or hiking in the surrounding landscape.

15. Step back in time at Bungo Takada

Bungo Takada is distinguished as a historical town in Oita Prefecture, recognized for its older wooden structures that trace back to the 1950s.

Additionally, it features a prominent shopping street designed to evoke the vibe of the 1950s, where visitors can embark on a bus tour to discover the historical and cultural significance of the area.

This location is also notable for hosting Fuki ji, which is considered one of the oldest wooden buildings throughout all of Kyushu.