Oita Travel Guide
Nestled in the captivating landscape of northeastern Kyushu, Oita Prefecture beckons travelers with its breathtaking scenery and rich cultural offerings, just a short 90-minute flight from the bustling metropolis of Tokyo. Embraced by majestic mountains, Oita boasts an impressive 70% forest cover, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in Japan's pristine natural beauty.
Renowned worldwide for its renowned hot springs, Oita's crown jewel, Beppu, epitomizes opulent indulgence, offering an array of luxurious experiences. Discover an array of mesmerizing locales, each an oasis of relaxation and rejuvenation amidst stunning surroundings.
For aficionados of golf, Oita presents a golfer's paradise, boasting an impressive collection of 22 exceptional courses. After a thrilling round, unwind in the tranquility of this serene prefecture and truly relax.
What to do
Immersed in a tapestry of vibrant history, Oita Prefecture beckons explorers to delve into its culturally significant destinations. For enthusiasts of Japanese heritage, a pilgrimage to Nakatsu, Kitsuki, Usuki, Hiji-machi, Taketa, and Usuki is a must, each bearing the noble vestiges of castles and castle ruins that echo tales of a bygone era. Nakatsu, the birthplace of Fuzukawa Yukichi, a luminary scholar credited as a founding figure of "Modern Japan" and whose visage graces the esteemed 10,000 yen note, stands as a testament to the province's historical significance.
Among the hallowed sites that grace Oita's landscape are the venerable Fuki-ji Temple, the venerable Usa Shrine, the exquisite Peacock Buddhist Altar Fitting, and the remarkable Usuki Stone Buddhas. For those seeking communion with nature, the winding hiking trails of Mount Yufu and Mount Kuju promise breathtaking panoramas, while encounters with wildlife at the African Safari Park and the mesmerizing marine life at the Umi-Tamago (Sea Egg) Aquarium offer unforgettable experiences.
As the undisputed onsen capital of Japan, Oita presents an irresistible array of hot-spring retreats. Beyond the traditional hot springs, indulge in therapeutic soaks in rejuvenating mud, invigorating sand, or soothing steam baths. With an abundance of choices, discover the allure of hot springs in Beppu City, Yufu City, Kokonoe Town, Taketa City, and Hita City, each promising a unique and blissful immersion into the art of relaxation.
Oita Prefecture pulsates with captivating events all year round, reaching their zenith in February and July, when the region comes alive with vibrant celebrations. For an unforgettable experience, venture to Beppu City in early April to partake in the beloved Beppu Hatto Hot Spring Festival and the enchanting Oka Castle Cherry Blossom Festival.
Delve into the province's rich history by immersing yourself in traditional festivities such as the Nakatsu Gion, Hita Gion Festival, Tenjin Festival, the mesmerizing Tsukumi Traditional Fan Dance, and the evocative Onta Folk Pottery Festival.
For enthusiasts of Japanese dolls, February heralds a plethora of doll festivals across the prefecture, offering an immersive glimpse into this fascinating art form. In the midst of January, Bungotakada City reverberates with the Horan Enya festival, where local fishermen embark on a symbolic journey to Wakamiya Hachiman, invoking blessings for safety and a fruitful catch. A highlight of this jubilee is the daring spectacle of young men fearlessly plunging into the frigid river to retrieve ceremonial gifts from onlooking spectators.
Tastes of Oita
Oita Prefecture boasts a culinary tradition that tantalizes the palate with its unique flavors. Distinguished as the top producer of dried mushrooms in Japan, Oita takes pride in its shiitake mushrooms, renowned for their robust size, rich flavor, and enticing aroma. Equally celebrated is the esteemed Oita Bungo Beef, prized for its exquisite marbling, velvety texture, and unparalleled taste.
Savoring seafood in Oita is an experience to relish, with an array of delicacies such as mackerel, blowfish, Shiroshita-Karei (marbled flounder), Hamo (conger pike), Ayu (sweetfish), Japanese spiny lobster, sea bream, oysters, softshell turtles, cutlass fish, tiger prawns, amberjack, and halibut gracing the local cuisine.
The province also boasts a diverse array of sake and shochu. Mugi shochu, a homegrown libation, finds favor among locals when paired with a hint of freshly squeezed kabosu citrus.
To truly savor Oita's essence, indulge in the comforting staple dish, dango jiru. This savory dumpling soup, crafted from salted flour, taro, vegetables, miso, shiitake mushrooms, and edible burdock, encapsulates the heart and soul of Oita's culinary prowess.
What to bring back
Blessed with an ideal climate for grape cultivation, Oita fosters a flourishing vineyard culture, epitomized by the Ajimu Budoshu Koubou, a charming boutique winery nestled deep within the picturesque Usa countryside. Since its establishment in 1964, this esteemed winery has cultivated a legacy of crafting wines that embody the essence of the region.
Proudly offering a repertoire of 22 distinct wine varieties, including chardonnay, sauvignon, and merlot, Ajimu Budoshu Koubou invites enthusiasts to partake in tastings and acquisitions. Their collection extends beyond wines to encompass brandy and fortified wines, each meticulously crafted and available for purchase. Noteworthy among their offerings is the Ajimu Sparkling Wine, undergoing a second fermentation in the bottle, imparting a delightful effervescence and unique character.
Renowned for their distinctiveness, these wines stand among the finest in Japan, making for an exceptional souvenir or cherished gift, encapsulating the essence of Oita's viticulture.
Where to play
Oita has some great courses suit every level of golfer and budget, check out a few of our recommended coursed as played by our customers:
8. Oita Country Club Yoshino Course
How To Get There
Tokyo – The quickest way to get to Oita Prefecture is by plane. From the Tokyo Haneda Airport, it takes 1.5 hours and 2 hours from Tokyo Narita Airport. If you choose to travel by train, the Shikansen (transfer at Kokura) – Express (Nippo Main Line) route will take you to the prefecture in 6 hours and 30 minutes.
Osaka – There are three ways to get to Oita from Osaka -- by plane, bus and ferry. Air travel, which is the fastest, takes 1 hour, while bus is 10 hours and 30 minutes, and ferry 11 hours and 45 minutes.
