Oita may not be as popular as Japan’s most visited destinations like the capital city, Tokyo, or Kyoto and Osaka, but it is the place for you to enjoy a short but sweet escape away from the stressful routine of life. One of the most famous hot spring resorts in Japan is located in Oita. This city, which is located on the island of Kyushu, is also known for its temples, shrines, and incredible natural landscape. It’s also tourist-ready all year, with hotels equipped to welcome all sorts of visitors. There are also options for those looking to stay like a local, including quaint Airbnb vacation rentals and guest houses. Whether you are traveling all by yourself or with your loved ones, Oita has everything for everyone. Keep reading to learn more about the top things to do in Oita, Japan.
1. Visit Oita Fragrance Museum (from USD 3.0)
A trip to the Oita Fragrance Museum offers an immersive experience for visitors. The museum is dedicated to showcasing the history and culture of fragrances from around the world.
One of the highlights of the museum is its extensive collection of traditional Japanese incense, which visitors can learn about and even create their blends to take home. The museum also features a beautiful garden filled with fragrant flowers and herbs, providing a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
In addition to the exhibits, the museum hosts workshops and classes to learn about the art of fragrance-making and how to incorporate fragrances into your daily life.
Oita Fragrance Museum Admission Ticket
Duration: 1 day
2. See monkeys up-close at Takasakiyama Monkey Park
A trip to Takasakiyama Monkey Park is a must-visit for animal lovers and families. The park is home to over 1,500 Japanese macaque monkeys, also known as snow monkeys, who roam freely in a natural habitat.
Visitors can get up close and personal with the monkeys, feeding them from designated areas and observing their playful antics. One of the park’s highlights is the daily feeding time, where visitors can watch the monkeys gather in large groups to enjoy their meal. Visitors can also explore the nearby hot springs, shops, and restaurants.
3. Explore the stunning natural beauty of Yabakei Gorge
For the start of your adventure in Oita, you may want to start with something refreshing that involves the captivating beauty of nature. So, it would be a great idea to explore the stunning natural beauty of Yabakei Gorge. Naturally formed a million years ago through volcanic activities, Yabakei Gorge features a myriad of cliffs, caves, and rocks with all the lush leaves. The most beautiful season to visit Yabakei Gorge is during autumn when all the leaves start to turn colors. The gorge is also known for its hiking trails, cycling routes and walking paths. You can choose your favorite method to enjoy the gorge.
Yabakei Gorge
Address: Nakatsu, Oita 871-0202, Japan
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
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4. Ride a chairlift to magnificent Rakanji Temple
Rakanji Temple is a must-visit attraction in Oita and not without reasons. First of all, the temple is one of the city’s biggest and most beautiful temples. Second, this temple is located on the top of the mountain, with the towering cliffs of Mount Rakan. So, it is no doubt that while visiting this serene temple, you can marvel at the sweeping views of the mountain and the cliffs. Third, the 13th-century temple features several caves with an extensive collection of more than 3,700 stone Buddha statues. Finally, the way you take to get to the temple itself is something you will remember for a very long time. Of course, you are free to walk to the top if you want. But, the best way is by riding a chairlift. As you are slowly going higher and higher, you can take a look around you and marvel at the beauty of nature.
Rakanji Temple
Address: 1501 Honyabakeimachi Atoda, Nakatsu, Oita 871-0311, Japan
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 500 JPY (5 USD)
5. Feast on fried Karaage chicken at Murakami Shokudo
Apart from sightseeing, what’s there to do in Oita city, you ask? There’s also food, delectable food! Satisfy your appetite by feasting on delicious fried Karaage chicken at Murakami Shokudo. You can try the fried Karaage chicken at other restaurants, but they will not be as tasty and addictive as the chicken served at Murakami Shokudo.
Other than the fried chicken, you can also enjoy the laid-back atmosphere at the restaurant, which is located in a typical Japanese building.
Murakami Shokudo
Address: 2040-6 Honyabakeimachi Sogi, Nakatsu 871-0202, Oita, Japan
6. Visit Japan's Machu Picchu in the mountains of Usa
If Peru is famous for its Machu Picchu, Oita is also known for its own Machu Picchu. Visit this point of interest and you may be able to compare it to the Machu Picchu in Peru and see which one you like better. There is only one Machu Picchu in Japan and it can be found in the mountains of Usa, thus the name Machu Picchu Usa. Once you get to Machu Picchu Usa, you will tell the resemblance with Peru’s Machu Picchu, from the cone-shaped mountains, the ruins and the terraced rice paddies. From this point of view, you can also feel the difference in the air you are breathing. Since you are surrounded by the mountains, the air feels fresh.
Machu Picchu Usa
Address: Innaimachi Nishishiiya, Usa, Oita 872-0464, Japan
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
7. Make a wish at Usa Jingu Shrine
Built in the 8th century right on the base of Kunisaki Peninsula, Usa Jingu Shrine is one of the most beautiful Shinto shrines in Oita. Enjoy lush greenery as you are walking the pathway that will bring you to the main hall of the Hachiman-zukuri style shrine. The complex of the shrine is quite big that it consists of the upper shrine complex and the lower shrine complex. Other than the main hall that has been regarded as a national treasure, you need to also make a stop at Kurehashi, a uniquely beautiful bridge that is famous for its thatched roof. In the western part of the shrine, you can enjoy a large pond that is packed with lotus plants that provide a pleasant view. Do not forget to make a wish at this shrine.
Usa Jingu Shrine
Address: 2859 Minamiusa, Usa, Oita 872-0102, Japan
Website: Usa Jingu Shrine
Opening hours: 5:30am - 9pm (daily)
Price: Free
8. Step back into the 1950s at Showa Town
Visit Showa Town and let yourself be taken back to the 1950s. As you are strolling around Showa Town, you will enjoy the bustling shopping streets and indulge in a calm atmosphere. Retro signboards and rows of buildings are the most prominent features of this town. You will also find a unique sign in every store saying, “one treasure for one shop”, which means that every store in the area has its own story to tell. It is your job to find out what the story is.
Showa Town
Address: Showa Town, Oita, Japan
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
9. Indulge your anime love at Totoro Bus Stop
Japan is famous for a lot of things, like sake, wasabi, udon and of course, anime. You must be familiar with all those anime movies on your TV screen or on the internet. While traveling in Oita, you can indulge in your anime love at Totoro Bus Stop. Situated in a little village in Ume area, this bus stop is quite different from the rest of the bus stops and it has become a tourist attraction because of its anime theme. The bus stop is no longer in use, so you can take your time admiring the bus stop before moving on to another attraction.
Totoro Bus Stop
Address: Ume Oaza Minamitabaru, Saiki, Oita 879-3302, Japan
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
10. Have fun with Hello Kitty at Harmony Land
Super fans of the beloved character of Hello Kitty shouldn’t have to wonder about what to see in Oita as there is Harmony Land, a special theme park dedicated to the cute and lovable cat. While Harmony Land suits young children and Hello Kitty fans, you still can enjoy your time because it features rides with a Hello Kitty theme and numerous live shows that are performed daily.
The theme park is even more magical during festive seasons like Halloween and Christmas.
Harmony Land
Address: 5933 Fujiwara, Hiji, Hayami District, Oita 879-1598, Japan
Website: Harmony Land
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 5pm; Sat - Sun: 10am - 7pm
Price: 2400 JPY (22 USD)
11. Enjoy shochu brews at Iichiko Hita Distillery
Japanese sake is a must-try when you are visiting Japan. When in Oita, you can try the famous shochu brews by making a stop at Iichiko Hita Distillery, a factory that produces sake from scratch. You can gain insights into how sake is developed by using malt until it is brewed. After enjoying the whole development process, you can enjoy the shochu brews and bring some to be enjoyed back home once you have left Oita.
Iichiko Hita Distillery
Address: 810-1 Nishiarita, Hita, Oita 877-0000, Japan
Website: Iichiko Hita Distillery
Opening hours: 10am - 4pm (closed on Tue)
12. Savor traditional Japanese sweets at Kikuya
If shochu brews are a must-try, Japanese sweets are a must-try as well. Make your stomach happy and indulge in sweetness by ordering what you like, from pancakes and puddings to cookies and chocolate drinks, all these can be found at Kikuya. You can either visit the eatery directly or order your favorites online.
Kikuya
Address: 1 Chome-6-18 Funaimachi, Oita, 870-0021, Japan
Website: Kikuya
Opening hours: 9:30am - 9:30pm (daily)
Price: 999 JPY (9 USD)
13. Stroll through the historic castle town of Kitsuki
You should also stroll through the historic castle town of Kitsuki and let its charm take your breath away temporarily. Nestled in the southern part of Kunisaki Peninsula, Kitsuki is famous for its two samurai districts located on the northern part and southern part. Together, they surround the commercial district in the middle. What can you enjoy as soon as you step foot into Kitsuki? A lot of things. The samurai residences are open to the public and of course, a must-visit. As you are exploring the samurai residences, you can gain insight into how they lived their lives back then. You can also visit Kitsuki Castle, which is claimed to be the smallest castle in Japan, by paying the admission fee.
Kitsuki
Address: Kitsuki, Oita, Japan
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
14. Soak in the hot springs at Kamado Jigoku
It was briefly mentioned before that Oita has one of the best hot spring resorts in Japan, and this place is called Beppu. Here, you can enjoy steaming in ‘hell’ by paying a visit to Kamado Jigoku, which literally translates to ‘Cooking Pot Hell’, in English. The largest amount of hot water can be enjoyed at various hells of Kamado Jigoku. Choose your favorite hell and soak right into it. You will feel fresh right away.
Kamado Jigoku
Address: 874-0840 Oita, Beppu, Japan
Website: Kamado Jigoku
Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 400 JPY (4 USD)
15. Tour the hot spring paradise of Beppu Hachiyu
After enjoying your time soaking in one of the hells of Kamado Jigoku, you now have the energy to continue your journey in Oita. It would be worth touring the hot spring paradise of Beppu Hachiyu. Other than Kamado Jigoku, there are plenty of other hot springs that you can also enjoy. Or, simply just tour the city. You will see plenty of fumes rising to the sky, which comes from all the hot springs across the city.
Beppu Hachiyu
Address: Oita, Japan
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
16. Stop for hell-steamed pudding at Okamotoya Ryokan
Still related to hell, aren’t you curious about a dessert called hell-steamed pudding? It is absolutely a must to indulge in this hell-steamed pudding by making a stop at Okamotoya Ryokan. Do not worry about bad ingredients being put in the dessert. It is just that the ingredients used to make the pudding are steamed in the vapor of the hot springs, making it a mouthwatering dessert.
Okamotoya Ryokan
Address: 874-0843 Oita, Beppu, Myoban, Japan
Website: Okamotoya Ryokan
Opening hours: 8:30am - 6:30pm (daily)
Price: 260 JPY (2 USD)
17. Watch marine animal shows at Umitamago
Your vacation in Oita will not be complete without some amusing entertainment from the animals, particularly marine animals. For the best marine animal shows in Oita, you need to visit Umitamago, an aquarium that is designed to make you feel as if you were really underwater. You will see some of the biggest water tanks along with all of the marine inhabitants. But, the main features of this aquarium are the dolphin and walrus shows. Watch them perform skillfully to entertain visitors.
Umitamago
Address: 3078 22 Kanzaki, Oita, Japan
Website: Umitamago
Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 1950 JPY (18 USD)
18. Enjoy wonderful views from Kokonoe Yume Otsurihashi Bridge
Kokonoe Yume Otsurihashi Bridge may not be for those who are afraid of height, but you have come to Oita to experience an unforgettable vacation. So, you need to find a way to overcome the fear to be able to get the lofty views of Oita’s countryside. For those who do not have any problem with heights, you will find this suspension bridge to be interesting. As you are walking on the bridge, you will have the sensation of walking in the sky. The spectacular views that you’ll get admire from high above include the valley, two waterfalls and the beautiful Naruko River.
Kokonoe Yume Otsurihashi Bridge
Address: Tano, Kokonoe, Kusu District, Oita 879-4911, Japan
Website: Kokonoe Yume Otsurihashi Bridge
Opening hours: 8:30am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 500 JPY (5 USD)
19. Camp in the scenic wilderness of Aso Kuju National Park
Now it is time for some outdoor activities right in the middle of nature itself. Camp out in the scenic wilderness of Aso Kuju National Park. Surrounded by the magnificent Mount Aso, this national park is blessed with vast grasslands in which you can set up camp. The good news is, just like many other national parks in Japan, you can camp out for free at any time. There are no closing and opening hours and no entrance fees.
Aso Kuju National Park
Address: Tano, Kokonoe, Kusu District, Oita 879-4911, Japan
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
20. Soothe your travel fatigue at Sujiyu Hot Spring
Relaxing in one hot spring or another is a highly recommended activity in Japan, especially because you may feel tired after exploring all the attractions. Soothe your fatigue by enjoying an onsen at Sujiyu Hot Spring. You can enjoy a public footbath facility that is located near the river. The footbath is free to the public, but for other onsen facilities, you may be required to pay. After the foot onsen, you can take a walk along the river.
Sujiyu Hot Spring
Address: Yutsubo, Kokonoe, Kusu District, Oita 879-4912, Japan
Website: Sujiyu Hot Spring
Opening hours: 6am - 9:30pm (daily)
Price: Free
21. Enjoy a bubbly soak in Shichirida Hot Spring Shimoyu
Another hot spring facility that you need to try is the one in Taketa, called Shichirida Hot Spring Shimoyu. Here, you can enjoy the footbath and the usual onsen. But, you may be interested in enjoying a bubbly soak instead. All the fatigue will leave your body immediately, it is a guarantee.
Shichirida Hot Spring Shimoyu
Address: 878-0202 Oita, Taketa, Japan
Website: Shichirida Hot Spring Shimoyu
Opening hours: 9am - 9pm (daily)
Price: 300 JPY (3 USD)
22. Plunge into the open-air baths of Nagayu Onsen
As if all the other onsen facilities that were previously discussed were not enough, you should also try another one that promises an incredible bathing experience. This one is quite different because it is an open-air bath, which means that anyone who passes by the onsen can see you inside the hot spring. This should be fun and pleasant. So, you have to plunge into the open-air baths of Nagayu Onsen, which are believed to be the most carbonated hot springs in Japan. There is no use of chlorine, only the free-flowing spring water. As a bonus, you get to also enjoy the beautiful views of the surrounding.
Nagayu Onsen
Address: 8045 Naoirimachi Oaza Nagayu, Taketa, Oita 878-0402, Japan
Website: Nagayu Onsen
Opening hours: 9am - 5:30pm (daily)
Price: Free
23. Visit the spectacular 'water curtain' of Hakusui Dam
Just look at the picture of Hakusui Dam, what does it remind you of? Something like a curtain, right? This is exactly the reason you need to visit Hakusui Dam, which is famous for its spectacular ‘water curtain’. Constructed in 1938 on Ono River, Hakusui Dam’s purpose is to control the flow of the river. But, apparently, the beauty of the dam attracts a lot of tourists from around the world.
Hakusui Dam
Address: 878-0571 Oita, Taketa, Japan
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
24. Check out the historic ruins of Usuki Castle
Tucked away on the coast of Oita atop a small island called Niyuujima, Usuki Castle served as the defense base for Otomo Sorin who controlled a large part of Kyushu in the 1500s, thanks to the vertical cliffs of the surrounding. Now, the castle, with all of its ruins, has become a tourist attraction in Oita.
Usuki Castle
Address: 875-0041 Oita, Usuki, Japan
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
25. Enjoy quality Seki mackerel in Saganoseki
Seki mackerel is regarded as the finest quality among other mackerels in the country and Oita has just the right place for you to crunch on it. Find your way to Saganoseki town and you will find a lot of restaurants that serve Seki mackerel in various combinations. A little bit about Seki mackerel: it is the kind of fish that inhabits the currents of Seto Island Sea and the Pacific Ocean, and they are located just off the coast of Saganoseki. That is why Saganoseki boasts its superb Seki mackerel.
Saganoseki
Address: Oita, 879-2201, Japan
Opening hours: vary
Price: varies
26. Visit the marvelous Usuki Stone Buddhas
You will never see so many Buddha statues in any other place other than at Usuki Stone Buddhas. Along the 5-km (3.1-mile) cliff off the southwest of Usuki’s city center, you can make a pilgrimage to the Buddha statues that have various sizes. What is unique about the Buddha statues is that they are carved out of stone, not metal or wood. In Japan, you will rarely see stone Buddha statues. The whole pilgrimage takes approximately half an hour.
Usuki Stone Buddhas
Address: 804-1 Fukata, Usuki, Oita 875-0064, Japan
Website: Usuki Stone Buddhas
Opening hours: 6am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 540 JPY (5 USD)
27. Watch the sunset at the famous Matama Beach
Last but not least, you need to watch the sunset and enjoy the spectacular views at Matama Beach. The beach is among the top locations to see the sunset. The views are just indescribable. You do not need to swim on the beach, just come here for an unbeatable sunset viewing.
Matama Beach
Address: Usuno, Bungotakada, Oita 872-1107, Japan
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
Visit Oita for a wonderful vacation in Japan
Now, you may have realized that Japan is more than just Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka. Oita, for example, offers plenty of amazing attractions that are worth visiting. For your next vacation, embark on some of the abovementioned best things to do in Oita Prefecture and have a wonderful holiday in Japan.
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