Oita

Travel 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

When in Miyakomachi, you can plan a visit to JR Oita City and Funai Castle, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

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

Niagemachi

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

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

Nagahamamachi
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Tsurusaki

While Tsurusaki isn't home to many top sights, Oita Big Eye Stadium and JR Oita City are some notable places to visit nearby.

Tsurusaki
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Senzai

Senzai might not have many top sights, but Oita Big Eye Stadium and JR Oita City are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Senzai
JR KYUSHU HOTEL Blossom Oita
JR KYUSHU HOTEL Blossom Oita
3.5 out of 5
1-14 Kaname machi, Oita, Oita
The price is CA $109 per night from Dec. 8 to Dec. 9
CA $109
CA $120 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 8 - Dec 9
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Oita. Enjoy free WiFi, hot springs on site, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (859 reviews)
"a great hotel located in a convenience location. Walking distance from JR train station. Room is clean n big. Would be great if you can have an English name of the hotel at the ground floor entrance as it took us some time to find the hotel."

Reviewed on Oct. 31, 2024

JR KYUSHU HOTEL Blossom Oita
Hotel MyStays Oita
Hotel MyStays Oita
3 out of 5
1-32 Niage-machi, Oita, Oita-ken
The price is CA $38 per night from Dec. 1 to Dec. 2
CA $38
CA $42 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 1 - Dec 2
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Oita. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"The automatic doors at the entrance didn’t work at times so I had to call the staff twice"

Reviewed on Oct. 15, 2024

Hotel MyStays Oita
Hotel Nikko Oita Oasis Tower
Hotel Nikko Oita Oasis Tower
4 out of 5
2-48 Takasagocho, Oita, Oita-ken
The price is CA $90 per night from Dec. 1 to Dec. 2
CA $90
CA $109 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 1 - Dec 2
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Oita. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (678 reviews)
"Staff at Nikko were courteous and helpful: room service is thorough; receptionists speak very good English. We would like to especially thank Bianca for her extra effort in helping us. Very happy with our stay."

Reviewed on Apr. 29, 2024

Hotel Nikko Oita Oasis Tower
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.
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 laundry facilities. Popular attractions JR Oita City and Takegawara Onsen are located ...
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 Feb. 16, 2024

KANTAN
BETTEI
BETTEI
4.5 out of 5
3-20, Oita, Oita
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury apartment in Oita. Enjoy free WiFi, hot springs on site, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions JR Oita City and Uenogaoka ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)
Nice place
"We had a great time visiting our daughter and Oita. The place was about a 15 minute walk from the train station. It was roomie. Was nice inside as well. We would stay there again in the future."

Reviewed on Jun. 19, 2024

BETTEI
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, in-room soaking tubs, and slippers. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (105 reviews)
"I enjoyed staying here, but there are some things that can be improved. The air filter in the bathroom had not been cleared in a really long time, if ever. No one has dusted behind the TV in quite some time. I stayed for two weeks, but was only given 1 role of toilet paper and a meager amount of ..."

Reviewed on Jul. 1, 2024

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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