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Handpicked highlights you can’t miss in Oita.
Three quintessential highlights of Oita!
• Beppu Jigoku Hells: Hot springs to look at, not bathe in! From the cobalt-blue “Sea Hell” to the crimson “Blood Pond Hell,” marvel at nature’s raw power.
• Yufuin: An artsy hot-spring town at the foot of Mt. Yufu. Stroll along Yunotsubo Street and Kinrin Lake for a calming, scenic walk.
• Kokonoe “Yume” Otsurihashi: One of Japan’s tallest pedestrian suspension bridges. Soak up a sweeping panorama that might make your knees wobble—in a good way.
Hot springs to see—not soak in! A circuit of otherworldly geothermal wonders.
Feel the Earth breathe—an all-senses spectacle!
Tour the hot springs that have been gushing for over a thousand years: the cobalt-blue Umi Jigoku (Sea Hell), the crimson Chinoike Jigoku (Blood Pond Hell), and more. These seven “hells” are designated Places of Scenic Beauty by the Japanese government.
◆ Don’t miss: Steam-cooked treats like silky pudding and hot-spring eggs.
◆ Fun fact: Oniyama Jigoku runs a crocodile enclosure warmed by hot-spring heat. Why crocs in a hell? Because Beppu can.
◆ Access: About 20 min by bus from JR Beppu Station. Get off at “Umi Jigoku-mae” or “Kannawa.”
An artsy hot-spring town under Mt. Yufu—perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Morning mist drifting over the lake—pure magic.
Named for fish scales shimmering gold at sunset, Kinrin Lake is warmed year-round by a mix of hot springs and fresh water bubbling up from the lakebed. The 800 m Yunotsubo Street is lined with chic boutiques, cafés, and dessert shops—ideal for a slow wander.
◆ Don’t miss: The ethereal mist that rises from the lake’s surface on autumn and winter mornings.
◆ Fun fact: With so many sweets and snacks en route, your belly and wallet may be empty by the time you reach the lake.
◆ Access: About 20 min on foot from JR Yufuin Station to Kinrin Lake.
Among Japan’s tallest—an airy skywalk with 360° views.
Heart-thumping height, jaw-dropping scenery.
Stretching 390 m long and 173 m high, this pedestrian-only suspension bridge is built to hold 2,800 adults at once. From the bridge, you can view Shindo-no-taki (a “Top 100 Waterfalls of Japan” selection) and the famous autumn leaves of Kyusuikei valley.
◆ Don’t miss: A section of the floor is metal mesh—look straight down if you dare!
◆ Fun fact: There’s an observation deck and local burgers waiting across the bridge.
◆ Access: About 25 min by car from Kyushu Expressway Kokonoe IC.
The head shrine of more than 40,000 Hachiman shrines nationwide—a powerhouse of spiritual sites.
Ritual etiquette: “Two bows, four claps, one bow.”
Revered by the Imperial Family and second only to Ise Grand Shrine in status, Usa Jingu features a magnificent complex of vermilion buildings including a National Treasure main hall. The enshrined deities are the triad of Hachiman-Okami (Emperor Ojin), Hime-Okami, and Empress Jingu.
◆ Don’t miss: The “Meoto-ishi” (married couple stones) for romance and the “Wish-granting Jizo” said to oblige one wish in a lifetime.
◆ Fun fact: The arched Kurebashi bridge—normally reserved for imperial envoys—opens to the public only once a decade.
◆ Access: About 10 min by bus from JR Usa Station.
Ride the caged Jungle Bus for up-close encounters with wildlife.
Feed lions—if you’re brave enough!
One of Japan’s largest safari parks, home to around 1,400 animals of 70 species. Tour by your own car or hop on the signature Jungle Bus to hand-feed lions, giraffes, and even elephants through the mesh.
◆ Don’t miss: Watching a lion’s massive jaws up close—thrilling for adults too.
◆ Fun fact: In the petting area, meet kangaroos and squirrel monkeys for hands-on fun.
◆ Access: About 15 min by car from Beppu IC. Buses also run from JR Beppu Station.
A new-wave aquarium designed to help you “befriend” marine animals.
Immersive and artful—feel like you’re under the sea.
Facing Beppu Bay, Umitamago pairs lively animal performances with artful exhibits. Don’t miss the comical walrus show and the powerful dolphin performances. The design evokes a submerged world you can enjoy just by walking through.
◆ Don’t miss: The coral mega-tank, glittering with natural light from above—like a jewelry box under the sea.
◆ Fun fact: Right next door is Takasakiyama, famous for wild monkeys. See sea life and mountain wildlife in a single day.
◆ Access: About 15 min by bus from JR Beppu Station.
Observe wild Japanese macaques up close—monkey society in motion.
Who’s the boss? Peek into primate politics.
On 628 m Mt. Takasaki, about 1,000 wild macaques are provisioned, with two troops descending in shifts each day. Watch them groom, squabble, and play—eerily reminiscent of human society.
◆ Don’t miss: Feeding time at the “gathering place,” when monkeys flood in at once. In winter, you might see huddling “monkey dumplings.”
◆ Fun fact: Boss monkeys get quirky names—one was called “Benz.” Check who’s in charge now!
◆ Access: About 15 min by bus from JR Beppu Station—right across from Umitamago.
Masterpieces from the Heian–Kamakura eras—Japan’s only rock-carved Buddhas designated as National Treasures.
1,000 years on—the serene smile of stone.
Over 60 Buddhist figures are carved into tuff cliffs, 59 of which became Japan’s first rock-carved National Treasures. Their calm, noble expressions soothe all who gaze upon them.
◆ Don’t miss: The dignified Dainichi Nyorai of the Furuzono group, hailed as one of Japan’s finest Buddhist sculptures.
◆ Fun fact: Who made them, when, and why? Much remains a mystery surrounding these enigmatic icons.
◆ Access: About 20 min by bus from JR Usuki Station.
“Little Kyoto of Kyushu”—streets preserving the Edo-period atmosphere.
A retro stroll like slipping into the Edo period.
As a shogunate domain (Tenryo), Hita thrived in the Edo era. In Mamedamachi, many merchant houses and storehouses remain. Utility poles are buried to preserve the scenic townscape—perfect for kimono rentals and walks.
◆ Don’t miss: Local eats like Hita Mabushi and crispy Hita Yakisoba.
◆ Fun fact: Hita is famous for wooden geta clogs—enjoy the “karan-koron” sound as you stroll.
◆ Access: About 15 min on foot from JR Hita Station.
Dramatic gorge of fantastical rock formations—home to a hand-carved tunnel.
Chiseled by hand—30 years with only hammer and chisel.
Among Japan’s “New Three Scenic Spots,” Yabakei is famed for monk Zenkai who carved the Ao no Domon tunnel through sheer rock to make a treacherous pass safe. His story inspired the novel “Onshu no Kanata ni” by Kikuchi Kan.
◆ Don’t miss: You can still see the hand-hewn marks and skylights—testament to determination and compassion.
◆ Fun fact: Cycling paths are well maintained—visit in autumn for stunning foliage.
◆ Access: About 30 min by bus from JR Nakatsu Station.
Top-grade fish raised by the swift currents of the Bungo Channel.
Royalty of fish—taste and texture that reign supreme.
Caught one by one on single lines off Saganoseki, these horse mackerel and mackerel earn the prestigious Seki brand only when landed by members of the Oita Fishery Cooperative (Saganoseki Branch). The swift currents produce firm flesh with delicate fat.
◆ Don’t miss: Best enjoyed as sashimi—clean, refined flavor.
◆ Fun fact: To keep them pristine, fishers avoid touching the catch with bare hands before live wells—VIP treatment from sea to plate.
◆ Access: Find them at traditional restaurants and sushi bars across Oita City.
In Aso-Kuju National Park—vast sky and sweeping grasslands.
Big-sky scenery with unobstructed views.
Overlook the Kuju mountain range from 1,000 m plateaus. Driving the Yamanami Highway feels like Hokkaido or the Swiss Alps. Enjoy trekking, horseback riding, and more.
◆ Don’t miss: Kuju Flower Park explodes with color—about 5 million blooms across 500 species through the seasons.
◆ Fun fact: Try rich soft-serve from G Jersey cows—a must on highland drives.
◆ Access: About 50 min by car from Kyushu Expressway Kokonoe IC.
Wild and open-air—riverside baths scattered along the stream.
Soak to the sound of the river—pure open-air bliss.
Mentioned in the 8th-century Bungo Fudoki, Amagase has a 1,300-year history. Five public open-air baths sit along the Kusu River, with only simple changing spaces—the rustic charm is catnip for onsen lovers.
◆ Don’t miss: Tubs right beside the river deliver a one-with-nature experience.
◆ Fun fact: The openness means you may be visible from across the bank—bring a bit of boldness.
◆ Access: Communal baths spread within walking distance from JR Amagase Station.
Tour a brewery powered by the famed waters of the “Water City.”
Finish with fresh-draught tastings.
Guided tours walk you through the brewing process and Hita’s obsession with water quality. The on-site restaurant serves brewery classics like jingisukan (grilled mutton) and Hita specialties.
◆ Don’t miss: Two complimentary tastings—fresh Black Label and Yebisu.
◆ Fun fact: Non-alcoholic beer and soft drinks are provided for drivers and minors.
◆ Access: About 5 min by car from Hita IC. Free shuttle buses run from JR Hita Station.
Trace perfume history and craft your very own signature scent.
Turn your trip memories into a personal perfume.
A rare museum dedicated to the world of fragrance (part of Beppu University), showcasing the history of scent and exquisite perfume-bottle collections. Create a full-fledged perfume under a professional perfumer’s guidance.
◆ Don’t miss: The most popular hands-on class—choose from many essences to craft a one-of-a-kind fragrance.
◆ Fun fact: Scents favored by Cleopatra and Marie Antoinette are recreated—channel your inner queen.
◆ Access: About 10 min on foot from JR Beppu Daigaku Station.
A natural fortress built by Christian daimyo Otomo Sorin—now a beloved cherry-blossom park.
Springtime turns the park into a sea of blossoms.
Once perched on Niujima—an island in Usuki Bay—the castle cleverly used natural topography. Today the grounds are a public park with a museum on Otomo Sorin in the honmaru (main bailey).
◆ Don’t miss: About 800 cherry trees bloom in spring; evening illuminations are enchanting.
◆ Fun fact: See a replica of Japan’s first imported Portuguese cannon—the Furanki.
◆ Access: About 10 min on foot from JR Usuki Station.
A family favorite in summer—famous for its natural waterfall “slide.”
A natural waterslide for kids and grown-ups alike.
A two-tiered cascade where the lower fall glides over a single gentle rock face. In summer, crowds flock to “ride” the slab, a tradition cherished since the Edo era by poets and artists who visited.
◆ Don’t miss: The broad pool at the base is perfect for splashing and relaxing—nature’s own swimming hole.
◆ Fun fact: Bring a float or sturdy plastic sheet for sliding—your backside will thank you.
◆ Access: About 20 min by car from Kyushu Expressway Kokonoe IC.
About 10 minutes to the 1,375 m summit of Mt. Tsurumi.
Beppu city and steam plumes—panorama from above.
One of western Japan’s largest gondolas (capacity 101) glides up Mt. Tsurumi in minutes. Gaze over Beppu Bay and even as far as Shikoku on clear days. Mt. Tsurumi is an active volcano with several visible old craters near the top.
◆ Don’t miss: Seasonal spectacles—pink Miyama-kirishima azaleas in spring, cool breezes in summer, fiery foliage in autumn, and rime ice in winter.
◆ Fun fact: A “Seven Lucky Gods” pilgrimage awaits around the summit.
◆ Access: About 20 min by bus from JR Beppu Station.
The Ichinomiya (top shrine) of old Bungo Province—welcomed by a 3,000-year-old camphor tree.
In the hush of the forest—feel ancient life stirring.
Said to be founded in 827, Yusuhara Hachimangu is famed for warding off misfortune and granting victory. Long revered as a key Hachiman shrine after Usa Jingu, it draws devoted worshippers from across Kyushu.
◆ Don’t miss: The camphor tree, over 3,000 years old and a National Natural Monument—its presence is overwhelming.
◆ Fun fact: Look for exotic motifs—white elephants and blue dragons—carved around the main hall.
◆ Access: About 20 min by car from Oita Station.