Oita

Travel Guide

Oita
Oita
Oita
Oita
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

Default Image

Miyakomachi

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

Miyakomachi
Default Image

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
Default Image

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
Default Image

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
Default Image

Hada

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

Hada
JR KYUSHU HOTEL Blossom Oita
JR KYUSHU HOTEL Blossom Oita
4 out of 5
1-14 Kaname machi, Oita, Oita
The price is P9,895 per night from 18 Apr to 19 Apr
P9,895
P10,884 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 18 - Apr 19
Stay at this 4-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! (966 reviews)
"An excellent hotel for self-driving tourists."

Reviewed on Mar 28, 2025

JR KYUSHU HOTEL Blossom Oita
Art Hotel Oita
Art Hotel Oita
3 out of 5
2-1-7 Miyako-Machi, Oita, Oita
The price is P1,754 per night from 6 Apr to 7 Apr
P1,754
P1,930 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 6 - Apr 7
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Oita. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (662 reviews)
"It was a wonderful hotel"

Reviewed on Jan 28, 2025

Art Hotel Oita
Hotel AreaOne Oita
Hotel AreaOne Oita
3 out of 5
Funaimachi 3-3-7, Oita
The price is P1,593 per night from 6 Apr to 7 Apr
P1,593
P1,928 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 6 - Apr 7
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Oita. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions JR Oita City and Umitamago are located ...
7.8/10 Good! (419 reviews)
"Did the job. Comfortable bed and sufficient shower."

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2024

Hotel AreaOne Oita
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.
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 Umitamago ...
9/10 Wonderful! (4 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
Resort Stay Spa Tsurumi
Resort Stay Spa Tsurumi
4 out of 5
23 Kumi, Beppu, Oita
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Beppu. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and hot springs on site. Popular attractions African Safari and Hells of Beppu ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (41 reviews)
"Stay away from this hotel: no person in the front desk; the heat was not working (-2 Celsius); no one answered the phone for customer service … worst nightmare for my stay in a foreign country that only a few persons speak English. I will try to dispute the charges for my stay. I was disappointed ..."

Reviewed on Feb 10, 2025

Resort Stay Spa Tsurumi
Beppu nagomi
Beppu nagomi
3 out of 5
9-6 Noguchi Motomachi, Beppu, Oita
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Beppu. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Takegawara Onsen and Umitamago are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (7 reviews)
"Nice place. And super clean!!!"

Reviewed on Mar 1, 2025

Beppu nagomi
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do