Spots in Oita Area

  • Beppu Jigoku Meguri (Hot Springs Tour)
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    4.0
    1666 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Oita Pref. Beppushi Kannawa 559-1
    For over a thousand years, the gasses, hot mud, and boiling waters erupting from beneath the area from Kanawa to Kamegawa have led it to being called the Jigoku (Hells) of Beppu. In 2009, four hot springs, Umi (Sea) Jigoku, Chinoike (Blood Pond) Jigoku, Tatsumaki Jigoku, and Shiraike (White Pond) Jigoku were designated as National Places of Scenic Beauty. Visiting these four hot springs in addition to three other famous ones is fun and enjoyable. In addition to hot spring eggs (slow boiled in hot spring waters), hell-themed souvenirs such as Chinoike ointment, and Enman no Yu (bath salts) are popular to take home and give to friends. A 15-minute drive by car from JR Beppu Station.

    We did the beppu hells as a day trip from Fukuoka. Public transport was easy enough to navigate. The first 2 hells were underwhelming and their aquarium and crocodile displays were, in my opinion...

  • Umi Jigoku
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    4.0
    766 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Oita Pref. Beppushi Kannawa 559-1
    Umi Jigoku boasts of being the largest among the Beppu Jigoku hot springs. The beautiful cobalt blue color is due to iron sulphate in the hot spring water. Royal water lilies and tropical water lilies are cultivated using the heat from the hot spring and the flowers will be at their best from early May until early November. At the Bon Festival event, lower grade elementary school children (up to 20 kilograms) can get on the leaves of the royal water lilies that float in the pond. There is also a footbath. The hot spring has been designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty.

    The large and main place of hell jigoku have many interesting place in here. If you have less time around here. This place in the one that you must select.

  • Suginoi Hotel Acquabeat
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    4.0
    1124 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Oita Pref. Beppushi Kankaiji 1
    An indoor pool facility open in the summer adjoining the Suginoi Hotel in Kankaiji, Beppu City. Attractions include a wave pool, water slides, “water jungle gym,” Mystery Dork cavern to explore, and water balls. There’s also a kids’ pool. Modeled after a south seas resort, visitors can also relax on provided beach chairs.

    The hotel is situated at the hill with an amazing view of Beppu City and Beppu Bay. The onsen and the heated pool are great with great views. It is so nice seeing the sunrise while relaxing in the...

  • Oita Marine Palace Aquarium Umitamago
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    4.5
    422 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Oita Pref. Oitashi Kanzaki Uto 3078 - 22
    A large aquarium located in Oita City, Oita Prefecture next to Takasakiyama Nature Zoo, famed for its Japanese macaque exhibit. Designed around the theme of an aquarium where visitors can make friends with the animals, Umitamago is filled with exhibits and attractions which let visitors experience sea and river life up close and personal, including aquariums which recreate natural environments, a variety of shows, and opportunities to get close and even touch animals. The aquarium’s giant tank, containing some 90 species and 1,500 individual sea creatures, is truly stunning. There’s also the popular and hilarious walrus show and the Asobeach play area, ensuring that Umitamago is fun for the whole family, from children to adults.

    My husband and I went to visit this aquarium while we were in Oita. It is a convenient bus ride out of town, about halfway to Beppu. We arrived just in time to see the show. it was so interesting...

  • Takegawara Onsen
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    4.0
    480 Reviews
    Accommodations / Hot Spring
    Oita Pref. Beppushi Motomachi 16-23
    A low-cost public hot spring facility operated by Beppu City. Originally erected in 1879, the current building was built in 1938. In the spa’s famous sand bath, visitors lie down in sand wearing a yukata robe, after which assistants cover you with sand heated by the site’s natural hot spring. Up to eight persons can use the sand bath at the same time. Wait times may grow long when the facility is busy. A 10-minute walk from JR Beppu Station.

    This place is very exceptional, it offers a very special sunna style, showing how the ancient Japanese used to apply sauna therapy, lying on a grassy ground and wearing a Japanese costume. Its a...

  • Takasakiyama Natural Zoological Garden
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    4.0
    343 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Oita Pref. Oitashi Kanzaki 3098-1
    Approximately a three-minute walk from the Takasakiyama bus stop, this zoo is located at the foot of Mt. Takasaki, with a distinctive shape reminiscent of a bell-shape. It is believed that wild monkeys lived in the area since at least around 1698 because of their description in documents from that time. The mayor of Oita City thought it could be used as a tourism resource and to prevent damage to agricultural crops in 1952, so they began to get gathered up with bait. There are currently two groups that have a total of 1,000 monkeys. In addition to being able to watch friendly monkeys up close, the potato feeding that happens twice a day is a must-see.

    Know that this zoo is up a mountain; however, they offer a tram to take you if you prefer not to walk up the mountain. They have signs not to bring food, and to watch your items. The monkeys can...

  • African Safari
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    4.5
    294 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Oita Pref. Usashi Ajimumachiminamihata 2-1755-1
    This is Kyushu’s only safari park and one of Japan’s largest, where 1,300 animals of 70 varieties are raised in conditions close to natural. There is an “animal zone” where visitors can observe lions and tigers from a jungle bus or their own car, and a “petting zone” where one can do horse riding or pet small animals, allowing one to enjoy the various aspects and charms of the animals.

    It was a great half day experience there. We were given a tray of animals food to feed them including for kind ones like reindeers and fierce ones like bears and lions. Other than the safari tour...

  • Furuzono Stone Buddhas
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    4.5
    211 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Oita Usuki-shi Fukata
    "This collection of over 60 Buddhist statues carved out of a tuff rock wall forms the core of the Usuki Stone Buddhas and is a five-minute drive from the Usuki Interchange on the Higashikyushu Expressway. The statues are believed to have been created from the late Heian period to the Kamakura period. One of the best stone Buddhist statue groups in Japan in terms of size, quantity, and carving skill, the group's statue of Vairocana in particular is considered a masterpiece. In 1995, this statue was the first such stone Buddhist statue in the country to be designated a National Treasure. Also known as the ""13 Furuzono Buddhas,"" other nearby stone Buddhist statue groups include the first and second Hoki Stone Buddhas clusters, and the Sannosan Stone Buddhas."

    It is definitely worth visiting, or I rather say it is worth traveling to Kyushu to visit Usuki Stone Buddha. There are four different areas, you can see many statues of Buddha, which are engraved in...

  • Roadside Station Yufuin
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    3.5
    175 Reviews
    Transportation
    Oita Pref. Yufushi Yufuinchoukawakita 899-76
    A roadside station situated along National Route 210 in Kawakita, Yufuin-cho, Yufu City. Facilities include a shop selling local agricultural and specialty products like yuzu citrus pepper, a condiment said to have been invented in Oita; and a takeout corner which sells soft serve ice cream, toriten chicken tempura, and Yufu Koro croquettes which were developed in conjunction with Yufu High School. The station’s restaurant serves rice bowls topped with Japanese beef and soba noodles made with Yufuin buckwheat and hot spring water.

    大分自動車道 由布院インターを出てすぐ! 正面に見える立地条件の良い道の駅です! 地産地消の品揃えで農産物、お土産なども販売してます。

  • Lamune Onsen-kan
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    4.5
    209 Reviews
    Accommodations / Hot Spring
    Oita Taketa-shi Naoirimachi Nagayu 7676-2
    "This public bathhouse, which belongs to the Omaru Ryokan inn, can be reached by crossing the Seri River from the Nagayuyamawakisansaro Intersection and heading east a short distance. The bathhouse may be used by non-guests and is additionally adjoined by an art museum dedicated to artists connected to Nagayu Onsen such as Rikizo Takata and Yasunari Kawabata. Customers can enjoy indoor and outdoor baths filled with water from two different hot springs - a so-called ""ramune"" hot spring whose waters are said to treat high blood pressure and chronic skin diseases; and a hydrogen carbonate spring whose waters are said to treat cuts and burns. There's also a hot spring water drinking fountain, and drinking a suitable amount of this spring water is said to provide a variety of benefits."

    The temperature of this spa is 32 degree celsius. A bit low compared to usual hot springs. Warm seasons will be better to visit here than winter. The bubble spa is outside, because of CO2 generated...

  • Kuju Flower Park
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    4.0
    154 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Oita Pref. Taketashi Kujumachikuju 4050
    A flower garden located in Kujumachi, Taketa City, Oita Prefecture. The park’s spacious grounds, 800 meters above sea level, are filled with plants which flower throughout the year Some of the best times to visit include spring, when a carpet of mountain phlox cover the grounds as well as nemophila and tulips; summer, when the lavender blossom in profusion; and fall, when one million cosmos come into flower. Pets are also allowed in the park. In the park’s restaurant, visitors can enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet centering around delicious vegetable dishes as well as jingisukan (lamb barbecue). No reservation is required to take part in one of the park’s dry flower wreath-making classes.

    I suppose this place is a MUST visit during the flower bloom time which is in September, i was there in November and there are nothing much to see,except for an indoor area, but is a nice stroll...

  • Nakatsu Castle (Okudaira Clan Historical Museum)
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    4.0
    180 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Ninjitsu City, Oita Pref.
    Nakatsu Castle formed with fortification of the mouth of the Yamakunigawa River (currently the Takasegawa River) by Kuroda Kanbei. Since the fortress takes the shape of a folding fan, it also takes the name “Ogi Castle,” “ogi” meaning folding fan in Japanese. Following this, it was occupied by the Hosokawa, Ogasawara, and Okudaira clans. The castle tower was rebuilt in 1964 and now houses exhibits of swords, clothing and historical documents related to the Okudaira clan.

    Nakatsu Castle is, beside Fukuzawa Yukichi’s former residence, certainly the main tourist attraction in Nakatsu. However, the exhibit inside is much similar to that of other castles, and there is...

  • JR Oita City
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    4.0
    240 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Oita Oita-shi Kanamemachi 1-14
    This commercial complex, connected directly to JR Oita Station, is outfitted with a shopping mall, cinema, and hotel. In Amu Plaza Oita, you can enjoy restaurants and fashionable apparel shops, boutiques, and interior decoration stores. A popular new tourist destination where visitors can spend an entire fun-filled day, other facilities include the City Spa Tenku bathhouse, which offers a delightful view of downtown Oita City and Beppu Bay; and a rooftop square where seasonal trees and flowering plants are grown. The complex also offers rental event spaces and conference rooms.

    It is a complex of JR station and shopping facilities, such as Amu Plaza, Bungo Niwasaki Market etc. I remember that there was no such a beautiful station building as I went to Oita a few years ago...

  • Ryu Maki Jigoku
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    3.5
    221 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Oita Beppushi-shi Kamegawa Noda 782

    After travel to other jigoku, This is have small amphitheater for watching onsen geyser about 15-30 minute per round.

  • Ao-no-domon
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    4.0
    136 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Oita Pref. Nakatsushi Honyabakeimachisogi
    In the Edo period a Zenkai high priest who was grieved at men and horses losing their lives on the perilous road, spent 30 years carving out a tunnel with just chisel and hammer together with his masons. It is said that this tale was the basis of Kan Kikuchi’s novel “Beyond Love and Hate.” Even today, in one part of the tunnel the remaining marks of the chisel work can be seen.

    Ao Cave is well known thanks to the novel “Onshuno Kanatani”, written by Kikuchi Kan. The novel is based on a real story of a bonze who dug the tunnel for local people. I had expected a very...

  • Oita Prefectural Art Museum
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    4.0
    132 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Oita Pref. Oitashi Kotobukimachi 2-1
    "An art museum situated along Showa-dori Avenue in Kotobuki-machi, Oita City. The museum's collection spans some 5,000 items, including Bungo Nanga paintings which were flourishing in the Oita area from the late Edo through the Taisho periods; as well as examples of modern Japanese and Western style paintings, crafts, and contemporary art by artists affiliated with Oita. Dedicated to being a ""Museum of Encounters and of the Five Senses,"" the museum holds collection exhibitions as well as special exhibitions."

    Shigeru Ban’s pretty and pristine jewellery box in Oita. The layout is unconventional for an art museum where much of the space appears to be earmarked for public and community use. That’s on the...

  • Beppu Onsen Take to Tsubaki no Oyado Hana Beppu
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    4.5
    150 Reviews
    Accommodations / Hot Spring
    Oita Pref. Beppushi Kamitanoyumachi 16-50
    A hot spring hotel situated along Aoyama-dori Street in Kamitanoyu-machi, Beppu City. The hotel’s bathhouse has large bathing areas with outdoor baths and a reservation only family bath. The bathhouse is supplied by a sodium hydrogen carbonate spring whose waters are said to make the skin smooth and beautiful and also treat such ailments as cuts and chronic skin diseases. The women’s bathing area is outfitted with a micro bubble bath and a steam sauna. Visitors can also make use of the aesthetic treatment salon and services such as rental yukata robes in a variety of patterns.

    When I first stepped in I knew i would get what I paid for. Genuine welcoming smiles and postures from staffs. Very obliging to my requests - helped me don the beautiful Yukata and even walked me...

  • Sansou Murata
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    4.5
    122 Reviews
    Accommodations / Hot Spring
    Oita Pref. Yufushi Yufuinchoukawakami 1264-2
    This lodging facility in Yufuin, Oita Prefecture has select shops, restaurants and bars. It has the concept of doing all they can to satisfy customers and to value all encounters. The guest rooms are also distinctive and many are in renovated kominka (old houses) from the Meiji period (1868-1912) and Showa period (1926-1989). The facility offers a select menu of dishes with the most delicious seasonal ingredients. Its appeal is the ability to spend time surrounded by nature in the remote Yufuin basin. In addition, there is also good access to nearby tourist attractions and leisure facilities.

    I finally get the chance to stay in Sansou Murata with my mother once the pandemic has been treated as endemic. I book again this time for a few accommodations that I stayed in my 2019 trip, only...

  • Park Place Oita
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    4.0
    55 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Oita Pref. Oitashi Kouendorinishi 2-1
    This large-scale shopping mall has a movie theater and a rooftop garden. Inside you’ll find about 160 shops, from fashion to miscellaneous goods. There are plentiful facilities for kids and many services for parents, including a big playground, a kids’ space, baby rooms, and a nursing room. This makes the mall very popular with families with kids.

    全国の地方都市に多くある郊外型のAEON MALLです。市内中心部からのアクセスは車で15分程、近くにある住宅地へのバス便でも行くことができますが、バスの運賃は比較的高めのような気がします。周辺にはサッカーや昨年ラグビーワールドカップが行われた昭和電工ドームがあります。

  • Fuki-ji Temple
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    4.5
    110 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Oita Pref. Bungotakadashi Tashibufuki 2395
    A Tendai Buddhist temple standing silently along Prefectural Route 655 in Bungotakada City. Erected in the Heian period (794–1185) as a shrine in the Usa Jingu Shrine complex, the temple’s principle object of worship, a seated wooden figure of Amitabha Tathagatta, is designated an Important Cultural Property. Together with the Phoenix Hall at the Byodoin and the Golden Hall at the Chuson-ji Temple, the temple’s Great Hall is counted one of the three most outstanding halls devoted to an image of Amitabha in Japan. Designated a National Treasure, the Great Hall is also the oldest wooden structure in Kyushu. The Fukinotou inn adjoining the Great Hall for those looking to have a quiet and relaxing stay.

    Beautiful amazingly preserved temple, well not entirely - there are spots on the walls with graffiti made by local kids who used it as their playground in the 1950s but it makes it all the more...

Oita Areas

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A trip to Oita is tantamount to a long soak in the Beppu baths. The mountainous, coastal prefecture of Oita is renowned for having more onsen than any other prefecture in Japan, most of which lie in the city of Beppu on the west coast of Kyushu, recognizable by its pungent sulphuric aroma and the clouds of steam that puff up across the hillside. Away from the Beppu hot springs await mountains, waterfalls, and temples, so don’t hesitate to explore Oita a little further.

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