Top 5 Must-Visit Attractions in Oita

Discover Oita’s best spots – from healing hot springs to magical countryside, these five locations will make you fall in love with Japan’s hidden gem.

Beppu – 別府: Beppu Hot Springs Wonderland

When people talk about Oita, the first place that comes to mind is Beppu. Known as one of the top hot spring areas in the world, Beppu boasts over 2,000 onsen sources. That’s not a typo – over two thousand! The city is divided into eight major onsen districts, collectively known as the “Beppu Hatto.” Each has its own style and benefits, from mud baths to sand baths to steam baths.

The famous “Hells of Beppu” (Jigoku Meguri) is a must-see experience. These are not for bathing, but rather for viewing – vibrant blue, red, or boiling springs that show off the geothermal power bubbling beneath the earth. It’s a mix of science, nature, and art, all in one steamy display.

Don’t miss the chance to soak in a traditional open-air bath with a view of the ocean. Beppu takes relaxation seriously – it’s the kind of place where your stress melts away with the steam.

If you’re looking for a cool way to bring the onsen experience home, check out the Beppu Onsen Mist Spray – a portable skincare product using actual mineral water from Beppu’s hot springs. It’s like carrying a mini spa in your bag.

Yufuin – 湯布院: A Scenic Town Straight Out of a Painti

Just an hour from Beppu by train lies Yufuin, a cozy town nestled between mountains and rice fields. While it’s also an onsen town, the vibe is totally different – more peaceful, artsy, and perfect for a stroll. You’ll find little art museums, cafes with handmade desserts, and shops selling locally made crafts.

The backdrop of Mount Yufu (Yufudake) makes everything look like a postcard. In the morning, a thin mist often rolls across the fields, adding a magical feeling to your walk. The town’s main street is lined with souvenir shops, but there’s more than just shopping – try Yufuin’s milk pudding or freshly made soba noodles.

Lake Kinrinko is the town’s center of peace. Early in the morning, steam rises from the water, creating a calm and dreamlike scene. Sit on a bench with a hot drink and let time slow down.

Yufuin is also a favorite spot for couples and solo travelers – it’s quiet, safe, and full of charm. If you’re after a trip that refreshes both your body and soul, Yufuin is it.

Kunisaki Peninsula – 国東半島: The Mysterious Land of Ancient Temples

If you’re craving something off the beaten path, head northeast to the Kunisaki Peninsula. This area is famous for Rokugo Manzan culture, a blend of Buddhism, Shintoism, and mountain worship that’s been practiced for over 1,000 years. It’s where religion and nature come together in powerful harmony.

Hiking through the forested mountains here often leads to temples carved into cliffs or hidden among giant cedar trees. The area feels sacred, like you’ve stepped back in time. Fukiji Temple, with its simple wooden structure and peaceful garden, is the oldest wooden building in Kyushu and a great place to reflect.

Another highlight is the Kumano Magaibutsu – huge stone Buddhas carved into a mountain wall. Just getting there is a mini adventure with a steep trail, but the view at the top is worth every step.

The Kunisaki area is rarely crowded, making it perfect for those who want a deep, quiet experience in nature. Bring hiking shoes, a curious spirit, and a camera – this is real rural Japan at its finest.

Usa Shrine – 宇佐神宮: A Power Spot With Over 1,200 Years of History

Forget Kyoto for a moment – one of Japan’s most important shrines is actually right here in Oita. Usa Jingu was built in the 8th century and is the head shrine of all Hachiman shrines in Japan (there are over 40,000 of them!). That’s serious spiritual influence.

The shrine grounds are massive, filled with ancient trees, quiet paths, and beautiful wooden buildings with unique architecture. Walking through it feels like entering a sacred forest – peaceful, grand, and mysterious all at once.

Locals visit for blessings in everything from safe travels to good exams to success in sports. It’s also a popular place for traditional Japanese weddings, so you might see couples in kimono walking through the gates.

Whether you’re spiritual or not, the calm and powerful energy of Usa Shrine is hard to ignore. Even just standing quietly in front of the main hall gives you a sense of something much bigger than yourself.

Oita Marine Palace Aquarium “Umitamago” – 大分マリーンパレス水族館うみたまご

Traveling with kids or just want something fun and light? Umitamago, Oita’s top aquarium, is a perfect half-day stop. It’s right next to Beppu Bay, and the view of the sea outside almost blends into the tanks inside.

You’ll find all the usual sea life like dolphins, seals, and jellyfish, but what makes Umitamago special is how interactive it is. You can touch starfish, feed sea lions, and watch dolphins perform against the backdrop of the ocean.

The building itself is sleek and modern, and it’s designed to feel open and spacious – even the penguins look like they’re enjoying the view. For families, couples, or solo explorers, it’s an easygoing spot that brings smiles to everyone’s faces.

And yes, there’s a café with fish-shaped donuts. Because why not?

Oita isn’t just a place – it’s a feeling. From the steamy comfort of Beppu’s onsen to the mystical calm of Kunisaki’s temples, each spot offers something real, raw, and unforgettable. Whether you’re a first-timer to Japan or looking to explore beyond the usual Tokyo-Kyoto route, Oita has depth, beauty, and a kind of quiet magic that stays with you.
With these top 5 spots, you can experience the very heart of Japan’s countryside – warm people, ancient history, stunning nature, and healing waters. It’s not flashy, but that’s the point. Oita invites you to slow down, take a breath, and truly connect.

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