Ōita Prefecture: Nature, Cultural Heritage and Local Cuisine

Ōita Prefecture offers destinations for nature and culture enthusiasts, as well as for visitors looking for local cuisine and specific activities.

Nature, Trails and Activities

Ten nature parks together cover about a quarter of the prefecture’s area. In the Tadewara Wetland in Aso-Kuju National Park, the area was registered as a Ramsar wetland in 2005 together with Bogatsuru. The nearby Chōjabaru Visitor Center features nature exhibits and a high-resolution screen showing the four seasons of Kujū. Members of the 九重の自然を守る会 group lead nature observation activities in the wetland.

Cyclists will also find plenty to explore in Ōita: the prefecture highlights cycling routes and has set up bicycle stations along them, where you can stop and take a break. Check the latest route information when planning your trip. On the Kunisaki Peninsula, the Kunisaki Peninsula Minemichi Long Trail follows old pilgrimage routes used by monks for hundreds of years; along the way, you can enjoy views of the mountains and sea.

Another natural attraction is Harajiri Falls in Bungo-ono City. It is 120 meters wide and 20 meters high. You can cross the Takimibashi, walk around the waterfall and look down on it from above. If you are planning winter activities, consider the Kuju Forest Park Ski Resort for skiing and snowboarding. Before your trip, check whether it is scheduled to be open on your travel dates.

Cultural Heritage and Traditions

Several well-known cultural sites are designated National Treasures: the main sanctuary of Usa Jingū, the Great Hall of Fuki-ji and the Usuki Stone Buddhas. The Kunisaki Peninsula is also home to Rokugo Manzan, a 1,300-year-old syncretic religious culture that brings together Buddhism, Shintō and mountain worship. The peninsula is recognized as a heritage site for its agricultural systems and preserves unique farming traditions and a rural landscape that has remained largely unchanged for centuries.

In Hita, the Gion Festival brings together religious heritage and a distinctive festival tradition. The Hita Gion Festival is part of the UNESCO-listed “Yama, Hoko and Yatai Float Festivals”; the decision to include it on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity was made on November 30, 2016. During the festival, magnificent floats travel through the Kuma, Takeda and Mameda districts to the sound of Gion music. The festival floats known as “Yama” are rebuilt every year. The Hita Gion Yamaboko Kaikan displays, among other things, the rear curtains of the six floats used in the festival. Check the latest visitor information before your visit.

Onta-yaki also offers a glimpse of the region’s craft traditions. This style of pottery originated in Ōita Prefecture in the early 18th century. In the Onta area, traditional methods and materials are used to make everyday items such as pots, bottles, cups, bowls and plates, often finished with a caramel-colored glaze.

Local Cuisine and Special Experiences

Some of the prefecture’s best-known products include premium shiitake mushrooms, kabosu citrus fruit and barley-fed Bungo beef. A long tradition of fermentation is reflected in products such as barley miso and kabosu-based seasonings. These local specialties offer a distinct focus alongside nature and cultural attractions.

Beppu has eight hot spring areas that have been popular since ancient times. On the Beppu Hell Tour, you can see hot water and mud emerging from underground. You can conveniently visit the individual stops on a regular sightseeing bus; check the latest timetable for your travel dates.

Getting There and Planning Your Trip

Ōita Station is an important reference point for getting around by train: it is served by the Kyūdai, Hōhi and Nippo Main lines and provides access to Beppu, Yufuin, Hita, Saiki and other parts of the prefecture. From Ōita Airport, you can take a limousine bus to Hiji Station and transfer there to the Nippo Line for Usa or Kitsuki stations. Check the latest timetables before setting off. The destinations and activities described offer a range of themes to consider when planning your trip; which ones you choose to combine depends on your personal interests.

Discover More Destinations

Beppu, Ōita, Nakatsu, Hayami District, Kusu District, Kusu District, Yufu, Taketa, Hita, Usa, Usuki, Tsukumi, Kunisaki, Bungo-Takada, Saiki

For the main travel guide: Japan.