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There are an array of things to do in Japan, with Oita sharing quite a few of those!
Nestled in the heart of Japan’s scenic Kyushu island, Oita is a sparkling jewel that beckons travelers with its siren call of natural beauty, cultural charm, and culinary delights.
From soaking in the rejuvenating hot springs to hiking through pristine forests, Oita offers a plethora of experiences that energize both the body and soul.
So, if you’re ready to immerse yourself in an oasis of tranquility and excitement, fasten your seatbelts and get ready to embark on a thrilling adventure in Oita!
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Oita:
1. Yufuin Onsen
A charming hot spring town located in Oita Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: Relax in one of the many hot springs, or “onsen”, that Yufuin is known for. Stroll through the picturesque streets, lined with local shops and cafes.
Visit Kinrin Lake for stunning views of the surrounding mountains and countryside. Take a scenic train ride on the Yufuin no Mori express train, which passes through picturesque rural landscapes.
Don’t miss: The chance to try local delicacies such as “onsen tamago” (eggs boiled in the hot springs), “toriten” (crispy fried chicken), and “bunshimame” (bean paste sweets).
Insider travel tips: Be sure to check out the many art galleries in the area, which showcase the work of local artists.
2. Beppu Onsen
Beppu Onsen is a hot spring resort town located in Oita, Japan. It is known for having the largest volumes of hot water in the world, with over 2,000 hot springs.
What to see or do: Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as soaking in the hot springs, visiting various public bathhouses or “onsen,” and exploring the “Hells of Beppu,” which are hot springs with unique colors and features such as red mud and boiling water.
Don’t miss: Take a relaxing sand bath at the Beppu Beach Sand Bath. Visitors are buried up to their necks in warm sand and can enjoy the soothing feeling of the sand’s weight.
Insider travel tips: Beppu Onsen is most enjoyable during the cooler months, from September to November, when the weather is perfect for hot spring soak.
For a unique experience, visit Beppu during the annual Beppu Hot Springs Festival in August when the town is filled with fireworks and colorful parades.
3. Takasakiyama Monkey Park
Takasakiyama Monkey Park is a natural reserve located in Oita Prefecture that is home to over 1,500 wild Japanese macaque monkeys, also known as snow monkeys.
What to see or do: Visitors can observe the monkeys in their natural habitat and even feed them from a safe distance. The monkeys are known to wander freely around the park, so keep an eye out!
There is also a museum on site that showcases the history and behavior of the monkeys.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the monkey performance during feeding time, where the monkeys will show off their impressive skills and agility to grab the food from visitors.
Insider travel tips: – Be sure to wear comfortable shoes for walking around the park.
4. Hells of Beppu
A collection of 7 unique and distinct thermal hot springs located in the city of Beppu in Oita prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: Experience the raw power of nature up close as you witness geysers of boiling water, bubbling mud pools, and colorful mineral deposits.
Each of the 7 “hells” has a unique theme and appearance, including a bright red blood pond and a hot spring filled with crocodiles.
Don’t miss: The Chinoike Jigoku, or “blood pond hell”, which features reddish-brown waters due to the high concentration of iron oxide in the water.
It is the most famous of the hells and has been featured in numerous films and media.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to try the local specialty food, jigoku mushi, which is made by steaming vegetables and meat using the natural heat of the hot springs.
The best time to visit is during the cooler months of the year as the steam and heat can be quite intense in the summer.
Don’t forget to bring a towel and appropriate footwear as the hells can be quite muddy.
5. Usuki Stone Buddhas
Usuki Stone Buddhas is a collection of over 60 stone Buddha statues from the Heian and Kamakura periods located in Usuki, Oita Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can admire the intricate carvings and details of these ancient statues, each with their own unique expressions and poses. A guided tour is highly recommended to fully appreciate the historical significance and stories behind each statue.
Don’t miss: The three-story stone pagoda, dating back to the Kamakura period and designated as a National Treasure of Japan, is a must-see.
It stands tall at 10.7 meters and is the tallest stone pagoda in the country.
Insider travel tips: To avoid the crowds, it’s best to visit early in the morning or on weekdays. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes as the temple grounds are expansive and hilly.
A local guide will provide deeper insights into the history and cultural significance of the buddhas.
6. Belle Ville Botanical Garden
Belle Ville Botanical Garden is a stunning green oasis in the heart of Oita city in Japan.
What to see or do: Stroll through the beautiful gardens filled with exotic flora and fauna from all over the world. Take in the scent of fragrant flowers, listen to the sound of trickling fountains, and admire the intricate landscaping.
Don’t miss: The highlight of the garden is the tropical greenhouse, featuring a vast collection of rare orchids, cacti, and other tropical plants.
The garden also has a beautiful rose garden and a children’s play area.
Insider travel tips: Don’t forget to bring comfortable shoes for walking, as the garden covers a large area. The best time to visit is during spring and summer when the flowers are in full bloom.
Save money by purchasing a combined ticket that includes entry to the adjacent Oita Prefectural Art Museum.
7. Oita City Museum of Art
The Oita City Museum of Art is a modern art museum located in Oita City, Japan.
What to see or do: The museum features a wide range of contemporary art, including paintings, sculptures, and installations from both Japanese and international artists.
Visitors can explore the galleries and admire the works of art, participate in workshops and events, and learn about the museum’s collections through various exhibitions.
Don’t miss: The museum’s permanent collection includes impressive works by artists such as Yayoi Kusama, Pablo Picasso, and Salvador Dali. Be sure to check out the museum’s schedule of temporary exhibits as well.
Insider travel tips: Visitors can check out the museum’s website for information on upcoming events and exhibitions. The museum is closed on Mondays as well as during certain holidays, so plan your visit accordingly.
Getting to the museum is easy as it is located only a short walk from Oita Station.
8. Funai Castle Ruins
Funai Castle Ruins is a historical site located in Oita, Japan. It was built in the 16th century and was the residence of the first lord of Funai, Otomo Sorin.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the ruins of the castle and view the remaining stone walls and gates. There is also a small museum on the grounds with exhibits on the castle’s history and the Otomo family.
Don’t miss: Be sure to visit the Ninomaru Garden, a beautiful Japanese-style garden that was part of the original castle grounds. It offers a peaceful and serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Insider travel tips: It is recommended to visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat. There is also a nearby hot spring, Beppu Onsen, which is perfect for relaxing after a long day of sightseeing.
9. Oita Marine Palace Aquarium Umitamago
Oita Marine Palace Aquarium Umitamago is a large-scale oceanarium in Oita, Japan, that features more than 15,000 marine animals from over 500 species.
What to see or do: Visitors can enjoy various exhibits including dolphin shows, sea turtle pool, penguin parade, and a large indoor tank that simulates a kelp forest.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of the aquarium is the massive tank that houses whale sharks, the largest fish in the world.
Insider travel tips: It is recommended to arrive early to avoid the crowds and catch the dolphin show, which is always a crowd favorite.
Visitors can also interact with sea creatures such as rays and starfish in the touch pool area. Additionally, there are several restaurants and souvenir shops inside the aquarium complex.
10. Harajiri Falls
A picturesque three-tiered waterfall located in the mountains of Oita prefecture in Japan.
What to see or do: Marvel at the natural beauty of the falls, which cascade down a rocky cliff surrounded by lush greenery and a serene, turquoise pool.
Take a short hike along the forested trail to get a closer view of the falls, or walk to the observation deck for a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.
Don’t miss: The viewing deck at the top of the falls, which offers a stunning view of the falls and the valley below.
Also, be sure to visit in the autumn, when the foliage around the falls turns a vibrant shade of red and gold.
Insider travel tips: For the best views of the falls, visit early in the morning or on a weekday to avoid crowds. Bring comfortable shoes as the trail can be steep and rocky in some areas.
Additionally, be prepared for mist and spray from the falls, so bring a rain jacket or umbrella.
11. Oita Prefectural Art Museum
A contemporary art museum located in Oita city, Japan.
What to see or do: The museum features a variety of modern and contemporary art exhibitions, with a focus on works by local artists from Oita prefecture.
Visitors can view paintings, sculptures, photography, and installations, among other mediums.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of the museum is the “Oita Asian Sculpture Exhibition,” which features outdoor sculptures from artists across Asia.
The museum’s rooftop garden also offers stunning views of the city.
Insider travel tips: – The museum is closed on Mondays and holidays, so be sure to plan your visit accordingly.
12. Fumio Asakura Memorial Hall
The Fumio Asakura Memorial Hall is a museum dedicated to the life and work of Fumio Asakura, a prominent Japanese sculptor.
What to see or do: Visitors can see a variety of Asakura’s works, including sculptures and sketches, as well as personal items like his studio and his handwritten notes.
The museum also hosts special exhibitions throughout the year.
Don’t miss: Be sure to check out Asakura’s most famous work, the “Mother and Child” sculpture, which is displayed prominently in the museum.
Insider travel tips: – The museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
13. Inazumi Underwater Observation Tower
The Inazumi Underwater Observation Tower is a unique structure located in Oita, Japan that allows visitors to take a look at the fascinating underwater world surrounding the tower.
What to see or do: Visitors can take a 360-degree tour of the stunning underwater scenery via the tower’s observation deck, which is situated at a depth of 20 meters (66 feet) below sea level.
The tower’s platform is equipped with large windows that offer an unobstructed view of marine life, including schools of fish, sea turtles, and colorful coral reefs.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to experience the awe-inspiring deep-blue world of the sea from a unique perspective. Keep an eye out for the tower’s night-time illuminations and sea turtle feeding events.
Insider travel tips: – It’s recommended to take an underwater camera to capture the stunning views and marine life.