Japan’s hot spring epicenter. Witness the steaming 'Hells of Beppu', unwind in boutique ryokans tucked beneath Mt. Yufu, and discover ancient Buddhist mountain sanctuaries.
Thermal Springs (#1 Japan)
Beppu Steam Craters
Mt. Yufu Volcano Peak
Japan Hot Spring Discharge
Affectionately crowned "Onsen Prefecture Oita," this coastal and mountainous realm produces more geothermal spring water than anywhere else in Japan, paired with majestic volcanic highlands and refined ryokan culture.
From cobalt-blue boiling lakes to natural volcanic sand baths and mud baths, Oita offers Japan's most diverse thermal bathing experiences.
Drive along the breathtaking Yamanami Highway across the Kuju Mountain range, past misty alpine valleys and wild marshlands.
Discover Usa Jingu, the 8th-century head shrine of Hachiman, and the hidden stone Buddhas carved into Kunisaki Peninsula's cliffs.
Savor melt-in-your-mouth Oita Bungo Wagyu beef, crispy Toriten chicken tempura, and food slow-steamed over geothermal vents.
From bubbling thermal craters to luxury mountain retreats, discover Oita’s essential attractions.
GEOTHERMAL WONDER
A series of seven spectacular, boiling geothermal hot springs intended for viewing rather than bathing. Marvel at the cobalt-blue "Sea Hell" (Umi Jigoku) and the iron-red "Blood Pond Hell" (Chinoike Jigoku).
Discover Beppu Hells Guide →
LUXURY RYOKAN & NATURE
A picturesque, upscale resort town nestled beneath twin-peaked Mt. Yufu. Stroll Yunotsubo Street for craft boutiques and art museums, then relax by the misty waters of Lake Kinrin.
Explore Yufuin Guide →
SCENIC MOUNTAINS
One of Japan’s premier scenic mountain drives. Wind through high-altitude grasslands, marshland boardwalks at Tadewara Marsh, and vibrant autumn foliage trails.
View Mountain Drive Route →
SACRED HERITAGE
Established in 725 AD, this grand sanctuary is the head shrine for over 40,000 Hachiman shrines across Japan. Set within vast, quiet ancient woods with vivid vermilion structures.
Learn Shrine History →
HISTORIC TOWN
A remarkably preserved samurai town overlooking the sea, famous for two sloping stone paths (Suya-no-saka) flanking historic samurai manors where guests walk in traditional kimono.
Explore Samurai Town →
NATIONAL TREASURE
A mystical peninsula renowned for Rokugo Manzan mountain worship culture. Fukiji Temple houses Kyushu's oldest surviving wooden building, surrounded by serene forest solitude.
Discover Kunisaki Trail →From geothermal steam cooking to world-renowned Wagyu beef and pristine ocean seafood, Oita satisfies every palate.
Celebrated for its beautiful marbling and rich oleic acid content, Bungo Beef offers an insanely tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture whether grilled as steak or cooked in sukiyaki.
Oita's signature comfort food. Tender chicken marinated in soy and garlic, dipped in a feather-light tempura batter, and served hot with tangy citrus ponzu and mustard.
An ancient culinary method in Beppu's Kannawa district. Vegetables, fresh seafood, meats, and eggs are cooked inside stone ovens using 100°C pure geothermal steam.
Caught line-by-line in the fast currents of the Bungo Channel. Renowned throughout Japan for firm, crunchy sashimi texture and exquisite rich flavor.
Handcrafted routes to help you discover thermal springs, mountain roads, and serene Japanese hospitality.
Experience the iconic thermal wonders, sand baths, and geothermal cuisine of Beppu.
Tour cobalt-blue Umi Jigoku and red Chinoike Jigoku steam craters.
Steam your own basket of fresh seafood and vegetables in Kannawa onsen vents.
Experience relaxing warm volcanic sand bathing along the Beppu coastline.
Savor Seki-Aji sashimi and unwind in a scenic open-air thermal bath (*rotenburo*).
A luxurious 3-day road trip connecting thermal towns, luxury ryokans, and mountain passes.
Arrive in Beppu, explore thermal hells, steam cooking, and coastal onsen stays.
Drive to Yufuin, stroll Lake Kinrin, art galleries, and stay in a traditional ryokan.
Drive scenic mountain passes, hike Tadewara Marsh, and visit Usa Jingu Shrine.
Oita Airport (OIT) serves domestic flights from Tokyo, Osaka, and international charters. Non-stop Limousine Buses connect Oita Airport to Beppu Station in 45 minutes and Oita Station in 60 minutes.
From Hakata Station (Fukuoka), take the JR Limited Express Sonic train directly to Beppu or Oita Station in under 2 hours. Fully covered by the JR All Kyushu Rail Pass.
Extend your adventure from Oita into neighboring regions.
