Visit Oita

The area around Oita Station is dotted with numerous walking-distance hotels. Some offer excellent locations directly connected to the station, while others feature natural hot springs and large communal baths, which are particularly popular. The area around the station is also rich with restaurants and shopping facilities, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay.

Beppu boasts the highest number of hot spring sources in Japan, and even around Beppu Station you'll find numerous onsen facilities. For those who want to experience various types of hot springs, a drop-in onsen tour is highly recommended.

Enjoy iconic spots such as Takegawara Onsen, a symbol of Beppu with over 100 years of history, as well as Ekimae Koto Onsen, which offers both hot and lukewarm baths, and Kaimonji Onsen – each provides a unique onsen experience to savor.

The coastal area stretching from Beppu Station to National Route 10 is close to bustling city life and offers numerous ocean-view accommodations. In the Kannawa area, you can immerse yourself in the traditional hot spring atmosphere and enjoy the signature jigoku-mushi (""hell-steaming"") cuisine.

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The onsen hot springs at Beppu have been gushing and flowing for more than 1,000 years. In the past, the steam and boiling water from these onsen were considered to be dangerous, which led to them being called jigoku, or "hells". Today, these seven distinct "hells" are popular tourist attractions, and visiting them is known as the "Beppu Jigoku Tour.

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In Beppu, a city rich in hot spring resources, experience “Jigoku-mushi,” a sustainable cuisine that uses 100% geothermal energy. Vegetables and seafood steamed in the steam of the hot springs are a local food unique to Beppu that is packed with the flavor of the ingredients. There are a variety of places where you can enjoy the experience together with hot spring baths, such as stores where you can purchase or bring your own ingredients on the spot, stores attached to day-trip hot springs, and hell kettles available at hot-spring cure hotels. Even beginners can easily use them, so check out our tips for selecting ingredients and stores to enjoy them!

Oka Castle, once renowned as an impregnable fortress, now stands with only its majestic stone walls remaining, offering a glimpse into the beauty and grandeur of its past structure. The castle town that developed around it still preserves remnants of the samurai era, including samurai residences and guesthouses. After enjoying a stroll through the charming townscape, relaxing at the footbath near the station is also highly recommended.

Bungo-Taketa Station is a local line station connecting Oita and Kumamoto, situated in a lush and verdant mountainous area. Just a 2-minute walk from the station, you’ll find a renovated traditional Japanese guesthouse. For those willing to venture a bit further, a ryokan inn perched on a hill offers stunning views of the castle town and the Kuju Mountain Range. It's the perfect place for spending a relaxing time away from everyday life in the nature-rich town of Taketa.

Aso boasts one of the world’s largest caldera landscapes, offering breathtaking scenery throughout its expansive terrain. Accessible from Aso Station, Daikanbo provides a panoramic view of the Aso Five Peaks, a truly awe-inspiring sight. Kusasenrigahama, with its picturesque grasslands and pond, features pastoral scenes of grazing horses. For a closer look at volcanic activity, the Aso Nakadake Crater offers a rare and fascinating experience. The area also has several onsen, perfect for soothing tired muscles. When exploring these spots via local buses, it’s essential to plan ahead. To make your trip more efficient, also consider incorporating taxi rides into your itinerary.

The area around Kumamoto Station offers spots for a leisurely stroll, such as Kumamoto Castle and Suizenji Jojuen Garden, where you can enjoy the charm of a castle town and its lush natural beauty. It is also the birthplace of the creator of the popular manga ONE PIECE, and many bronze character statues are scattered throughout the prefecture. Among them, the famous "Luffy Statue" on the Kumamoto Prefectural Government Promenade is a beloved spot for fans and tourists alike.

After immersing yourself in the grand natural beauty of Mt. Aso and exploring historic castles, unwind near Kumamoto Station, a convenient transportation hub. Popular options include hotels with rooms or large baths offering views of Kumamoto Castle and those located adjacent to the station for easy access. Choose from a variety of accommodations, such as hotels offering breakfast featuring local Kumamoto cuisine, to suit your preferences.

Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is renowned as the head shrine among the approx. 12,000 Tenmangu shrines across Japan that are dedicated to the deity of learning. Surrounded by lush nature, visitors can enjoy a leisurely visit while taking in the beauty of the four seasons. It is also said that stroking the head of the sacred cow statue on the grounds grants wisdom, making it a beloved spot for many.

Around Hakata Station, you can enjoy shopping and local gourmet cuisine while soaking up the city's unique atmosphere. If time permits, consider exploring nearby attractions. The iconic Fukuoka Tower offers entirely different yet captivating views during the day and at night. Additionally, Uminonakamichi Seaside Park provides a relaxing setting with vibrant seasonal flowers and the opportunity to take a leisurely stroll while enjoying stunning ocean views.

Additionally, Kushida Shrine, the oldest in the city, is revered as the guardian deity of Hakata. At the entrance to the shrine grounds stands a sacred ginkgo tree, over 1,000 years old, whose majestic presence leaves a lasting impression. The spring water that flows beneath the main hall is a popular power spot, believed to grant blessings of longevity and eternal youth.

Conclude your journey by enjoying the sights and attractions of Hakata.