Visit Oita

Offering travelers a space to unwind with sweeping views of the Mikuma River is Mikuma Hotel, a luxury riverside hotel with a wide selection of Japanese-Western rooms. 

Settle into the day with a coffee on your balcony, watching as the morning mist over the mountains, and steam from your coffee rise lazily into the sky. In the evening, settle onto fluffy Western beds or traditional Japanese futon atop aromatic tatami-mat floors, dreaming of the Oita sights you’ll be visiting the next day.

You’ll also want to make time for a muscle-relaxing soak in Mikuma Hotel’s cypress open-air baths. Located on the 10th and 11th floors of the hotel—50 meters above ground—they are some of the highest public baths in all of Kyushu, promising memorable views no matter what time you’re easing into their skin-softening waters.

Become one with the waters once more with Mikuma Hotel’s exquisite dinner and river cruise aboard a yakatabune boat. Evoking Edo-period luxury, float gently on the serene surface of Mikuma River as you dine on your choice of kaiseki multi-course dishes, featuring premium Japanese wagyu beef, shabu-shabu hotpot, and fresh, seasonal vegetables.

Choose from one of three exquisite kaiseki courses:

• Standard: The highlight of this course is the Yuzu Chicken hotpot.
• Elegant: A kaiseki banquet course made with luxurious ingredients from Oita, including a mini steak of Kyushu wagyu beef.
• Bungo beef banquet: A luxurious shabu-shabu kaiseki meal where premium wagyu beef bubbles alongside a range of local ingredients in a flavorful hotpot.

The following morning, enjoy a Japanese and Western buffet in the grand dining room, once more overlooking the striking Mikuma River. From fresh fruit and hot breakfast dishes to steam-cooked eggs and vegetables, every bite is overflowing with the spirit of Oita.

Swap modern delights for a taste of history and step back in time in Hita’s Mameda-machi district, where Edo-period streets host highlights like Hina Goten’s ornate dolls, the historic Kuncho Sake Brewery, and the beloved Mameda Roll cakes. Tradition, craftsmanship, and flavour come together in this charming townscape.

If you’re traveling to Japan with a large group of people, Amber Yufuin offers chic, expansive spaces to make memories with family and friends. With space for up to 15 guests at once and all the amenities and appliances you could ever need, these stylish villas feel like an elevated home-from-home escape amidst your journey through Oita.

When hunger strikes, you can either head to the fully-equipped kitchen or make the most of the rare rental BBQ on the terrace. Reserve in advance and you’ll have the tools and the local ingredients ready to go, filling the villa with the aroma of sizzling sirloin steak, Bungo chicken, shiitake mushrooms, and so much more.

Even surrounded by people you love, there’s space for relaxation and reflection in the villa’s private open-air bath. Catch your breath after a day of sightseeing in Oita’s mineral-rich hot spring waters and watch as the starry sky unfolds above you, then head back into the action for a night of movies on the large TV.

Plus, as Amber Yufuin is only a four-minute drive from JR Yufuin Station, you’re never far from the nearby attractions of Yufuin and Oita beyond.

The COMICO ART MUSEUM YUFUIN blends contemporary art with striking architecture and serene surroundings. Showcasing works by renowned Japanese artists, the museum’s minimalist design enhances the viewing experience, offering a thoughtful cultural pause amid Yufuin’s scenic countryside.

Swapping these manmade creations for the mystical wonders of Mother Nature, Lake Kinrin is one of Yufuin’s most atmospheric sights. In the early winter mornings, mist rises from its waters and swirls leisurely around the surface, giving every memory and photograph an ethereal quality. Surrounded by forested hills, the lake shifts in colour with the seasons, giving the lake a unique backdrop with every visit to Yufuin.

For those looking to enjoy a more refined stay, welcome to Sansou Murata, a traditional ryokan inn hidden in the mountains of Yufuin. Though traditional in their architecture, from the lantern-lit pathways and exposed wooden beams to tatami-mat interiors and an expansive irori hearth in the lobby, this refined inn elevates historic Japanese hospitality and decor to new heights.

Across their 12 room types—offering space for two to eight guests—every touch tells the tale of Murata’s “pursuit of true beauty,” looking to provide a “moment of genuine enchantment—from our hearts to yours.” High ceilings contrast with cozy nooks and sunken kotatsu seating, while spacious communal spaces contrast with the lavish privacy of your own in-room onsen. You truly can have it all.

This same carefully curated atmosphere carries over to Sansou Murata’s multi-course dinner experience, surrounding you with only the finest local ingredients, colors, and flavors. The highlight of which is the tenderness of Oita wagyu beef.

Not quite ready to go back to your room? Spend an evening at Tan's bar, featuring a cozy lounge, crackling fireplace, and music alongside premium cocktails, non-alcoholic cocktails, soft drinks, and sweet treats.

There are even more menus and experiences worth exploring at Sansou Murata, including soba and tempura chicken at Fushoan, theomurata’s artisanal chocolates, desserts and drinks at thetheo Café, and the nearby P-roll cake of B-speak. There’s also the seasonal delicacies of Saibyo Saibido, and the immersive ambiance of the on-site Artegio Museum, a charming art gallery that displays artworks relating to music, as well as the curated gifts of Zosetsu. Sansou Murata isn’t just accommodation—it’s a full sensory experience.

Tucked away in the peaceful countryside of Saiki, a farm stay at Fuji no Sato offers a deeply personal way to experience rural Japan and the heartfelt hospitality of its people. From the moment you arrive, you are welcomed not as a guest, but as part of the household, with locals eager to share their traditions, stories, and daily rhythms of life.

Join your hosts in harvesting seasonal vegetables, then gather in the kitchen to prepare meals together, learning simple techniques and family recipes passed down through generations. As evening falls, the experience culminates in an expansive banquet that celebrates Saiki’s rich coastal bounty—immaculately fresh sashimi, warming hotpot, and indulgent dishes featuring luxurious ise-ebi spiny lobster, alongside an array of lovingly prepared side dishes.

Mornings begin gently with a traditional Japanese breakfast, enjoyed at an unhurried pace. As sunlight filters into the room and the countryside slowly comes to life, you are enveloped by the calm, restorative atmosphere and the genuine warmth of your hosts. It is a stay that nourishes both body and spirit, offering a rare chance to reconnect with simplicity, nature, and human connection.

Myoban Yu no Sato showcases Beppu’s traditional onsen culture, with rustic baths set among steaming geothermal landscapes. Known for mineral-rich waters and historic thatched huts, it’s an ideal place to experience the healing traditions that have defined Beppu for centuries, including the production of natural bath salts.

While you’re here, relax in the facility’s large panoramic public bath, grab a few unique gifts in the souvenir shop, join a tour for a peek into the traditional Yunohana hut, or try a few local delicacies like dango-jiru dumpling soup and toriten chicken tempura.

Over on the coastline, SHONIN PARK combines luxury, relaxation, and leisure by the sea. Enjoy a steam sand bath, browse local shops, dine at Grill Takka, or stroll the coastal park. With ocean views and geothermal experiences, it’s a versatile and peaceful stop for all ages.

To see more natural wonders of Oita’s onsen culture, Okamotoya is famous for its steam-cooked dishes. Using Beppu’s geothermal heat, this charming cafe crafts Okamotoya’s Jigoku-mushi®Pudding, a silky onsen-steamed purin pudding that alone is worth the journey.

Simple, flavor-focused cuisine and decades of tradition make this a standout culinary experience rooted in local techniques, mirroring the gentle warmth of Oita’s hospitality and sights. 

Oita is accessible by plane, with flights from Tokyo or Osaka into Oita Airport, followed by buses or taxis into the city. By train, JR Kyushu’s Sonic and Limited Express routes connect from Hakata and Kokura to Oita. To transform even your transportation from the airport into an adventure, travel by Hoverdrive, a futuristic hovercraft that connects Oita Airport and Oita City by water. Please note that there are only a limited number of Hoverdrive departures each day, approximately one every two to three hours. 

Renting a car adds flexibility for exploring scenic areas at your own pace.

Oita’s range of accommodations reflects the same vibrant variety found throughout the prefecture—from soothing hot springs and boutique stays to luxurious resort experiences and authentic local guesthouses. Combined with its scenic beauty, cultural depth, and distinctive attractions, Oita promises an unforgettable Japan trip tailored to every type of traveler.