Visit Oita

Beppu’s iconic tower offers a stunning 360-degree panoramic view of the city and the sea. At night, the exterior is beautifully illuminated, and the nighttime scenery overlooking both the town and the bay is breathtaking. During the “Beppu Christmas Fantasia” event held on December 20 (Sat) and 21 (Sun), a special plan is available for visitors to enjoy the Christmas fireworks from the observation deck in a relaxed setting (limited to 100 people). How about creating a memorable winter moment in Beppu?

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Period: Open year-round

Location: Beppu Tower (3-10-2 Kitahama, Beppu City)

Admission (Observation Deck):

Adults: ¥800

Junior high & high school students: ¥600

Children ages 4 to elementary school: ¥400

Contact: 0977-26-1555

Nestled along the Kagono River, Yunohira Onsen is a peaceful mountain hot spring town. A sloping stone-paved street runs through the center, lined with traditional inns, public baths, and a small tourist information center. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll while listening to the gentle sound of the river. At night, lanterns are softly lit, casting a warm red glow onto the stone path and creating a nostalgic, almost timeless atmosphere. It’s a place where you can forget the noise of everyday life and simply unwind. 

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Period: Open year-round

Location: Yunohira, Yufuin-cho, Yufu City

Contact: 0977-86-2367 (Yunohira Onsen Tourist Information Center)

Tsukumi’s cluster of cement factories transforms into a mesmerizing nightscape after sunset—a hidden gem known among night-view enthusiasts. Lights from the factories reflect off the water, painting the port in vibrant bands of yellow, white, orange, and green.

For the best photos of the factory night scene, head to Tsukumin Park or the Kataseura area. Bring your camera or smartphone and enjoy the quiet, shimmering beauty of the illuminated harbor.

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Period: Year-round

Location: Port Town and Kataseura Area, Tsukumi City

Contact: 0972-82-9521 (Tsukumi City Tourism Association)

From the Yukemuri Viewing Deck, visitors can gaze over the billowing steam rising throughout the Kannawa Onsen area. During the illumination hours, the town takes on a magical atmosphere—so enchanting that it has been recognized as part of the “Japan Nightscape Heritage.” Please note that the viewing deck is located within a residential neighborhood. When visiting, kindly be considerate of local residents and keep noise to a minimum.

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Dates: Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays

Lighting Hours: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Location: Kannawa Onsen Area, Beppu City

Contact: 0977-24-2828 (Beppu City Tourism Association)

This popular winter illumination event once again lights up the area around Nakatsu Station’s Domon Plaza. On December 21 (Sun), a special one-day event will also take place at the temporary venue next to the Daihatsu Kyushu Stadium, offering an enchanting night for visitors to enjoy.

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Dates: November 14 (Fri), 2025 – Early January 2026

Time: 5:00 PM–midnight

Location: Nakatsu Station Front Plaza (219-2 Shimada, Nakatsu City) and surrounding areas

Contact: 0979-22-2250 (Love Fantasia Nakatsu Executive Committee)

The Deguchi community in Amagase proudly hosts this vibrant winter illumination event. Around 80,000 colorful lights suddenly appear in the quiet darkness of Deguchi’s winter nights, transforming the area into a magical world. Visitors can enjoy illuminated trees, cute animal figures, a light maze, tunnels, and more. On the opening day, December 13 (Sat), a lighting ceremony will be held from 6:00 PM, featuring stage performances, food trucks, and stalls offering warm drinks and snacks.

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Dates: December 13, 2025 (Sat) – January 11, 2026 (Sun)

Lighting Hours: From sunset to 9:00 PM

Location: Deguchi Community Center (former Deguchi Elementary School)

1840-1 Deguchi, Amagase-machi, Hita City

Contact: 090-4582-1557 (Deguchi Winter Festa Executive Committee)

Held in a small fishing village, this event is the largest illumination display in Usuki. This year’s theme features beloved characters that even young children will recognize, making it a fun outing for the whole family. On December 13 (Sat), the “Usuki’s Largest! Illumination Festival 2025” will take place, complete with fireworks and food trucks. It’s a perfect opportunity to enjoy a festive winter night—don’t miss it!

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Dates: December 13, 2025 (Sat) – January 18, 2026 (Sun)

Lighting Hours: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Note: From December 29 to January 3, the illumination will remain lit all night.

Location: Fukae Fishing Village Plaza, Usuki City, Oita Prefecture

Contact: 0972-64-5900 / 070-4748-9807

(Kamiura–Fukae Promotion Council)

Thirty trees lining Beppu Station Front Street are adorned with an impressive 70,000 LED lights, illuminating Beppu’s nightlife with a dazzling glow. The lights are on daily from 5:30 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. the following morning, and during the New Year holiday period (Dec 28–Jan 3), they will be lit all night until 6:00 a.m.

Plus, from Friday, Dec 12 to Thursday, Dec 25, the “Aburaya Kumahachi Statue” in front of Beppu Station will be dressed in a Santa outfit! Come and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Dates: December 5, 2025 (Fri)  – until the end of January 2026

Lighting Hours: 5:30 p.m. – 1:00 a.m. (next day)

New Year holiday period (Dec 28–Jan 3): 5:30 p.m. – 6:00 a.m. (next day)

Location: Beppu Station Front Street

Contact: 0977-26-0075 (Beppu Station Front Street Shopping District Promotion Association)

JR Miemachi Station in Bungo-Ōno City will be illuminated as part of an event organized by the Miemachi branch of the Bungo-Ōno Chamber of Commerce. The sparkling lights brighten and decorate the station area, creating a festive nighttime atmosphere.

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Dates: December 5, 2025 (Fri) – January 31, 2026 (Sat)

Lighting Hours: 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM

Location: JR Miemachi Station

(2930 Akamine, Miemachi, Bungo-Ōno City, Oita Prefecture)

Contact: 0974-22-1193 (Bungo-Ōno City Chamber of Commerce)

The annual light festival at Chitose Hanahiroba is now underway. This year, the display has been significantly upgraded—from 120,000 lights last year to 150,000 lights! A team of six staff members spent about half a month decorating the entire venue, filling every corner with warm, comforting light. One of the highlights is the “Hyotan Lanterns,” crafted using gourds grown by 4th-grade students from Chitose Elementary and Junior High School. On Saturday nights, visitors can also purchase locally grown vegetables. Come and enjoy a soothing, heartwarming space wrapped in gentle illumination. (Approximately 40 parking spaces available. A ¥100 cooperation fee is appreciated.)

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Dates: November 30, 2025 (Sun) – February 1, 2026 (Sun)

Lighting Hours: 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM

Lighting may begin slightly earlier or later depending on sunset time.

Location: Chitose Hanahiroba

906-1 Shimoyama, Chitose-machi, Bungo-Ōno City, Oita Prefecture

Contact: 090-5021-4199 (Machizukuri Chitose)

Held in the historic Tashibu-no-Sho Osaki area—designated as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS)—this illumination event features about 10,000 LED lights that glow softly like fireflies. The lighting gently shifts between yellow and green every 30 minutes, creating a mesmerizing, peaceful landscape. Since 2024, this event has been officially recognized as a “Japan Nightscape Heritage” site.

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Dates: November 8 (Sat), 2025 – February 13 (Fri), 2026

Time: From sunset for about 3 hours

(Best viewing time: 6:30 PM –7:30 PM)

Location: Around Hotaru-no-Yakata in Tashibu Osaki

(2596 Osaki, Bungotakada City)

Contact: 0978-25-6243 (Bungotakada City Agricultural Promotion Division)

The beloved winter tradition “Oita Hikari Fantasy” returns for its 10th anniversary! The central area of Oita City—from JR Oita Station’s Funai Entrance Plaza to the Showa-dori intersection—will shine with approximately 550,000 lights. Other illuminated spots include Funai Aqua Park, Galleria Takemachi Dome Plaza, Wakakusa Park, and Funai Sansan Street. In celebration of the 10th anniversary, special photo spots will also appear, offering new delights as you explore the city by night.

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Dates: November 7 (Fri), 2025 – February 14 (Sat), 2026

Time: 5:00 PM – midnight

Location: Central Oita City (Chuo-dori, Funai Aqua Park, Galleria Takemachi Dome Plaza, etc.)

Contact: 097-573-7377 (Oita Machinaka Club)

Located about a 5-minute walk from the Hita Onsen ryokan district, the historic Reimeikan building is beautifully decorated with winter illuminations. Built in 1916 and designated as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan, Reimeikan now operates as the “Kuma Community Development Center Reimeikan.” A charming heart-shaped photo frame is set up as a photo spot, perfect for capturing special memories. Since it’s just a short stroll from the Hita Onsen ryokan area, be sure to stop by and take a memorable photo!

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Period: Currently ongoing – until mid-March 2025 (scheduled)

Location: Reimeikan (2-1-9 Kuma, Hita City)

Contact: 090-8419-3392 (Kumamachi Shopkeepers’ Association)

Built to commemorate the completion of the Yabakei Dam, Keisekien Garden features more than 20,000 trees of about 50 varieties, along with ponds, rocks, and waterfalls arranged in beautiful harmony. During the light-up season, the interplay of light and shadow highlights the garden’s natural beauty. Enjoy this tranquil and atmospheric illumination experience.

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Dates: November 1 (Sat) – December 1 (Mon), 2025

Time: 5:00 PM –9:00 PM

Location: Keisekien Garden, Yabakei Dam Memorial Park

(2286-1 Oshima, Yabakei-machi, Nakatsu City, Oita)

Contact: 0979-54-3111 (Nakatsu City Yabakei Branch, Regional Promotion Division)

Timed with the autumn foliage season, this event illuminates a 100-meter stretch of the “Hisashi Momiji” maple-lined road near the Shinyabakei public parking area. The brilliant red and orange leaves glow vividly at night, creating a stunning seasonal scene.

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Dates: November 1 (Sat) – December 1 (Mon), 2025

Time: 5:00 PM –9:00 PM

Location: Shin-yabakei area, along Prefectural Route 28

(Near Shin-yabakei Public Parking Lot, Nakatsu City)

Contact: 0979-54-3111 (Nakatsu City Yabakei Branch, Regional Promotion Division)

Fukiji Temple—one of the region’s most famous autumn foliage spots—will hold a special illumination event again this year. The National Treasure Hall and the surrounding maple trees are beautifully lit, creating a serene and mystical atmosphere. On December 6 (Sat), a Tendai Buddhist chanting performance will be held. On December 7 (Sun), during the Wakamiya Hachiman Shrine Autumn Festival and Hadaka Matsuri, a free bonnet bus (reservation required, first 20 guests) will operate between Bungotakada City Hall and Fukiji Temple.

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Dates: November 30 (Sun) – December 7 (Sun), 2025

Time: 5:30 PM–8:00 PM

Location: Fukiji Temple (2395 Fuki, Bungotakada City)

Admission: Adults/High School Students ¥500;

Elementary/Junior High Students ¥150

From Dec 1–4, admission during the light-up is free, but voluntary contributions are appreciated to support the event.

Contact: 0978-25-6219 (Bungotakada City Tourism Association)

Following last year’s success, the retro Showa-era shopping streets will once again host a charming illumination event. Streetlight pillars and storefront lamps are decorated with nostalgic patterns and colorful bulbs, creating a warm, vintage nighttime atmosphere.

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Dates: November 29 (Sat) – December 27 (Sat), 2025

Location: Showa-no-Machi Shopping District (989-1 Shinmachi, Bungotakada City)

Contact: 0978-25-6219 (Bungotakada City Tourism Machizukuri Co., Ltd.)

At Nagasakibana Beach Resort, a seaside destination offering a variety of ocean-based experiences—from marine sports in summer to sauna days in winter—a special five-day-only Seaside Illumination event will be held.

Enjoy the soothing sound of the waves as you take in the warm glow of the lights beneath a sky full of stars.

Dates: December 25 (Thu) – December 29 (Mon)

Event may be canceled in case of bad weather.

Lighting Hours: From 5:00 PM

Location: Nagasakibana Beach Resort

(4080-1 Minome, Bungotakada City, Oita Prefecture)

Contact: 050-5482-3330