Visit Oita

Oita Prefecture is located in the northeastern part of Kyushu and is rich in nature. Here, many delicious agricultural products are grown in each of the four seasons, taking advantage of the region's unique characteristics. It is also a region where traditional and sustainable agriculture is practiced, such as in the Usa region of the Kunisaki Peninsula, which is recognized as a World Agricultural Heritage site, and Usuki City, which is designated as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. Such agriculture in Oita Prefecture attracts visitors and provides them with opportunities to enjoy the local food culture.

Have you ever heard of the World Agricultural Heritage?

This is a system designed to preserve traditional agriculture, culture, and landscape, and the Kunisaki Peninsula and Usa area has been designated as a World Agricultural Heritage site. The reason why this area was designated is that it has developed its agriculture in a unique way in a harsh environment. Although rainfall is scarce and water is difficult to secure, agriculture has been carried out by creating “reservoirs. In addition, there are many sawtooth oak forests in the area, which are used for water recharge and shiitake mushroom cultivation. These sawtooth oak forests repeat the cycle of being cut down and growing back up again in about a 15-year cycle. The harvested sawtooth oak is used to produce log shiitake mushrooms and charcoal. This system of agriculture has been recognized around the world. There are many specialty products, such as rice grown using water from the reservoirs and dried shiitake mushrooms grown on the local sawtooth oak logs. Visit the Kunisaki Peninsula and the Usa area and experience traditional agriculture for yourself.

There is another region in Oita Prefecture that has been recognized around the world. It is Usuki City, A member city of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. The UNESCO Creative Cities Network is an international network for harnessing creativity for the sustainable development of cities. Usuki City has been recognized for its rich food culture and food-related initiatives that it has been preserving, and was designated as a member of the network in the field of Gastronomy in 2021. One of its representative efforts is the promotion of organic farming. Usuki City is committed to sustainable agriculture. As part of its efforts, the city produces fully matured compost for the purpose of soil preparation, and is working to increase production and consumption of “Honmamon Agricultural Products,” the city's own brand of organically grown agricultural products. Organic agricultural products are readily available for purchase in the city and can be tasted at some restaurants.

Kabosu is a representative fruit of Oita Prefecture. Among citrus fruits used in cooking, kabosu has a strong sweetness and mild acidity. As a result, it enhances the flavor of the ingredients while not detracting from their original flavor. It also has a strong salty taste and is sometimes used in place of salt. In addition to its juice, kabosu can be used in a variety of ways, such as shaving off the kabosu peel to enhance its aroma, or slicing it to add color. Here are some recommended combinations for tasting kabosu, such a versatile fruit.

Jigoku-mushi is a cooking method that uses steam from hot springs and has a history of more than 250 years. The cooking method is simple: place your favorite vegetables on a colander, set it in a “jigoku kettle” where high-temperature steam rises, and steam them until tender. Vegetables steamed at once in the high-temperature hot spring steam have a concentrated flavor, and the sweetness of the ingredients can be felt even more. The slightly salty taste of the hot spring water also makes the steamed vegetables healthier, as no seasoning or oil is needed.

There are many restaurants in Oita where you can experience “jigoku-mushi,” with some offering to prepare the ingredients for you and others allowing you to bring your own favorite ingredients. Taste delicious vegetables prepared in the traditional way.

In addition to kabosu and shiitake mushrooms, Oita Prefecture is home to many more delicious foods. Here are some restaurants and cafes where you can taste dishes made with fresh vegetables from the abundant nature.

Have we conveyed the appeal of fresh vegetables from Oita Prefecture? In this article, we have focused on vegetables, introducing their roots, characteristics, and ways to enjoy them. However, Oita Prefecture, blessed with abundant nature and a mild climate, offers not only vegetables, but also an abundance of brand-name meats such as “Bungo Beef” and “Oita Wagyu” and delicious seafood. When you visit Oita, be sure to enjoy the local gourmet foods and ingredients.