A city rich in nature, culture and gastronomy

Oita City is located on the eastern edge of Kyushu, adjacent to Beppu City and Yufu City. With breathtaking views of Beppu Bay and the captivating aura of the vast mountain range, Oita’s scenery sets the stage for endless adventure; the city’s rich history, unique villages, soothing hot springs, natural animal habitats and delicious cuisine make it Become a must visit place.

Experience the natural beauty of Oita City

Meet the monkeys at Takasakiyama Nature Zoo

this Gaoqishan Natural Zoo By allowing Japanese macaques to exist in their natural state outside of their cages, the typical zoo experience is reimagined and gives visitors the opportunity to interact up close. It is home to one of the largest groups of Japanese macaques in the world, with an estimated 1,000 monkeys available for observation.

The monkey colony is a spectacle – especially at feeding time. The animals are fed wheat every 30 minutes, but the real excitement begins when the sweet potato cart comes out.

Encounter the natural beauty of Oita City on a bicycle

Continue exploring Oita’s natural wonders Bicycle sightseeing route. this Oita Prefecture Bicycle Map Several routes recommended by local residents are provided, each with a different theme – from biking along Tanohura Beach to “Fresh sea breeze seaside route” Explore multiple historical and cultural attractions throughout the city, such as Ueno Spring Palace, Ueno Hills Park, and Kongo Hokaiji TempleHistorical and cultural tour routes”. For those who plan to explore Oita City by bicycle, there are options Oita bike sharing. You can rent and return e-bikes 24 hours a day at various bike stations across the city.

Heal yourself with forest therapy

Nearly half of Oita City is covered by forest, making it an ideal place to enjoy “natural scenery”.forest therapy” — a therapeutic practice (registered by the Forest Therapy Association) designed to promote and maintain an individual’s physical and mental health through immersion in the forest.

About 60 forests in Japan are certified as forest health resorts by Forest Sanatorium forest therapy association; In 2012, Oita City became the home of Oita Prefecture’s first official forest therapy base and therapy road. There are currently many healing trails available in Oita City, including the Mount Takasaki healing trail, which involves hiking to the top of Mount Takasaki to enjoy stunning views of Beppu Bay, Kunisaki, and the Yufu Tsurumi Mountains.

Take a hot spring trip

After a day of adventure, you can take a break at one of the many mineral-rich hot springs around the city. Oita Prefecture has the largest hot spring water output in Japan. this Oita Dream Cruise Guide Map is a complete guide with access information, pricing, and helpful icons to indicate whether the location is a family recommendation or a good place for tattoos. Soak up the sights Open-air bath Reconnect with nature in an open-air bath.

Experience the culture and history of Oita City

Immerse yourself in Noh theater

Oita’s Heiwa Citizen Park Noh Theater Guests are invited to experience the magic of one of the world’s oldest performing arts: Noh, a complex and mesmerizing dance drama that has been performed since the 14th century. The stage here is one of Japan’s premier authentic Noh theaters. It is made of cypress wood with a history of more than 200 years and has a beautiful luster. There are regular events, performances and lectures here, as well as an impressive display of Noh masks.

Visit the ruins of the Otomo family residence

The Otomo clan was a powerful samurai family that ruled Oita for more than 400 years. They are particularly notable as one of the first clans to make contact with Europeans and establish trading relations, and are still revered in the region today.

In 1998, archaeologists excavated the remains of the Otomo Residence, a grand estate spread over a vast area. this Otomo Residence Ruins Garden Now open to visitors, its grounds have been carefully restored to recreate the original Otomo family garden, with various classical features including ponds, waterfalls, man-made hills and stones scattered throughout.

Admire the majesty of the inner city

After the demise of the Otomo clan’s 400-year rule, it was built Funai Castle Started in the 16th century. After several reconstruction projects, the castle grounds are now a park. Remains of the stone walls and moat still stand, providing a glimpse into Oita’s history. From late March to early April, the cherry blossoms bloom in the park, attracting many tourists to come and watch them.

Experience hundreds of years of history at Yusuhara Hachimangu Shrine

Yuhara Hachimangu Shrine Believed to have been built during the Heian period (836), it is one of the oldest and most historic shrines in Oita Prefecture. Since ancient times, this historic shrine has been revered as a branch of Usa Shrine and is worshiped by local governors and samurai families. Like many historic buildings in the area, it has close ties to the Otomo clan. In the courtyard stands a huge camphor tree that is said to be 3,000 years old. Its south gate is called “Hanmen” and has beautiful ornate carvings.

Watch the wisteria flowers bloom at Sasamuda Shrine

Sasamuda Shrine is one of them famous shrine Former Bungo Kingdom (now Oita Prefecture). Since its creation, the shrine has been a place of worship for powerful warlords and samurai, including the Otomo clan. A 450-year-old wisteria tree marks the shrine’s deep historical roots. When the flowers are in full bloom, the shrine is bathed in a stunning light purple light. The shrine is also famous for the Manen Bridge, a beautiful stone structure that arches over the river at the entrance to the shrine.

Experience the gourmet food of Oita City

Bungo Beef: Oita Wagyu beef that melts in your mouth

Bungo-gyu – or Bungo beef – comes from a type of Japanese cattle known for its high-quality meat, characterized by rich marbling and an incredibly tender texture that seems to really Melt in your mouth. As the name suggests, Bungo beef comes from Oita Prefecture and is raised under strict supervision to ensure impeccable meat quality. Oita’s natural landscape is crucial in this regard: its tranquil mountains, warm climate and fertile soil all help to minimize stress on the cows and support their healthy growth.

Not surprisingly, Oita City is home to a large number of establishments that serve Bungo beef in a variety of ways, including Yinshan Pavilion, Kappo Restaurant Sajiza and Bungo Steak Somuri.

Oita Prefecture’s rare seafood—Seki miso and Seki mackerel

For fish and seafood connoisseurs, Shiraki Beach in Oita City is a must-see. Along the fertile fishing coast of Saga Seki, you’ll find plenty of seki fish and seki mackerel. These specialty mackerel varieties are delicious and have a slightly firmer texture.

access information

You can easily visit Oita in less than two hours with direct flights from Tokyo’s Haneda or Narita Airports, or in less than an hour from Osaka’s Itami Airport. It takes about an hour by bus from Oita Airport to Oita City.

Alternatively, you can take Shinkansen and limited express trains from Tokyo to Oita and transfer at Kokura Station in Kitakyushu. The Shinkansen route takes approximately six hours.

For more information, please visit the official Oita City homepage or website Oita City Tourism Association. You can also follow Oita City Tourism Section’s Instagram here.