Title: Visit Oita Prefecture: 2026 Travel Guide for Oita Prefecture, Japan | Expedia.com [Oita Prefecture Hotels](https://expedia.com/Destinations-In-Oita-Prefecture.d6053898.Hotel-Destinations)[Vacation Rentals in Oita Prefecture](https://expedia.com/Destinations-In-Oita-Prefecture.d6053898.Vacation-Rental-Destinations)[Oita Prefecture Flights](https://expedia.com/Destinations-In-Oita-Prefecture.d6053898.Flight-Destinations)[Things to do in Oita Prefecture](https://expedia.com/Things-To-Do-In-Oita-Prefecture.d6053898.Travel-Guide-Activities)[Car Rentals in Oita Prefecture](https://expedia.com/Destinations-In-Oita-Prefecture.d6053898.Car-Rental-Destinations)[Oita Prefecture Vacations](https://expedia.com/Oita-Prefecture.d6053898.Destination-Travel-Guides) # Oita Prefecture ## Japan ![Oita showing mist or fog, a pond and a hot spring](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6128402/accaae1a-bb23-4650-bb99-05a921d135f3.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Oita showing mist or fog, a pond and a hot spring](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6128402/accaae1a-bb23-4650-bb99-05a921d135f3.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Yufuin which includes landscape views and farmland](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6320727/962d793f-c8fb-4123-8ac9-f6a1ed887525.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Oita which includes signage](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6128402/ac4ea174-bb9d-44a6-8304-77577012bac2.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Oita which includes a garden and signage as well as a small group of people](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6128402/a428ff93-d958-4675-b6a7-777e0cc707d9.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) Explore the lofty peaks and deep cultural heritage of this region best known for having some of Japan’s finest hot springs. Visit the Oita prefecture in northeast Kyushu for both cultural riches and natural beauty. Hike mountain ranges, delve into the region’s artistic and spiritual heritage and relax at hot springs resorts. Travel west from the city of Oita to witness this geothermally active area’s lush, otherworldly landscape. Climb Takasaki Mountain for sparkling views over Beppu Bay amid the company of Japanese macaques. Many more hiking opportunities await farther inland in the volcanic landscape of Aso-Kuju National Park and at Mount Yufu. Oita prefecture is known for its hot springs. Experience nature’s bounty in the mountain-ringed city of Beppu, Japan’s primary producer of hot spring water. Ride the Kinetsu Beppu Ropeway to stunning outlook points and hiking trails on Mount Tsurumi. Luxuriate in the city’s famous thermal springs to savor their health-boosting properties. They’re known locally as the Hells of Beppu. Head north to picturesque Hiji. Stroll around the remains of the 17th-century waterside Hiji Castle and peruse modern Japanese painting at the Nikaido Museum of Art. Enter the world of fantasy at Harmony Land, a theme park dedicated to *Hello Kitty* and other beloved Sanrio characters. Continue to the quaint town of Kitsuki to see well-preserved Edo architecture and samurai residences. Explore Japan’s smallest castle. Visit spiritual sites and enjoy the tranquil greenery of nearby Kunisaki Peninsula, a key historical center of Japanese Buddhism. In the prefecture’s west, take scenic photos in period dress and sample shochu, Hita’s local alcohol. This historic town has some of Japan’s oldest merchant houses and storehouses. Tour a sake brewery, taste specialty eel dishes and watch Hita’s fishers ply their trade with the help of trained cormorants. Navigate Oita prefecture by car or ride trains connecting Oita city with Beppu and nearby cities. Reach other Japanese destinations by ferry or plane from Oita. The nearest international airport is 2.5 hours away by train in Fukuoka. Before leaving Oita, visit the Usuki Stone Buddhas, a remarkable set of colorful statues carved into a volcanic mountain. ### Popular cities in Oita Prefecture [Beppu Known for Hot springs, Culture and Natural parks ](https://expedia.com/Beppu.dx6402) Marvel at the cherry blossom trees at the foot of a mountain and soak your feet in the public baths formed by natural hot springs. ## Reasons to visit - Hells of Beppu - Takegawara Onsen - Kijima Kogen Park [Explore City](https://expedia.com/Beppu.dx6402)[Find Hotels](https://expedia.com/Beppu-Hotels.d6402.Travel-Guide-Hotels) [Yufu Known for Hot springs, Volcano and Forests ](https://expedia.com/Yufu.dx6127305) Head inland to visit this picturesque small city, with hot spring resorts and a charming selection of museums, art galleries and cafés. ## Reasons to visit - Kinrin Lake - Mount Yufu - Yufuin Stained Glass Museum [Explore City](https://expedia.com/Yufu.dx6127305)[Find Hotels](https://expedia.com/Yufu-Hotels.d6127305.Travel-Guide-Hotels) [Hiji Known for Sea, Hot springs and Business ](https://expedia.com/Hiji.dx6139481) This picturesque town on Beppu Bay offers a wide range of cultural attractions, from a theme park based on Hello Kitty to a ruined 17th-century castle. ## Reasons to visit - Harmony Land - Hiji Castle [Explore City](https://expedia.com/Hiji.dx6139481)[Find Hotels](https://expedia.com/Hiji-Hotels.d6139481.Travel-Guide-Hotels) [Oita Known for Hot springs, Relaxing and Mountains ](https://expedia.com/Oita.dx6128402) Hot spring spas, or onsen, are the main attraction, but this area also features natural beauty and some of Japan’s earliest Buddhist sites. [Explore City](https://expedia.com/Oita.dx6128402)[Find Hotels](https://expedia.com/Oita-Hotels.d6128402.Travel-Guide-Hotels) [Hita Known for Beer, Hot springs and Seafood ](https://expedia.com/Hita.dx6143444) Quaint Hita awaits: its beer, hot springs, spas, and more! [Explore City](https://expedia.com/Hita.dx6143444)[Find Hotels](https://expedia.com/Hita-Hotels.d6143444.Travel-Guide-Hotels) [Kokonoe Known for Zoo, Monuments and Nature ](https://expedia.com/Kokonoe.dx6178224) Kokonoe awaits: its zoo, monuments, museums, and more! [Explore City](https://expedia.com/Kokonoe.dx6178224)[Find Hotels](https://expedia.com/Kokonoe-Hotels.d6178224.Travel-Guide-Hotels) ## Cities in Oita Prefecture ![Beppu showing night scenes](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6402/e1fcdee2-3d59-4b84-8fd6-23d9ea4ca709.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Beppu Marvel at the cherry blossom trees at the foot of a mountain and soak your feet in the public baths formed by natural hot springs. ![Yufu](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6320727/089aad92-3300-4139-b53d-5c07271e27e0.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Yufu Head inland to visit this picturesque small city, with hot spring resorts and a charming selection of museums, art galleries and cafés. ![Yufuin Onsen showing a river or creek, a small town or village and a bridge](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248633981737749/9340e297-993c-446a-9d06-26cf27bd8ab9.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Oita Hot spring spas, or onsen, are the main attraction, but this area also features natural beauty and some of Japan’s earliest Buddhist sites. ![Yufuin](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6320727/67305860-0f38-4ab3-9d41-c618a063f8d1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Yufuin Get an authentic Japanese onsen experience at this district that offers both relaxing hot springs and an energetic cultural life. ![Hiji](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6139481/fc0d498a-d8a7-4864-803b-9c405743afc3.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Hiji This picturesque town on Beppu Bay offers a wide range of cultural attractions, from a theme park based on Hello Kitty to a ruined 17th-century castle. ![](https://a.travel-assets.com/mad-service/footer/bnaBanners/BEX_Footer.jpg) ## Go further with the Expedia app Save even more - get up to 20% on select hotels when you book on the app. Our app deals help you to save on trips so you can travel more and manage it all on the go. 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