Oita Prefecture, known as Japan’s spa capital, celebrates an extraordinary fourth year in London. With its abundant and revitalizing hot springs, Oita produces more of Japan’s renowned hot-spring water than any other region, making it a haven for travellers seeking a truly refreshing experience. The prefecture perfectly complements any vacation in Japan, captivating visitors with its art, history, natural beauty, cuisine, and warm hospitality. To showcase all that Oita has to offer, the Oita Prefectural Government established a dedicated tourist desk in London four years ago, which has been instrumental in introducing this particular part of Japan to the travel industry. With a continued presence in the UK and expanding outreach in France, the Oita Prefectural Government is ready to assist travellers in both French and English. Discover the delightful wonders of Oita Prefecture as we delve into its highlights.
Soaking in Tranquility: Beppu and Yufuin’s Hot Springs
Nestled between the mountains and the sea on the picturesque western island of Kyushu, Oita Prefecture is renowned for its onsen, or hot spring baths. Embracing the Japanese tradition of immersing in naturally warm waters, Oita pumps out hundreds of millions of litres of mineral-rich healing water annually. These rejuvenating hot springs offer relief for various ailments and provide an extensive range of beauty and skincare treatments.
The coastal town of Beppu stands out as one of Oita’s prominent cities, boasting a mesmerizing landscape where mountains meet the shoreline. Geothermal activity permeates the city, with natural steam vents billowing clouds of steam throughout town. Beppu is renowned for its diverse onsen styles, including the unique black sand bath, where visitors immerse themselves in the naturally warm sand, leaving their skin refreshed and pores cleansed.
On the other hand, Yufuin represents the cultural heart of Oita. This charming town has art galleries, chic cafes, and trendy boutiques. It hosts significant art and literature festivals annually and is a starting point for exploring the surrounding wilderness, with Mt Yufu towering nearby. Yufuin is also known for its exquisite onsen culture, enticing many visitors to indulge in the therapeutic waters and minerals for days.
Tour de Kyushu: Uniting Cycling Enthusiasts
October 2023 will witness the inaugural edition of the Tour de Kyushu, an annual road-bike race encompassing the entire island as part of the UCI Asia Tour. Oita will play host to the race’s third and final stage, featuring a thrilling high-speed sprint on a 700-meter descent, followed by a magnetic circuit around the picturesque centre of Hita.
Farm Stay: Embrace the Authentic
Immerse yourself in the authentic lifestyle of Oita’s welcoming farming communities with a Farm Stay experience. This style of green tourism originated over 20 years ago in Usa, a city in Oita Prefecture. Known as Noson Mimpaku, this unique holiday philosophy invites visitors to spend a cozy night in the homes of ordinary farmers. Engage in activities at animal farms, fisheries, mushroom farms, tofu producers, and more while learning about local produce, exploring the environment, and even mastering the art of cooking delicious meals using freshly-picked ingredients. Oita offers visitors unparalleled local experiences, whether by the seaside, along the river, in the highlands, or on a remote island. It’s an extraordinary way to connect with the spiritual essence of this region.
Overnight Osaka Ferry: A Luxurious Voyage
Oita is highly accessible from mainland Japan, offering multiple transportation options. Travellers can fly into Oita Airport, take a train from Hiroshima to Fukuoka, or embark on an enchanting overnight ferry journey from Osaka or Kobe. This luxurious ferry travel provides a convenient mode of transportation and doubles as a one-night accommodation experience.
We highly recommend the return cruise from Beppu to the vibrant city of Osaka. Spend the night in a spacious deluxe cabin, waking up refreshed and ready for the next leg of your journey, wherever it may lead. Adding to the allure, Japan’s first LNG-fueled ferry, the Sunflower Kurenai, set sail in January, with its eco-friendly counterpart, the Sunflower Murasaki, following suit in April 2023.
This article merely scratches what Oita has in store for visitors. The Oita desk in London eagerly awaits your inquiries and requests, ensuring your journey to this remarkable prefecture is nothing short of extraordinary. Feel free to reach out and embark on an unforgettable adventure in Oita, Japan’s radiant gem.
Written by: Don Power
