Oita Prefecture

Best things to do in Oita Prefecture

Oita's Essential Wonders

Oita Prefecture is defined by its geothermal activity and historical landmarks. Beppu features the 'Hells,' including the cobalt blue Umi Jigoku and the red-tinted Chinoike Jigoku. Natural landscapes extend to the Kuju Mountain Range, home to the volcanic Mt. Kuju. In Oita city, the 16th-century Funai Castle ruins provide a glimpse into the region's feudal history, while the nearby city hall serves as the administrative hub. These locations highlight the mix of volcanic geology and traditional Japanese architecture found across the region.

Oita's Essential Wonders — Map

大分帰省中 / CC BY-SA 3.0

A

Beppu

Beppu Station is the main railway station for the city of Beppu in Ōita Prefecture, Japan, which is famous for its onsen.

Laura / CC-BY-SA

B

Umi Jigoku

Cobalt blue thermal spring with water temperatures reaching 98 degrees Celsius. The color is created by dissolved iron sulfate.

Laura / CC-BY-SA

C

Chinoike Jigoku

Known as 'Blood Pond Hell,' this spring features red water and mud colored by iron oxide and magnesium.

Reggaeman / CC-BY-SA-3.0

D

Oita Joshi Park

Funai Castle is a 16th-century castle, located in Ōita city, Ōita Prefecture, Japan.

Laura / CC-BY-SA

E

Tatsumaki Jigoku

A pressurized geyser that erupts every 30 to 40 minutes. It is designated as a National Scenic Spot.

Laura / CC-BY-SA

F

Shiraike Jigoku

'White Pond Hell' features milky water caused by mineral precipitation. The site also houses a tropical fish aquarium.

そらみみ / CC BY-SA 4.0

G

Yufuin

Yufuin Station is a railway station on the Kyudai Main Line in Yufu, Ōita, Japan, operated by Kyushu Railway Company.

OitaKiseichu / CC BY-SA 3.0

H

Oita City Hall

The central administrative facility for Oita City's local government.

大分帰省中 / CC BY-SA 3.0

I

Ōita

Ōita Station is a railway station located in Ōita, Ōita Prefecture, Japan, operated by Kyushu Railway Company.

Reggaeman / CC-BY-SA-3.0

J

Mt. Kuju

A 1,787-meter volcanic peak located within the Aso-Kuju National Park, featuring active fumaroles and seasonal highland flora.