Oita Prefecture is famous for its hot springs and the “hell tour” (Jigoku Meguri). Many travelers may think of it as a hot spring destination best enjoyed from autumn to winter. However, there are actually many sightseeing spots that can be enjoyed as summer retreats, such as the streets of Yufuin and the walking trails at the summit of Mount Tsurumi. In this article, an employee from JTB, one of Japan’s major travel agencies, reports from the area and introduces a 2-day, 1-night model course that can be enjoyed entirely by public transportation. The course covers spots such as Lake Kinrin in Yufuin, Yunotsubo Kaido, Beppu Ropeway, and Beppu SUGINOI HOTEL ORIX HOTELS & RESORTS.
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The Charms of Oita Prefecture, Located in Kyushu
Oita Prefecture is located in the eastern part of Kyushu, facing the Seto Inland Sea and Bungo Channel. In the central part of the prefecture, mountains such as Mount Yufu, Mount Tsurumi, and the Kuju Mountain Range stretch across the landscape, creating a region blessed with both mountains and the sea. In summer, the highland areas are popular as cool retreats. Oita is also known as "Japan's Number One Hot Spring Prefecture," boasting the highest number of hot spring sources and the largest volume of hot spring water in the country. There are many famous hot spring resorts, including Beppu Onsen and Yufuin Onsen.
If you are visiting from overseas, using Oita Airport is convenient. The sightseeing limited express train "Yufuin no Mori" runs from Hakata Station to Yufuin Station, so we also recommend combining sightseeing in Fukuoka with a trip to Oita.
Access to Oita Airport
Oita Airport is served by domestic flights from Haneda, Narita, Osaka (Itami), and Chubu Centrair International Airport, as well as international flights from South Korea (Seoul/Incheon) and Taiwan (Taipei/Taoyuan). To get to Beppu City, you can take the Airport Express Bus "Airliner," which takes about 45 to 50 minutes to reach Beppu Station.
Recommended for Oita Sightseeing! 1 Night 2 Days Model Course
Day 1: Oita Airport
Oita Prefecture is home to Sanrio Character Park Harmonyland, and currently Oita Airport is holding a collaboration event with Sanrio characters (scheduled until March 31, 2027). Hello Kitty and other Sanrio characters will welcome you at the airport.
Exclusive Sanrio goods such as acrylic keychains, stickers, and T-shirts are also available at the second-floor shop "Tabito" in Oita Airport, so be sure to check it out.
There are also many foot baths and photo spots both inside and outside the airport, so if you have some time before your bus departs, it is recommended to take a look around.
↓ Purchase your bus ticket from the ticket machine and board the bus bound for Yufuin Station Bus Center (about 55 minutes)
Day 1: Yufuin (Lake Kinrin & Yunotsubo Kaido / Approx. 3 hours including lunch)
Once you arrive at Yufuin Station Bus Center, the first thing to do is store your luggage. Since you will be walking more than you might expect in Yufuin, it is recommended to use the coin lockers (large 500 yen, small 300 yen) at the souvenir shop "Hinoshin" near the bus center to lighten your load before you start exploring.
Once you are traveling light, head for Lake Kinrin via Yunotsubo Kaido.
As I was walking, I suddenly came across a sightseeing carriage accompanied by the sound of hooves. It is rare to encounter a horse-drawn carriage in the middle of town, and it gave off a retro atmosphere.
Along the street, there are shops such as general stores and glass workshops that have been renovated from wooden machiya townhouses, bustling with tourists. Many of the visitors were from Korea and Taiwan in particular.
There are also many shops selling matcha sweets and street food, so you can easily enjoy Oita’s specialty “Toriten” (chicken tempura) and more. Stores selling Studio Ghibli and Sanrio character goods, as well as capsule toy shops, can be found everywhere, making it exciting just to walk around.
As you walk through the street, you will come upon Lake Kinrin, which is also popular on social media. The lake is even clearer than it appears in photos, and the way the trees are reflected on the surface is beautiful. Just looking at it makes you feel cool and refreshed, giving you a taste of a true summer retreat.
If you get tired from walking, stop by the bakery café “CAFE LA RUCHE” located right by the lake. Inside, you’ll find freshly baked croissants and scones. There is also a terrace where you can relax in the pleasant air while gazing at Lake Kinrin.
The recommended menu item is the “Kabosu Soda,” made with kabosu, a citrus fruit native to Oita Prefecture. Its refreshing aroma and crisp tartness will rejuvenate you after a long walk.
CAFE LA RUCHE
- Address: 1592-1 Kawakami, Yufuin-cho, Yufu-shi, Oita Prefecture
- Business hours: 9:00–16:30 (last order 16:00)
- Closed: Wednesdays
- Official website: https://cafelaruche.jp/
After a break, head back the way you came while enjoying the scenery along the street, and return to the Yufuin Station Bus Center.
While picking up your luggage from the lockers, be sure to check out the souvenir corner. There are plenty of Oita-themed souvenirs lined up, such as kabosu-scented face masks.
🧊 Summer Escape Points
The Yufuin Basin is located at an altitude of about 450 meters, making it cooler and more comfortable than the lowlands. Along Yunotsubo Kaido, you’ll find many shops selling shaved ice and cold drinks, so you can cool off while enjoying local treats as you stroll.
↓ From Yufuin Station Bus Center, take Kamenoi Bus No. 36 “Beppu-Yufuin Line” (about 30 minutes), get off at the “Beppu Ropeway” bus stop
Day 1: Beppu Ropeway & Mount Tsurumi (Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes)
Mount Tsurumi rises 1,375 meters above sea level, overlooking the city of Beppu. From Beppu Kogen Station at the foot of the mountain, it takes just 10 minutes by ropeway to reach Tsurumi Sanjo Station near the summit. As you board the large gondola, the view opens up rapidly, and you can see Beppu Bay, Mount Yufu, and on clear days, even the distant mountains of Shikoku.
In spring, you can see Miyama Kirishima azaleas, in autumn the mountain is covered in brilliant red leaves, and in winter the trees are blanketed in white “frost flowers” formed by ice crystals. The scenery changes dramatically with each season, making every visit unique. The summit walking path is paved and easy to walk, and from the observation deck you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view all to yourself.
🧊 Summer Escape Points
The summit of Mount Tsurumi is more than 10°C cooler than central Beppu, making it the perfect summer retreat. As you ascend by ropeway, you’ll notice the air gradually becoming cooler.
- Hours: Summer (March 15–November 14) 9:00–17:30 (last ascent 17:00, last descent 17:30) Winter (November 15–March 14) 9:00–17:00 (last ascent 16:30, last descent 17:00)
*Ropeway runs every 20–30 minutes - Fares: Seniors (70 and over) Round trip ¥1,700, One way ¥1,200
Adults (junior high school and older) Round trip ¥1,800, One way ¥1,200
Children (ages 4–elementary school) Round trip ¥900, One way ¥600 - Official website: https://www.beppu-ropeway.co.jp/
↓ From Beppu Ropeway, take the Kamenoi Bus toward Beppu Station West Exit (about 20 minutes)
Day 1: Beppu Station (Approx. 20 minutes)
In the plaza in front of Beppu Station East Exit, there is a free “Beppu Station Public Hand Bath.” A hand bath is a spot where you can warm your hands by soaking them in hot spring water.
Right nearby stands a bronze statue of Kumahachi Aburaya, known as the father of Beppu tourism, which is also a popular photo spot.
The pedestal is inscribed with “The Shiny Old Man Who Loved Children,” and he is still affectionately known by this nickname among locals. If you look closely, you’ll see a little demon clinging to the hem of his cape, which is decorated with a hot spring symbol, representing the “Hell Tour.”
↓ From Beppu Station West Exit, take the free shuttle bus to Beppu SUGINOI HOTEL ORIX HOTELS & RESORTS (about 15 minutes)
Day 1 to Day 2: Beppu SUGINOI HOTEL ORIX HOTELS & RESORTS
Located on a hill overlooking Beppu Bay in the Kankaiji Onsen area, Beppu SUGINOI HOTEL ORIX HOTELS & RESORTS is a large-scale resort hotel with over 80 years of history and is the largest in Beppu City. The hotel has three accommodation buildings: Sora-kan, which boasts sophisticated open-air baths with spectacular views, Niji-kan, which is close to the pool and entertainment facilities for an active stay, and Hoshi-kan, which features a calm, Japanese-style atmosphere.
If you are staying in the Sora-kan building, after checking in, head first to Sora-yu, the open-air bath with panoramic views that is exclusively available to Sora-kan guests and some Hoshi-kan guests.
From the top floor of Sora-kan, you can enjoy sweeping views of Beppu city, Beppu Bay, and Mount Tsurumi.
You also won't want to miss Tanayu, the large open-air bath with five terraced levels, which is available to all guests. From the spacious baths, you can gaze out over Beppu Bay and refresh both body and mind.
For dinner, Sora-kan guests can enjoy the exclusive buffet restaurant TERRACE & DINING SORA. The buffet features a wide variety of dishes, with chefs specializing in Japanese, Western, and Chinese cuisine. The live kitchen, where you can watch the chefs cook right in front of you, and the terrace seating with views of Beppu are especially popular.
On the morning of the second day, it is recommended to relax at the hotel until check-out. You can soak in the open-air bath again in the fresh morning air, or enjoy the Aqua Beat pool, which is open for a limited time in summer (scheduled to be open until September 30, 2026). Aqua Beat features a wave pool, water slides, and a kids' pool, so both children and adults can have a great time.
The standard opening hours are from 11:00 to 18:00, but during certain periods, the hours are extended from the morning. For detailed dates and times, please check the official website. Even after checking out, you can enter once by presenting your receipt or card jacket.
- Address: 1 Kankaiji, Beppu City, Oita Prefecture
- Access: About 15 minutes by free shuttle bus from Beppu Station
- Check-in: From 15:00 Check-out: 11:00
- Official website: https://suginoi.orixhotelsandresorts.com/
- Reservation: Here
↓ From Beppu SUGINOI HOTEL ORIX HOTELS & RESORTS, take the free shuttle bus to Beppu Station West Exit (about 15 minutes)
Move from Beppu Station West Exit to East Exit (in front of Beppu Station), then transfer to the Oita Kotsu Bus bound for "Oita Station" (about 15 minutes, get off at "Takasakiyama Natural Zoological Garden")
Day 2: Oita Marine Palace Aquarium "Umitamago" (Approximate stay: 1 hour 30 minutes)
This aquarium is based on the concept of "getting close to animals." The highlight is the large circular tank with a water volume of 1,250 tons, where 1,500 fish of 90 species, including large fish such as sharks and rays, swim around.
Another attraction is the large coral tank, where corals from southern Oita were successfully bred under artificial lighting for the first time in Japan. You can also meet the friendly Napoleonfish.
You also won't want to miss the dolphin and sea lion performances. At the new facility "Asobeach," you can observe dolphins and sea lions swimming freely on the sandy beach up close.
The original "Fish Goshuin" from Umitamago is also popular. With a variety of designs featuring penguins, sea turtles, and more, it makes a perfect souvenir or travel memento.
🧊 Cooling Points
The entire facility is air-conditioned, so you can enjoy your visit without worrying about the heat outside. Some seats at the dolphin performance are close enough to get splashed, making it feel even cooler.
- Address: 3078-22 Oaza Kanzaki, Oita City, Oita Prefecture
- Admission: Adults (high school students and older) 3,000 yen, Children (elementary and junior high school students) 1,500 yen, Preschoolers (4 years and older) 1,000 yen
- Opening hours: 9:00–17:00 (may vary depending on season and day of the week. Please check the official website for the latest information)
- Official website: https://www.umitamago.jp/
🐬Oita Marine Palace Aquarium Umitamago Ticket【kkday】
Day 2: Takasakiyama Natural Zoological Garden (Approximate stay: 1.5 hours)
Just a few minutes’ walk from Umitamago, Takasakiyama Natural Zoological Garden is a rare type of zoo in Japan where you can encounter wild Japanese macaques in their natural environment without cages. Unlike the typical “monkey mountain” found in most zoos, wild Japanese macaques living on Mount Takasaki in Oita City come down from the mountain and spend time at the “Monkey Gathering Area,” which serves as their feeding ground. This allows visitors to observe the monkeys up close, making it a unique and appealing experience.
Two groups, known as “Group B” and “Group C,” take turns appearing, and a total of 760 monkeys (as of August 2026) live here. The highlight is definitely the feeding time. In addition to wheat being scattered every 30 minutes, there are two daily sweet potato competitions, giving visitors the chance to watch the monkeys’ lively behavior up close.
🧊 Tips for Staying Cool
The park is shaded by trees and cooled by breezes from the sea, making it feel cooler than the city. During the summer season (from July 18 to August 31, 2026), a “Monkey Pool” is set up at the Monkey Gathering Area, where you can watch the monkeys play in the water and cool off.
- Address: 3098-1 Kanzaki, Oita City, Oita Prefecture
- Hours: 9:00–17:00 (last entry 16:30)
- Admission: General 500 yen, High school students, etc.※ 250 yen, Infants and young children free of charge
※“High school students, etc.” refers to those up to March 31 following their 18th birthday. - Official website: https://www.takasakiyama.jp/
↓ From Takasakiyama Natural Zoological Garden, take the Oita Kotsu Bus bound for “Beppu” to “Beppu Kitahama” (about 15 minutes)
At “Beppu Kitahama,” transfer to the airport express bus “Airliner” and head to Oita Airport (about 50 minutes)
At the end of your trip, it’s also recommended to pick up some Oita souvenirs at the “Tabibito” shop on the second floor.
There is also an observation deck on the third floor where you can relax while watching the runway.
Must-buy Souvenirs from Oita
Kabosu-related Products
Ponzu sauce, juice, and sweets made with "Kabosu," a citrus fruit that is a specialty of Oita Prefecture, are classic souvenirs.
Jigoku Mushi Pudding
This smooth-textured pudding is steamed using the hot spring steam of Beppu Onsen. It is perfect not only as a souvenir but also for enjoying while strolling around. Among them, "Okamotoya Shop," known as the original Jigoku Mushi Pudding, is a popular spot even among locals.
Oita, famous as the "Onsen Prefecture," is full of attractions that make you want to visit even in summer, such as the tranquil streets of Yufuin, the magnificent view from the summit of Mount Tsurumi, and the open-air baths of Beppu SUGINOI HOTEL ORIX HOTELS & RESORTS overlooking Beppu Bay. Please refer to the model course and be sure to visit Oita Prefecture.
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