🧭 Introduction
Known as Japan’s “Onsen Prefecture,” Oita offers far more than hot springs. From history and nature to food culture, countryside scenery, and coastal views, its 18 towns are packed with kid-friendly charm and discoveries.
In every town below, you’ll find:
- ✅ Recommended local foods
- ✅ Popular attractions for foreign visitors
- ✅ Hidden gems known mostly by locals
👉Visit the Official Oita Tourism Site
🏙️ Oita City
Highlights: Prefectural capital with easy access to sea and mountains—great family base with aquariums, parks, and shopping.
Foods: Seki Aji & Seki Saba (premium sashimi), Bungo Beef steak, dango-jiru (hearty local soup).
Popular: Umitamago Aquarium, Takasakiyama Monkey Park.
Hidden Gem: Hetsugi old merchant street—quiet lanes and traditional houses.
♨️ Beppu
Highlights: One of the world’s greatest hot spring cities—like a theme park for families with steam, footbaths, and views.
Foods: Jigoku-mushi steam cuisine, Beppu cold noodles, toriten (tempura-style chicken).
Popular: “Hells” hot spring tour, Beppu Ropeway.
Hidden Gem: Myoban Yunohana huts—see traditional bath mineral making.
🏯 Nakatsu
Highlights: Historic castle town and the homeland of karaage (Japanese fried chicken).
Foods: Nakatsu karaage, Ryukyu marinated-fish rice bowl.
Popular: Nakatsu Castle, Yabakei Gorge.
Hidden Gem: Honyabakei quiet walking paths along cliffs and forest.
🌊 Saiki
Highlights: Leading seafood port with dramatic coastline and island views.
Foods: Saiki sushi platters, fugu (puffer fish) dishes, kabosu citrus-flavored seafood.
Popular: Saiki Castle Ruins, Kamae coastal drive.
Hidden Gem: Fishermen’s morning market—fresh tastings and local vibe.
🏞️ Hita
Highlights: Riverside heritage town with cool summers and wooden storehouses.
Foods: Hita yakisoba (crispy noodles), dango-jiru soup, ayu (sweetfish) in season.
Popular: Mameda historic district, Mikuma River cruise.
Hidden Gem: Riverside promenade with indie cafés.
🧘♀️ Usuki
Highlights: Ancient stone Buddhas and refined castle-town streets.
Foods: Fugu sashimi, traditional sweets and soy-based dishes.
Popular: Usuki Stone Buddhas, Niouza historic lane.
Hidden Gem: Quiet alleys of samurai residences.
🌾 Taketa
Highlights: Springs and highlands; Nagayu is Japan’s famous carbonated onsen.
Foods: Spring-water tofu cuisine, traditional Japanese sweets, buckwheat noodles.
Popular: Oka Castle Ruins, Kuju Highlands.
Hidden Gem: Tiny open-air baths in Nagayu—authentic and calm.
🌸 Bungo-Takada
Highlights: Nostalgic “Showa Town” and nearby Rokugo-Manzan temple culture.
Foods: Retro curry rice, local soba, countryside pastries.
Popular: Showa Town arcade, Rokugo-Manzan temples.
Hidden Gem: Tashibu no Sho rice terraces—timeless rural scenery.
🏯 Kitsuki
Highlights: Slope-filled castle town; kimono strolling perks available.
Foods: Seasonal kaiseki sets, wagashi sweets.
Popular: Kitsuki Castle, Samurai districts (North & South).
Hidden Gem: Back-alley kimono rental lanes for photos.
⛩️ Usa
Highlights: Home of Usa Jingu, head shrine of Hachiman, plus a large safari park nearby.
Foods: Usa karaage, suppon (softshell turtle) cuisine, Ajimu wine for adults.
Popular: Usa Jingu Shrine, African Safari Park.
Hidden Gem: Ajimu Winery tastings and vineyard strolls.
🌋 Bungo-Ono
Highlights: Land of waterfalls, stone bridges, and unusual rock formations.
Foods: Local game (gibier), mountain vegetable tempura, country bento.
Popular: Harajiri Falls, Chinda Falls.
Hidden Gem: Asaji stone bridge circuit through quiet valleys.
🏔️ Yufu
Highlights: Yufuin onsen resort with artful cafés and scenic strolls.
Foods: Bungo beef bowls or burgers, puddings & roll cakes.
Popular: Yufuin Onsen town, Lake Kinrin.
Hidden Gem: Yunohira stone alleys—classic hot-spring ambience.
🕉️ Kunisaki
Highlights: Peninsula where mountain Buddhism meets seaside drives.
Foods: Octopus dishes, miso-based set meals, local seafood.
Popular: Fukiji Temple, Monjusenji Temple.
Hidden Gem: Kumano Magaibutsu trail—short, rewarding hike.
🌅 Hiji
Highlights: Quiet port town on Beppu Bay; easy pairing with Beppu and Kitsuki.
Foods: Shiroshita karei (flatfish), family-sized seafood bowls, kabosu soda.
Popular: Hiji Castle Park, Harmonyland theme park.
Hidden Gem: Oga Farm—seasonal fruit picking and photos.
🌳 Kusu
Highlights: Storybook mountain scenery with railway heritage.
Foods: Salt-grilled river fish, mountain vegetable dishes.
Popular: Bokubayama/platakuyama viewpoints, Kusu Gorge.
Hidden Gem: Bungo-Mori Roundhouse Park—steam-locomotive relics.
🐚 Himeshima
Highlights: Ferry-accessed island with fishing-village charm and clear waters.
Foods: Kuruma-ebi (prawn) dishes, seaweed and island salt flavors.
Popular: Kannonzaki (obsidian site), island beach tide pools.
Hidden Gem: Kin district—migrating butterflies in late spring.
🌄 Kokonoe
Highlights: Highland resort in Aso–Kuju National Park with epic views and easy boardwalks.
Foods: Akaushi beef bowls/steaks, dairy treats (soft-serve & yogurt).
Popular: Kokonoe “Yume” Suspension Bridge, Tadewara Marsh boardwalks.
Hidden Gem: Sujiyu Onsen “utasenoyu” with gentle waterfall baths.
🌊 Tsukumi
Highlights: Scenic inlets with dolphin encounters and peaceful peninsula drives.
Foods: Tuna and mixed seafood rice bowls, grilled fish with kabosu citrus.
Popular: Tsukumi Dolphin Island, Shiura Peninsula drive.
Hidden Gem: Hotojima island alley stroll—quiet life and sea views.
🚗🧭 Summary | Turn Your Trip into a Family Plan
Oita’s charms go on and on. We’ll keep adding model itineraries and seasonal routes. Please consider adding Oita Prefecture to your family trip to Japan. Let us help you shape your Oita Family Trip together, step by step.
