Located in the eastern part of Kyushu, Oita is the ultimate hot spring paradise that endlessly captivates travelers from around the world as Japan’s premier “Onsen Prefecture,” boasting one of the highest numbers of hot spring sources and water yields in the country. From the dynamic Beppu Onsen, where steam rises from every corner of the city, to the serene, luxury resort of Yufuin, highly praised by wealthy travelers worldwide, its greatest charm is the ability to simultaneously experience the power of nature and blissful healing.
However, to draw out 120% of Oita‘s charm and make your trip perfect, there are some realistic points you need to know in advance. Here are the “3 Truths” you should know before departing, along with the must-see sightseeing spots and exquisite local gourmet food!
⚠ 3 Things to Know Before You Go (The Honest Truth)
- Be Aware of Paying the “Onsen Tax” (Bathing Tax) On-Site: Even if you have prepaid your accommodation fees online, many hot spring inns require you to pay a separate “Onsen Tax” (150 yen to 500 yen) at the front desk upon arrival. In places like Beppu City, the Onsen Tax may fluctuate depending on your accommodation rate, so preparation is necessary to avoid panicking over unexpected expenses.
- Strict Check-in Times and Co-sleeping Rules: At traditional luxury ryokans (Japanese inns) in areas like Yufuin, the final check-in time is often strictly set at “18:00 (6:00 PM)” to maintain the quality of the dinner served. Also, even if a hotel offers free “co-sleeping” (bed-sharing) for children, breakfast fees (approximately 2,200 yen to 10,000 yen) are often billed separately on-site, making it essential to confirm the family policy in advance.
- Smart “Hub & Spoke” Touring via Rental Car: Since accommodation costs in major resort areas like Beppu and Yufuin tend to skyrocket during peak seasons, an increasingly popular style is to use high-cost-performance, highly functional hotels in Oita City as a base camp, touring each area by rental car during the day. When using a rental car, it is highly recommended to carefully check the availability of advance parking reservations and the fees.
🌴 Must-See Spots
In Oita, you will find dynamic nature where you can feel the breath of the earth and picturesque scenery that looks like it came straight out of a picture book.
- “Jigoku Meguri” (Hell Tour) in Beppu: This is the absolute highlight of Beppu sightseeing, where you tour seven hot springs meant for “viewing” rather than bathing, as temperatures exceed 100 degrees Celsius. The wonders of geothermal heat, each with completely different characteristics, are a must-see, including the cobalt blue Umi Jigoku (Sea Hell), the Chinoike Jigoku (Blood Pond Hell) dyed bright red by iron oxide, and the Tatsumaki Jigoku (Tornado Hell) with its spouting geyser.
- Yufuin and Kinrin Lake: A relaxing resort area away from the hustle and bustle of Beppu. You can lose track of time enjoying a stroll around the romantic Kinrin Lake, where beautiful scenery reflects on the water’s surface, the Yufuin Floral Village, which feels like wandering into a fairy tale world, and the magnificent landscape of Mt. Yufu.
- Kyushu Nature Animal Park (African Safari): A highly popular spot for families. A thrilling experience awaits where you can ride a dedicated jungle bus to observe wild animals up close and feed them directly.
🍽 Must-Try Local Gourmet
Enjoy the gourmet culture unique to Oita, utilizing the natural heat and blessings of the land!
- Jigoku Mushi (Hell Steaming) and Onsen Sweets: A Beppu specialty, “Jigoku Mushi,” is a traditional and healthy cooking method that uses natural steam (geothermal heat) erupting from the hot springs to cook vegetables, meat, and seafood. Also, “Onsen Steamed Pudding” and special “Onsen Eggs” made with the same hot spring steam have a unique flavor and are exquisite sweets you must try.
- Oita’s Local Cuisine (Dango Jiru, etc.): In hot spring areas like Beppu, you can taste heartwarming local dishes such as “Dango Jiru,” which contains flat noodles and various vegetables. Please be sure to taste these flavors deeply loved by the locals.
- Premium Wagyu “Bungo Beef”: This is the premium Wagyu beef that Oita is proud of. It is often served as the main dish in kaiseki (traditional multi-course) meals at luxury ryokans in Yufuin, allowing you to fully savor its rich umami flavor to your heart’s content.
Conclusion
While there are “realistic” aspects you should know in advance, such as paying the Onsen tax and strict check-in times, Oita is a world-class resort destination where overwhelming hot spring power, beautiful nature, and a unique food culture merge. Make wise use of a rental car and definitely plan the ultimate experience to heal your body and soul in Oita for your next trip to Japan!
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