Oita
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Beppu Onsen Area
One of Japan's premier hot spring areas consisting of eight districts. Steam rises throughout the town, offering diverse bathing methods such as sand baths, steam baths, and mud baths. The contrast of nightscape with rising steam is a must-see.
Address: Various locations in Beppu City, Oita Prefecture
Access: About 12 minutes on JR Nippo Main Line from Oita Station, get off at Beppu Station.
Transportation: Use the sightseeing bus 'Gurutto Bus' to circulate major hot spring areas.
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Beppu Hell Tour
Famous Beppu tour visiting seven unique hot water pools such as the Sea Hell, Blood Pond Hell, and White Pond Hell. Experience volcanic energy through pools dyed cobalt blue or red clay, and Hell-steamed gourmet using steam vents.
Address: Kannawa and Kamegawa districts, Beppu City, Oita Prefecture
Access: About 40 minutes by bus from Oita Station, get off at Kannawa Onsen, walk immediately.
Transportation: Purchase sightseeing tickets for discounted entrance to each hell.
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Yufuin Onsen
Atmospheric hot spring town spreading at the foot of Mount Yufu. Dotted with Kinrin Lake, art galleries, and stylish cafes, you can enjoy strolling and bathing simultaneously. The fantastical scene of morning mist covering the lake surface is an early-morning-only spectacle.
Address: Yufuin-cho, Yufu City, Oita Prefecture
Access: About 45 minutes by limited express on JR Kyudai Main Line from Oita Station, get off at Yufuin Station.
Transportation: Rental bicycles and rickshaws available from the station.
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Kokonoe 'Yume' Otsurihashi
Pedestrian suspension bridge at 777m elevation and 390m length. From the bridge, you can overlook Shindo Falls, one of Japan's 100 Famous Waterfalls, and autumn foliage valleys, experiencing thrills and spectacular views simultaneously. On clear days, you may even see the Aso Five Peaks.
Address: 1208 Tano, Kokonoe-machi, Kusu-gun, Oita Prefecture
Access: About 1 hour 30 minutes by car from Oita Station.
Transportation: Local buses available from JR Kokonoe IC (infrequent service)
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Usa Jingu Shrine
Grand shrine with over 1,300 years of history as the head shrine of all Hachiman shrines nationwide. The main hall is designated as a national treasure, featuring the majestic Hachiman-zukuri architectural style. It draws many worshippers year-round, including spring cherry blossoms and autumn Shinko Festival.
Address: 2859 Minami-usa, Usa City, Oita Prefecture
Access: About 55 minutes by limited express from Oita Station to Usa Station, then 10 minutes by bus.
Transportation: Local bus from Usa Station (about 40 minutes on foot).
Model Courses
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Beppu & Yufuin Steam-filled 2-Day Escape
Efficient 2-day, 1-night model course touring Oita's representative hot spring areas. In Beppu, enjoy the Hell Tour and local gourmet. On day 2, experience the grandeur of nature at Kokonoe's great suspension bridge, then indulge in cafe strolls and luxurious bathing in Yufuin.
- After the tour, enjoy Hell-steamed pudding as a snack.
- Experience steam baths at Kannawa Onsen.
- Spectacular autumn foliage views.
- Cafe lunch around Kinrin Lake.