Full Steam Ahead… 10 Things to Do in Oita: Top Attractions & Activities

Oita Prefecture, nestled on the island of Kyushu, is a captivating destination that offers a harmonious blend of natural beauty, cultural richness and outdoor adventures. From serene hot springs to iconic landmarks, we’ll share a few of the best things to do in Oita that make it a must-visit destination.

Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a cultural explorer or an adventure seeker, Oita promises an unforgettable journey. And it all starts here…

1. Take a dip in Kannawa Onsen and try hot spring cooking
2. Explore Beppu’s Myoban Hot Springs & Steamed Foods
3. Enjoy a refreshing lunch of nagashi somen noodles
4. Beppu Lunch Food Tour: Onsen Coffee & Regional Food
5. Beppu Dinner & Drinks Tour: Sake Tasting & Izakaya (Kyushu)
6. Leap into the hometown of Attack on Titan
7. Sniff out the Oita Fragrance Museum 
8. Check out the local culture at the Oita Prefectural Art Museum
9. Spend the day at Tanoura Beach
10. Walk across the Kokonoe Yume Otsurihashi Bridge

Kannawa Onsen is one of Beppu’s “Seven Hells,” and in this Kannawa Onsen and hot spring cooking experience you’ll get to learn all about it from a local, English-speaking guide. Hear all the local stories and insights before they take you to the onsen itself, where you’ll have a choice to make. 

Will you take a dip in Hyotan Onsen, a hot springs facility with ten kinds of baths and several Michelin accolades, or would you prefer the rejuvenating qualities of a hot spring steam instead?

Either way, you’ll get to try the regional specialty of jigokumushi (hot spring steam cooked) cuisine, allowing you to dive into another aspect of Beppu’s rich culture.

Book this Kannawa Onsen and jigokumushi cooking experience.

Since this area is famous for its onsen, we can’t help but recommend another chance to enjoy the relaxation of another hot spring. Join this 3-hour private tour of Myoban Onsen and you’ll travel 25 minutes northeast of Beppu to the picturesque onsen town of Myoban. 

Here, you’ll have a chance to soak in the milky blue waters of their mineral-rich hot springs before heading to Myoban Yunosato, a cultural hidden gem that’s revered by those in the know for its timber huts; these huts have been used for centuries to produce yunohana mineral salts from natural onsen steam.

Once more, you’ll have lunch prepared by the hot springs steam, cooking fresh ingredients you’ll have purchased from a local supermarket (with the help of your guide, of course). This will also include a rather jiggly steam-cooked pudding!

Book your private Myoban Onsen tour and steam cooking experience.

Have you ever experienced the hot, humid summers of Japan? If you have, you know that you’re always looking for that next method to cool down, and a refreshing lunch of nagashi somen noodles is certainly one of the most fun options.

“Nagashi” refers to the fact that the somen, fine white noodles, “flow” down bamboo pipes in ice-cold water. Hungry? Then you better practice using chopsticks, because you’ll be using them to grab the noodles as they slide down!

If you manage to catch the noodles, you’ll dip them into a signature sauce and flavor them with condiments before digging in — a delicious way to cool off in the summer months.

In stark contrast to the chilly noodles, you’ll receive only the warmest of welcomes when you arrive at Space Beppu, a renovated house that’s been on this very spot in Beppu for over 100 years.

Book now and try to catch nagashi somen noodles for lunch.

Perfect for your next day in Oita, this Beppu lunch tour will have you feeling like a local as you follow your expert guide Masahiro through the backstreets of Beppu. He’ll share stories of the area while leading you to the street food market at Beppu Station.

Get a taste for regional specialties with traditional rice rolls, fried chicken and something sweet from a nearby bakery.

If you tried the nagashi somen lunch experience above, you’ll recognise this next spot: Space Beppu! This time you’re here to try the unique flavors of “onsen coffee,” a beloved beverage made in a new way, using the natural hot spring water.

Enjoy this lunch walking tour and onsen coffee in Beppu!

Meet up with Masahiro once more in the evening for unforgettable dinner and drinks in Beppu. In this 3.5-hour bar hopping tour, you’ll have the pleasure of visiting multiple local spots for drinks, snacks, sake tasting and izakaya dishes — all made even more special by the natural beauty of Beppu at night.

You’ll also walk away from this evening with an unexpected souvenir: a Beppu-crafted sake cup, made from local bamboo, that’s perfect for sipping any sake you’ve bought on your travels.

Book dinner and drinks in Beppu.

If you’re a big fan of Attack on Titan, you’re going to want to make the 2-hour journey from Oita Station to Hita City. Why? Well, it’s the hometown of Isayama Hajime, the creator of the world-famous manga and the city isn’t afraid to make sure everyone knows it.

As soon as you leave the JR Hita Station, you’ll discover a bronze statue of Levi Ackerman waiting for you. More bronze statues of main characters are dotted around the city, giving you a great reason to explore a little further.

Not only that, but at the foot of Hita’s Oyama Dam, you’ll also find statues of Eren, Mikasa and Armin. Over at the Hita Museum, there’s even a free Attack on Titan exhibition, including original drawings from Isayama himself.

Spanning three levels, the Oita Fragrance museum is all about understanding the power and allure of smell. Here’s how it’s laid out:

• First floor: A collection of perfume bottles, details on how fragrances are made and popular fragrances from different parts of the world.

• Second floor: Focusing more on the history of fragrance, this floor features fragrances from Ancient Egypt, Europe’s Middle Ages, and the Art Nouveau and Art Deco movements.



• Third floor: Interactive experiences! Learn to make your own perfume blend or scent bags (for keeping closets and drawers smelling nice). Relax in the aromatherapy experience room, where you can recline amidst your choice of scents.

While you’re feeling cultured, hop on a coastline train that will take you an hour away to the unique exhibitions and stylish architecture of the Oita Prefectural Art Museum.

Designed to let in the light and natural sights of Uenogaoka Park, the museum shows off an open-plan structure and earthy tones that harmonize with the surrounding environment. Enjoy sweeping views of the city from the observation terrace, explore the exhibitions of the permanent and seasonal galleries, and maybe stop for a breather at the museum’s restaurant.

After all those exhibitions, switch your brain off for an afternoon at the beach — ideally with a chilled drink and a good book. If you’re visiting during July and August, relax on the beach itself or swim in the ocean while it’s still permitted.

Or, if you happen to be in Oita outside of this period, you can still enjoy the stunning seaside park and listen to the leisurely lapping of the waves.

As Japan’s longest pedestrian bridge, you need to make time for the panoramic views of Oita’s Kokonoe Yume Otsurihashi Bridge, looking out over two waterfalls, the Naruko River and the valley below.

If you’re looking for one of Oita’s hiking trails, head to the nearby Kuju mountain range and Handa highlands. You’ll need to catch a local bus from Bungo-Nakamura Station, so make sure you have cash and a topped-up travel card. It’ll be worth it.

One of Oita Prefecture’s most famous spots is Beppu, so make sure you’ve seen all it has to offer with our blogs on things to do in Beppu and the best places to eat.

Oita Prefecture presents an unparalleled opportunity for travelers to immerse themselves in an enchanting fusion of natural hot springs, stunning landscapes and a vibrant cultural heritage that remains delightfully unspoiled.

Nestled on Kyushu Island, Oita Prefecture offers a unique blend of natural beauty and rich cultural experiences that captivate every traveler. Known for its rejuvenating hot springs in Beppu and Yufuin, Oita provides a sanctuary for relaxation and wellness. 

Historical marvels such as the stone Buddhas of Usuki add to the region's allure, inviting visitors on a journey through time. Scenic coastal vistas and lush mountainous landscapes offer endless opportunities for exploration and adventure.

Not to be overlooked, Oita's cuisine showcases unique local flavors like toriten, a delectable fried chicken, buri shabu-shabu, a savory yellowtail hot pot, and jigokumushi, the art of cooking using the steam from the natural hot springs.