Oita Prefecture, located on the northeastern coast of Kyushu island, is Japan's undisputed hot-spring capital, boasting more onsen sources and volume than anywhere else in the country. The region is home to Beppu, one of Asia's most famous spa towns with its dramatic steam vents, and Yufuin, a sophisticated mountain onsen resort framed by Mount Yufu. Beyond the thermal waters, Oita offers ancient Buddhist cliff carvings at Usuki, wild monkeys bathing in hot springs at Takasakiyama, dramatic gorges at Takachiho on its border, and some of Kyushu's finest local cuisine.
Cultural orientation
Essential context for travellers.
O
i
t
a
'
s
c
u
l
t
u
r
e
i
s
r
o
o
t
e
d
i
n
B
u
d
d
h
i
s
t
a
n
d
S
h
i
n
t
o
t
r
a
d
i
t
i
o
n
s
i
n
h
e
r
i
t
e
d
f
r
o
m
t
h
e
a
n
c
i
e
n
t
R
i
k
k
o
k
u
-
j
i
t
e
m
p
l
e
n
e
t
w
o
r
k
o
f
t
h
e
K
u
n
i
s
a
k
i
P
e
n
i
n
s
u
l
a
.
T
h
e
o
n
s
e
n
b
a
t
h
i
n
g
c
u
l
t
u
r
e
h
a
s
a
d
d
i
t
i
o
n
a
l
s
o
c
i
a
l
r
u
l
e
s
a
r
o
u
n
d
r
e
s
p
e
c
t
a
n
d
c
l
e
a
n
l
i
n
e
s
s
.
V
i
s
i
t
o
r
s
w
h
o
f
o
l
l
o
w
b
a
s
i
c
e
t
i
q
u
e
t
t
e
w
i
l
l
f
i
n
d
O
i
t
a
r
e
s
i
d
e
n
t
s
e
x
c
e
p
t
i
o
n
a
l
l
y
w
e
l
c
o
m
i
n
g
.
Do's and don'ts
Quick guide to local norms.
Do
- Carry business card-sized allergen cards listing dietary restrictions in Japanese
- Bring coins — vending machines and small shrines accept only cash
- Take off shoes at the entrance of ryokan, temples and many restaurants
- Queue in orderly lines for buses, trains and tourist sites
- Pre-book Yufuin ryokan 2–3 months ahead for peak season
Don't
- Do not enter onsen with a towel or while unclean
- Do not tip — it can cause confusion or even offense in Japan
- Do not litter — no bins means carry-your-own
- Do not eat or drink in moving vehicles (trains OK; buses generally not)
- Do not speak loudly on public transport — phone calls are frowned upon in train carriages
Etiquette by setting
How to navigate everyday situations.
Useful phrases
A few words go a long way.
Konnichiwa
Hello / Good afternoon
Arigatou gozaimasu
Thank you very much
Sumimasen
Excuse me / Sorry (use to get attention)
Onsen wa doko desu ka?
Where is the hot spring?
Eigo wo hanasemasu ka?
Can you speak English?
Ikura desu ka?
How much does it cost?
Menyuu wo kudasai
Please give me the menu
Kabosu wo kudasai
Please give me kabosu (citrus)
Tasukete!
Help! (emergency)
Okaikei wo onegaishimasu
Bill please
Religion & spirituality
Understanding faith in Oita.
Items:
- Religion
- Buddhism / Shinto (mixed practice)
- Context
- Most Japanese practice elements of both; the Kunisaki Peninsula's unique 'Rokugo Manzan' culture blends both faiths in its cliff temples and mountain ascetic routes.
- Religion
- Christianity
- Context
- Small Christian community; some churches in Oita City.