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.
Historical timeline
Key moments that shaped Oita.
-
1
Usa Jingu Shrine officially established as the head shrine of Hachiman worship across Japan
-
2
Rokugo Manzan Buddhist-Shinto temples established across Kunisaki Peninsula; ascetic mountain culture flourishes
-
3
Usuki Stone Buddhas carved; Fuki-ji Temple's Great Hall completed (oldest surviving wooden structure in Kyushu)
-
4
Francis Xavier visits Bungo Province; Otomo Sorin (lord of Oita) shows interest in Christianity; Oita becomes one of Japan's earliest Christian missionary territories
-
5
Edo period stabilization; Nakatsu and Usuki castle towns established; Beppu onsen's documented use by samurai begins
-
6
Fukuzawa Yukichi born in Nakatsu; later becomes Japan's leading advocate for Western modernization and liberal thought
-
7
First official Beppu hot-spring development; tourism infrastructure established in Meiji era
-
8
Oita revitalized through OISA (One Village One Product) movement pioneered by Governor Hiramatsu; kabosu citrus and Bungo beef become national brands
Historical sites
Places where Oita's past comes alive.
Usuki Stone Buddhas
Where: Usuki
Admission: ¥550 (~$3.70 USD)
Usa Jingu Shrine
Where: Usa
Admission: Free (Treasure Hall ¥300, ~$2 USD)
Nakatsu Castle
Where: Nakatsu
Admission: ¥400 (~$2.70 USD)