3-Day Itinerary for Oita
Day 1: Beppu – Hot Springs and Nature
Morning:
Arrive in Beppu, one of Japan's most famous hot spring towns. Start your day with a visit to the Hells of Beppu (Jigoku Meguri), a collection of visually striking hot spring sites. You can visit several of the "hells," each with unique features, such as the red waters of Chinoike Jigoku (Blood Pond Hell) and the steaming Umi Jigoku (Sea Hell).
Afternoon:
Have lunch at a local restaurant and try Toriten (chicken tempura), a specialty of Beppu. Then, visit the Takasakiyama Natural Zoological Garden, where you can observe over 1,500 wild Japanese macaques.
Evening:
In the evening, relax at one of Beppu’s many onsen resorts. Hyotan Onsen is a popular choice for a traditional bath experience. Enjoy a peaceful evening soaking in the hot springs.
Day 2: Yufuin – Tranquility and Scenic Beauty
Morning:
Take a scenic train ride on the Yufuin no Mori express train to Yufuin, a picturesque town surrounded by mountains. Visit Kinrin Lake, which is especially beautiful in the early morning when mist often rises from the water. Take a stroll along Yu-no-Tsubo Street, filled with boutique shops, cafes, and art galleries.
Afternoon:
Enjoy lunch at a local café in Yufuin and explore the Yufuin Floral Village, a quaint, European-style village showcasing local flora and charming streets. Afterward, head to the Yufuin Onsen for a relaxing afternoon soak in the hot springs.
Evening:
Spend the evening in a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn), enjoying a multi-course dinner (kaiseki) with local delicacies and soaking in the onsen before a restful night.
Day 3: Oita City – Culture and History
Morning:
Take the train to Oita City and start with a visit to the Oita Prefectural Art Museum, which showcases contemporary art and cultural exhibits. Next, explore the Funai Castle Ruins for a taste of Oita’s feudal history.
Afternoon:
Have lunch in Oita City and then visit Usuki Stone Buddhas, a collection of Buddhist statues carved into cliffs dating back to the 12th century. These iconic figures are a must-see for history lovers.
Evening:
End your day with a visit to Sasamuta Shrine, a peaceful and historically significant Shinto shrine. Enjoy a quiet evening in Oita City before departing or continuing your journey.
5-Day Itinerary for Oita
Day 1: Beppu – Hot Springs and Scenic Views
Morning:
Arrive in Beppu and visit the Hells of Beppu to explore the famous hot spring sites. Then, head to the Beppu Park for a peaceful walk in a beautiful green space.
Afternoon:
Try local Beppu delicacies such as Toriten (chicken tempura) for lunch. Afterward, relax at the Beppu Onsen and soak in one of the many hot spring baths, such as Hyotan Onsen or Kijima Kogen Onsen.
Evening:
End your day with dinner in Beppu, trying some regional seafood dishes and enjoying the hot spring atmosphere.
Day 2: Yufuin – Countryside Exploration
Morning:
Take the Yufuin no Mori express train to Yufuin. Enjoy a visit to Kinrin Lake, followed by a walk through Yu-no-Tsubo Street, which is lined with charming boutiques and cafés.
Afternoon:
After lunch, head to Yufuin Floral Village and explore the picturesque streets filled with art galleries and souvenir shops. In the afternoon, visit Mount Yufu for a short hike or enjoy the serene nature.
Evening:
Spend the evening at a ryokan, enjoying a traditional Japanese dinner with local ingredients, and relax in the onsen.
Day 3: Oita City – History and Culture
Morning:
Head to Oita City and start with the Oita Prefectural Art Museum to see a mix of contemporary and traditional artworks. Then, visit the Funai Castle Ruins, a historic site offering great views of the city.
Afternoon:
Have lunch and then explore the Usuki Stone Buddhas for a deep dive into Japan’s Buddhist heritage. Spend some time at Oita City’s shopping districts, where you can enjoy browsing local shops.
Evening:
Visit Sasamuta Shrine for a peaceful, reflective experience. End the day by enjoying dinner in Oita, perhaps at one of the traditional izakayas (Japanese pubs).
Day 4: Kunisaki Peninsula – Spiritual and Natural Exploration
Morning:
Take a day trip to the Kunisaki Peninsula, known for its ancient temples and hiking trails. Start by visiting Rokugō Manzan, a collection of six valleys with temples that blend Shinto and Buddhist traditions.
Afternoon:
Enjoy lunch and then explore Ono-ji Temple, a major site on the Kunisaki Peninsula. Spend the afternoon hiking or visiting the peaceful Fuki-ji Temple, known for its ancient wooden architecture.
Evening:
Return to Beppu or Oita City for a relaxing evening soak in the onsen.
Day 5: Takasakiyama – Nature and Wildlife
Morning:
Spend the morning at Takasakiyama Natural Zoological Garden, where you can observe the local wild macaques and enjoy scenic views of Beppu Bay.
Afternoon:
After lunch, explore the local area, or enjoy a hike in Yufuin Highlands, where you can experience Oita's beautiful natural surroundings.
Evening:
Finish your trip with a relaxing evening at an onsen or a final stroll around Beppu or Oita City before departure.
Conclusion:
- 3-Day Itinerary: Focuses on the main attractions like Beppu, Yufuin, and Oita City, offering a balanced experience of hot springs, nature, and culture.
- 5-Day Itinerary: Provides a more relaxed pace with additional time for exploring historical sites, the Kunisaki Peninsula, and enjoying Oita’s natural beauty.
Both itineraries allow you to fully experience the highlights of Oita without feeling rushed.
