Top 15 Must-Visit Attractions in Oita and Beppu
Beppu is the premier tourist destination in Kyushu's Oita Prefecture. With its world-famous hot springs, regional cuisine, and scenic sightseeing spots, it attracts countless visitors every year. Beyond Beppu itself, Oita Prefecture is packed with captivating highlights that are perfect for travelers looking to explore Kyushu in depth.
In this guide, I will introduce the top 15 recommended attractions in Oita and Beppu, complete with must-try local foods, recommended itineraries, and a helpful sightseeing map to help you plan your journey effortlessly!
(Oita Prefecture is remarkably vast. Beyond the renowned Beppu City, it spans enchanting regions including Yufuin, Oita City, Kokonoe, Nakatsu, and the Kunisaki Peninsula, each offering unique attractions and distinct cultural atmospheres.)
1. Beppu Hells (Jigoku Meguri)
Beppu boasts the highest spring water output in Japan, establishing itself as the nation's premier onsen paradise. Among its volcanic wonders are seven remarkable geothermal springs designated for viewing rather than bathing, known collectively as the "Seven Hells of Beppu". Each features extraordinary geological formations and vibrant mineral colors. With convenient combination tickets available, exploring these hot spring marvels is an absolute must when visiting Kyushu!
◎ Address: Kannawa (Umi Jigoku), Beppu, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu, Japan
◎ Admission: Single hell: ¥500; 7-Hell Pass: ¥2,400 (Discount Ticket 1 | Discount Ticket 2)
◎ Transportation: From Beppu Station, take bus No. 2, 5, 24, or 41 and alight at "Umi Jigoku-mae" (Beppu Transport Guide | Kyushu Car Rental)
◎ Recommended Day Tours: Beppu Bus 1-Day Pass | Fukuoka & Oita Day Tour | Beppu Day Tour | Dazaifu & Beppu Day Tour
◎ Travel Article: Beppu Hells
◎ Official Website: Beppu Jigoku
◎ Nearby Accommodations: Booking | Agoda | Hotels.com | Expedia (Compare Rates | Beppu Hotels)
(The famed geothermal hot springs of Beppu Hells include Umi Jigoku, Oniishi Bozu Jigoku, Oniyama Jigoku, Kamado Jigoku, Yama Jigoku, Chinoike Jigoku, Tatsumaki Jigoku, and Shiraike Jigoku, totaling eight unique vents. While touring, savor signature delicacies like jigokumushi (geothermal steam-cooked dishes) and jigoku steamed pudding, or relax in traditional bathhouses and ryokan throughout the surrounding Kannawa Onsen district, including Hyotan Onsen's relaxing sand baths.)
2. Yufuin
Alongside Beppu, Yufuin stands as another premier hot spring getaway in Oita. Famed for its idyllic pastoral landscapes, charming hot spring inns, whimsical fairy-tale village, and boutique craft shops, its crowning jewel is Lake Kinrin, with scenery that transforms dramatically across the seasons. Consistently ranked by Japanese women as a dream vacation getaway, Yufuin is an unmissable destination in Oita!
◎ Address: Lake Kinrin, Yufuin-cho, Yufu City, Oita Prefecture, Japan
◎ Transportation: Take the JR limited express train to "Yufuin Station" (Yufuin Transport Guide | Kyushu Car Rental)
◎ Recommended Day Tours: Fukuoka & Oita Day Tour | Dazaifu & Beppu Day Tour | Yufuin & Kurokawa Onsen Day Tour
◎ Travel Article: Yufuin Guide
◎ Official Website: Yufuin Lake Kinrin
◎ Nearby Accommodations: Booking | Agoda | Hotels.com | Expedia (Compare Rates | Oita Hotels)
(The waters of Lake Kinrin in Yufuin are truly mesmerizing, presenting ever-changing reflections from morning mist to evening glow across different seasons. Just steps away lies the lively Yunotsubo Street, where you can stroll, snack, and shop while admiring the majestic backdrop of Mount Yufu.)
3. Mount Tsurumi
Beppu's Mount Tsurumi was selected by CNN as one of Japan's 31 most beautiful places. Visitors can ascend aboard the Beppu Ropeway—the largest cable car in Kyushu—to reach the summit and soak in panoramic mountain and coastal vistas. Mount Tsurumi showcases captivating seasonal shifts, making it a wonderful destination year-round!
◎ Address: Minamitateishi (Mount Tsurumi), Beppu City, Oita Prefecture, Japan
◎ Ropeway Fare: Adults: One-way ¥1,200, Round-trip ¥1,800; Children: Half price
◎ Transportation: From JR Beppu Station West Exit, take Kamenoi Bus No. 34, 35, or 37 to "Beppu Ropeway" station (JR Kyushu Rail Pass | Kyushu Car Rental)
◎ Recommended Day Tour: Beppu Ropeway, Yufuin & Dazaifu Day Tour
◎ Official Website: Beppu Ropeway
◎ Nearby Accommodations: Booking | Agoda | Hotels.com | Expedia (Compare Rates | Beppu Hotels)
(November is particularly enchanting on Mount Tsurumi, when autumn foliage and distinct mountain blossoms at varying elevations create a rare, breathtaking botanical tapestry.)
4. Beppu Tower
Constructed after Nagoya TV Tower and Osaka's Tsutenkaku, Beppu Tower is Japan's third historic observation tower and is registered as a National Tangible Cultural Property. From its 360-degree observation deck, visitors can take in sprawling views of Beppu city and Beppu Bay. The tower also houses the Beppu Art Museum and the Kitahama Deck, making it an essential stop for sightseeing lovers!
◎ Address: 3-10 Kitahama (Beppu Tower 2F), Beppu City, Oita Prefecture, Japan
◎ Observatory Admission: Adults: ¥800; Junior High & High School: ¥600; Children (Age 4 to Elementary): ¥400 (Discount Ticket 1 | Discount Ticket 2)
◎ Transportation: Take JR to "Beppu Station" and walk for 10 minutes (JR Kyushu Rail Pass | Kyushu Car Rental)
◎ Official Website: Beppu Tower
◎ Nearby Accommodations: Booking | Agoda | Hotels.com | Expedia (Compare Rates | Beppu Hotels)
(Centrally situated along the coastline, Beppu Tower is an iconic symbol of the hot spring town. Following a major renovation in 2023, both its retro exterior and interior viewing facilities have been completely revitalized.)
5. Oita Prefectural Art Museum (OPAM)
Located in Oita City, the Oita Prefectural Art Museum (OPAM) houses a collection of over 5,000 artworks by artists tied to Oita. Many works draw deep inspiration from regional life, offering visitors rich insights into Oita's cultural heritage and contemporary artistic vitality. Designed by Pritzker Prize laureate Shigeru Ban, the building is known as "a museum of delightful encounters and the five senses." Its striking architectural design alone makes it well worth visiting!
◎ Address: 2-1 Kotobukimachi, Oita City, Oita Prefecture, Japan
◎ Admission: General: ¥300; High School & University: ¥200 (OPAM Discount Tickets)
◎ Transportation: Take JR to "Oita Station" and walk 15 minutes, or take the Oita Can Bus / 3P / BQ6 bus to "Oasis Hiroba-mae" stop (JR Kyushu Rail Pass | Kyushu Car Rental)
◎ Official Website: Oita Prefectural Art Museum (OPAM)
◎ Nearby Accommodations: Booking | Agoda | Hotels.com | Expedia (Compare Rates | Oita Hotels)
(The core architectural concept of OPAM is seamless integration between daily life and art. Pedestrians outside can gaze right into the ground-floor galleries through colossal folding glass doors, creating a luminous, welcoming, and open public space.)
6. Oita Marine Palace Aquarium "Umitamago"
Looking for a top family-friendly attraction in Oita? Oita Marine Palace Aquarium Umitamago is an outstanding choice! Its centerpiece tank holds 1,250 tons of seawater and showcases over 90 native marine species from local coastal waters. Visitors can immerse themselves in marine biology, interact closely with playful dolphins and walruses, and take in glorious views across Beppu Bay. Aquarium fans shouldn't miss it!
◎ Address: Kanzaki (Uto), Oita City, Oita Prefecture, Japan
◎ Admission: Adults (High school & above): ¥2,600; Elementary & Junior High: ¥1,300; Toddlers (Age 4+): ¥850 (Discount Ticket)
◎ Transportation: From JR Higashi-Beppu or Oita Station, take Oita Kotsu Bus AS60, AS70, or AS71 to "Takasakiyama" stop (JR Kyushu Rail Pass | Kyushu Car Rental)
◎ Official Website: Oita Marine Palace Aquarium Umitamago
◎ Nearby Accommodations: Booking | Agoda | Hotels.com | Expedia (Compare Rates | Oita Hotels)
(Kyushu is home to fantastic aquariums, such as Marine World Uminonakamichi in Fukuoka, the Kujukushima Aquarium and Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium in Nagasaki, and Kagoshima City Aquarium in Kagoshima, all making exceptional family outings.)
7. African Safari (Kyushu Natural Wildlife Park)
Kyushu Natural Wildlife Park African Safari is Japan's largest safari park, caring for roughly 1,400 animals across 70 species. Travelers can board the famous animal-shaped Jungle Bus to observe and hand-feed lions, bears, and herbivores roaming open grassland zones. This authentic safari atmosphere is rare in Japan, drawing countless families and making it a premier stop on independent itineraries!
◎ Address: 2 Minamihata, Ajimumachi, Usa City, Oita Prefecture, Japan
◎ Admission: Adults (High school & above): ¥2,600; Children (Age 4 to Junior High): ¥1,500
◎ Transportation: From Beppu Station West Exit, take Kamenoi Bus No. 41 to "Safari" stop (Kyushu SUNQ Pass | Kyushu Car Rental)
◎ Recommended Day Tours: Kyushu Oita Private Chartered Tour | Customized Kyushu Private Day Tour
◎ Official Website: African Safari
◎ Nearby Accommodations: Booking | Agoda | Hotels.com | Expedia (Compare Rates | Oita Hotels)
(The park also features family-friendly restaurants like "Lavender" with its storybook styling, and the popular curry buffet "Edelweiss," letting you refuel with delicious meals during your visit.)
8. Usa Jingu Shrine
Usa Jingu Shrine is widely revered as Oita's most significant sacred site, serving as the head shrine among roughly 44,000 Hachiman shrines across Japan. Also known as Usa Hachiman or Usa Hachimangu, it is among Japan's oldest religious sites and was named by CNN as one of the country's most scenic locations. Its National Treasure main sanctuary, divine bridge, Kurehashi bridge, Noh stage, and treasure hall offer profound spiritual insight into Japanese Shinto history.
◎ Address: Minamiusa, Usa City, Oita Prefecture, Japan
◎ Transportation: Take JR to "Usa Station," transfer to the Oita Kotsu Bus (Kokudo Nakadaka Line) to "Usa Hachiman" stop, and walk 15 minutes (JR Kyushu Rail Pass | Kyushu Car Rental)
◎ Recommended Day Tour: Oita Yabakei Day Tour
◎ Official Website: Usa Jingu
◎ Nearby Accommodations: Booking | Agoda | Hotels.com | Expedia (Compare Rates | Oita Hotels)
(The shrine's historic Kurehashi Bridge is recognized as one of Japan's 100 famous bridges and opens only once every decade during the imperial Chokushi-sai Festival. Along the bustling Omotesando approach, shops offer souvenirs and local snacks, including traditional "Usa Ame" candy, prized by expectant mothers as a charm for safe childbirth.)
9. Myoban Onsen
Beppu is famous for its thermal springs, and Myoban Onsen holds a special place as the highest elevation source among the Eight Onsen of Beppu. Its hallmark feature is the cluster of traditional thatched Yunohana Huts, preserved since the Edo Period to harvest premium natural bath mineral crystals. Beyond luxuriating in silky, mineral-rich milky sulfur baths, visitors can purchase artisanal bath powders and skincare products imbued with centuries of heritage!
◎ Address: Myoban (Myoban Onsen Yunosato), Beppu City, Oita Prefecture, Japan
◎ Admission: Myoban Jigoku: ¥200; Yunosato grounds free; bathhouse fees vary
◎ Transportation: Take JR to "Beppu Station," transfer from Beppu Station West Exit to Bus No. 41 and alight at "Jizoyu-mae" (JR Kyushu Rail Pass | Kyushu Car Rental)
◎ Official Website: Myoban Jigoku
◎ Nearby Accommodations: Booking | Agoda | Hotels.com | Expedia (Compare Rates | Beppu Hotels)
(The thatched huts of Myoban Onsen are designated as National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Properties. Inside, geothermal steam condenses onto blue clay to precipitate exquisite mineral crystals, offering a fascinating glimpse into age-old craftsmanship.)
10. Kokonoe "Yume" Grand Suspension Bridge
The Kokonoe "Yume" Grand Suspension Bridge is Japan's highest pedestrian suspension bridge and an absolute icon of Oita Prefecture. Spanning across the breathtaking Kyusuikei Valley at a height of 173 meters, it treats walkers to panoramic views of Mount Mimata, the Kokonoe mountain range, and Shindo Falls—ranked among Japan's top 100 waterfalls. Having welcomed over 10 million visitors, it is an essential stop for nature enthusiasts!
◎ Address: Tano, Kokonoe-machi, Kusu District, Oita Prefecture, Japan
◎ Admission: High school & above: ¥500; Elementary & Junior High: ¥200; Below elementary: Free
◎ Transportation: Take the "Yufuin-go" Nishitetsu bus to "Kokonoe IC," then transfer to a community bus to the bridge (Kyushu SUNQ Pass | Kyushu Car Rental)
◎ Official Website: Kokonoe "Yume" Grand Suspension Bridge
◎ Nearby Accommodations: Booking | Agoda | Hotels.com | Expedia (Compare Rates | Oita Hotels)
(A touching detail: a portion of ticket proceeds supports medical subsidies for local schoolchildren. Near the entrance, the "Tenkukan" specialty stores offer local produce and the famous "Yume Burger," made with juicy regional Bungo beef!)
11. Takegawara Onsen
Another hot spring? Yes—Beppu's onsen culture runs that deep! Takegawara Onsen is one of Beppu's oldest, most celebrated, and iconic public bathhouses. For a modest fee, you can bathe within an evocative heritage wooden hall dating back to the Taisho era or indulge in a soothing hot sand bath (Sunayu), making it an absolute must for an authentic Beppu experience!
◎ Address: 16-23 Motomachi, Beppu City, Oita Prefecture, Japan
◎ Fees: Regular Bath: Junior high & above ¥300, Children ¥100; Sand Bath: ¥1,500
◎ Transportation: From JR Beppu Station, walk 10 minutes or take Oita Kotsu Bus AS60/AS61 to "Nagarekawa YouMe Town-mae" stop (JR Kyushu Rail Pass | Kyushu Car Rental)
◎ Official Website: Takegawara Onsen
◎ Nearby Accommodations: Booking | Agoda | Hotels.com | Expedia (Compare Rates | Beppu Hotels)
(Natural sand baths can be found in several spots across Kyushu, with the world-famous Ibusuki sand steams in Kagoshima being another legendary highlight.)
12. Takasakiyama Natural Zoological Garden
Mount Takasaki in Oita hosts one of the world's largest populations of wild Japanese macaques. At Takasakiyama Natural Zoological Garden, over 1,500 wild monkeys descend daily from the lush mountain forest into the gathering grounds. Visitors can observe these free-roaming primates at close range without any cages or fences. A charming monkey-themed funicular railway makes climbing to the feeding plateau effortless while offering picturesque glimpses over Beppu Bay!
◎ Address: Kanzaki, Oita City, Oita Prefecture, Japan
◎ Admission: Adults (High school & above): ¥520; Elementary & Junior High: ¥260; Below elementary: Free
◎ Transportation: Take JR to Higashi-Beppu or Oita Station, transfer to Oita Kotsu Bus AS60, AS70, or AS71 to "Takasakiyama" stop (JR Kyushu Rail Pass | Kyushu Car Rental)
◎ Official Website: Takasakiyama Natural Zoological Garden
◎ Nearby Accommodations: Booking | Agoda | Hotels.com | Expedia (Compare Rates | Oita Hotels)
(Unlike conventional zoos that display a wide variety of animals, Takasakiyama Natural Zoological Garden focuses purely on wild monkeys. Feeding time is a thrilling sight as hundreds gather en masse—and remarkably, the dedicated staff can recognize individual monkeys by name!)
13. Sanrio Harmonyland
Located in Hiji Town, Oita, Harmonyland is Japan's premier outdoor Hello Kitty and Sanrio theme park. Packed with gentle rides, vibrant stage shows, and meet-and-greets with beloved characters like Pompompurin, Gudetama, Badtz-Maru, and My Melody, it also serves character-themed sweets and meals too adorable to eat. It is an enchanting wonderland for families with young children and Sanrio enthusiasts alike!
◎ Address: Fujiwara, Hiji-machi, Hayami District, Oita Prefecture, Japan
◎ Admission: General: ¥3,600; Afternoon Pass (after 15:00): ¥2,000; Student/Birthday Pass: ¥2,600; Senior/Maternity: ¥2,000 (Discount Ticket 1 | Discount Ticket 2)
◎ Transportation: Take JR to "Kitsuki Station," transfer to Harmonyland Line bus to the final stop (JR Kyushu Rail Pass | Kyushu Car Rental)
◎ Official Website: Harmonyland
◎ Nearby Accommodations: Booking | Agoda | Hotels.com | Expedia (Compare Rates | Oita Hotels)
(Kyushu boasts incredible amusement parks, from Huis Ten Bosch in Nagasaki to Greenland in Kumamoto. Harmonyland stands out as Oita's cherished fairy-tale icon [Photo by Hijimachi Tourism Official Site].)
14. Kijima Kogen Park
Nestled in the highlands near Beppu, Kijima Kogen Park is another top amusement destination in the region. It is home to "Jupiter"—Japan's first wooden roller coaster—along with a massive three-dimensional labyrinth, a junior driving school, and lush mountain gardens. Seasonal perks keep things exciting throughout the year, from summer water splash zones to Kyushu's largest outdoor ice-skating rink in winter!
◎ Address: Higashiyama, Beppu City, Oita Prefecture, Japan
◎ Admission: Park Admission: Junior high & above ¥1,500, Ages 4 to Elementary ¥600; Admission + Ride Pass: Junior high & above ¥4,800, Ages 4 to Elementary ¥3,900
◎ Transportation: Take Kamenoi Bus No. 36 to "Kijima Kogen" stop (Kyushu SUNQ Pass | Kyushu Car Rental)
◎ Official Website: Kijima Kogen Park
◎ Nearby Accommodations: Booking | Agoda | Hotels.com | Expedia (Compare Rates | Oita Hotels)
(Beyond thrill rides, Kijima Kogen Park is an exquisite venue for seasonal cherry blossoms, autumn maples, and golden ginkgo trees [Photo by Kijima Kogen Park].)
15. Beppu Park
Located in the heart of the city, Beppu Park is a beloved recreational haven for locals. It features over 700 towering red and black pine trees—some over a century old—alongside vibrant seasonal floral beds, tranquil bamboo groves, and flowing waterways. It is one of Beppu's prime viewing spots for cherry blossoms and plum blossoms in spring!
◎ Address: Noguchibaru, Beppu City, Oita Prefecture, Japan
◎ Transportation: From JR Beppu Station, take Kamenoi Bus No. 3, 5, 6, or 36 to "Beppu Koen-mae" stop (JR Kyushu Rail Pass | Kyushu Car Rental)
◎ Official Website: Beppu Park
◎ Nearby Accommodations: Booking | Agoda | Hotels.com | Expedia (Compare Rates | Beppu Hotels)
(Adjacent to Beppu Park stands the "B-Con Plaza Global Tower," where an open-air glass observation deck soaring 100 meters high delivers panoramic city views [Photo by Tourism Oita Official Website].)
◎ Recommended Oita & Beppu Itineraries
Most travelers visiting Oita Prefecture for the first time allocate around 2 to 3 days. Under this timeframe, focusing your sightseeing on downtown Beppu and the scenic Yufuin area is ideal. If you have extra time, you can expand further into outlying districts. Here are four recommended 1-day sample itineraries to customize your trip:
- Oita Day 1 Itinerary: Beppu City & Beppu Hells Route
Umi Jigoku → Oniishi Bozu Jigoku → Yama Jigoku (※Note: Yama Jigoku is not covered by the standard Beppu Jigoku Combination Ticket) → Kamado Jigoku → Oniyama Jigoku → Shiraike Jigoku → Miyuki-zaka Shopping Street → Chinoike Jigoku → Tatsumaki Jigoku (Add hot spring bathing at Kannawa, Myoban, or Takegawara Onsen, or visit Beppu Tower if time permits).- Oita Day 2 Itinerary: Yufuin Route
Yufuin Station → Yufumi-dori Avenue → Yunotsubo Street & Takemoto-dori → Yufuin Floral Village → Lake Kinrin (Ride the scenic JR Sightseeing Train "Yufuin no Mori" on your journey, or consider booking a traditional ryokan stay in Yufuin).- Oita Day 3 Itinerary: Family-Friendly Route
Kyushu Natural Wildlife Park African Safari → Oita Marine Palace Aquarium Umitamago → Beppu Park (You can swap these for Takasakiyama Natural Zoological Garden, Sanrio Harmonyland, or Kijima Kogen Park based on your family's preferences).- Oita Day 4 Itinerary: Oita City & Beppu Suburbs Route
Oita Prefectural Art Museum OPAM → Kintetsu Beppu Ropeway → Mount Tsurumi Summit Observatory → Myoban Onsen bathhouse.
These itineraries are fully adaptable. For instance, if you are arriving from or heading toward Northern Kyushu, you can easily incorporate Usa Jingu Shrine. These four routes comfortably cover 1 to 5 days of exploration, fitting most vacation schedules effortlessly!
◎ Oita & Beppu Local Specialties & Cuisine
Exploring great sights naturally calls for savoring delicious local dishes!
Top signature dishes across Oita and Beppu include jigokumushi (hot-spring steamed delicacies), Seki-saba mackerel, Seki-aji horse mackerel, Shiroshita flounder, chicken tempura (toriten), Jitokko pork, Nakatsu fried chicken (karaage), Oita Bungo beef, dango-jiru noodle soup, yaseuma sweets, and Beppu cold noodles (Reimen). Oita is truly a gastronomic heaven!
To taste these regional specialties, consider visiting acclaimed spots like Toyoken (the pioneer of toriten chicken tempura), Tendon Toyotsune Honten, Somuri Bungo Beef Steakhouse, Okamotoya (renowned for jigoku steamed pudding), Beppu Amami Chaya, or Kameho Kurukuru Sushi. I have marked these top-rated culinary gems in the map below!
(Oita Prefecture serves remarkably fresh coastal seafood; prized catches like Seki-saba, Seki-aji, Shiroshita flounder, and softshell turtle dishes are highly recommended regional delicacies.)
◎ Oita & Beppu Sightseeing Map
I have compiled all 15 recommended sights, famous restaurants, and key transportation hubs across Oita and Beppu into an interactive Google Map with helpful travel notes. Feel free to toggle the layers, bookmark, and share it for your upcoming Kyushu journey!
Link: Oita & Beppu Attractions Google Map
That concludes our tour of the best attractions across Oita and Beppu! If you have extra time for deeper exploration, look into Beppu Rakutenchi, Hachiman Kamado Shrine, Yukemuri Observatory, Harajiri Falls, Yabakei Gorge (spectacular autumn foliage), or Tsukumi Dolphin Island!