Exploring Oita & Surrounds

#Oita.

Located in the northeast of Kyushu, the city of Oita has a variety of things to see and do as well as being an excellent base for exploring further afield.

Highlights: Oita Shinto Shrine, Oita Funai Castle Ruins (pictured), Manjuji, Oita Prefecture Gokoku Shrine, Old Otomo Residence & Garden, and Heiwa City Park.

#Daytrips from Oita.

1. Yufuin.

With its picturesque lake and village of yellow cottage-like boutiques selling an assortment of wares inspired by well-known storybooks, the town of Yufuin has an aptness for delighting the young and invoking a sense of nostalgia in the young at heart.

Journey Duration: From Oita Station a train will take around 1 hour and 10 minutes by regular train, whilst the Shinkansen will take about 45 minutes. Note: there is no need to change for either service type.
Highlights: Comico Art Museum, Yufuin Floral Village, Yufuin Showa Museum, Kinrin Lake (pictured).
Rail Pass: A JR Rail Pass is valid for this journey.
Bonus Tip: Drop into Café Duo, opposite the Showa Museum, and indulge in a hot or cold drink featuring some impressive latte art.

2. Beppu.

Famous for its hot springs (known as hells), the city and spa resort of Beppu is highly recommended for anyone wishing to indulge in the onsen experience.

Journey Duration: From Oita Station a train to Beppu Station will take less than 15 minutes.
Highlights: Hachiman Asami Shrine, Beppu Tower, Beppu Park and Global Tower, Shonigahama Park, Yukemuri Observation Deck, Kifune Castle, Beppu Hells Tour, Hyotan Onsen ( offers shared and private onsen), Hachiman Kamado Shrine.
Rail Pass: A JR Rail Pass is valid for this journey.
Bonus Tip: If ending the day at Hachiman Kamado Shrine, walk to Kamegawa Station for the train back as this is closer.

3. Usuki and Saiki.

The city of Usuki is best known for its stone Buddha statues, though it boasts many other impressive attractions as well. Meantime, the city of Saiki is home to a lovely castle as well as a couple of parks providing some fantastic views

Journey Duration: A train from Oita to Usuki will take about 40 minutes to an hour while the onward journey from Usuki to Saiki should take around 30-40 minutes.
Highlights - Usuki: Alight at Usuki Station for Usuki Castle Ruins, Nioza Historical Road, Ryugenji, Daikyoji, Fukuratenmangu, and Usuki Stone Buddhas.
Highlights - Saiki: Alight at Saiki Station for Saiki Castle, Shiroyama Historical Park, Wakimiyu Hachimangu, Nokayama Park.
Rail Pass: A JR Rail Pass can be used for trains on this journey.
Bonus Tip: To reach the Usuki Stone Buddhas, take the H51 bus from the Usuki-Eki Bus Stop (outside Usuki Station) to Usaki Sekibetsu. For timetables (Japanese only - install and use Google Translate tool for English) see https://qbus.jp/cgi-bin/time/jun.exe?pwd=h%2Fjun.pwd&from=006005045&to=006005024&yobi=0&ji=7&fun=00.

4. Taketa.

Taketa is another place to consider as a day trip from Oita. This city offers some pretty good sightseeing opportunities, particularly for keen walkers.

Journey Duration: From Oita Station to Bungo-Taketa Station a train will take just over an hour by limited express and around 90 minutes by regular train.
Highlights: Alight at Bungo-Taketa Station for Taisho Park, Aizendo Temple, Christain Cave Chapel, Hirose Shrine, Oka Shrine, Okajo Park, Okajo Castle Ruins, and Taketa Onsen Hanamizuki (also offers private onsen options).
Rail Pass: A JR Rail Pass can be used for train travel on this journey.
Bonus Tip: As this option will involve quite some time spent outdoors it is best done on a mild day.