Sprawling along the banks of the Oita River where it flows into Beppu Bay, Oita is a lively capital home to various hot springs. It’s the gateway to the onsen towns of Beppu and Yufu and is also home to a cheeky troop of Japanese macaques.

Things to do

Oita is renowned as one of Japan’s most famous hot spring areas, with public baths and ryokan inns dotted across its surrounds. Head along the coast to the lively resort of Beppu to bathe in its steaming turquoise pools or venture to the tranquil Yufu Onsen that is backed by a double-peaked Mount Yufu volcano.

Get up close to Japanese macaques at the Takasakiyama Natural Zoological Park, which is inhabited by 1,300 wild monkeys. At its entrance lies the Oita Marine Palace Aquarium, which houses an immense tank filled with tropical fish and presents sea otter, dolphin and walrus shows.

Architecture enthusiasts should visit the Oita Prefectural Library, a striking brutalist concrete building designed in the 1960s by Arata Isozaki. It has been transformed by the architect himself into the Oita Art Plaza where his work is displayed alongside that of local artists.

Stroll from the banks of the Oita River to the recreated Funai Castle that was originally built in the 16th century by Otomo Sorin. A covered bridge leads over its moat to the stone base of the castle keep and the remains of the original walls, with the surrounding park a popular cherry blossom viewing destination in spring.

Getting around

Oita Airport is located around one hour’s drive away and trains connect to towns and cities across Kyushu and Honshu. Buses travel throughout Oita and bicycles are available for rent at the train station.