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8 Genuine Onsen Spots Nearby Oita, Other than Beppu
Oita Prefecture (大分県) is certainly no stranger when it comes to hot springs/onsen (温泉) hotspots. In fact, most would often think of Beppu (別府) first when it comes to hot springs. However, did you know there are plenty more genuine places nearby Oita (大分) for a soothing dip into a hot bath? Here are 8 genuine onsen spots to visit nearby Oita. Trip map courtesy of Wanderlog, a vacation planner app on iOS and Android Save In PinterestNo time to read this onsen travel guide now? Click on the save button and pin it for later! Yufuin (由布院) The lovely mountain town of Yufuin (由布院) is without doubt the second…
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5 Unique Ways To Travel To Oita
A rural city rich in hot springs, deep culture and history, Oita offers a surprising variety of ways to travel to it. Undoubtedly some of the most common answers are fan-favourite’s bullet train/shinkansen (新幹線); or renting a car for those who prefer flexibility. However, did you know there are also other unique ways that you can travel to Oita while enriching your experience too? Continue reading to find out more. Save In PinterestNo time to read this Oita travel guide now? Click on the save button and pin it for later! By Train Let’s start with the most obvious way to travel to Oita, by train. Despite its rural location,…
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Oita – The Ultimate Travel Guide to the Peaceful Coastal City
Often when planning a trip to Japan, the city of Oita (pronounced ooi-ta/大分) is not exactly the first thing that pops up in the mind. In fact, when I was assigned to this city for my exchange back in 2011; I relatively knew nothing about it. So much so that when I informed everyone about my exchange, the first question everyone asked was “Where is it?”, accompanied with a puzzled face. Little did I expect, Oita turned out to be a lovely place to stay while brushing up my Japanese skills. A peaceful city with a touch of countryside, it features a lovely mix of skyscrapers and also countryside landscapes.…
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Fukoji Temple – The Spectacular Cliff-Carved Buddha of Bungoono
Have you ever heard of the little Fukoji temple (pronounced Fukouji/Fukōji/普光寺)? This little temple features a rare cliff-carved Buddha statue in Japan. Located an hour away from Oita (pronounced ooi-ta/Ōita/大分) by train ride, the temple is located in the little town of Asaji (朝地) in Bungoono (pronounced Bungo-oono/Bungo-ōno/豊後大野) city. To learn more about this fascinating hidden spot, lets dwell deeper into its background. History of Fukoji Temple It’s Origins Fukoji Temple (普光寺) originated back in AD 583, during the Asuka period (飛鳥時代); a time when Buddhism firstly became a pop-culture in Japan. The founder of this temple was basically Nichira (日羅), a Japanese who worked as an official for the…
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Bungoono – Admiring the Beautiful Autumn in Japan’s Enchanting Countryside
Have you ever heard of the autumn leaves (momiji/紅葉) spot known as Bungoono (豊後大野)? This little hidden city is known among locals as a lovely leaf-peeping or momijigari (紅葉狩り) spot. Located south of the city of Oita (pronounced ooi-ta/Ōita/大分) in Kyushu (九州), Bungoono offers an enchanting autumn experience together with a touch of Japan’s authentic countryside and rustic temples. To learn more about the beauty of this city, lets deep dive into it, shall we? The History of Bungoono Learn More Bungoono’s history dated 90,000 year ago; where the volcano Mt Aso (阿蘇山) erupted frequently. This resulted in the everchanging landscapes; leading to the formation of various mesmerising waterfalls, canyons…
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9 Surprisingly Charming Historic Cities To Explore In Oita Prefecture
Historic is certainly not the word that comes across your mind when you think of Oita (pronounced ooi-ta/Ōita/大分).The city in Kyushu (九州) is often overlooked by many due to its lack of attractions in the city center. Despite this, surrounding Oita lies a variety of mesmerising historic towns that houses Japan’s rich history. From the birth of deities and their dramas, to the beginning of civilisation and the introduction of Christianity, Kyūshū is certainly no slouch when it comes to its historical value. The mountainous region too helps in providing an overall genuine countryside experience as you venture into these wonders. With that said, here are 9 must-visit historic towns…
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9 Best Hidden Road Trip Destinations Around Usa, Ōita
Hello fellow travelers, did you know there are plenty of hidden destinations to explore nearby the city of Usa (宇佐/pronounced oo-sah)? Usa is located one-hour drive from Beppu (別府) and Ōita (大分) in Ōita Prefecture (大分県), Kyūshū (九州). Renowned for the Usa Jingū (宇佐神宮) shrine, many often overlooked Usa’s other destinations due to limited busses and exposure. Despite this, their natural beauty certainly warrants the attention for those seeking a more fulfilling Japan trip. Furthermore, their limited access via public transportation gives the perfect excuse to rent a car for a road trip. With that said, here are 10 must explore destinations nearby Usa via car on a road trip. Special…
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Photography in Kitsuki – Most Gorgeous Spots to Look Out For
Japan’s only sandwich castle town, Kitsuki (杵築) is certainly a hidden photography haven. Boasting samurai residences from the 17th century Edo period (Edo Jidai/江戸時代), it presents a wonderful spot for those wishing to dwell into the samurai (侍) world. Furthermore, its secluded location allows for a peaceful surrounding while presenting plenty of wonderful photo opportunities to discover. It is relatively easy to snap a photo without having other tourists photobombing your shots. Without reservation, here are my personal favourite photography spots (and selfies too) in this little castle town. Kitsuki Castle Grounds What better way to start the list than to introduce Kitsuki’s mascot, Kitsuki Castle (Kitsuki-jō/杵築城). The castle holds…
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Usa Jingū – A Complete Travel Guide to Japan’s First Hybrid Shrine
What happens when two religions agreed to a mythical crossover? The result is Japan’s first ever hybrid shrine Usa Jingū/Usa Shrine (宇佐神宮), with a grandeur of a palace, but also having a commonly mispronounced name. Usa Jingū is Japan’s first shrine that represents a fusion between two of Japan’s major religions; Shintoism (神道) and Buddhism (仏教). Located in the North-Eastern Kunisaki peninsula (国東半島) of the island of Kyushu (九州), it is nestled in a rural town called Usa (宇佐), Japan; one of the reasons why this shrine is outside of tourist radar despite being a long-established shrine. So is this shrine worth the time and effort to travel? Let’s explore…
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Kitsuki Castle – A Complete Travel Guide To Japan’s Smallest Castle
Welcome back fellow travelers. Previously, we covered the hidden history together with the tragedy behind Kitsuki Castle (杵築城), Japan’s smallest castle. Subsequently, the castle was nearly forgotten throughout the passage of time. Fortunately, in 1970, the local council of Kitsuki (杵築) decided to rebuild the castle keep and later turned it into the town’s mascot. Did you know this little castle holds a treasure that very few people know about? Join me as today, we will be exploring the treasure that Kitsuki Castle holds dearly. Exploring Kitsuki Castle About Kitsuki Castle Located 25 km from the city of Beppu (別府) in the island of Kyushu (九州), the castle is located…
