Nestled in the mountains of northern Kyushu, Hita is a charming city often called the "Kyoto of Kyushu" due to its historic streets modeled after the ancient capital.
The city of Oita is located northeast of Kyushu Island in Beppu Bay. Despite being the capital of the prefecture of the same name, it's much less known than the neighboring city of Beppu.
Yufuin Temples & Shrines: see a guide to the shrines and temples of Yufuin in Oita Prefecture. These include Tenso Shrine, Bussanji Temple, Rokusho-gu (Unagihime Shrine) and Ogosha Shrine.
Yufuin Museums & Art Galleries: what really sets Yufuin in Oita Prefecture apart from many other hot spring onsen towns is its wide range of art galleries and museums running from the high brow
Oita Prefectural Art Museum (OPAM) 大分県立美術館 is designed by renowned Japanese architect Ban Shigeru, much of the exterior of the building is glass.
The Usuki Stone Buddhas (magaibutsu) are a collection of ancient Buddhist statues that are carved directly into exposed rock, in Usuki, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu.
Kitsuki: read a guide to the pleasant town of Kitsuki in the Kunisaki Peninsula area of Oita Prefecture with its castle and well preserved samurai district.
Hell and Heaven Cave, Keishoji Temple in Ajimu: read a guide to the cave complex at Keishoji Temple in Ajimu not far from Beppu, in Oita Prefecture, Japan.
With cooking, horticulture and a crocodile farm, there are many benefits to this micro-climate. The hot springs of Beppu are not just for relaxation. Welcome to hell!
Rakanji Temple in Nakatsu, Oita. Read a guide to Rakanji Temple, a temple built into a mountain, incorporating numerous caves, and thousands of stone buddhas.
