Visitors looking to experience the beauty of Japan are encouraged to visit Oita Prefecture, the spa capital of the country. With its abundance of hot spring water, the destination is perfect for travellers seeking a refreshing and revitalising experience.
Beyond spa culture, Oita also offers art, history, natural beauty, cuisine, and a warm welcome. To help make this destination more accessible for the travel industry, the Oita Prefectural Government established a dedicated tourist desk in London four years ago. With the assistance of the desk, people can get information in either French or English.
One of the main attractions of Oita is the hot springs in Beppu and Yufuin, situated between the mountains and sea of Kyushu Island. Oita produces hundreds of millions of litres of mineral-rich healing water each year, and visitors can enjoy a range of beauty and skincare treatments.
Beppu is a larger city in Oita, where guests can find unique black sand baths. Meanwhile, Yufuin is a picturesque town full of art galleries, cafes, and boutiques. The destination also hosts several art and literature festivals annually.
Additionally, the Tour de Kyushu will be held across the island in October 2023 and will pass through Oita during the third and final stage. The highlight of this section is a high-speed sprint on a descent of 700m around the centre of the town of Hita.
Farm Stay is another popular activity in Oita, which began over 20 years ago in the city of Usa. It allows visitors to stay overnight at the homes of local farmers and experience their authentic lifestyle.
Oita is also accessible from mainland Japan via Oita Airport, train from Hiroshima to Fukuoka, or an overnight ferry from Osaka or Kobe. The Sunflower Kurenai, Japan’s first LNG-fuelled ferry, began sailing in January 2023, with Sunflower Murasaki joining the route in April.
The Oita desk in London is available to help with any questions or requests.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.