Welcome to Beppu City and Hiji Town！
Oita Prefecture – One of Kyushu’s Premier Travel Destinations
Oita Prefecture is one of Kyushu’s top tourist destinations, known for its abundant natural beauty and renowned hot springs. Relax in soothing onsen, marvel at breathtaking scenery, and savor the flavors of the local cuisine.
Notable destinations include Beppu City, one of Japan’s leading hot spring resorts, and Yufuin, famous for its picturesque rural landscapes and charming townscape.
Oita is also known for its exceptional local food. Try "Toriten" (chicken tempura) and the premium sashimi-grade fish "Seki-aji" and "Seki-saba". With many restaurants offering fresh seafood and regional specialties, visitors can fully enjoy the culinary delights of the area.
Oita is rich in nature and history, home to majestic waterfalls, mountains, ancient temples, and shrines. It’s a perfect place to experience the harmony between natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Come and discover the many wonders Oita Prefecture has to offer.
About Beppu City and Hiji Town
Beppu City and Hiji Town are located in central Oita Prefecture, facing the scenic Beppu Bay of the calm and warm Seto Inland Sea.
Beppu City is Japan’s most famous hot spring area and an internationally renowned travel destination. Visitors flock here to enjoy its rich onsen culture and natural beauty. With the highest volume of hot spring water in Japan, Beppu is a place where new discoveries await each time you visit.
Hiji Town, nestled between lush mountains and the calm waters of Beppu Bay, is a charming seaside town. Offering a balance of nature, history, and local culture, it is easily accessible from Beppu and Oita by train or other public transportation—perfect for a day trip or weekend getaway.
Sightseeing in Beppu City
Beppu Hot Springs Area
Beppu is home to eight distinct hot spring districts known as the "Beppu Hattō." Each has unique characteristics, providing a variety of relaxing experiences. Among them, the "Jigoku Meguri" or "Hell Tour" is especially popular, where visitors can view dramatic natural hot springs gushing with steam and boiling water—an unforgettable sight powered by the Earth itself.
Lake Shidaka
Lake Shidaka is a tranquil spot surrounded by Beppu’s natural beauty, perfect for a peaceful stroll. Walking paths around the lake offer stunning seasonal views. In autumn, the area is especially beautiful with vibrant foliage, ideal for photography. Enjoy boating or a picnic, and don’t miss the nearby Hakuryu Shrine—a spiritual site said to bring luck in love, business, and family.
Mount Tsurumi
Mount Tsurumi is easily accessible from Beppu and a favorite spot for hiking and mountain climbing. From the summit, you can see all of Beppu and Oita City, and even the distant sea on clear days. The twin peaks of Mount Tsurumi are considered sacred and are associated with the deities Hinokagutsuchi-no-mikoto and Hiyatsuhime-no-mikoto, enshrined at Hiokihime Shrine. The mountaintop and mid-mountain shrines are spiritual destinations, with the Otake Gongen Pagoda registered as a tangible cultural property of Oita Prefecture. The area is revered as a guardian of Beppu’s hot springs.
Local Cuisine & Onsen Culture
Beppu offers many dishes using fresh, local ingredients. Unique to this area are onsen-cooked foods like "Onsen Tamago" (hot spring eggs) and "Jigoku Mushi" (hell-steamed meals), which use natural geothermal heat to prepare delicious, healthy cuisine.
Sightseeing in Hiji Town
Historic Castles and Samurai Heritage
Hiji Town’s most iconic historical site is the ruins of Yokoku Castle, once the seat of the Kinoshita clan during the Edo Period. The remaining stone walls and moat evoke the castle’s past grandeur. From the ruins, enjoy sweeping views of Beppu Bay. Nearby historical landmarks and museums offer a chance to experience the atmosphere of the samurai era.
Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
For nature lovers, hiking the Kanagoe mountain range is a must. The trails lead through lush forests and offer panoramic views of Beppu Bay. The area’s natural beauty makes it ideal for photography and outdoor fun. Families will also enjoy Harmony Land, a theme park where you can meet Hello Kitty and other beloved Sanrio characters.
Fresh Spring Water from Nature
Hiji Town is famous for its high-quality spring water. Rainfall over the Kanagoe mountains filters through the earth and emerges as clean, fresh water throughout the town. Yamada Spring is especially renowned, attracting visitors who come to collect its pure waters. The surrounding terraced rice fields also create a picturesque rural landscape.
Taste the Local Specialties
Hiji’s signature delicacy is "Jōka Karei" (local flounder), known for its translucent white flesh and delicate sweetness. Enjoy it as sashimi or simmered, prepared with expert care at local restaurants. Dishes accented with "Kabosu" (a citrus fruit native to Oita) are also highly recommended.