Partners Information: Situated in Kyushu, Japan's third largest main island, and with a rich artistic and spiritual heritage and natural wonders like Yabakei Gorge, Oita is an unspoiled area of Japan worth serious exploration.
Jutting out to the north of Oita, Kunisaki Peninsula is home to historic spiritual sites nestled against lush mountainsides, while inland Kokonoe is a town full of rustic countryside charm and plenty of rare flora and fauna.
Here are 7 unique or new experiences in Oita that are well worth adding to any Japan travel itinerary.
1. Try jigoku mushi, cuisine steamed by natural hot springs
In the Kannawa district of Beppu, you can enjoy natural hot springs in a new and delicious way – to steam your food! It’s a local specialty believed to date back to the Edo Period (1603-1867) and it’s said that the mineral-rich steam of the hot springs helps to bring out the flavour of the ingredients. These typically include a selection of vegetables, eggs, tofu, meat and seafood.
2. Indulge in fresh seafood for less
The town of Saiki is known for having one of the largest selections of seafood in Japan and is renowned for its sushi. The local sushi is typically larger than sushi found elsewhere, and the quality is said to resemble that of the of the most expensive sushi restaurant in Tokyo, for only one third of the price.
3. Enjoy a taiko drum performance in a national park
The internationally-renowned Drum Tao performance group take taiko drumming to new heights, literally, with their new outdoor amphitheatre ‘Theatre in the Sky’ located 1036m high up in Aso Kuju National Park. There is also a bar and café where visitors can also enjoy seasonal food and drinks featuring local ingredients, as well as a museum and gift shop on site.
More information: Drum Tao Nature Theater | Official site 
4. Soak in one of Beppu’s many tattoo-friendly onsen
Beppu City is said to produce more hot spring water in the whole country and has created a comprehensive site to share the wonders of its onsen. There’s a test to help you find your perfect onsen, lots of information on all things hot-spring related and a section featuring some 100 onsen that welcome people with tattoos.
More information: Enjoy Onsen | Official site
5. Visit a unique onsen
After trying a regular onsen, why not try something a bit more unique? At Hyotan Onsen you can enjoy many different onsen experiences within the one facility including a sand bath, steam bath, waterfall bath as well as many private baths.
Take a dip in a natural ‘bubble’ bath at Nagayu Onsen , a hot spring resort area known for its naturally carbonated water, or try a detoxing herbal steam bath at Kannawa Mishiyu .
Beppu Onsen Hoyoland boasts mud baths, while you can ‘bathe’ in sand at Beppu Kaihin Sunayu (Beppu Beach Sandbath).
6. Unwind at Hoshino Resorts KAI Beppu
KAI Beppu is a new hot spring ryokan offering a contemporary spin on the traditional Beppu hot spring experience. The interior is designed to reflect the region, incorporating local artworks and textiles, with the vibrant aesthetic extending to the rooms, which all offer expansive ocean views.
More information: KAI Beppu Oita | Official site
