Top Activities on the Ground in Oita Prefecture

Himeshima Island Half-Day Tour from Beppu Enjoy a smooth and worry-free island experience with hotel pick-up from Beppu. An English-speaking escort guide will meet you at your hotel and accompany you to the ferry terminal, clearly explaining the day’s schedule and travel details along the way. After crossing to Himeshima Island by ferry, you will be handed over to a local island guide who knows the island’s history, nature, and culture in depth. On Himeshima, you’ll enjoy a relaxed half-day experience featuring: • Japanese mythology and local legends • Dramatic coastal scenery and nature • Traditional island culture • Relaxation at Hyoshimizu Onsen (tattoo-friendly) • Local food featuring Himeshima’s famous kuruma-ebi Highlights • Hotel pick-up in Beppu • English-speaking escort guide to the ferry • Seamless handover to a local Himeshima guide • Myth, nature, culture, onsen, and food in one half-day experience • Taxi return to Beppu can be arranged (recommended)

The Oita River flowing through the Yufuin Basin, Lake Kinrin and the abundant hot springs are also Yufuin's unique natural blessings. The tour guide will walk with you through the back roads that few tourists visit, the countryside and waterside scenery, and show you the history and culture of Yufuin's development, supported by the bounty of nature. After the walking tour, enjoy lunch or tea time at one of Yufuin's popular ryokan.

Experience Japan's hidden gem where steam railway heritage, samurai history, and mountain beauty converge in one unforgettable day. From exploring Kyushu's last roundhouse to sipping tea above the clouds at 360° panoramic views—this is authentic Japan beyond the guidebooks.

This private day tour combines a scenic trek in Yabakei (Kyoshuho & Fururakan) with a cultural visit to Rakanji Temple. Walking time and route are adjusted to your group and the day’s conditions, while focusing on the best viewpoints and the most meaningful parts of the area. Please note that temple etiquette is important at Rakanji (including possible photography restrictions), and plans may change for safety in rain or after heavy weather. From mid-April to early May, the opposite bank of the Yamakuni River beside Kyoshuho is covered in blue nemophila flowers, offering a delightful view from the observation point. This experience is designed for guests who enjoy hiking and occasional mountain walks. It is beginner-friendly for active travelers, but not recommended for people who do little to no exercise. The route and pace will be adjusted to your group and the day’s conditions.

Bungo-Ono City is located in the southern part of Oita Prefecture. The city is a UNESCO Eco-Park and a Japan Geopark, where visitors can experience the unique natural landscape created by the eruption of the Aso volcano and the history and culture of the people who have accumulated in the midst of this natural environment. In Bungo-Ono City, visit Asaji-cho, located in the north-west of the city. The town is a tranquil place where rich nature remains and the sounds of birdsong and murmuring water can be heard. Guided cycle tours using e-bikes that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and fitness levels, allowing visitors to experience the charms of Asaji, including its unique scenery. The tour includes a visit to the Jinkakuji Gorge, Jinkakuji Temple, an observation point and other sites. Note: This tour/activity requires a minimum of 4 participants

Explore Beppu, one of the world’s top hot spring towns, with a friendly local guide by car. Visit Umi Jigoku and walk through the historic Kannawa Onsen area filled with steam, hot springs, and local culture. This flexible tour can be customized for food lovers, nature seekers, photographers, or guests wanting a relaxing local experience. During summer, we recommend starting early in the morning or later in the afternoon to enjoy Beppu more comfortably and avoid the midday heat. Cool down with Japanese sweets or refreshing kakigori at local cafes, relax around the peaceful Shidaka Lake area or scenic mountain viewpoints, and discover hidden spots loved by locals. Optional private onsen baths, sound meditation experiences, and vegan or vegetarian-friendly food options are also available. You can also enjoy local steam-cooked cuisine, quiet backstreets of Kannawa, seasonal nature, and relaxing views of Beppu’s mountains and ocean atmosphere throughout the tour.

You will be picked up from Beppu Station or your accommodation and brought to Jigoku District Park in Beppu City. After a short Nordic walking lesson, the walk begins—passing by the open-air hot spring spot Tsurunoyu and continuing all the way to Myoban Onsen. Along the way, stop at Emisu Shrine to offer a prayer. At Myoban Onsen, enjoy tasting the famous onsen-cooked eggs and the local specialty Jigoku-steamed pudding. Afterward, return to Jigoku District Park and finally be dropped off at Beppu Station or your accommodation.

This guided tour and lunch experience lets you discover the secrets of the beautiful Yufudake landscape. In order to control pests, preserve the landscape and encourage the growth of new shoots, wild burning is carried out around March on Mt Yufudake. Experienced pastoral cooperatives set fire to dead awn and other plants, and the entire area is covered in black after the burning. Afterwards, flowers and grasses sprout, and by early May the landscape of fresh green Mt Yubudake can be seen. The landscape changes throughout the year, with greenery covering the area in summer and golden awns shining in autumn and winter. This unique landscape and ecosystem is maintained by the local pastoral cooperative and volunteers who burn the fields. A minimum of 4 people is required to book this tour.

Mt. Hiko (Hikosan) is one of Fukuoka’s most sacred mountains. On this private day tour, you’ll walk sections of the historic pilgrimage route and learn how Shugendo and the yamabushi shaped the mountain’s spiritual landscape. Your guide will interpret the sites and stories in English, making the history easy to follow even if it’s your first time learning about Japanese mountain religion. This experience is designed for guests who enjoy hiking and occasional mountain walks. It is beginner-friendly for active travelers, but not recommended for people who do little to no exercise. The route and pace will be adjusted to your group and the day’s conditions.

Go far beyond the standard, crowded '7 Hells' bus routes and discover Beppu's secret geothermal underworld. Riding your premium, high-powered e-bikes, you’ll effortlessly glide up the steep mountain slopes to Myoban sweat-free. Led by an expert English-speaking guide, you will gain exclusive access to forgotten 'ghost hells' hidden inside abandoned temple grounds, and learn the dark, gripping history of Beppu's ancient volcanic explosions. Complete with a famous local hot spring pudding (price not included), entry tickets to the stunning Umi Jigoku, and sweeping panoramic steam views, this experience seamlessly blends local flavours, hidden history, and active adventure away from the tourist crowds.