All Oita Prefecture Tours & Excursions in 2026

Step back in time in Usuki, a serene castle town steeped in samurai history and culinary delights. This tour unveils the Usuki Stone Buddhas, a National Treasure of Japan, known for their tranquil expressions. Stroll through the charming Nioza Historical District, walking the ancient paths once tread by samurai, and explore the impressive ruins of Usuki Castle. Immerse yourself in the peaceful atmosphere of this historic Kyushu town while savoring local delicacies that reflect its rich culinary traditions. - Discover the enchanting Usuki Stone Buddhas, a National Treasure - Walk the historic paths of the Nioza district, once frequented by samurai - Explore the captivating ruins of Usuki Castle for a glimpse into the past - Enjoy a taste of local cuisine that showcases the town's culinary heritage

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.

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.

Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Japan with a 7-day Kagura dance program in Usa, Kyushu. This unique tour offers an in-depth experience of traditional Japanese dance performance for kami, allowing participants to practice and eventually perform the Buzen Iwato Kagura. Engage with local experts, explore historic sites, and enjoy locally-prepared meals, making this journey a perfect blend of education and cultural immersion. Experience the essence of Japanese spirituality and artistry in a supportive environment, connecting with the local community through food and history. - 7-day hands-on training in Kagura dance with nightly practice sessions - Guided visits to significant cultural and historical sites, including Usa Jingu Shrine - Traditional meals crafted by local chefs, focusing on authentic Japanese cuisine - Exclusive performance opportunity at a shrine, concluding the immersive experience

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.

Immerse yourself in the volcanic heart of Kyushu on this exclusive private tour. You'll delve into the Aso-Kuju region, where nature's energy thrives. Feel the heat as you cook your own Onsen Tamago in the hot water heated by the geothermal source. Marvel at the stunning Nabegataki Falls and walk behind its impressive water curtain. Experience breathtaking panoramic views from Japan’s tallest pedestrian bridge, connecting with the local culture and secrets through your expert guide. Private tour offering a personalized exploration of the Aso-Kuju region Cook your own Onsen Tamago in volcanic steam vents Enjoy a geothermal-cooked Jigoku-mushi lunch (optional) Experience stunning views from Japan’s highest pedestrian bridge

This value-packed trip with a government-licensed and experienced multilingual tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore Beppu! Beppu is famous as a hot spring resort, the point clearly seen in the hot steam rising from vents in the earth. Onsens being the main point of attraction to the area, there are several ways to enjoy them. Along with the traditional way of bathing, some hot springs are just for viewing, as their beauty can be very charming. In addition, boiled eggs and pudding cooked using the high temperature steam are also popular. Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize a four-hour tour that's best for you! Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary.

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.

Step into the enchanting world of Sanrio Harmonyland, a whimsical theme park in Kyushu that brings your favorite Sanrio characters to life! Perfect for families, couples, and fans of Hello Kitty, My Melody, Cinnamoroll, and friends, this magical destination promises unforgettable fun and charm. Explore beautifully themed attractions, watch lively parades featuring your beloved characters, and enjoy interactive shows that captivate guests of all ages. Thrill-seekers can hop on exciting rides, while little ones delight in gentle carousels and character meet-and-greets. Savor delicious themed treats and shop for exclusive Sanrio merchandise to remember your adventure. Whether it’s strolling through vibrant gardens or posing for photos with your favorite characters, Sanrio Harmonyland offers a day of pure joy and nostalgia. Book your ticket now and let the magic of Sanrio Harmonyland create memories that last a lifetime.

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)

Step back in time and explore Kitsuki, a beautifully preserved samurai town in Oita Prefecture. Kitsuki is Japan’s only “sandwich-style” castle town, with samurai homes on both hills and merchants once living below. Stroll its stone-paved slopes and quiet lanes to feel the Edo-era charm. This cultural experience includes wearing a kimono, walking through historic streets, and enjoying a tea ceremony ! Transportation is not included. Taxis or public transit from Beppu. Round-trip taxi costs are around ¥20,000–¥25,000. You’ll also visit Nakano Sake Brewery, a six-generation family brewery, to taste award-winning Chiebijin sake. Please note: This tour is partially self-guided. A local guide will join you for part of the experience, while other segments will follow a provided itinerary. This activity does not include insurance. Please ensure you have personal travel insurance for any injuries or damages. Please reservation 1 week before. Kimono rentals are not available on Wednesdays.

This tour is thoughtfully created and guided by Beppu locals. Join us on a private tour from Beppu to Yufuin, designed for small groups of up to five people and ideal for cruise passengers or one-day visitors looking to make the most of their time in Beppu. Enjoy the highlights of both Beppu and Yufuin in comfort with private transportation and convenient pickup from Beppu International Port or your accommodation. Relax and start your day stress-free while your guide takes care of all the details. Why Choose Us? Local Connection: You won’t just meet a guide. You’ll meet a local friend who keeps the tour friendly, simple, and focused on what you enjoy. Customizable Tours: Tours are flexible and based on your interests, whether hot springs, crafts, cuisine, or scenic spots along the tour route. Do you have special requests or something in mind for your day in Beppu? Let us know in advance and we will do our best to fit them into your day. We look forward to welcoming you soon!

Fancy avoiding crowded touristic hotspots and exploring more 'local' areas you likely wouldn't find in a travel brochure? In this exclusive, small-group walking tour, you'll immerse yourself in history & culture whilst strolling through the streets of downtown* Beppu. Experience the work and daily lives of the local artists who live here, visit a bamboo craft factory** and enjoy a rare chance to meet skilled artisans face to face. The tour culminates in a visit to a century-old Japanese house comprising a contemporary art gallery and gift shop. The house also features a history room showcasing historic photographs of Beppu’s past. *Please be aware that: a) this tour does NOT cover popular touristic spots (such as the 'Hells'), but showcases the city's lesser-known cultural streets & alleys, and b) you will not be shown inside an onsen building **Please also note that due to the possibility of businesses varying opening times, the route & places visited may be subject to change.

Experience the Harmony of Nature and Food in Usuki, a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. With growing global interest in the cyclical relationship between nature and food, as well as a focus on sustainable food culture, Usuki City-a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy-has long nurtured a rich and diverse food culture that continues to thrive today. Usuki is a region dedicated to sustainable food systems, emphasizing organic cultivation, local consumption, and the creation of soil full of vitality as part of its unique “Usuki style” food cycle. This tour offers a hands-on experience where participants can enjoy Usuki’s local agricultural products and brewing culture, all while feeling the deep connection between food and nature. From learning about soil cultivation to harvesting crops and finally preparing and enjoying a meal, participants will immerse themselves in the circular Usuki style of food, gaining a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of nature and what we eat.

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.

Start your day with a guided visit to Beppu’s famous Umi Jigoku and Oniishi Jigoku, followed by a scenic ride on the Beppu Ropeway to Mt. Tsurumi’s summit. Enjoy cool mountain air and panoramic views with your English-speaking guide by private car. After descending, you’ll board a local bus (without the guide) and head to the charming hot spring town of Yufuin. From this point, the tour becomes self-guided. You’ll receive a custom English map with recommendations for walking through Yufuin’s highlights—Yunotsubo Street, Lake Kinrinko, cafés, shops, and hot springs. This format gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. If you would prefer a private driver or guide in Yufuin, optional arrangements are available upon request. However, the self-guided format is the most budget-friendly and flexible option. Please note: This tour does not include travel insurance. This activity is very safe but We recommend that participants have valid overseas travel insurance!

◆ Flexible Itinerary Visit a selection of Yufuin's iconic spots, including: ① Yunotsubo Street: Stroll through this charming street lined with shops, cafes, and galleries, perfect for sampling local sweets and learning about Yufuin's culture. ② Yufuin Floral Village: Step into a fairytale world inspired by the Cotswolds, famous for its connection to the "Harry Potter" series. Capture memorable photos amidst its picturesque setting. ③ Lake Kinrin: Enjoy the serene beauty of this lake, a symbol of Yufuin, offering stunning photo opportunities. ④ Yufuin Stained Glass Museum: Marvel at beautiful stained glass art and perhaps create your own piece. ◆ Optional Experience: Yufuin no Mori Train Enhance your journey with a ride on the Yufuin no Mori Limited Express Train, a luxurious sightseeing train that offers breathtaking views of Kyushu's landscapes. This train features a modern wooden interior and panoramic windows, providing an unforgettable travel experience.

Explore the stunning Kuju Highlands with a refreshing Nordic walk through the serene Tadewara Marshland, surrounded by nature's beauty. This tour includes a delightful premium Oita Wagyu beef lunch at the local Bebenko restaurant. Experience the thrill of walking across the Kokonoe Yume Otsurihashi suspension bridge, offering incredible views. You'll then have two hours of free time to wander the picturesque town of Yufuin before being dropped off back at Beppu Station or your accommodation. - Private vehicle pick-up from Beppu Station or your accommodation - Nordic walk through Tadewara Marshland with beautiful scenery - Enjoy a premium Oita Wagyu beef meal at Bebenko restaurant - Explore Yufuin for two hours of free time after the bridge visit

Looking for a tour that covers all the highlights of Beppu? From must-visit spots such as the famous 'Hells', to local, hidden gems, including traditional onsen districts and a unique bamboo craft center - we've got you covered! With a private chartered vehicle, you’ll enjoy a stress-free, comfortable journey as a friendly & knowledgeable local guide takes you around the area. You'll get insider knowledge and hear fascinating stories about Beppu’s rich history & culture. Enjoy authentic encounters with locals, engage in immersive cultural activities, and create lasting memories. This tour is perfect for adventure-seekers, families with children, and anyone eager to explore the heart of Beppu in a fun and meaningful way.

This tour is thoughtfully created and guided by Beppu locals. Join us on a private Jigoku Meguri (7 Hells) Tour in Beppu, perfect for small groups (up to 5 people) and ideal for cruise passengers or one day visitors who want to experience the famous hot spring hells efficiently and comfortably. Explore Beppu’s iconic Jigoku sites without the hassle of navigating multiple buses, all from the comfort of private transportation. Enjoy convenient pickup from Beppu International Port or your accommodation, allowing you to relax and make the most of your limited time in Beppu. Why Choose Us? Local Connection: You won’t just meet a guide, you will meet a Beppu local friend who keeps the tour friendly, simple, and focused on what you enjoy. Customizable Tours: Tours are flexible along the tour route and based on your interests. If you have special requests, just let us know in advance. We look forward to welcoming you soon!

[Hot Spring Experience in Nature + Jigokumushi Steamed Snacks Experience Plan] Enjoy a hot spring experience immersed in the natural environment of a bamboo grove clearing. After relaxing, enjoy some Jigokumushi steamed eggs and pudding. You can also visit the Yunohana-goya huts, where "Yunohana," a naturally-derived bath salt, has been made since the Edo period. If the weather is good, you can enjoy a panoramic view from the mountainside overlooking Beppu Bay. *Please bring your swimsuit as this is a mixed-gender bath. *According to the guest's schedule, this tour can be concluded in Myouban Onsen area or Umijigoku.

This half-day English guided tour offers a rare chance to experience the authentic charm of rural Japan — something you won't find in big cities. You'll wear a traditional yukata and explore a 120-year-old Japanese house and garden, taking memorable photos along the way. At Nakatsu Castle, famous for its flowers, you'll enjoy another photo opportunity. The tour includes a visit to a traditional wagasa (Japanese umbrella) workshop, a tasting of matcha and wagashi at a long-established sweets shop, and a hands-on wagashi-making session with a skilled artisan. You'll also enjoy a Michelin-recognized soba lunch and visit to a century-old tea shop to taste premium gyokuro and a beautiful matcha parfait. This unique experience invites you to discover the beauty, flavor, and craftmanship of Japan's cultural heritage in just six and a half hours.

Please note that even if you select “Tour Language: English(written),” the driver speaks Japanese only. Communication will be supported using a translation app, and English tour information will be provided in advance. - Private tour designed for cruise passengers Discover Beppu’s geothermal wonders and mountain scenery on this 6-hour private shore excursion for cruise passengers. Begin your journey with a scenic drive to the Kokonoe “Yume” Suspension Bridge, Japan’s tallest pedestrian bridge, and walk across its 390 meters while enjoying spectacular valley and waterfall views. Then, return to Beppu to explore its famous “Hells” , including the vivid blue Umi Jigoku, bubbling Oniishibozu Jigoku, red Chinoike Jigoku, and the Tatsumaki Jigoku geyser. Travel comfortably in a private car with a flexible schedule, ensuring a smooth return to your ship.