Top Oita How to Get Around 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

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.

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

Discover Hita, Kyushu's "Little Kyoto," on a fully private tour that immerses you in stunning natural beauty and rich history. Marvel at the breathtaking Sakura Falls and enjoy the serene landscapes at Oyama Dam, including a chance to visit the Attack on Titan museum. Explore the charming Mameda-machi, a perfectly preserved Edo-period town, and indulge in local cuisine at a selected restaurant. This tour is ideal for travelers seeking a more personal experience with local insights and cultural gems. - Duration: 5 hours of exploration and discovery - Includes a local guide and private, air-conditioned transport - Visit iconic sites like Sakura Falls and Oyama Dam, with flexibility for personal interests

Experience the serene beauty of Beppu on this private wellness tour designed for cruise passengers and city guests. Begin your adventure with a scenic ropeway ride to Mt. Tsurumi, where stunning views of Beppu Bay await. Enjoy a gentle Nordic walking session at the summit, suitable for all fitness levels. Following your descent, savor a delicious lunch of your choice, from ramen to sushi. In the afternoon, explore the charming Kannawa Onsen area, visiting iconic hot springs like Umi Jigoku and enjoying local street food delights. This tour offers the perfect blend of nature, culture, and relaxation, all while traveling in comfort. - Private tour with convenient pickup and drop-off at Beppu Port, Station, or your hotel. - Scenic ropeway ride and relaxing Nordic walking suitable for everyone. - Choose from ramen, tempura, or sushi for a delightful local lunch. - Explore famous hot springs and enjoy local delicacies in Kannawa Onsen area.

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.

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.

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 and experience the charm of the Edo era. This fully private 6-hour tour includes pick-up and drop-off from your hotel or Beppu Port. Your English-speaking guide will accompany you throughout the journey, and in Kitsuki, a specialist local guide will join you to share the town’s history, traditions, and culture. Enjoy wearing a kimono, walking through the historic samurai district, and experiencing a traditional tea ceremony. You’ll also visit Nakano Sake Brewery, a six-generation family brewery, to taste award-winning Chiebijin sake. Transportation and local experiences are arranged for you, allowing you to relax and enjoy Kitsuki at your own pace. Please book early in advance. Kimono rentals are not available on Wednesdays.

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.

Deep in the green mountains of Oita lies the Onta Pottery Village, a UNESCO-recognized artisan community where traditional pottery has been crafted for over 300 years. This intimate small-group tour takes you behind the scenes to witness the timeless art of Onta ware, guided by a local expert. Enjoy a refreshing cup of tea in a historic thatched-roof house before exploring private kilns and workshops. Savor handmade soba noodles served on the pottery created by local artisans, enriching your appreciation for this cultural heritage. This tour is perfect for those seeking an authentic experience of Japan's rich folk art tradition. - Small group size for personalized attention, maximum of 6 participants - Engage with expert guides and local artisans in hidden heritage sites - Enjoy a local soba lunch served on authentic Onta pottery - Convenient transport provided from JR Hita Station, with hotel pick-up available

Explore the stunning landscapes of Kyushu on this immersive day tour, featuring Taketa's rich history and the breathtaking Harajiri Falls. Experience the awe of the Fukoji Magaibutsu, a giant Buddha carved into a cliff, and discover the remnants of Oka Castle, offering panoramic views of the area. This private tour allows for a personalized itinerary, ensuring you dive deep into the cultural and natural wonders of the region. Enjoy the convenience of a private vehicle and an expert guide who will share local insights and stories as you journey between these remarkable sites. - Visit the majestic Harajiri Falls, known as the 'Niagara of Asia' - Explore the historic ruins of Oka Castle with panoramic mountain views - Discover the impressive Fukoji Magaibutsu, a giant cliff-carved Buddha - Enjoy flexible pick-up options from Beppu or Yufuin and a private guide

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 half-day English guided tour is for up to three guests. It 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 130-year-old Japan 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 (Japan 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 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.

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

Enjoy Kusu’s iconic “table mountain” landscapes in one private day. Hike Mt. Hane’s open plateau and grasslands for up to 3 hours (pace adjusted), then switch to an easy, drive-up scenic stop at Mt. Kirikabu—reaching the summit area by car for panoramic views without additional hiking. Mt. Hane features a large colony of Miyama Kirishima azaleas, which bloom beautifully from mid-May to early June. Interested visitors can experience a tandem paragliding flight at the summit of Mt. Kirikabu. Advance reservations are required. Participants must be at least 140 centimeters tall, weigh at least 35 kilograms, and be in good health with no conditions that could interfere with the flight. Flights will be canceled in case of bad weather.

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.