All Oita Prefecture Tours & Excursions in 2026

Leave the busy city traffic behind and journey through time along the forgotten pathways of Oita and Beppu. Riding our powerful e-bikes, you’ll effortlessly glide up the quiet, emerald backroads of Mount Takasakiyama - a historic highway in the region. Led by an expert English-speaking guide, you'll uncover ancient stone 'jizo' guardians and explore the mystical, 1,000-year-old Yusuhara Hachimangu Shrine, nestled deep in the mountain forest. After conquering the peaks, enjoy a thrilling descent to a spectacular, paradise seaside cycling track. Complete with breezy stops at a restored historic harbour district and a modern coastal oasis featuring a preserved vintage tram, this exclusive micro-group tour seamlessly bridges regional heritage with stunning ocean vistas, away from the standard tourist crowds.

This 90-minute botanical oil massage is ideal for those seeking deep relaxation after a long trip. A soothing blend of jojoba oil, wild herb extracts, and essential oils is used in a slow, careful massage based on traditional Japanese healing techniques to gently release muscle tension. You can choose between an in-room treatment at your hotel or a session at our private salon in the Kannawa Onsen area. This popular experience is perfect for travelers staying in Beppu—allow yourself to unwind and feel fully refreshed, both body and mind.

'Dango noodle soup' is made by kneading wheat or rice flour with water, letting it rest for a while, then stretching and shaping the dough by hand before adding it to the broth. It's a hearty, wholesome dish made with local, seasonal vegetables such as 'taro' potato and burdock, and is seasoned with either miso or soy sauce. This is the only cooking class available in Beppu hosted within a century-old Japanese house - a truly 'local' experience!

As well as being the only guided koto experience in Beppu, you'll be treated to a rare chance to hear the unique background story of the instructor, Hara-san, from her very own home - giving you a truly authentic taste of Japanese hospitality. Having played the koto since her childhood, and continuing as a hobby after retirement, Hara-san is passionate about sharing not only the culture of the koto, but the enjoyment that playing it brings - especially with those who are encountering its beauty for the very first time.

Himeshima Island Half-Day Tour from Beppu Enjoy a smooth and worry-free island experience with pick-up and drop-off from your hotel or Beppu Port. An English-speaking escort guide will meet you at your hotel or cruise port and accompany you to the ferry terminal, explaining the day’s schedule along the way. After crossing to Himeshima Island by ferry, you’ll meet a local island guide who knows the island’s history, nature, and culture in depth. On Himeshima, 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 or Beppu Port pick-up and drop-off • English-speaking escort guide • Local Himeshima guide • Myth, nature, culture, onsen, and food in one experience • Comfortable transportation from start to finish

What makes this activity special is the use of 'onsen' (hot spring) water direct from Beppu's water sources, in order to create natural colour variations that cannot be found elsewhere. Far more than just about dyeing fabric, the experience offers a chance to discover Beppu’s rich hot spring culture through colour and imagination. Unlike typical craft workshops, this is deeply connected to the land and traditions of Beppu, making for meaningful memories to take home with you. Whether you're travelling solo, with friends or with family, this activity offers a peaceful and personal way to connect with a truly special aspect of Japanese culture.

What makes this tour unique is the perfect balance of Beppu’s iconic geothermal wonders and its living traditions. While many visitors only view the Hells as sightseeing spots, this private tour goes further by connecting you directly with local culture. You will not only witness the surreal beauty of Sea Hell and Kamado Hell, but also taste the region’s heritage through a hands-on geothermal cooking experience. Traveling by private car allows for comfort and efficiency, making it ideal for cruise passengers or travelers with limited time. With the guidance of a local expert, you gain insights into the spiritual symbolism of the Hells, the daily life of Kannawa residents, and the cultural significance of hot springs in Japan. This tour offers more than sightseeing—it offers a genuine encounter with Beppu’s identity, where nature, culture, and cuisine are all powered by the earth itself.

The best cruise time depends on the season. In spring, summer, and autumn, we especially recommend our sunset cruises, when the calm waters of Beppu Bay are bathed in beautiful golden light. During summer, sunrise comes very early, making sunset cruises a more comfortable and relaxing option for most guests. For the ultimate Beppu experience, we recommend enjoying a local onsen before boarding. The combination of hot springs, fresh sea air, and peaceful ocean views creates a deeply refreshing and memorable experience. As an optional add-on, guests can enjoy live handpan, ukulele, or guitar music onboard. Gentle relaxing music, mindful breathing, meditation, and quiet moments on the water perfectly complement Beppu’s wellness atmosphere and help create a unique sense of relaxation and connection with nature. If you are interested in any special arrangements or optional experiences, please feel free to contact us in advance.

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.

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!

Discover a peaceful musical escape in Beppu, Japan’s famous hot spring town. In our ocean-view studio, join a hands-on workshop where you can try ukulele, acoustic guitar, or the rare handpan. No experience needed—just a love of music and curiosity. Guided in English, the session blends creativity and relax, beginning with tea or coffee ! You’ll enjoy mindful instruction, gentle sound bath moments if u like and a warm, relaxing atmosphere. After the workshop, we’ll share tips to enjoy local onsen. It’s a perfect cultural break for cruise travelers, couples, seniors, or solo visitors seeking connection, healing, and a memory to treasure in Japan.

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

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'll 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.

Unlike many calligraphy activities, this class is taught by a professional Japanese calligrapher. As well as learning to write words of your choice, you will also have the rare chance to witness the aesthetic precision of a live calligraphy demonstration, giving you a real sense of 'wa' (和) - a concept cherished by the Japanese since ancient times.

Begin your private shore excursion with pickup from Beppu Port. Travel comfortably in your own private vehicle. Unlike a large group tour, there is no need to keep pace with other travelers, allowing you to enjoy each destination at your own pace. Travel to Kokonoe Yume Otsurihashi, one of Japan’s highest pedestrian suspension bridges, and enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valley. Return to Beppu and explore the famous Hells of Beppu, where colorful hot springs and steaming geothermal landscapes showcase the area’s volcanic activity. Continue to the historic Kannawa Onsen district, known for its traditional hot spring atmosphere and rising clouds of steam. The driver speaks Japanese, with communication assisted by a translation app. Before your tour, you will receive an English digital guidebook about the itinerary and sightseeing locations. Pre-tour customer support is available in English. Return to Beppu Port in time for your ship’s departure.

Private cultural exploration through Beppu reveals a city shaped by ancient traditions, artistic heritage, and remarkable natural landscapes. Walk through historic districts where local markets, cultural landmarks, and traditional architecture reflect centuries of Japanese civilization. Scenic viewpoints and heritage streets create an inspiring atmosphere connected to a cultural legacy far older than the United States. Discover historic neighbourhoods, artisan influences, and vibrant local markets that showcase the region’s rich heritage. Ancient customs and artistic expression blend with architectural charm and breathtaking coastal scenery. Historic sites and cultural treasures reveal the enduring story of a community shaped by tradition and transformation. Please note: The program and attractions may vary based on booking date/time and crowd conditions, ensuring each visit is a unique experience.

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.

Discover the art of wood-carving in this hands-on workshop, in which you’ll create your very own, custom-made accessory/keepsake. Guided by a skilled local artisan, you’ll carve intricate 'kanji' (Chinese characters) or a design of your choice into Japanese boxwood - a wood known for its beauty and use in traditional craftsmanship. This experience offers a wonderful opportunity to learn about local culture and artisan techniques. No prior experience is necessary - just bring your creativity!

Experience the Thrill of the Ride Reserve Your Adventure Now! Get ready to transform your trip into an unforgettable adventure with your electric Monster Kart rental! Cruise through the streets in a modern samurai costume, explore legendary spots like Kamado Shrine and the steamy realm of Kamado Jigoku, and turn heads everywhere you go. With powerful electric karts, immersive storytelling, and limited availability, this is not just a ride it’s a story you live. Don’t miss out book your kart today and step into the legend!

We leave Beppu city to Usa shrine by a comfortable private car. Private transportation is included. Our first spot Usa shrine is an important Shinto shrine as a top shrine of Hachiman shrine. It is also visited by Japanese imperial family directly with imperial offerings. You can enjoy walking in calm and Devine atmosphere in the huge precinct. At nearby restaurant, you can enjoy local meals as your lunch. Ooita prefecture is famous for fried chicken. I recommend some local fried chicken restaurant. Then we come back to Beppu city and visit two hot spring hells or Jigoku. You may enjoy foot bath of natural hot springs that can heal your tired legs comfortably. You can enjoy natural hot spring area which can be seen as red bloody pond and blueish sea like pond. Please take nice pictures in front of them.

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.

This walking tour takes you along part of the Kyushu Saigoku Pilgrimage, a route with a 1,280-year history. The five-kilometer route, with an elevation difference of 200 meters, takes about 3 hours to complete on foot. During the tour, you'll gain deeper insights into Buddhism and Japanese life. In terms of Buddhism, you can pray to the stone Buddhas and learn about the religion's characteristics as it traveled from China to Korea and eventually to Japan. You'll also gain insight into the origins of the route, and the significance of the 270 stone Buddhas. When it comes to life in Japan, you'll discover the blessings of the sea and mountains that surround the pilgrimage route. The sea on the opposite shore is not only a spectacular sight but also nurtures abundant resources and offers numerous opportunities to learn about the plants and monkeys that inhabit the surrounding mountains. You’ll experience a more authentic side of Japan that you won’t find in urban sightseeing.

Experience two of Oita's most distinctive attractions on this relaxing 6-hour tour. Begin with a visit to a traditional Japanese sand bath, where you will be buried in naturally heated volcanic sand while enjoying the therapeutic warmth that has attracted visitors to Beppu for generations. This unique wellness experience is said to help promote relaxation and improve circulation. After your sand bath experience, enjoy a delicious lunch at Isoyoshi, a renowned local restaurant known for its fresh seafood and regional specialties. Savor the flavors of Oita through carefully prepared dishes featuring seasonal ingredients from the rich waters of the Bungo Channel. This tour offers the perfect combination of relaxation, culture, and local cuisine, providing an authentic taste of Oita's famous hot spring heritage and culinary traditions.

This ikebana workshop offers more than flower arranging. Led by an experienced instructor, it combines storytelling, mindfulness, and sustainability through the use of loss flowers. With its 'kamishibai' (paper story-telling) style introduction, interactive quiz, and hands on creation, participants experience Japanese culture in a calm, personal, and meaningful way. Each guest creates a unique arrangement and leaves feeling relaxed, inspired, and more connected to nature and Japan.