When you think of Japan, bustling cities like Tokyo and Kyoto often come to mind, but for those looking to explore the road less travelled, Oita Prefecture in Kyushu is the perfect destination.
Got clients planning a trip to Japan soon? Then it’s time to put Oita Prefecture on their itinerary!
Nestled in Kyushu, Oita is a region that beckons discovery. From steaming hot springs to captivating cultural experiences, it offers travellers a real chance to immerse themselves in a part of Japan that oozes authenticity.
And the secret’s getting out: Australian overnight stays in Oita Prefecture have skyrocketed by 215% compared to 2019!
While Fukuoka often serves as the gateway to Kyushu, Oita offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of rural Japan and immerse in its rich culture.
Recently, four (lucky) industry experts – from InsideJapan Tours, JTB Australia, Insider Journeys, and TravelUn – spent six days exploring Oita Prefecture on a famil, uncovering its best-known attractions and cultural goodies.
It’s time to introduce your clients to this incredible destination, and with the insights from our recent famil trip, you’ll be ready to craft unforgettable Oita experiences.
Here are just some of the standout experiences that your clients, too, can experience in this up-and-coming region of the Land of the Rising Sun!
Soothing hot springs
Known as Japan’s hot spring capital, Beppu in Oita Prefecture is a geothermal wonderland that oozes tranquillity and promises to soothe the soul!
Just ask the lucky famil guests!
They had the time of their lives exploring the city’s natural beauty during the day and relaxing in hot springs baths in the evening, especially Kym from Insider Journeys:
“When Travelling to Japan I love experiencing the culture, the food and the people and now after visiting Oita, I can add Onsen Experiences to that list.“
Beppu highlights included:
- A Hells Tour visiting Bozu Jigoku (Monk’s Hell) which is a group of bubbling mud pools resembling monks’ shaven heads, while the cobalt-blue waters of Umi Jigoku (Sea Hell) are as mesmerising as they are hot!
- A Kannawa Walking Tour showcasing a part of the city known for its atmospheric streets lined with steam rising
- Hells steamed lunch using the mineral rich steam to flavour the food
Culture, cooking & community
Beppu is also a haven for cultural immersion, and so what better way to get in amongst it all than participating in a local cooking class to master traditional noodle dishes at Space Beppu?
This experience, by far, was what Kerry Dickson, from TravelUn, loved about his time in Oita:
“My favourite part of the famil trip was visiting Space Beppu (a wonderful initiative of the local DMC Glide Japan) and participating in the local district walking tour where we visited traditional bamboo artisans preserving traditional art traditions. I also thoroughly enjoyed the local cooking class at Space Beppu where we got to try our hands at making a delicious local noodle dish. What really struck me about Space Beppu was its welcoming commitment to creating a safe space for all residents and visitors regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion or sexual orientation.”
Your clients in Beppu can also join a walking tour of the quieter side of town, visiting bamboo artists and unique residences, or jump on the Beppu Ropeway for some pretty incredible views of the town from the top!
The town is also famous for its bamboo craft scene. Famil attendees got to go “behind the scenes” with one of Beppu’s most skilled artisans at a workshop.
Indeed, as Lachy from InsideJapan Tours expressed, it’s exactly this interaction with locals that makes this part of Japan so enjoyable:
“Discovering Oita prefecture reinforced the beauty of rural Japan and benefits of experiencing the lesser-ventured places. Meeting with local guides and operators enabled me to see first-hand that Oita is more accessible than some may realise, offering a taste of local life away from the major tourist hubs.”
Between the dramatic landscapes, hidden villages, humble crafts people and soothing hot springs, this destination is perfect for the adventure seekers looking to broaden their horizons on their next trip to Japan.
Arts & crafts
Beyond Beppu, the towns of Hita, Kitsuki and Usuki have all preserved their traditional culture through a canvas of local craft practices and incredible regional cuisine.
Famil attendees also got to visit Onta Yaki Pottery Village where they watched master potters at work using centuries-old techniques, plus the chance to purchase some locally-made pottery to take back home!
Watching these masters do their thing was an absolute highlight for Xavier from JTB:
“The visit to the Onta Yaki Pottery Village was incredible and offered us detailed insight into some of Japan’s most dedicated craftsmen and their unique way of life. This kind of memory is exactly what we hope to provide our clients at JTB Australia when they travel to Japan! The village itself is quite remarkable too, and definitely worth an afternoon of strolling with its narrow streets and traditional architecture.”
Indeed, Oita Prefecture is the kind of place you won’t forget anytime soon…
Step back in time
History buffs and closet ninjas will also love the chance to step back in time and visit Kitsuki Castle Town which promises to transport visitors to Japan’s samurai era.
Just like the lucky famil attendees, your clients will be able to stroll cobblestone streets, explore traditional samurai homes, and sip tea at a historic tea house run by the same family for 280 years.
Thrilling performances
Clients can also witness the energy of Japanese drumming and dance at the Drum TAO Performance near Taketa in Southern Oita.
This outdoor amphitheatre, with Mount Aso as its backdrop, offers a unique blend of music, nature, and tradition.
Getting there and away
Getting to Oita Prefecture is pretty seamless, thanks to ANA’s overnight flights from Sydney. With comfy cabins and quiet flights, your clients can hit the ground running and enjoy an entire day upon arrival. ANA even includes two free domestic flights with ticketed international flights – nice!
For those wanting a different travel experience, the Sunflower Ferry offers an overnight cruise through the calm Seto Inland Sea between Osaka and Beppu. This isn’t just transportation – it’s an experience, with accommodations ranging from single interior rooms to private suites with balconies. There are family-friendly options too and even a hot spring bath onboard!
This option is becoming pretty popular with Aussie and Kiwi travellers – and we can totally see why!
Ready to Explore Oita?
Inspired yet?
Your clients are going to absolutely love their time discovering the unique magic and charm of Oita Prefecture, so make sure you tell them all about it! It really is such a special part of Japan, a world away from the usual tourist traps just waiting to be savoured.
To chat further about what your clients can experience in this region (or to see a copy of the famil itinerary), contact your local Oita rep, Rebecca George, rebecca@slcrepresentation.com.
And to learn more about this incredible destination, make sure you follow Oita on Instagram @tourismoita and on Facebook @welcometooitapref.
For bookings that include Kyushu, InsideJapan Tours, JTB Australia, Insider Journeys and TraveUn all have recent first-hand knowledge of this destination, so make sure you reach out to their teams for unforgettable itineraries for your clients!
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