Welcome back to another installment of my area guide series. While best known for its many onsen, Oita prefecture is home to a rich cultural heritage that rivals many well known spots such as Nara and Kyoto.
Though these religions would later be forcibly divorced by the early Meiji government in the 19th century, there are stunning examples littered throughout the Kunisaki peninsula documenting their symbiotic relationship. This is in no doubt thanks to the presence of Asia Pacific University which hosts many international and study abroad students.
All in all, Oita prefecture is a highly recommended destination for repeat visitors to Japan. In a way that few other places can, Oita strikes the perfect balance between a popular resort destination and a hub of hidden history waiting to be explored. When it comes to transportation, I have some good news and I have some bad news. The good news is that Oita prefecture is really easy to get to. For this reason, Oita is often neglected by those holding JR rail passes. While the prefecture can in fact be reached by trains, the journey is needlessly long and will cost you the better part of the day.
If you are absolutely set on making use of the JR Rail Pass and must visit by train, it would behoove you to consider checking out some other prefectures in Kyushu as well. A Fukuoka to Oita itinerary is ideal and will give you a taste of Japan that most westerners seldom experience. As is always the case when taking the train, be sure to refer to Hyperdia or a similar service to plan the most effective routes.
While the capital of the prefecture is Oita City, the real draw for this region is the city of Beppu. Commonly described as an onsen heaven, this seaside town is sandwiched between a protective mountain range and the Seto Inland Sea. One feature that sets Beppu apart from other hot spring towns is the fact that the city produces more water than any other location in the country.
