Last reviewed: · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.
Overview of Ōita Prefecture (大分県)
Ōita Prefecture (大分県) is located in the Kyushu region of Japan, with its prefectural capital at Ōita. Key sights and travel highlights across the prefecture include Beppu's 'Eight Hells' (Jigoku Meguri) & sand/mud baths, boutique foot-of-Mount-Yufu resort town of Yufuin, Usa Jingu Shrine, Kitsuki samurai slopes, and Kunisaki Peninsula stone Buddhas.
How to get to Ōita Prefecture
2h from Fukuoka (Hakata) or 1h 20m from Kokura on the JR Limited Express Sonic to Beppu/Oita, or 2h 15m on the scenic Yufuin-no-Mori train to Yufuin. Use our Shinkansen Fare & Route Calculator and JR Pass Value Helper to compare rail tickets and regional passes.
Signature local food in Ōita
When visiting cities across Ōita, look out for these regional specialties at station restaurants, markets, and local izakaya:
- Toriten (citrus-ponzu chicken tempura) & Usa karaage
- Jigoku-mushi (vegetables, eggs & seafood steamed over 98°C hot-spring vents in Beppu)
- Bungo wagyu beef
- Seki-aji & Seki-saba (wild Bungo Channel mackerel & horse mackerel)
- Dango-jiru soup
Best time to visit Ōita
Year-round for Japan's highest-volume hot springs; October–February for rising steam vistas in Beppu and morning mist over Lake Kinrin in Yufuin.
All 15 cities & municipalities in Ōita Prefecture
Click any city below for its individual travel guide, demographics, rail access, food specialties, and nearby stops:
| City (Kanji) | Type / Status | Population | Area | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ōita 大分市 | Core city | 467,267 | 501.25 km² | City guide → |
| Beppu 別府市 | City | 127,345 | 125.15 km² | City guide → |
| Nakatsu 中津市 | City | 84,179 | 491.09 km² | City guide → |
| Hita 日田市 | City | 72,601 | 666.19 km² | City guide → |
| Saiki 佐伯市 | City | 78,675 | 903.44 km² | City guide → |
| Usuki 臼杵市 | City | 42,464 | 291.07 km² | City guide → |
| Tsukumi 津久見市 | City | 20,561 | 79.53 km² | City guide → |
| Taketa 竹田市 | City | 25,449 | 477.59 km² | City guide → |
| Bungotakada 豊後高田市 | City | 24,484 | 206.64 km² | City guide → |
| Usa 宇佐市 | City | 59,971 | 439.12 km² | City guide → |
| Bungo-Ōno 豊後大野市 | City | 40,409 | 603.36 km² | City guide → |
| Kitsuki 杵築市 | City | 33,465 | 280.01 km² | City guide → |
| Yufu 由布市 | City | 35,298 | 319.16 km² | City guide → |
| Kunisaki 国東市 | City | 33,473 | 317.81 km² | City guide → |
| Yufuin 由布院温泉 | Onsen resort town | 10,200 | 127.00 km² | City guide → |