Stop focusing only on Kyoto and Nara! This "niche paradise" in Oita is incredibly beautiful.

1️⃣ Preparation

✅ Documents: Prepare a valid passport and Japanese visa.
✅ Clothing: Prepare clothing according to the season. 👔 Pack light and breathable clothing for summer, and warm clothing for winter. Also, bring rain gear for possible rainfall.
✅ Other items: Prepare common medicines, 💊 conversion plugs, power banks, cameras 📷, etc. Download translation software and local transportation apps.

2️⃣ Transportation Guide

✅ External Transportation: You can fly ✈️ from Tokyo Haneda Airport or Osaka Itami Airport to Oita Airport. You can also take the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen from Tokyo, Osaka, and Hiroshima to Kokura Station, and transfer to the JR Sonic Limited Express train to Oita City.

✅ Internal Transportation: JR Kyushu Railway is the main railway transportation method. You can purchase a JR Kyushu Rail Pass 🛤️ for convenient travel. Take the city bus to visit surrounding areas, or choose a chartered car 🚗 or rent a car for self-driving.

3️⃣ Recommended Attractions 👍

✅ Hot Springs: Beppu Hells include eight major hells such as Sea Hell and Blood Pond Hell ♨️, each with unique colors and shapes; Yufuin Onsen has a tranquil environment where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery while soaking in the hot springs.
✅ Natural Scenery: The Kokonoe "Yume" Grand Suspension Bridge is one of Japan's highest suspension bridges, overlooking the magnificent scenery of the Kuju Mountains; the Matama Coast is one of Japan's top 100 sunset spots, and the sunset is as dreamy as an oil painting.
✅ Culture and Art: The Oita Prefectural Art Museum, designed by Shigeru Ban, houses a rich collection of art; Usa Shrine is one of Japan's oldest shrines, with historical buildings such as the National Treasure Honden.
✅ Theme Parks: The Oita Marine Palace Aquarium has a huge water tank and marine life performances; Sanrio Harmonyland features classic Sanrio characters such as HELLO KITTY.

4️⃣ Food Recommendations 👍

✅ Local Cuisine: Bungotaku Beef is tender and juicy; Nakatsu Fried Chicken 🍗 has a crispy skin and tender meat.

✅ Hot Spring Cuisine: Jigoku Mushi in Beppu uses hot spring steam to cook food.