Oita Prefecture! Explore fun places for families!
Oita Prefecture is not only a shining jewel in Japan's Kyushu region, but also a place brimming with artistic and spiritual heritage. Renowned for its natural beauty, such as the Yabakei Gorge and Beppu Onsen, these natural wonders offer visitors an excellent opportunity to escape the daily grind and make Oita a hidden gem worthy of in-depth exploration.
The charm and culture of Oita Prefecture
Oita Prefecture boasts abundant natural resources and a rich cultural heritage. From dense forests to hot spring towns, every place showcases the harmonious coexistence of nature and humanity. Among them, Beppu and Yufuin are the most representative hot spring towns, renowned for their unique bohemian charm and high-quality hot springs. Beppu's eight hot springs have been popular since ancient times, each with its own unique therapeutic properties and beautiful scenery.
Beppu and Yufuin are among the most representative hot spring towns, renowned for their unique bohemian charm and high-quality hot springs. Beppu's eight hot springs have been popular since ancient times, each offering unique therapeutic benefits and scenic views. For family travel, Oita Prefecture offers a wide range of activities and attractions, including luxury ferry cruises, thrilling suspension bridge walks, and educational marine ecology experiences. Tsukumi Dolphin Island is an ideal family destination, where children can get up close to dolphins, learn about marine ecology, and enjoy interacting with marine life. Furthermore, Poppo Restaurant and Guesthouse offer unique accommodation experiences, converting old train carriages into rooms that not only preserve memories of a bygone era but also infuse modern travel with a sense of nostalgia.
How to get to Oita Prefecture
Fukuoka City is the main transportation hub in Oita Prefecture, offering a variety of convenient transportation options that travelers can easily reach from Tokyo, Osaka, Hiroshima, and other cities.
highway bus
| Depart | arrival | Time required |
|---|---|---|
| Kitakyushu(Okura) | Beppu・Oita | 2:30 |
| Miyazaki Nobuoka | Oita・Beppu | 3:25～3:45 |
| Fukuoka (Direct Train) | Oita | 2:20 |
JR Shinkansen and Rapid Trains
| Depart | via | Time required |
|---|---|---|
| Hiroshima | Shinkansen (Kokura transfer) ~ Rapid Train (Nippo Main Line) | 2:30 |
| Hakata | Rapid trains (Nippo Main Line) pass through Kokura | 2:00 |
Six recommended places for fun family activities
Oita Prefecture, with its hot springs, natural beauty, and rich cultural experiences, is an excellent choice for family trips.
1. Tsukumi Dolphin Island
This is a family-friendly amusement park designed to provide interactive experiences with marine life. Children can watch dolphin shows up close, participate in feeding and swimming activities, and learn about marine ecology.
📍 Address: 2218-10 Yotsuura, Tsukumi City, Oita Prefecture
📞 Contact: 0972-85-3020
🕒 Opening hours: 10:00 – 16:00
💰 Admission: Adults 1300 yen | Children (6 years and older) 800 yen | Children (4-6 years) 650 yen
🚗 Transportation: Approximately 30 minutes by bus from Tsukumi Station
🔗 Official website
2. Poppo car cafeteria and guesthouse
Located in Nakatsu City, this guesthouse transforms an old train carriage into a restaurant and accommodation space, offering a unique experience with a nostalgic atmosphere.
📍 Address: 500-1 Manda, Nakatsu City, Oita Prefecture
📞 Contact information: 0979-22-0275
🕒 Opening hours: 09:00 – 17:00
🚗 Transportation: Approximately 5 minutes by car from JR Nakatsu Station
🔗 Official website
3. Team Lab Gallery Showa Town
This exhibition combines digital art with traditional culture, enhancing children's creativity and imagination through interactive artworks.
📍 Address: 989-1 Shinmachi, Bungo-Takada City, Oita Prefecture
📞 Contact: 0978-23-1860
🕒 Opening hours: 09:00 – 17:00
💰 Admission: Adults 420 yen | Children 270 yen
🚗 Transportation: Approximately 10 minutes by Okko Hokubuchi Bus from Usa Station.
🔗 Official website
4. Mitsui Himawari
A vital ferry connecting Oita and Osaka, offering a wide range of onboard activities and comfortable accommodations, making it ideal for family trips.
📞 Contact: 0120-56-3268
🔗 Official website
5. The Nine-Layer "Dream" Suspension Bridge
Japan's highest pedestrian suspension bridge offers stunning panoramic views and opportunities for nature learning, making it an excellent choice for family trips.
📍 Address: No. 1208, Ozideno, Kujue Town, Kuju-gun, Oita Prefecture
📞 Contact information: 0973-73-3800
🕒 Business Hours: 08:30-17:00 (Jan-Jun / November-December) | 08:30-18:00 (July-October)
💰 Admission: Adults 500 yen | Children 200 yen
🚗 Transportation: Approximately 20 minutes drive from Dafengdao Jiuchong IC.
🔗 Official website
6. Beppu Tower
This iconic building, which offers a viewing platform and an art museum, is an ideal place for families.
📍 Address: 3-10-2 Kitahama, Beppu City, Oita Prefecture
📞 Contact: 0977-26-1555
🕒 Opening hours: 09:30 – 21:30 (last entry at 21:00)
💰 Admission: Observation Deck 800 yen (adults) | Kitahama Deck 200 yen | Beppu Art Museum 1000 yen
🚶 Transportation: Approximately 10 minutes walk from JR Beppu Station
🔗 Official website
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