Ooita(Oita) Prefecture — Where Onsen and Music Harmonize
Beppu city onsen
Ooita(Oita) Prefecture, which calls itself “Onsen-ken,” is one of the most famous onsen(hot spring) resorts in Japan, attracting tourists from all over the world, including Beppu Onsen, with its boisterous name “Jigoku Meguri” (Hells of Beppu) and its various spring qualities, and Yufuin Onsen, with its calm and luxurious atmosphere. Starting with Ooita City, the prefectural capital, the prefecture is surrounded by historic temples and abundant nature.
beppu jigoku meguri
beppu image
Center of mountain worship and Shinto-Buddhist syncretism
A hidden gem for tourists is Futago-ji Temple, a historic temple on the Kunisaki Peninsula that blends Tendaishuu Buddhism and mountain asceticism (Shugendou). The atmospheric temple buildings standing at the top of steep stone steps create a mystical ambiance surrounded by mountains and forests. The entire Kunisaki Peninsula area in Ooita(Oita) Prefecture is known as “Rokugou Manzan,” a sacred site of Shugendo that preserves a unique culture blending Buddhism and Shintou. Stone Buddhas and cliff-carved reliefs scattered throughout the mountains evoke a deep sense of spirituality and historical significance for visitors.
Futagoji Stone Niou zou
By Maculosae tegmine lyncis – Own work, CC0, Link
A place associated with TAKI Rentarou, a genius who died young
One of Ooita(Oita)’s most significant musical contributions is “Koujyou no tsuki” (Moon Over the Ruined Castle) composed by TAKI Rentarou, who spent his childhood in Taketa City. The ruins of Oka Castle, which inspired this piece, can still be visited today. This hauntingly beautiful melody has achieved international recognition and is considered one of Japan’s most important musical compositions.
Another children’s song connected to Ooita(Oita) is “Inu no Omawari-san” (The Dog Policeman) with lyrics by SATOU Yoshimi, who was born in Taketa City. Beyond these well-known works, Ooita(Oita) preserves traditional songs like “Bungo Ondo” that reflect the region’s cultural heritage.
The prefecture’s natural beauty includes the magnificent limestone caves of Inazumi and the scenic Yabakei Gorge.
Oita Prefecture is also associated with Yukichi FUKUZAWA, who was the face of the highest denomination banknote until 2024, and ISAMAYA Hajime, the author of “Shinkage no Kyojin(Attack on Titan)”.
Ooita(Oita) okajyou
FUKUZAWA Yukichi 10000Yen
Ooita(Oita) hita “Shingeki no kyojin”
Enjoy a hidden treasure trove of gastronomic delights!
In terms of cuisine, besides Bungo beef, kabosu citrus, and “toriten” (Ooita(Oita)-style tempura chicken), specialties include “Sekisaba and Sekiaji” (mackerel and horse mackerel from Saganoseki), which develop their exceptional flavor and texture from the unique current environment where the Bungo Channel meets the Seto Naikai (Seto Inland Sea). Another delicacy, “Shiroshita Karei” (Usuki flounder), is a specialty from around Usuki City, characterized by its delicate sweetness and crystal-like transparency due to the unique environment where freshwater springs mix with seawater on the ocean floor. With a history of being presented to the shogun during the Edo period, it remains a rare luxury fish with limited catches today, representing the local food culture and being closely tied to tourism and regional heritage.
sekisaba toriten kabosu-shouchuu
