5 Cool Places to Visit in Oita, Japan in Summer

“Oita is famous for hot springs, but isn’t summer too hot for onsen?”

That question from our editor-in-chief Mamarin inspired us to look for

cool and refreshing places to enjoy in Oita Prefecture.

Oita is known as one of Japan’s most famous hot spring destinations,

but not every hot spring is hot.

You can also find

refreshingly cool hot springs,

including a 32°C naturally carbonated outdoor bath.

And there is much more than onsen.

From limestone caves and mountain scenery

to dolphin experiences and ropeways,

Oita has plenty of places where you can enjoy a cooler side of Japan.

Here are

five refreshing places in Oita that are also easy to enjoy for travelers in their 60s.

Tsukumi Dolphin Island｜Meet and Swim with Dolphins in Tsukumi

If swimming with dolphins has always been on your wish list,

Tsukumi Dolphin Island

is a fun place to visit.

Located in Tsukumi City,

this ocean-side attraction offers

dolphin performances,

trainer experiences,

feeding programs,

and even

“Swim with Dolphins”

experiences.

Compared with similar attractions near Tokyo,

the prices also feel relatively accessible.

If you do not want to start with a more active experience,

you can simply watch the dolphins

or try feeding them first.

Then,

depending on your energy level and comfort,

you can gradually try more interactive programs.

The dolphin feeding experience is

¥500 per cup.

One of the most memorable experiences here

is taking a boat ride while dolphins swim right beside you.

It feels very different from watching them from a platform.

You can see them racing through the water up close

as they splash beside the boat.

The boat experience is

¥2,000 per boat

and includes dolphin food.

Being able to enjoy such a close dolphin experience for this price

makes it especially appealing.

 

There are also penguins,

fish,

and other marine animals.

It can be enjoyable for travelers in their 60s and 70s,

and also works well for a multigenerational family trip.

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Lamune Onsen｜Relax in a Refreshing 32°C Carbonated Spring

In Taketa City,

Lamune Onsen

is known for its naturally carbonated hot spring.

When you enter the bath,

tiny bubbles gradually cover the skin,

creating a unique sensation.

There are two different baths:

a

32°C carbonated outdoor spring

and a

42°C cloudy indoor bath.

The cooler outdoor bath is especially refreshing in warmer weather

and is easy to enjoy slowly without feeling overheated.

For travelers who usually find Japanese hot springs too hot,

this is an interesting alternative.

The indoor bath also has a beautiful atmosphere.

It could be a relaxing stop for a mother-daughter trip

or a quiet couple’s getaway.

Kokonoe “Yume” Grand Suspension Bridge｜Enjoy Cool Mountain Air and Valley Views

Located at an elevation of around 777 meters,

Kokonoe “Yume” Grand Suspension Bridge

crosses the Naruko River Valley.

The bridge is

173 meters high and 390 meters long.

As you walk across,

the cool mountain air flowing through the valley

feels refreshing compared with the heat at lower elevations.

On clear days,

you can enjoy sweeping views of the Kuju mountain range.

You can also see

Shindo Falls,

which is listed among Japan’s top 100 waterfalls.

The main experience is simply walking across the bridge,

so it is relatively straightforward

for travelers who do not want a strenuous hike.

In autumn,

the surrounding mountains are also famous for fall colors.

Beppu Ropeway & Mount Tsurumi｜Beautiful Views Without a Long Hike

Mount Tsurumi rises to

1,375 meters above sea level.

With the

Beppu Ropeway,

you can reach the upper area in only about 10 minutes.

Because you do not need to hike all the way up,

it is an easy way to enjoy cooler mountain air

even if you are not confident about strenuous walking.

The views from the mountain are beautiful.

Temperatures at higher elevations are cooler than in the city below,

so the mountain can feel especially refreshing in summer.

From above,

you can look out over Beppu Bay

and enjoy different scenery throughout the seasons.

Summer is ideal for cooler air,

while autumn brings colorful foliage.

Furen Limestone Cave｜Cool Down in a Mysterious Underground World

Furen Limestone Cave

was discovered in 1926

and is one of Oita’s fascinating natural attractions.

The temperature inside the cave

stays relatively stable throughout the year,

making it a refreshing place to escape the summer heat.

There are 21 scenic points inside,

where you can see formations created over millions of years.

Some sections can be slippery,

so comfortable shoes with good grip are recommended.

↑Mamarin, our editor-in-chief in her 60s, recommends Skechers sneakers for comfortable sightseeing.

5 Cool Places to Visit in Oita｜Summary

Oita Prefecture is famous for hot springs,

but it also has many places where you can enjoy a cooler and more refreshing experience.

You can

meet dolphins,

soak in a 32°C carbonated spring,

walk across a dramatic suspension bridge,

ride a ropeway into the mountains,

or explore a limestone cave.

If you have ever thought,

“Maybe Oita is better in winter because it is famous for hot springs,”

these places show that summer can also be a wonderful time to visit.

For travelers in their 60s,

several of these attractions are also relatively easy to enjoy

without a strenuous schedule.

 

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