Oita

2026/9/15

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 ...

Japan Oita

2026/9/15

Harmonyland Oita Review: Hello Kitty, Sanrio Characters & Rides

We visited Harmonyland, a Sanrio theme park located in Hiji, Oita Prefecture. It is a dreamlike place where you can meet Hello Kitty, My Melody, Cinnamoroll, and other popular Sanrio characters. During our visit, we enjoyed character photo opportunities, shows, rides, lunch, and souvenir shopping. Harmonyland is incredibly cute, but it is not just for children. Adults can enjoy it too, especially if you love Sanrio characters, photography, or relaxed theme parks. What Is Harmonyland in Oita? Harmonyland is a Sanrio theme park in Hiji, Oita Prefecture, where visitors can meet Hello Kitty and many other famous Sanrio characters. Unlike Sanrio Puroland in Tokyo, Harmonyland is an outdoor theme park surrounded by nature. That gives the park a more open and relaxed atmosphere. Flowers and seasonal events change throughout the year, so the atmosphere can be different each time you visit. We went during the Halloween season, and even the flower displays featured Sanrio characters in seasonal costumes. Meet My Melody, Cinnamoroll and Other Sanrio Characters One of the best things about Harmonyland is the chance to meet popular Sanrio characters and take photos with them. When we visited, we were able to take photos with My Melody and Cinnamoroll. The characters available may change depending on the date and time. My Melody was incredibly cute. The staff kindly took several photos for us. Next was Cinnamoroll. Even before we reached the room, Cinnamoroll was already waving to us. Too cute～～! We were able to take such a cute photo. Because the photo area has ...

Japan Oita

2026/9/15

Beppu Without a Car: Jigoku Mushi Cooking, Beppu Tower & Global Tower

After staying at Galleria Midobaru the night before, we checked out and spent a full day sightseeing around Beppu. We had already explored the Beppu Hells, and on this day we visited three more attractions: Beppu Tower, Jigoku Mushi steam cooking in Kannawa, and Global Tower. We were able to travel between them by local bus, so the transportation costs were reasonable and we did not need to rent a car. The photo above shows the hand bath at Beppu Station. ▶Find hotels near Beppu Onsen on Rakuten Travel Leave Your Suitcase at Beppu Station Before Sightseeing Galleria Midobaru is located on a hillside and is some distance from Beppu Station, so we first took a taxi to the station. Beppu Station has coin lockers large enough to store bigger suitcases, which was very convenient for sightseeing. Payment by IC card was also available when we visited. If you want to explore Beppu without carrying your luggage, leaving your suitcase at Beppu Station is a good option. At the time of our visit, a large locker cost ¥800. ※Locker prices and payment methods may change. Beppu Tower｜Panoramic Views over Beppu City and Beppu Bay Our first sightseeing stop was Beppu Tower. I had previously visited Tsutenkaku in Osaka and enjoyed seeing how observation towers reflect the character of each city, so I was curious about Beppu Tower too. Beppu Tower opened in 1957. The tower is approximately 100 meters high, and the observation area offers 360-degree views of Beppu city and Beppu Bay. ...

Japan Oita

2026/9/15

Galleria Midobaru Review: Art Hotel in Beppu with Private Onsen

During our trip to Beppu in Oita, we stayed one night at Galleria Midobaru. Located on a hillside above Beppu, the hotel offers private in-room onsen baths in every guest room and a distinctive atmosphere filled with art and design. The stylish interior almost made us feel as if we were staying at a design hotel overseas rather than in Japan. Galleria Midobaru also received a Good Design Award in 2021. During our stay, the atmosphere felt quiet and sophisticated, making it a great choice for travelers looking for a relaxing and special hotel stay in Beppu. ＼Check rates and availability／ Art-Filled Entrance and Bar Lounge Artworks are displayed throughout the hotel, and optional tours are available for guests who want to explore the pieces in more detail. The high ceilings and contemporary design give the entrance an atmosphere almost like a modern art museum. Even the hallway leading to the guest rooms feels carefully designed. The interior uses warm brown tones, creating a calm and stylish atmosphere. At moments, it hardly felt like we were in Beppu. The bar lounge also has a sophisticated design with artwork displayed throughout the space. Guests can enjoy alcoholic drinks, non-alcoholic options, and welcome drinks here. The menu includes non-alcoholic drinks, beverages made with kabosu citrus, a specialty of Oita, and local sake from Oita. This moon-like light installation at the entrance looked especially beautiful after dark, so I had to take a photo. Guest Room and Private In-Room Onsen Next, let’s take a look at ...

Japan Oita

2026/9/15

Beppu Hells Tour Without a Car: Kamado, Oniyama & Shiraike Jigoku

Our Oita trip continued with a short train ride from Oita Station to Beppu. It takes only about 15 minutes by train from Oita Station to Beppu Station. From there, we used local buses to visit Okamotoya Shop for its famous Jigoku Mushi Pudding and several stops on the Beppu Hells Tour, or Jigoku Meguri. Beppu has a useful local bus network, so you can enjoy many of the major sightseeing spots without renting a car. This is especially convenient if you do not drive in Japan or simply prefer not to worry about parking and navigation. ▶Find hotels near the Beppu Hells on Rakuten Travel ▶Check Beppu Hells admission tickets on KKday Jigoku Mushi Pudding at the Famous Okamotoya Shop in Beppu Our first stop was Okamotoya Shop near the entrance to Myoban Onsen in Beppu. The shop has a nostalgic atmosphere and is well known in Beppu, with many visitors sharing it on YouTube and Instagram. Outside the shop, we found a traditional geothermal steam cooking area. There were warnings not to touch the steamers or cooking equipment because of the extremely high temperature. Even standing nearby, we could immediately feel the intense heat. It really gives you a sense of Beppu’s geothermal energy. We ordered the shop’s famous Jigoku Mushi Pudding. At the time of our visit, one pudding cost ¥440. The caramel had a slightly bitter roasted flavor, while the custard had a rich egg taste. The texture was firmer than many modern puddings, reminding me of a classic Japanese retro ...

Japan Oita

2026/9/15

Oita Airport to Oita City by Hovercraft: ANA Flight & Hello Kitty Airport Review

Hot spring trips are especially popular among mature travelers in Japan, and Oita Prefecture is one of the country’s best-known onsen destinations. So this time, we traveled to Oita and began our trip with an ANA flight from Tokyo. In this article, we share our firsthand experience flying from Haneda Airport to Oita Airport, exploring the adorable OITA HELLO KITTY AIRPORT, and taking the unique hovercraft from Oita Airport to the city. Flying ANA from Haneda Airport to Oita For our outbound flight, we flew with ANA from Haneda Airport to Oita Airport. When I originally booked the flight, I was not able to get my preferred seat. So before departure, I checked the ANA app again to see whether any better seats had become available. A cancellation had opened up a seat with an empty seat next to it, so I changed my reservation. Seats can open up shortly before departure, so if you do not get the seat you want at first, it can be worth checking again later. For solo travelers, having an empty seat next to you can make a big difference in comfort. Some exit-row seats also offer extra legroom, although eligibility and seating conditions apply. ANA’s Consommé Soup During the Flight The flight to Oita takes only around 1 hour and 40 minutes, so we bought some fruit and rice balls before boarding and ate them during the flight. For the drink service, I chose ANA’s popular consommé soup. It is one of those small things I ...