Discover the best travel guides, tips, and experiences for Oita
Art Fair Beppu Spring 2027 will take place at five venues in central Beppu, Oita, from January 30 to February 1, 2027, with 39 artists and artist groups from Japan and across Asia, and early-bird tickets are on sale from October 23, 2026.
Hita Illuminage 2026, a winter illumination event making its Kyushu debut, runs for 93 days from October 31, 2026 to January 31, 2027 at the Sapporo Breweries Kyushu Hita Plant in Hita, Oita, with six highlight areas including a corridor tunnel and a space-themed plaza.
Grand Mercure Beppu Bay Resort & Spa in Hiji, Oita, the official hotel of Sanrio Character Park Harmonyland, welcomes Kuromi for a mini stage show and photo sessions on January 1, 2027, alongside winter vacation workshops and a pairing-themed buffet.
Life4Cuts, the Korean-born self-photo booth, offers two limited-time Moomin frames, a four-seasons design and a winter Moomin Valley calendar design, from November 1 to 30, 2026.
At Kuju Flower Park in Taketa, Oita, about 5,000 kochia plants have begun to change color, creating a green, pink, and red gradient that appears for only one to two weeks a year and is expected from mid- to late October.
From December 1, 2026 to November 30, 2027, Hoshino Resorts KAI Beppu offers its "Beppu Retro Hot Spring Tour" at ¥3,500 per person (accommodation not included), with a local-bath orientation, a guided walk to neighborhood hot springs, a new original bamboo basket, and a new guide for choosing the next bath.
Sanrio Character Park Harmonyland in Hiji, Oita marked opening day for its Halloween event Harmonyland Halloween on September 18, 2026, with an upgraded interactive "Magical Masquerade" show featuring masked Hello Kitty and friends, a new marching live show, candy-themed goods and food, plus the same-day launch of the park's own WISH ME MELL 15TH ANNIVERSARY celebration.
Sanrio Character Park Harmonyland in Hiji, Oita begins "Parade Parallel the FINAL" on September 18, 2026, celebrating nearly ten years of its popular parade "Parade Parallel" ahead of its grand finale on May 9, 2027, with a memory-filled message board and photo spot, limited-time merchandise and food, and ticketed special greetings and photo sessions.
A new 39-room hotel opens in Oita's Yufuin in April 2027, with every guest room offering its own onsen bath, a Finnish-designed thermal spa by Avanto Architects, and dining that runs from morning to night.
From September 12 to November 3, 2026, Kuju Flower Park in Oita Prefecture holds its Autumn Flower Festa, with 70,000 yellow and orange African marigolds filling a 7,000 m² meadow on the 850-meter-high Kuju Highland. The season also brings salvia and celosia fields, an Asagimadara butterfly exhibition, and nighttime illumination events.
Sanrio Character Park Harmonyland in Hiji, Oita hosts the Halloween event HARMONYLAND HALLOWEEN from September 18 to November 10, 2026, featuring an upgraded Magical Masquerade live show, a new participatory show, Halloween-themed parades and greetings, and limited-time candy-inspired food.
Bandai Namco Experience and Bandai Namco Amusement are opening the Gashapon Bandai Official Shop Central Cinema Sanko store, a 210-machine capsule toy specialty store, inside Central Cinema Sanko in Nakatsu City, Oita Prefecture, on Friday, August 21, 2026.
Sanrio Character Park Harmonyland in Hiji, Oita will celebrate Wish me mell's 15th anniversary with the event "WISH ME MELL 15TH ANNIVERSARY," running from September 18, 2026 to March 31, 2027, featuring a new tea party-themed costume, anniversary shows, a letter-writing campaign, and limited-edition merchandise.
Amanek Beppu Yurari has opened a seasonal rooftop bar at its infinity pool, running through September 26, 2026, serving kabosu mojitos and colorful original cocktails with views of Beppu Bay from dusk into the night.
AREUM BAGEL, a bagel specialty shop produced by the Seoul-based bakery cafe Bakery Ten, is opening its first Oita location on July 31. The shop bakes its bagels fresh each morning and offers 11 varieties spanning both sweet and savory flavors.
Kanzashi-ya WARGO Yufuin Kinrinko, a new hairpin specialty store from Wagokoro Co., Ltd., grand-opened on July 24, 2026, in the Kinrinko area of Yufuin, Oita Prefecture, becoming the company's third brand store in the area and bringing traditional Japanese kanzashi craftsmanship to visitors.
Wagokoro Co., Ltd. is set to open Yufuin Kinrinko Kanzashiya Wargo, a new kanzashi (hair ornament) specialty store, in the Kinrinko area of Yufu City, Oita Prefecture, in late July 2026. The store will be the brand's third location in the Yufuin Kinrinko area, joining Yufuin Kinrinko Hokusai Graphic and Yufuin Kinrinko musumusu.
Nagasakibana Beach Resort in Bungotakada City, Oita Prefecture, is opening a BEACH CAFE for the Nagasakibana Summer Festival on July 19, when about 600 fireworks light up the night sky just steps from the resort.
Mélanger, a French restaurant in Yufuin that opened in October 2025 and cooks exclusively with Oita-grown ingredients, is marking its first summer with a course built around natsujika, a rare early-summer venison, available through mid-July 2026.
From June 27 to July 12, 2026, Kuju Flower Park in Oita Prefecture hosts its Lavender Harvest Festival, where around 5,000 lavender plants bloom across a 5,000 m² hillside at 850 meters above sea level. Visitors can pick their own lavender and enjoy seasonal craft goods at this beloved highland garden.
Sanrio Character Park Harmonyland in Hiji, Oita hosts the summer event "Hachamecha Summer Party!" from July 3 to September 15, 2026, featuring the first-ever tanned appearances of Kuromi, Pompompurin, Cinnamoroll, and Ahiru no Pekkle at any Sanrio theme park.
Sumiyoshihama Resort Park in Kitsuki City, Oita Prefecture, kicks off the marine season ahead of any other beach in the prefecture on May 23, 2026, with live banana boat and wakeboard demonstrations and seasonal food festivals at Kitsuki Terrace.
Harmonyland in Oita Prefecture has launched its Harmonyland 35th Anniversary celebrations, marked by a grand opening ceremony on April 26, 2026, featuring 22 Sanrio characters and the debut of a new Hello Kitty anniversary costume.
The POMPOMPURIN 30th Anniversary event opened at Harmonyland in Hiji, Oita on April 16, 2026 — Pompompurin's birthday — featuring the newly opened POMPOMPURIN DINER, limited anniversary menus, and a special 4-day greeting event.
The spring event HARMONYLAND Flower Fantasy kicked off at Harmonyland in Hiji, Oita on March 20, 2026, featuring the flower show "The Colorful Blooming!", colorful flower gardens, limited-edition food, and character merchandise.
Harmonyland's limited-time event "Harmonyland 35th Anniversary" kicks off on April 24, 2026. The latest announcement reveals the event's key visual for the first time, along with a brand-new anniversary costume for Hello Kitty.
A popular suburban cafe known for its fluffy pancakes and nel drip coffee is coming to Beppu, Oita, with a New York Manhattan-inspired interior featuring nine uniquely themed seating areas.
Harmonyland in Oita Prefecture is hosting a special anniversary event for Pompompurin's 30th year, running from April 16 to December 31, 2026, including the opening of an all-new POMPOMPURIN DINER.
Starting March 2, 2026, Nagasaki-hana Beach Resort in Bungotakada, Oita offers two new accommodation plans designed to make the most of the area's spectacular spring rapeseed flower scenery.
Nagasakibana Beach Resort in Bungotakada, Oita Prefecture will host the 3rd Nagasakibana Beach Festa on Saturday, March 7, 2026. The popular day-trip event returns with BBQ, roasted sweet potato and baked apple experiences, craft activities, and festival-style food stalls—all set against a backdrop of 27 million rapeseed flowers in bloom.
Disney characters will once again travel to local festivals across the country as part of the Tokyo Disney Resort® Special Parade, with five cities scheduled for FY2026. A special "Duffy Bus" display will accompany each stop.
Galleria Midobaru in Beppu has been certified as one of 10 establishments with scientifically verified beauty hot spring water, offering a Barrier Oasis hot spring that moisturizes and strengthens skin barrier function.
During the Hita Oyama Plum Blossom Festival period from February 15 to March 15, 2026, Umeshu-gura Oyama will host special events including free tastings of plum amazake and umeboshi tea, bonsai plum displays by local farmers, and a photo contest celebrating the beauty of plum blossoms.
Namiki Street Coffee introduces a refreshed menu lineup starting February 24th, 2026 at 3:00 PM, featuring homemade desserts, eggs benedict with customizable options, and new coffee varieties across locations in Oita and Fukuoka.
Nagasakibana Beach Resort in Bungo-Takada City, Oita Prefecture, will host its 3rd Fishing Competition on February 21st. Participants compete to catch the most fish within a time limit, with equipment provided.
JAF Oita Branch will hold a special behind-the-scenes tour at Oita Marine Palace Aquarium "Umitamago" on February 28, 2026, offering participants a rare glimpse into the aquarium's backyard, including the upper area of the massive circulation tank.
Okonomiyaki specialty restaurant chain Dondontei launches its seasonal cheese fair from February 4 to late May, featuring enhanced cheese-loaded menu items across Kyushu locations.
Nanokahitomeguri, a wellness retreat facility in Beppu Onsen operated by Tojigurashi Inc., introduces four new 2-night, 3-day accommodation plans starting February 2026, designed to help guests reconnect with their physical and mental well-being through seasonal rhythms.
A special goshuin (temple stamp) rally at 78 shrines and temples across Kyushu begins February 20, 2026. Visitors can collect unique commemorative stamps at sacred sites across seven prefectures using special JR train passes.
The ryokan in Beppu, Oita will undergo a major renovation in March 2026, introducing an all-inclusive lounge, amenity bar, and fully bed-equipped rooms for a more comfortable and flexible stay.
House Foods releases a new limited-edition Umakacchan Kurume Tonkotsu instant ramen featuring the signature frothy soup and rich tonkotsu aroma characteristic of Kurume ramen, approved by the Kurume Ramen Association.
The sweet-themed winter event kicked off on January 9th at Sanrio Character Park Harmonyland in Oita, featuring the first-ever appearance of Tabekko Dobutsu characters alongside Sanrio favorites.
Sekiya Resort Terrace Midobaru's Yukigekka restaurant introduces a new wagyu nigiri dish featuring premium Oita wagyu sirloin. The exquisite 2-piece set offers guests a luxurious way to experience local beef with handcrafted sushi vinegar and sauce.
A special campaign by JR Kyushu offers exclusive clear files to visitors who take the train to the exhibition at OPAM, running from January 17 to March 31, 2026.
The popular collaboration between Azur Lane and traditional Japanese bathhouses returns for its fourth year, expanding to three locations across Tokyo, Osaka, and for the first time, Beppu in Oita Prefecture.
A new luxury pet-friendly hot spring resort is opening in Yufuin, Oita Prefecture. All rooms feature natural hot springs, and villa suites include private dog runs.
A new luxury resort featuring art installations and innovative design will open in Beppu's famous hot spring district, offering guests a unique blend of nature, hot springs, cuisine, and international artworks.
This article provides a detailed introduction to the must-visit spots and highlights in Oita Prefecture during spring! ※ Please note that the dates of the events introduced may change. Please check the official website of each facility for the latest schedule. Make your trip to Oita Prefecture memorable! Click here to request a private photo […]
“Beppu” City in “Oita” Prefecture is famous for its hot springs, but summer in “Beppu” also has a variety of attractions. We will introduce you in detail to information on how to enjoy summer in “Beppu”, from an overview to fireworks, scenic spots, and gourmet food. This article will introduce you in detail to the […]
Oita Prefecture is famous for its hot springs, but its charm is further enhanced in the autumn season. The fall foliage turns vibrant, and you can enjoy it together with the hot springs. Autumn in Beppu is the best season for tourism, with mild and comfortable weather. This article introduces the features of Beppu in […]
Oita Prefecture in winter, especially Beppu City, is an ideal place to visit during the cold season. Not only do the hot springs warm your body to the core, but you can also enjoy beautiful natural scenery and unique cultural experiences. This article introduces the charms and recommended spots of Oita in winter. In this […]
Overview and Features of “Yufuin Onsen” “Yufuin Onsen” is a beautiful hot spring resort located almost in the center of Oita Prefecture, Japan. Nestled in the “Yufuin Basin” at the foot of “Mount Yufu,” this hot spring area is known as a place where you can relax in nature. It was designated as a “Kokumin […]
Features of Beppu Onsen Types and Quality of Hot Springs “Beppu Onsen” is one of Japan’s leading hot spring areas, boasting ten different types of hot spring qualities. It has the largest volume of hot water and the most number of hot spring sources in Japan, allowing visitors to enjoy a variety of hot spring […]