Snugged in the little Bungotakada City, Oita Prefecture, is a shopping district named Showa no Machi (Showa’s Town), where the streets and shops are modeled in the classic style of 50-60s Japan. Almost like a movie set, this Showa no Machi takes you back in time as you stroll around.

Here is the center of Rokugo Manzan, where Buddhism and Shintoism intertwined, blending along with local mountain worshipers and creating its own unique religious culture.

Jigokumushi (地獄蒸し, literally means “Hell Steam”), is what this cooking method is called. A very simple yet unique way of cooking that has been practiced since the Edo Period. Jigokumushi restaurants are popular for tourists coming to the Kannawa area, which main attractions are the Jigoku of Beppu, boiling ponds that are open for viewing. In some of these restaurants, customers could also try cooking the food themselves, an interesting experience when you go with friends or family.

Today there are many activities you can do at the popular tourist destination. You can rent some kimono and amble through the historic quarter in traditional costume. You can take a ride on a rickshaw. You can eat sweets at one of many vendors on Yunohira Kaido Street. You can have your photo taken with an owl on your arm at the Owl Zoo. But to me, the true charm of Yufuin had always been the tranquility.

The place is called Kabeyu Onsen. I had to drive through continuous mountains in the western part of Oita Prefecture to get there. Kabeyu Onsen is located on a wider road, though the bath itself is located a bit below, next to a river.

Even today, Beppu accounts for at least one tenths of Japan’s onsen production by volume. But although the place is a famous among the Japanese, and an increasingly popular destination for Korean and Chinese tourists, it is still relatively unknown to Western tourists in spite of its long history.

15 places I think are “must experience” locations to make any trip to Oita a memorable one. And, to help you find your way just a little bit easier, I’ve provided links (as available) where you can find out more about these fun, memorable, and in some cases, adventurous destinations!

How many fireworks go off in one hour? An AMAZING amount, that’s how much!

Every year, APU hosts the annual campus festival – Tenkusai Festival. Traditional and contemporary song, dance and live performances are just some of the main attractions of the Tenkusai Festival.

When I moved to Beppu, the first thing I was looking for was a sea-beach. Whenever I felt like walking with nature, I always preferred a beach. So, when I saw the Mochigahama beach, I was really amazed by its beauty.

Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University or APU is a private establishment initiated April 2000 in Beppu, Ōita, Japan.

One of the exquisite event spaces in Beppu, one of the places has the power to gather mostly foreign and domestic residents together enjoying not only delicious dishes but also vivacious chats: event space ‘Studio Noquudo’ in small, lovely Beppu, Oita Prefecture.