Oita in summer

Oita serves as a reminder that Japan, famous for its cutting-edge cities, is also home to some stunning natural landscapes. Drive just a few hours from the airport in any direction and you’ll find serene hot springs, misty lakes, eerie forests, epic waterfalls and some of Japan’s most spectacularly placed shrines and temples. The city itself is rather small and unassuming, although it’s still home to plenty of interesting historic sites and a respectable nightlife scene centred on the Miyako-machi neighbourhood. But it’s in the surrounding area that Oita really comes to life as a destination. Beppu, just a short way along the coast, is one of Japan’s most beloved hot springs resort towns, where natural steam rises visibly between the streets and buildings. Artsy Yufuin is similarly steam-powered, while Bungo Ono, the Kunisaki Peninsula and the Kuju Mountains offer varying arrays of natural beauty. #oita #japan #deliciousfood #foodie