Nature
Kunisaki Peninsula
View Access InfoLose yourself in the beauty of nature.
Located in Northern Oita, the Kunisaki Peninsula is an area of beautiful forests, hosting a number of temples and farmsteads. The peninsular contains a number of cone-shaped volcanoes, the largest of which, Mt Futago, features 28 valleys radiating out from its center.
The area is features a number of trails, including ‘The Kunisaki Hantou Minemichi Long Trail’, a 134km route that meanders throughout the peninsular taking in its most impressive sights and scenery.
For some of the most spectacular views in Japan, we highly recommend hiking part of the trail, highlight include the spectacular Fusako-ji temple and a sculpture by famed British artist Antony Gormley.
The Kunisaki Peninsula was one of the most significant centers of Buddism in Japan and ha become known as the place where the synchronism of Shinto and Buddhism began. The views from some of its higher points are the perfect reward for an afternoon of hiking.
Access Information
Phone Number
N/A
Address
Musashimachi Maruono Kunisaki, Oita 873-0406
Opening Hours
24 hours
Website
Kuju Mountain Range
View Access InfoStunning ever-changing landscapes.
Located in the Aso-Kuju National Park, the Kuju mountain range offers a number of hikes and spectacular views across the region’s volcanic landscape. The area is made up of five mountains, all of which are over 1,700 meters in height.
The area is a unique habitat to an abundance of rare plants and animals and has an ever-changing colored foliage, which is particularly stunning in the Autumn.
A tour of the main peaks can be undertaken in around 4 to 6 hours. The trek offers beautiful views and a number of stunning volcanic lakes where hikers often stop for a break and something to eat.
The area features calderas and grasslands to marshland and lakes.
Access Information
Phone Number
0545-62-4422
Address
255-33 Tano, Kokonoe, Kusu District, Oita 879-4911
Opening Hours
24 hours
Website
Tadewara Wetlands
View Access InfoA unique, controlled eco-system.
Located by the Kuju Mountain Range, Tadewara Marsh is an area rich in natural mountain spring water, where a number of rare flour and fauna thrive. Cedar boardwalks have been placed to allow visitors to witness these species first hand without damaging the area.
The area provides a visitor’s center which offers a wealth of free information about the marsh and surrounding mountains. Regular theatre showings of a detailed movie which provides a thorough guide to the area is also provided.
In order to preserve the grasslands and stop it from being enveloped into the forest, controlled burning, known as ‘Nosaki’ is carried out every year.
At 38 hectares in size, the area is about the size of 45 football pitches. The marshland is the perfect environment for certain plant species, however, it is very inhospitable for animals. One exception is a small type of fat minnow fish, known as 'Takahaya'.
Access Information
Phone Number
0973-79-2154
Address
255-33 Tano, Kokonoe, Kusu District, Oita 879-4911
Opening Hours
9am - 5pm daily
Website
Harajiri Falls
View Access InfoThe Oriental Niagara.
Names as one of Japan’s top 100 waterfalls, Harajiri Falls is located in Southern Oita and due to the roundness of its shape has been nicknamed ‘Oriental Niagara’.
The distinctly horseshoe-shaped falls were formed over 90,000 years ago as the result of an eruption from Mt Aso.
If you’re brave enough, a suspension bridge above the falls allows visitors to stare perilously over the edge to get a unique, if a little scary, perspective of the area. For the full experience, we highly recommend spending time both on the bridge and down by the basin.
Viewed from above or from its basin, the Harajiri Falls will feel majestic.
Access Information
Phone Number
0974-42-4140
Address
410 Ogatamachi Harajiri, Bungoono, Oita 879-6631
Opening Hours
24 hours
Website
Kinrinko Lake
View Access InfoMythical morning mist.
Located in the picturesque town of Yufuin, Kinrinko Lake features a prominent torii gate and beautiful surrounding fauna which changes its appearance drastically throughout the seasons.
The lake’s water is made up of a mixture of both warm and cool spring water, which results in steam to rise from its surface adding to the mystical feel of the area.
Around the lake, you’ll find a number of quaint shops, cafes, and onsens. We recommend spending an entire day in this beautiful part of Oita and to visit some of the art museums nearby and to fully take in what the area has to offer.
Enjoy the calming stillness of the lake.
Access Information
Phone Number
0977-84-3111
Address
Yufuincho Kawakami, Yufu, Oita, 879-5102
Opening Hours
24 hours
