Culture

It is speculated that it was in Oita that Buddhism first gained a foothold in Japan over 1300 years ago. Evidence of this can be seen in the form of numerous stone Buddha statues carved into cliffs and rock faces all over the prefecture. Over 80% of all the stone Buddhas in Japan can be found here. Most famous of all are the statues at Usuki. Obviously once a site of some importance, there are 60 well-preserved 12th century carvings here in an atmospheric rural setting.

More carvings can be found on the Kunisaki Peninsula, where modern Japan seems a million miles away and the sleepy farming villages are almost eerily quiet. Countless temples and shrines dot the rugged landscape including Fuku-ji, where you can see the oldest wooden building in Kyushu and Oita’s grandest temple, Futago-ji. Also of interest is Usa-jingu, the most important of all Japan’s Hachiman-gu – shrines dedicated to the God of War.

The historical onsen town of Hita often called "Kyoto in Kyushu" makes for a pleasant excursion by train of hire-car from Beppu, Oita or Fukuoka. The hot-springs are located near to the river, where you can also see cormorant-fishing from May-October, and the Mametamachi area behind the station contains a number of preserved wooden buildings including a sake factory still in use today.

Oita was put on the international map by the 2002 World Cup. The purpose built “Big Eye” stadium, somewhat reminiscent of a giant titanium turtle, can be reached via shuttle bus from Oita Station.