Oita Prefecture, Prefecture on eastern Kyushu island, Japan
Oita is an administrative division in eastern Kyushu stretching between mountain ranges and a coastline along the Bungo Channel. Volcanic hills alternate with narrow plains, while thermal springs rise from below the ground.
The administrative structure emerged in 1871 following the merger of several feudal territories during the Meiji Restoration. Later decades brought railway lines and industrial facilities that reshaped the rural fabric.
Local place names reflect old connections to Shinto tradition and the sea, with many settlements named after coastal formations. Residents maintain regional bathing customs that remain closely tied to daily life and geothermal sources.
Railway stations and bus lines connect larger towns, while smaller settlements often require a car to reach. The airport sits on the Kunisaki Peninsula north of the prefectural capital.
Beppu hosts eight different types of hot springs, each with distinct mineral compositions and color tones. Some springs rise so hot that they are used exclusively for cooking food.
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