Oita Hot Spring

Located on the eastern side of the Kyushu region, most of Oita Prefecture is dominated by mountains except for a very small part in its urban area. It has a mild climate overall and chances of natural disaster such as typhoons are relatively low.However, seasonal winds from the Kanmon Straits hit Kunisaki Peninsula during the winter, causing lots of rainy as well as snowy days that sometimes result in snow coverage.

Oita's nationally famous tourist sites are the "Yufuin Hot Spring" boasting its highest number gushing hot springs and largest amount of gushing hot waters which are both considered number one in the country.

Shiitake (type of mushroom) produced in Oita are famous for its quality. They are fleshy and the Hoshi Shiitake (dried shiitake), the prefecture's special local product, with star-shaped cuts made on their surface are greatly valued and used for traditional Japanese New Year's cuisine.

Additionally, expensive fish such as Seki Aji (horse mackerel) caught in this region do not smell too strong and are popular for their light, elegant taste. In the old days, such fish were valued as articles for presentation to the Shoguns.