Located in the north-east of the Japanese island of Kyushu, it would be easy to presume that the volcanic geography that makes Oita such a hot spring heaven would make it difficult to get around. Fear not however, this prefecture is well served with trains, well-maintained roads, an airport and even a ferry!
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Oita prefecture is served by Oita airport, located north-east of Oita city on the coast. This small airport mainly does domestic flights to Kanto, Kansai and Chubu but also flies internationally to Seoul, Korea. Oita airport is one hour from Oita city on the Oita Limousine Bus which can be caught from Oita station.
![Getting Around Oita]()
Getting Around Oita
If you’re coming from the Kansai area and want to travel overnight, the Osaka to Beppu ferry can be a great option. The main operator is called Ferry Sunflower and they have a variety of packages available, from simple to deluxe rooms. The crossing takes 12 hours giving you the chance to get a good night’s sleep with relaxing, dining and looking at the ocean either side. The Osaka terminal is located on one of the islands in the Osaka Bay. From Osaka station, it’s a 40 minute train ride. Take the Osaka loop line to Bentencho and then change to the Chuo Line to Cosmo Square station. From there, it’s about 15 minutes on foot.
![Getting Around Oita]()
Getting Around Oita
When you’re going for a spa day, it only makes sense to travel in style. Limited express ‘Yufuin no Mori,’ the train from Beppu to Yufuin, Oita’s famous and fashionable onsen town, is an attraction in and of itself. The interior is nostalgic yet modern with gorgeous wooden paneled walls.You can either sit in the standard passenger cabin or, if you are travelling in a group of three or four, reserve seats in a private booth. As the latter option includes a table, it allows you to better enjoy the range of snacks on offer.
![Getting Around Oita]()
Getting Around Oita
Though not quite as stylish, Oita’s regular trains are not to be sniffed at as the prefecture is well connected. Pictured here, Beppu station also has the gorgeous wooden panelling style similar to ‘Yufuin no Mori’. Travellers with the JR pass will find plenty of options to get around. Although Oita doesn’t have any Shinkansen stops, if it’s fast trains you want, the Kyushu Express services Oita prefecture’s Yanagigaura, Beppu, Oita city and Saiki.
![Getting Around Oita]()
Getting Around Oita
Although Japan’s public transport system is famously good, even in rural areas, sometimes driving just suits your purposes better, particularly for the independently minded traveller. Luckily the road network in Oita is well designed, convenient and often scenic. If you are travelling from Beppu to Oita city, the road is by the sea, offering some great views as you make your journey. The Oita expressway is one of the great Express Ways of Japan, and runs from Oita city through the northern half of the prefecture. With a variety of options available to suit your needs, there is no reason why transport fears should stop you enjoying Oita prefecture!
Beppu Ekimae Hotel Hayashi
3-5 Ekimae-Honmachi Beppu Oita
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