Oita Prefecture is located in the eastern part of Japan’s Kyushu region, with its prefectural capital in Oita City. The prefecture boasts a large number of hot springs, including the nationally famous Beppu Onsen and Yufuin Onsen. With a total of 4,445 hot spring sources and a discharge volume of 279,253 liters per minute—both the highest in Japan—Oita proudly promotes itself with the slogan "Japan’s Number One Hot Spring Prefecture – Oita" to highlight the charm of its hot spring resources.
Geography & Topography
Oita Prefecture is largely mountainous. In the west lies the Kuju Mountain Range, while the south is home to mountain ranges such as Mount Sobo and Mount Katamuki. Among them, Mount Nakadake of the Kuju range is the highest peak on mainland Kyushu. Flat plains are limited to a few areas: Nakatsu Plain in the north, Oita Plain in the center, and Saiki Plain in the south—mostly formed along river basins.
As for coastlines, the northern to western coasts face the Seto Inland Sea, with the Suonada Sea (also known as Buzen Sea) included in the west. The central region is separated from Shikoku by the Bungo Channel, with the narrowest part—the Iyo-nada Strait—being about 10 kilometers wide, making it relatively close. The southern coast features a well-developed ria coastline, known as the Nippō Kaigan (Nippō Coast), celebrated for its beautiful scenery and designated as Nippō Kaigan Quasi-National Park.
Historically, the region is noted for its local geography book, Bungo Kokushi (compiled in 1803 during the Edo period), which is well known and of high academic value.
Climate
Oita Prefecture lies at the western edge of the Seto Inland Sea and serves as a transitional zone between the Seto Inland Sea climate and other climate types, leading to significant regional variations in climate.
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Northern region (e.g., Nakatsu City, Usa City):
Falls under the Seto Inland Sea climate. Winters are cloudy due to seasonal winds through the Kanmon Straits. Annual rainfall is relatively low, and occasional snowfall may occur. -
Central region (e.g., Beppu City, Oita City):
Seasonal winds are blocked by mountains in the northwest, resulting in many sunny days in winter and a warm climate, making it a popular hot spring tourism destination. -
Western region (e.g., Hita City, Taketa City):
Located inland and surrounded by the Kyushu Mountains. Summer often brings thunderstorms, while fog is common from autumn to early winter. Heavy rainfall frequently occurs during the rainy season and typhoon periods. -
Southern region (e.g., Saiki City, Bungo-ōno City):
This is the warmest and wettest area in the prefecture. Rainfall is particularly frequent in summer, while winters are typically dry and sunny.
Based on precipitation levels and rainy days, the climate can be further divided into the following types:
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Seto Inland Sea type (Type I & II):
Areas like Nakatsu Plain, the coast of Beppu, and Oita City. Characterized by low annual rainfall and many sunny winter days. -
Kyushu Mountain type:
Found in the inland western regions. Receives abundant rainfall with occasional snow in winter. -
South Sea type:
Found south of Tsukumi City. Experiences heavy rainfall year-round, especially in summer, with many sunny days in winter.
In Summary
Oita Prefecture is a region rich in natural resources, featuring abundant hot springs, a diverse landscape of mountains and seas, and varying climates. These natural features have shaped unique lifestyles and cultural foundations across its different regions.
