Let’s find out the fabulous aspects of Oita Prefecture! Check out the events which will be held in October.

23.September.2017 | FOOD / SPOT

Oita Prefecture in Kyusyu is known as the number one hot spring prefecture in Japan. Oita Prefecture is called “the hot spring prefecture – Oita” and the amount of hot spring water and the number of hot springs known to be No.1.

. The PR video “Shinfuro” broadcasted two years ago and last year gathered much attention but Oita has many other amazing sightseeing spots, indigenous products and delicious foods. In this column, I will introduce to you the sightseeing spots, products, art facilities and culture of Oita Prefecture.

 

-Sightseeing spots and experience in Oita-

Oita Prefecture Kokuto Peninsula Usa Area

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Rokugo Manzan located in Kokuto Peninsula has been open for 1300 years. In commemoration of this, Kyusyu National Museum will hold a special exhibition which introduces the mystery of Rokugo Manzan which is known as the birthplace of syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism. The exhibition exhibits rare cultural assets including four important cultural properties. One of the important cultural properties is the Buddhist statue “Monju Senji Monju Bosatsu” which can be seen only once every 12 years.

▼Information

Rokugo Manzan Special Exhibition

Date: September 13th 2017 (Wed.) to November 5th (Sun.) (eight weeks)

Venue: Kyusyu National Museum Cultural Exhibition Room

 

 

Disclosing hidden cultural assets / light ups and special events

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At each temple of Rokugo Manzan, a light-up event (two hours) will be held from the 28th of October to the 9th of December and food such as soup will be offered to visitors. Traditional performing arts such as Kagura can also be seen.

 

 

 

 

 

-Oita Prefecture’s sightseeing spots which are suitable for the autumn touring season-

“Yabakei” and “Kurushimashi Teien” are known as very famous sightseeing spots in Japan. “Yabakei” is the beauty spot of Nakatsushi. “Ichimoku Hakkei”

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located in the center of “Yabakei,” a famous spot which is surrounded by huge rock mountains. The contrast of the rocks and autumn leaves is a must-see.

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 “Goryo Momiji” can be seen when the autumn leaves in Yabakei fall. The sight of the tunnel of red leaves and the carpet of colorful leaves is so beautiful.

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 “Kyu Kurushima Teien” is a beautiful sightseeing spot in Kusumachi. The garden was created in 1829 and consists of three small gardens. It is very exciting to think about the history of the garden while walking through it.

 

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 “Sobo / Katamuki / Okue” located in Oita Prefecture and Miyazaki Prefecture is a treasure spot of rare animals and has a beautiful view and untouched nature. Many people are awed by its unique view which changes depending on the season. The location becomes very beautiful especially from mid October to late October. The location was designated as a UNESCO Eco Park which is an ideal place where nature and human society exist together in a peaceful manner.

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“Kyusuikei” in Kusugun Kusucho has a huge cliff with a length of about 2km. Natural forests and beautiful canyons can be seen in this spot. The view from “Kue ‘Yume’ Otsuribashi” is very beautiful. The spot is packed with many climbers during the autumn season.

 

 

 

The Mini Yonku (Japanese racing car toy) club will hold a race (elementary school children can participate in this event)

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“THMF Hitahashiri,” a Mini Yonku club set up a racing course in Hitashi. Elementary school students can use the racing course for free and enjoy this event together with adults. The racing course holds an event where visitors can play with Mini Yonkus handed out for free. An “elementary school students-limited race” is held every Sunday from 14:00 and a night race is held every second and fourth Saturday.

▼Information

Elementary School Students-limited race

Address: 273-1, Mizumecho, Hitashi, Oita Prefecture

Date: 15:00 to 20:00, 10:00 to 21:00 – Sat, Sun and holidays, Mon – holiday

TEL: 080-1776-1208

 

 

 

-Sports experience in Oita-

Rugby is gaining much popularity nowadays!!

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Oita Prefecture is where the final match of the world rugby tournament is to be held. The 5th match of the league of Japan Rugby Top League 2017-2018 will be held at Oita Ginko Dome on the 24th of September (Sat.). Many people are awaiting a fierce battle.

▼Information

Japan Rugby Top League 2017-2018 Season League 5th match

Date: September 24th, 2017 (Sat) 14:00 kickoff

Venue: Oita Sports Park Oita Ginko Dome / 1351 Yokoo, Oitashi, Oita Prefecture

URL: http://orfu.jp/?page_id=2095

 

 

Oita×Kumamoto “Baitoku Campaign” will be offered!

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After the earthquake of Kumamoto, Oita and Kumamoto are working actively to re-establish the areas. So, Beppu and Aso will hold “Baitabi Campaign”

On October 3rd (Tue.) Kumamon and Mejiron (mascots) will appear in the Kansai area. They will participate in events such as in central square in the JR Osaka Station City Atrium.

▼Information

Baitabi Campaign

TEL: 097-534-3500

 

 

 

 

-Foods and events of Oita-

“Oita Kurafeshu 2017” is an event at which shochu (Japanese alcohol) and nihonshu (Japanese sake) can be enjoyed.

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“Oita Kurafeshu 2017” is an event created under the concept of “the entertainment of sake” at Osakashi kitaku / Hotel Hankyu International.

They will offer full-fledged shochu and nihonshu made by various kuramotos (sake breweries). You can enjoy the allurement of Oita through Oita’s foods and drinks including sake and local dishes.

▼Information

Oita Kura Feshu 2017

Date: October 13th, 2017 (Fri.) 19:00 to 21:00 (reservation 18:15~)

Reservation due date: September 25th

Fee: 3,900 yen

Venue: Hotel Hankyu International 6th floor “Zuicho” / 19-19, Chayamachi, Kitaku, Osaka

URL:http://www.oita-sake.or.jp/kurafeshu2017/

 

 

 “Oita Kabosu Fair in GINZA” at which food items using kabosu (a type of citrus fruit) can be enjoyed.

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This fair which offers kabosu produced in Oita will be held at Ginza. Bars, Japanese cuisine restaurants, sushi restaurants and French restaurants will be participating in the event. Let’s enjoy kabosu dishes created by topnotch restaurants in Ginza.

▼Information

Oita Kabosu Fair in GINZA

Date: Septemeber 15th, 2017 (Fri.) to 30th (Sat.)

 

 

 

Eat and shout to release your stress! Yufuin Ushigui Zekkyo Taikai will be held.

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“Yufuin Ushigui Zekkyo Taikai” has been held 43 times. After enjoying BBQ using lots of “Hoshu Yufuin Gyu”(beef) produced in vast grass farms, participants scream at the top of their lungs. The winner of this contest will be judged according to the volume of the scream and on how unique the content of the scream was.

▼Information

Yufuin Ushigui Zekkyo Taikai

Date: October 9th, 2017 (Mon. / holiday) fixed number / 600 persons

Fee: 3,500 yen – older than junior high school students / 2000 yen – below elementary school students

Venue: Yufushi, Yufuin Machikawagami, Namiyanagi Bokujo

TEL:0977-85-4464

HP: http://www.yufuin.gr.jp/

 

Schedule

◎9:00 selling entrance tickets

◎10:30 open

◎11:30 collecting the participators of the shouting event

◎12:00 shouting event

◎13:00 lottery event

◎14:00 results announced and and / awards ceremony

 

 

“Oita Bungo Ushi’s” support shop “Sumibi to Wine”

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“Sumibi to Wine” is a meat/wine specialty store which has eight branch stores in Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo. Oita Bungo Ushi (beef) is the brand beef of Oita which is healthy and has a high-quality taste, smell and texture. The “Kuju Yume Pork” and moule they offer are both produced in Oita.

▼Information

Sumibi to Wine Kyobashiten

Address: K Buratto, Keihan Kokabashi, 1-5-1, Higashinocho, Toshimaku, Osakashi, Osaka

TEL:050-5570-6706

 

 

 

The sky hot spring “CITY SPA Tenku” from which Beppu Port can be seen

“CITY SPA Tenku”

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“CITY SPA Tenku” is a hot spring facility in “JR Oita City” near JR Oita Station. Since the hot spring is located 80m above ground, you can enjoy the view of Beppu Port, Takasami Mountain and Tsurumidake. They offer a natural, brown-colored hot spring which is called “natrium ammonium hydrogen salt hot spring.” The hot spring has a smooth texture.

▼Information

CITY SPA Tenku

Address: 19F-21F, JR Oita City, directly connected with Oita Station, 1-14, Kanameshi, Oita

TEL:097-513-2641

 

Let’s enjoy the wonderful autumn in Oita that has many gorgeous spots.

 

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    Collaboration Menu (Coasters Available!)

     

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    What to look out for at Sanrio’s 60th anniversary exhibition

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    The Beginning of Kawaii

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    Ichigo Shimbun

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    CHIBASAKE.COM SHOP with PERIE Onliine SHOP

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    Memorial visual created by Japanese manga author and character designer Eisaku Kubonouchi

    Harmonyland Parade Parallel 30th Memories

    Daniel and Kuromi to make an appearance before the start of the parade

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    Parade Song List

    Parallel World 1st (April 23, 2021 – Late August 2021)

    1. Hajimaru yo Party from Parade Shiroi Tori Kara no Okurimono (First performed in 1991)
    2. Celebration from The Celebration Parade (First performed in 1996)
    3. Happiness from Parade Shiroi Tori Kara no Okurimono (First performed in 1991)
    4. Hajimaru yo Party from Parade Shiroi Tori Kara no Okurimono (First performed in 1991))

     

    Parallel World 2nd (Starting Early August 2021)

    Parallel World 3rdnd (Starting Early January 2022)

     

    30th Anniversary Night Party

    A very special night show will take place which will see appearances from fan-favourites Hello Kitty, Dear Daniel, Cinnamoroll, and Kuromi who will be joined by a cast of dancers. Expect new music written just for this show as well as fireworks.

     

    30th Anniversary Merchandise

    An exclusive line-up of merchandise will be sold featuring a memorial visual created by Japanese manga author and character designer Eisaku Kubonouchi.

     

    30th Anniversary Menu

     

     

     

    Of course, it wouldn’t be a celebration without a themed menu either, which will include meals, desserts like an ice cream float and soft serve ice cream, and more.

     

    ⓒ 2021 EISAKU KUBONOUCHI / METEOR STREAMS

    ⓒ 2021 SANRIO CO., LTD. TOKYO, JAPAN 著作 株式会社サンリオ

  • Harajuku Whips Up Oita Prefecture’s Jazz Youkan Sweet Adzuki Bean Block

    10.February.2021 | FOOD

    The Jazz Youkan is a cute confection made from sweet adzuki red bean paste and made to look like a little piano. It’s made in Japan’s Oita Prefecture, but Tokyo residents can now enjoy this sweet treat at HARAJU Cross JAPAN MASTERY COLLECTION_est which is located on Floor B1F of WITH HARAJUKU, a shopping complex in front of Harajuku Station. It is being sold until February 14 in three flavours: Chocolat, Matcha Chocolat, and Classic.

     

    The Jazz Youkan

    The Jazz Youkan is a confectionery made by Jazz to Youkan Yufuin CREEKS, a shop in Yufu, Oita. It’s part of their concert series of sweets and pairs well with a cup of coffee or glass of wine.

     

    Line-Up (Prices Include Tax)

    Chocolat | ¥2,646

    The seasonal winter Chocolat is made with sweet white bean paste, couverture chocolate, dried cherries, fig, and raisins. All the chocolates in this series are individually handmade by the shop’s chocolatiers, and this time, the classic Chocolat variant has been made even more delicious. It’s smooth, moist, and rich without being too sweet. Best enjoyed with coffee or wine.

    Matcha Chocolat | ¥2,646

    If you love matcha then this is the treat for you. It’s different from the normal Chocolat version of this sweet as it’s made without dried fruits. Instead, it contains large-grained adzuki beans for an irresistible texture.

    Classic | ¥2,160

    The Classic version is made with brown sugar from Okinawa and adzuki beans and contains dried figs soaked in wine. Another perfect pairing with coffee or wine, and the piano face shows the work of true Japanese artistry.

     

    ©冬季限定 ジャズ羊羹 chocolat

  • 6 Best Spots to Visit in Japan’s Oita Prefecture During Autumn – MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON

    10.September.2020 | SPOT

    Oita in Kyushu has been nicknamed “Hot Spring Prefecture Oita” due to having the largest number of hot spring water sources and outputs in Japan. Oita welcomes many visitors every year who flock to the prefecture’s many famous hot spring locations like Beppu and Yufuincho Kawakami.

     

    But the charm of Oita doesn’t lie solely in its hot springs. It’s also a location that offers breathtaking scenery during autumn. We’ve picked 6 spots around Oita Prefecture that are must-visits during autumn.

     

    Keiseki-en

    The gorge of Yabakei is designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty in Japan. Keiseki-en is a beautiful Japanese garden that was built to commemorate the completion of the Yabakei dam. It’s home to over 31,000 individual trees of around 100 species as well as a lake, waterfalls, and crags. It’s a place that boasts natural beauty throughout all four seasons.

     

    Address: 2286-1 Yabakeimachi Ōaza Ōshima, Nakatsu, Oita

     

    Kinrin Lake

    Kinrin Lake is one of Yufu’s most famous sightseeing spots for the mysterious torii gate that sits within the lake. Spring water and hot spring water flows through the lake, and because the temperature of the water is warm throughout the year, you can see steam rising from the surface in the early hours of winter days. Tenso Shrine also sits on the bank of the lake which is home to a sacred tree that’s designated as a natural monument.

     

    Address: 1561 Yufuinchō Kawakami, Yufu, Oita
    Access: 20 minutes on foot from Yufuin Station (JR Line)

     

    Kyusuikei

    Kyusuikei’s scenery spans through the prefectural road that connects the Kokonoe IC to Yamanami Highway. Its 2km expanse is made up of sheer cliffs which create the valley that is known for its autumn colours. Visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the maple and ginkgo trees from the observation deck that runs along the cliff. There are other nearby sightseeing spots too like Kokonoe Yume Otsurihasi Bridge and Kyusuikei Onsen hot springs.

     

    Address: Tano, Kokonoe, Kusu District, Oita
    Access: 20-minutes by car from Kokonoe IC

     

    Hakubakei

    The valley of Hakubaki was designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty of the city of Usuki. In autumn, surrounding trees are dyed in reds and yellows, bringing people from all over to witness the spectacle. And because the valley it at a high altitude, the gradation of the colourful trees changes as you go further in.

     

    Address: Badai, Usuki, Oita
    Access: 5-minutes by car from Usuki IC

     

    Fukiji Temple

    Fukiji Temple was built in the Heian Period for the high priest of Usa Jingu. The temple is a national treasure, and the Amida-Nyōrai contained inside is designated by the Japanese government as an Important Cultural Property.

     

    Address: 2395 Tashibufuki, Bungotakada, Oita
    Access: 30-minutes by car from Usa Station

     

    Mount Kuju

    Mount Kuju stands as the highest mountain in Kyushu Island at nearly 1,800-meters tall, which has also led to to be nicknamed the “Rooftop of Kyushu.” Its has many peaks, the highest being Mount Nakadake at 1,791-meters. One peak in particular draws mountain climbers, and that’s Mount Taisen. At its apex one can enjoy the breathtaking autumn colours together with the sight of the rolling mountains.

     

    Address: Tano, Kokonoe, Kusu District, Oita
    Access: 40-minutes by car from Kokonoe IC.

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