Ōita

Oita is a prefecture on the northeastern coast of Kyushu in southwestern Japan, celebrated as the hot-spring capital of the country. Its capital is also called Oita. Home to the famous spa towns of Beppu and Yufuin, it has more hot springs and greater thermal water output than anywhere else in Japan.

Oita faces the Inland Sea on Kyushu's northeast, with volcanic mountains and abundant geothermal activity producing countless hot springs, alongside coastal plains and forested highlands. The climate is humid subtropical.

Oita's culture revolves around onsen hot-spring bathing, with Beppu famous for its steaming hells and Yufuin for its refined resorts. Local cuisine features fresh seafood and chicken tempura, and the prefecture promotes wellness tourism.

Once the domain of the Otomo clan, Oita was an early point of contact with Europeans and Christianity in the 16th century. It developed into Japan's foremost hot-spring destination, drawing visitors nationwide.