Most Scenic Road Trips in Ōita, Ōita, Japan

1. Yufuin-Kumamoto Highway

Scenic route connecting Yufuin and Kumamoto, offering breathtaking views of Mt. Yufudake and the surrounding landscapes.

Hot Springs Town: Surrounded by numerous hot spring towns like Yufuin.
Natural Beauty: Showcases the natural beauty of volcanic landscapes and lush forests.
Cultural Experience: Offers a glimpse into traditional Japanese culture with its quaint villages and teahouses.

Stretch of coastline offering panoramic views of the ocean, cliffs, and hot springs along Beppu Bay.

Seafood Delicacies: Famous for fresh seafood dishes, especially oysters.
Onsen Towns: Passes through several onsen towns, including Beppu and Kaitani.
Nature's Wonder: Home to unique geological phenomena like the Myozan-no-Yu hot springs and Sand Bath.

Winding road circling Mt. Aso's caldera, providing stunning views of active volcanoes and vast landscapes.

Volcanic Landscape: Showcases the unique beauty of an active volcanic landscape.
Hiking Opportunities: Surrounded by hiking trails for exploring the area further.
Geothermal Phenomena: Offers close views of geothermal phenomena like fumaroles and hot springs.

Scenic drive along Oita Bay, featuring picturesque coastal towns, beautiful beaches, and scenic bays.

Seaside Scenery: Offers a variety of seaside scenery, from rocky cliffs to sandy beaches.
Traditional Villages: Passes through traditional Japanese villages with unique architecture and local culture.
Fishing Ports: Stops at several fishing ports, offering fresh seafood and a glimpse into local life.

Mountain route offering breathtaking views of Mt. Takana and the surrounding landscapes, including the Sea of Clouds.

Sea of Clouds: Known for its stunning Sea of Clouds phenomenon.
Hiking Trails: Home to several hiking trails, including the Mt. Takana trail.
Natural Beauty: Showcases the natural beauty of lush forests and alpine landscapes.

Scenic drive through Kunisaki Peninsula, offering views of the ocean, temples, and unique landscapes.

Temple Trails: Passes through the famous temple trails of Nichiren Buddhism.
Sea and Mountains: Combines breathtaking views of both the sea and mountains.
Local Cuisine: Famous for its unique local cuisine, especially Saikai-nabe hot pot.

Scenic drive to Himeshima Island, featuring beautiful beaches, a historic shrine, and stunning ocean views.

Island Escape: Provides an escape to a secluded island paradise.
Historic Shrine: Visits the historic Himeshima Shrine, dedicated to the sea goddess Izanami.
Beautiful Beaches: Offers stunning beaches with clear waters and white sand.

Scenic drive through Yabiku Highland, featuring views of the surrounding mountains, dairy farms, and fruit orchards.

Dairy Farms: Visits several dairy farms where you can taste fresh milk and cheese.
Fruit Orchards: Passes through numerous fruit orchards, especially cherry blossom trees in spring.
Mountain Views: Offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Scenic drive through Usuki Plateau, featuring ancient rock-cut Buddhas, rice paddies, and stunning landscapes.

Ancient Rock-Cut Buddhas: Visits the famous rock-cut Buddhas of Usuki.
Rice Paddies: Passes through lush rice paddies, adding to the scenic beauty.
Local Culture: Offers a glimpse into the unique local culture of Usuki.

Scenic drive through Saikai Port, featuring beautiful ocean views, historic buildings, and local cuisine.

Scenic drive through Hinomoto Highland, featuring beautiful landscapes, dairy farms, and onsen towns.

Dairy Farms: Visits several dairy farms where you can taste fresh milk and cheese.
Onsen Towns: Passes through several onsen towns, offering relaxing breaks.
Scenic Beauty: Showcases the natural beauty of lush forests and alpine landscapes.

Scenic drive to Yunomae Onsen, featuring beautiful forests, hot springs, and stunning landscapes.

Hot Springs: Visits several hot springs, offering relaxing breaks.
Scenic Beauty: Offers breathtaking views of the surrounding forests and mountains.
Onsen Town: Passes through Yunomae Onsen town, known for its hot spring culture.

Scenic drive to Kurokawa Onsen, featuring beautiful forests, hot springs, and traditional Japanese architecture.

Hot Springs: Visits several hot springs, offering relaxing breaks.
Traditional Architecture: Features traditional Japanese architecture and onsen town atmosphere.
Scenic Beauty: Offers breathtaking views of the surrounding forests and mountains.

Scenic drive to Hiji Falls, featuring beautiful forests, waterfalls, and local culture.

Waterfalls: Visits the stunning Hiji Falls.
Local Culture: Offers a glimpse into the unique local culture and traditions.
Scenic Beauty: Showcases the natural beauty of lush forests and rushing waters.

Scenic drive to Kokonoe Yume-no-Taki, featuring beautiful forests, waterfalls, and stunning landscapes.

Waterfalls: Visits the beautiful Kokonoe Yume-no-Taki waterfall.
Scenic Beauty: Offers breathtaking views of the surrounding forests and mountains.
Local Culture: Offers a glimpse into the unique local culture and traditions.