Ōita Prefecture
Ōita Prefecture is an administrative division of Japan on northeastern Kyushu. Its volcanic landscapes and abundant hot springs are defining features.
Beppu: A city in Ōita Prefecture famous for its hot springs and geothermal features. Its numerous hot-spring districts make Beppu the prefecture’s best-known geothermal destination.
Kyushu: The southwesternmost of Japan’s four main islands and the country’s third largest. Ōita occupies Kyushu’s northeastern part, sharing the island with six other prefectures.
Bungo Province: A former province of Japan covering most of what is now Ōita Prefecture. The province was the principal predecessor to modern Ōita’s territory.
Miyazaki Prefecture: A prefecture on southeastern Kyushu, known for its Pacific coastline and warm climate. Its Pacific-facing coast contrasts with Ōita’s northeastern position and Beppu Bay.
Yufuin: A hot-spring resort district in Yufu, Ōita Prefecture, beneath Mount Yufu. Its mountain setting and onsen culture offer a quieter counterpart to Beppu.
Prefectures of Japan: Japan’s 47 first-level administrative divisions, including 43 prefectures, two urban prefectures, one circuit, and one metropolis. Ōita’s government, boundaries, and relationship to Japan’s national administration follow this system.
Meiji Restoration: The political transformation beginning in 1868 that ended the Tokugawa shogunate and established imperial rule. The restoration’s administrative reforms replaced the old provinces with prefectures.
Kumamoto Prefecture: A prefecture in central Kyushu, home to Mount Aso and the city of Kumamoto. Kumamoto’s Aso-centered volcanic scenery complements but differs from Ōita’s onsen landscape.
Kuju Mountains: A volcanic mountain range in central Kyushu, including some of the island’s highest peaks. The range supplies Ōita with hiking routes, volcanic scenery, and hot-spring waters.
Ōita: The capital and largest city of Ōita Prefecture, on northeastern Kyushu. The city gives the prefecture its name and serves as its administrative center.