Public Toilet Looks Like a Mountain of Dessert
Artist Minako Nishiyama conceived of the project as part of the 2015 Oita Toilennale, perhaps the world’s first art festival dedicated to toilets.
5 Kyushu Shrines You Can't Miss
Shinto shrines can be found just about everywhere in Japan. But shrines in Kyushu are special, because Kyushu is, according to legend, home to the first places where the Shinto gods descended to Earth.
5 Ways Oita Salutes the Public Toilet
The Oita Toilennale may sound quirky, but it's just another trusty innovation made in Japan.
Koi-Shaped Sushi Will Make Your Head Swim
An Oita-based shop has found a way to make your sushi swim again.
Bathe in the Lap of Luxury
This three-star Michelin-rated onsen treats anyone like royalty for a fraction of the cost.
Top 3 Cycling Routes in Japan
Change your perception of Japan by taking an unforgettable bicycle ride through some of the country's rural and picturesque areas.
Onsen Trivia: Highest, Hottest & Healthiest
Oita has the most hot spring sources, but Hokkaido has the most spas—and the highest onsen is in Toyama.
47 Souvenirs from All 47 Prefectures!
Traveling around Japan but don't know what souvenir to buy from each region? We've got you covered with this crazy list of our Top 47 'omiyage' from each of the nation's 47 prefectures!
Japan's Only 3-Michelin-Star Onsen
Head down to Oita for the spot that wowed Michelin for four years straight.
Enjoy these 5 Onsen for ¥100 Or Less
You don’t have to break the bank to enjoy the relaxing experience of taking a long soak in an onsen while basking in breathtakingly natural beauty.
3 Reasons Why You Should Visit Taiho Ramen
Based in Fukuoka Prefecture—which is considered to be one of the ramen meccas of Japan—this restaurant beats the rest, but why? Well, we broke it down into three reasons.
Synchronized Bathing Bids Travelers to Oita
To show off a number of its best onsen, Oita recruited the help of a professional synchronized swim team.
The 3 Most Notable Animals of Shinto Shrines
Visitors at Shinto shrines often see animal statues or motifs near the entrance, inside the shrine or on signs. What do the most notable animals symbolize?
3 Historic Snacks from Oita
Visiting Oita Prefecture? Then check out these three mouth-watering sweets that are also full of history!
Spend the Night at this Onsen from Just ¥1980!
Just in case you need another reason to visit an onsen in Oita, why not dive into the mountains for one of the cheapest stays you can find?
Check Out the Real Kiki's Bakery!
Whether you've seen the Ghibli film 'Kiki's Delivery Service' or not, you won't want to miss this bakery in Oita Prefecture!
What's Japan's Best Rural Area to Live in?
Publisher Takarajimasha addresses this question in a survey that shows some shocking results. Who knew the top four spots would all be on the same island?
4 Premium Packaged Plants
This great selection highlights the Japanese art of packaged food, where almost anything can find itself inside a plastic wrapper!
