Model Itineraries in Oita

On July 30, 2026 (Thursday), experience a full day of coastal charm centered around the Sagaseki Summer Fireworks Festival (Seki Gongen Hayabuki Hime Shrine Summer Festival), held at the Komiya Red Lighthouse Pier in Sagaseki Port, Oita City. This course showcases the harbor town renowned for its prized Seki horse mackerel and Seki mackerel. Begin your day at Michi-no-Eki Sagaseki, where stunning views and local seafood souvenirs await. Visit Hayabuki Hime Shrine, the symbol of Sagaseki, and pay your respects. Stroll along Sagaseki Fishing Port to admire the fishing vessels. In the late afternoon, treat yourself to fresh Seki horse mackerel and Seki mackerel dinner at Amabe no Sato Seki Horse Mackerel and Seki Mackerel Hall. As evening settles, head to the venue and gaze up at about 1,000 fireworks lighting up the night sky above the port. This is the ultimate summer experience in Sagaseki, combining the best of the port town's culinary delights with a spectacular fireworks display.

A full-day course centered around the outdoor leisure pool "Onsen Spring Water Pool" at Beppu Rakutentchi, which operates from July 4 (Saturday) to August 31 (Monday) 2026 (September weekends and holidays only). In the morning, feel the retro charm of a hot spring town at Takegawara Onsen (竹瓦温泉), Beppu's symbolic public bathhouse, followed by a visit to Umi Jigoku (海地獄), the cobalt-blue spectacular view representing Beppu's famous Hell Tour. By midday, move to hillside Rakutentchi and enter the onsen spring water pool. The pool is filled with warm geothermal water at approximately 28°C (82°F) and features a water slide for those 120cm tall or more, water guns, and fountain play equipment—children will be captivated by water activities until evening. Experiencing the hot spring blessing through the Hell Tour and then actually immersing in that same hot spring to play is a unique experience only Beppu, a town of hot springs and tourism, can offer. Operating hours are 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM, so we recommend keeping morning sightseeing light and concentrating on the pool from noon onward. It's the perfect summer vacation destination during the dry season—a classic outing course in Beppu City, Oita Prefecture.

A course to fully enjoy Taketa City's castle town in Oita Prefecture on August 1, 2026 (Saturday), centered around the inaugural Taketa Fireworks Festival starting at 5 PM with fireworks after sunset. In the morning, view the grand landscape surrounded by stone walls at Oka Castle Ruins, associated with "The Ruins of the Castle." In the afternoon, leisurely stroll through the castle town where the history museum and samurai residences remain. In the evening, have dinner around Taketa City Castle Town Exchange Plaza and wait for sunset. About 600 fireworks from the inaugural festival will light up the night sky of the quiet mountain-surrounded castle town. Recommended for families who want to enjoy both historical exploration and the newly debuted fireworks.

A one-day course centered on the first day of the "Himeshima Bon Odori" festival held from August 14-15, 2026 on Himeshima Island in the Seto Inland Sea. In the afternoon, overlook the sea from Himeshima Lighthouse, walk the geologically precious Himeshima Obsidian Coast, and rest your feet in the natural carbonated spring at Hachisui Onsen. At dusk, taste the island specialty of kuruma shrimp at restaurants near the harbor. At 5 PM, bon dancing begins at the Central Plaza (Ferry Plaza) and throughout the island's bonfire areas. Experience a unique summer night of the entire small island dancing as one—perfect for the whole family.

A full-day course featuring "Hiyoshihara Leisure Pool (日吉原レジャープール)," an outdoor leisure pool within Hiyoshihara Green Space Athletic Park in Oita City, operating from July 11 (Saturday) to September 6 (Sunday), 2026. In the morning, enjoy the cool exhibition rooms of the prefectural art museum and the bustling atmosphere of the shopping arcade around Oita Station, then conserve your energy before heading to the pool after lunch. The two types of water slides are crowd favorites, and the long flowing pool offers plenty of satisfaction just floating lazily on a ring tube. The shallow children's pool is reassuring for little ones, with a setup where the whole family can enjoy age-appropriate fun. With changing rooms, showers, food stands, and free parking, it's also convenient for visits by car. Admission is affordable at 790 yen for adults and 390 yen for high school students and below, which is an attractive feature. Operating hours are 9:00–19:00, with swimming from 9:30–18:30, allowing you to enjoy water play with plenty of time until evening. With good access from central Oita, it's a recommended summer outing destination perfect for a full day of fun.

A full-day course celebrating the opening day of the 'Beppu Hamawaki Yakushi Festival' (August 29-30, 2026), an event with over 400 years of tradition at Hamawaki Onsen, the birthplace of Beppu hot springs. Spend the daytime at Beppu Tower (別府タワー), Beppu's symbolic landmark, overlooking the bay and mountains, then feel the raw power of the Beppu Hell Tour at Umijigoku (海地獄) with its brilliant cobalt-blue hot spring, experience retro hot spring town charm at the curved-roof Takegawara Onsen (竹瓦温泉), and enjoy an early dinner of Beppu specialties at Kitahama Shopping Street. At 5 PM, join the Yakushi Festival at Hamawaki Onsen (浜脇温泉), where the lantern-lit hot spring town fills with yukata-clad visitors and food stalls—a quintessential Beppu summer day wrapped in hot spring mist and festive spirit.

A one-day course showcasing the opening day of the "Yufuin Basin Festival" held August 15-16, 2026, centered on the shopping streets near Yufuin Station. Admire the architectural beauty of Yufuin Station in the afternoon, stroll along the peaceful shores of Kinrin Lake with its serene reflections, and explore the history of Yufuin Basin at Unagi Hime Shrine. In the evening, enjoy food stalls along Yunotsubo Street, then head to the festival venue at 5:00 PM. This course lets families experience the full day combining the architectural elegance of Yufuin with the communal warmth of a summer festival watched over by Mt. Yufu.

A one-day course centered on the "Ottorosha Yamaka Summer Festival" held on August 11, 2026 in front of Kiji City Yamaka Government Branch Office in Yamaka Town. Interact with flowers and animals at Rururu Park (Oita Agricultural Culture Park) in the afternoon, enjoy the cool clear stream at Takekiri Gorge, and take a breather at Yamaka Onsen Kaze no Sato. In the evening, have an early dinner in Yamaka Town center, then head to the festival venue at 5:00 PM. This course allows families to experience a full day combining the natural abundance of green Yamaka Town with the vibrant atmosphere of a community-united summer festival.

A full-day course centered on the 'River Boat Festival (Kawafune Matsuri)' held on August 9, 2026, at 6 PM around Aki Harbor in Aki Town, Kunisaki City. In the daytime, pay respects at Ryoshi Temple, which conveys the Buddhist culture of the Kunisaki Peninsula to the present day, touch upon the region's history at Aki Castle Ruins Park, and enjoy local bounty at Michi-no-Eki Kunimi roadside station. In the evening, take your time for dinner around Aki Harbor, and at 6 PM, finally head to the River Boat Festival where the harbor lights up with illuminated boats. A day where the family can spend a quiet and tasteful summer evening, where the faith unique to the Kunisaki Peninsula and the seaside sentiment become one.

A full-day course centered on the 'Miyanoen Gaku (Kappa Festival)' held on July 29, 2026, at Kumo Hachiman Shrine in Yamakuni Town, Nakatsu City. In the daytime, visit renowned sights of Yamakei: Blue Cave—hand-carved in the Edo period—Rakhan-ji Temple perched on a cliff, and Ichimoku-Hakkei viewpoint overlooking the gorge carved by the Yamakuni River. In the evening, savor Yamakuni's local bounty at Michi-no-Eki Yaba Topia roadside station, then head to Kumo Hachiman Shrine. A day where your family witnesses the folk performing art 'Gaku', preserved in local tradition, surrounded by the natural beauty of Yamakei.

This course, held on September 19, 2026 (Saturday), features the 45th Yufu City Hasama Fireworks Festival as the main attraction and allows you to enjoy nature in Hasama Town (挾間町), Yufu City throughout the day. During the day, relax at Miniyufu Station (南由布駅), then stroll through lush green paths around Oita University Ashinohara Campus (大分大学旦野原キャンパス). In the afternoon, view columnar jointed cliffs and waterfalls at Yufu River Gorge (由布川峡谷), where you can experience the power of nature with your family. As evening falls, move to the launch venue, Nakasuega Grounds (中洲賀グラウンド), secure your spot, and have dinner with food stall offerings or a packed lunch. When darkness falls, approximately 5,000 fireworks light up the Hasama night sky. This is the definitive plan for enjoying both the gorge's natural beauty and fireworks abundantly in early autumn Yufu City. Since the venue area gets crowded on the day, act with plenty of time to spare.

A course to enjoy Musashi Town (武蔵町) on the Kunisaki Peninsula for a full day, featuring the 53rd Musashi-no-Sato Evening Breeze Summer Night Festival, held on August 15, 2026 (Saturday). In the morning, visit Monju Sennji Temple, which stands halfway up the mountain, and enjoy the views of Kunisaki as you climb the steep stone steps said to grant wisdom. In the afternoon, move your body and play at Musashi Dome while spending family time. In the evening, move to the beach offshore of Musashi Port, the venue for the fireworks display, to secure your spot, and have dinner with food stalls and packed lunches. As the sun sets, approximately 4,000 fireworks light up the night sky over Suo-nada. A definitive summer plan for Musashi Town that lets you greedily enjoy the history and sea of the Kunisaki Peninsula, as well as fireworks. Since the venue area will be crowded on the day, proceed with plenty of time to spare.

A full-day course to enjoy Anjin, known as the land of grapes, centered around the 55th Anjin Basin Bon Festival held on August 22, 2026 (Saturday). In the daytime, experience local grape juice and specialty products at Anjin Grape Wine Workshop (安心院葡萄酒工房), and visit as a family at the quiet shrine forest of Tsumaki Shrine (妻垣神社). In the afternoon, take a leisurely stroll along the town streets beside Fukumi River and enjoy the idyllic scenery spreading across the basin. In the evening, move to Fukumi River Anjin Ohashi Riverbed (深見川安心院大橋河川敷), the launch venue, to secure your spot, and have an early dinner with street food stalls and bento. As the sun sets, fireworks bloom one after another in the night sky of the basin surrounded by mountains. A full-day plan where you and your family can enjoy a quiet and heartwarming fireworks night unique to Anjin, surrounded by grape fields and mountain ranges.

Held on August 11, 2026 (Tuesday), this course is centered on the 44th Yabakei Lakeside Festival and lets you enjoy the nature around Yabakei Dam Lakeside for a full day. During the day, experience local flavors at Michi no Eki Yaba Topia and stroll through Saru Tobi Senbo Gorge while viewing the beautiful valley. In the afternoon, leisurely walk the promenade along Yabakei Lake and take in the scenery of the lake surrounded by mountains. In the evening, move to the Yabakei Dam Lakeside venue and secure your spot, then enjoy food from food stalls or your own bento. As darkness falls, fireworks reflected in the lake color the night sky. This is the definitive summer plan for Nakatsu, letting you greedily enjoy Yabakei's distinctive gorges, lakes, and fireworks. The roads around the venue are narrow, so plan ahead and allow plenty of time.

A full-day course centered on the Tsurushi Hanagasa Hoko Festival Fireworks Grand Celebration held on Sunday, August 23, 2026, that takes you through the scenic spots of the Honyabakei area. During the day, walk through the Blue Grotto (Ao no Dosomon), known as a hand-carved tunnel from the Edo period, and experience the mountain air at Rakan Temple (羅漢寺), famous for its five hundred arhat statues. In the afternoon, enjoy taking commemorative photos at the stone Yabakei Bridge (Holland Bridge / Olanda Bashi) and spend a relaxing time with your family. As evening falls, head to the Mikukchi Yamakuni River Riverbed venue to secure your spot, and enjoy dinner with food stalls or your own bento box. As darkness falls, approximately 3,000 fireworks illuminate the night sky above the Yamakuni River. This is the ultimate summer plan for Nakatsu that allows you to enjoy both the gorge scenery of Yabakei and the fireworks. Since the venue area will be crowded on the day, plan to arrive with plenty of extra time.

A one-day course enjoying Yufuin hot springs, centered around the 41st Yufuin Basin Fireworks Festival held on August 15, 2026 (Saturday). In the daytime, admire the famous station building at Yufuin Station and enjoy food exploration and souvenir hunting on Yuno-Tsubo Street. In the afternoon, stroll along the shore of Kinrin Lake and slowly savor the landscape of the basin with steam rising gently. In the evening, move to the Miyagawa Riverbank, the venue for the fireworks, secure your spot, and have dinner with food stalls or boxed lunch. As the sun sets, fireworks are launched one after another into the evening sky of the basin overlooking Mount Yufu. A definitive summer plan for Yufuin that lets you indulge in hot springs, nature, and fireworks all at once. The venue area will be crowded on the day, so act with plenty of time to spare.

A full-day course celebrating Usa Shrine's Summer Festival and Purification Fireworks Festival on August 2, 2026 (Sunday), enjoying the nation's foremost Hachiman shrine. After leisurely touring the expansive grounds in the afternoon and experiencing rich history at the adjacent Oita Prefectural History Museum, enjoy local cuisine at the shrine's approach shops, and visit the nearby historic temple. In the evening, enjoy festival food stalls around the shrine while waiting for 20 minutes of fireworks starting at 8 PM dedicated to purification wishes. A perfect plan for families to enjoy both shrine visits and summer festival atmosphere in Usa, a town of history and faith.

A full-day Beppu course centered around the 38th Kamegawa Summer Festival, held on August 1, 2026. Start by exploring Umigoku Hot Spring, famous for its vivid blue pools, then climb Beppu Tower in the afternoon for sweeping views of the city and sea. Take an evening stroll along the Kamegawa coast near the venue, enjoy local cuisine for dinner, and then head to Kamegawa Fishing Port to watch approximately 5,000 fireworks light up the sky. A full-day Beppu experience that greedily combines the distinctive hot spring scenery unique to Beppu with a seaside fireworks spectacular.

On Saturday, July 25, 2026, centered around Kyoshin Bridge in Kusu town, Oita Prefecture, this course is designed to fully immerse you in a day experiencing the Kusu Gion Festival and the charm of the town along the Kusu River. At midday, touch upon SL history at the Former Bungo Mori Locomotive Depot, then take a leisurely walk through the greenery of Mishima Park. Stroll through the shopping streets of downtown Kusu for an early dinner, then head to the Gion Festival venue. From evening into night, enjoy the traditional festival as floats and portable shrines parade through town. As darkness falls, fireworks illuminate the night sky along the Kusu River. This is Kusu's classic summer plan where you can fully savor a historic Gion Festival and spectacular fireworks. Experience the bustling atmosphere of this community-rooted festival with your family.

A one-day course to fully enjoy Tsukumi City (津久見市), Oita Prefecture (大分県), from midday, featuring the Tsukumi Port Festival Fireworks Display (つくみ港まつり花火大会) held on July 19, 2026 (Sunday). In the afternoon, leisurely explore the stunning white limestone scenery created by the ria-type coastline—including Bota Mountain (ボタ山)—and enjoy local flavors along the coast. Move to the area around Tsukumi Port (津久見港) in the evening to secure your viewing spot, and await the show while enjoying the sea breeze. As dusk falls, fireworks burst in the harbor's night sky, and ribbons of light reflecting on the sea water color the summer evening. It's a course where your family can enjoy impressive, close-up fireworks in a small port town facing Bungo Channel (豊後水道). Tsukumi is known as the "town of mandarin oranges and limestone," and its unique industrial landscape and coastal scenery stir the traveler's spirit. To cap off a summer day in Oita's Tsukumi, be sure to enjoy the fireworks of the port festival.

A full-day course featuring Kuroshima Camp Beach (黒島キャンプ海水浴場), which opens from June 1 (Monday) to August 31 (Monday) in 2026, combined with historical sightseeing in Usuki City, Oita Prefecture. The morning includes enjoying the castle town atmosphere at Usuki Castle Site Park and Niōza History Road, and meeting Japan's representative stone Buddha statues at the National Treasure Usuki Stone Buddhas. After lunch, it's time to head to Kuroshima Island. Kuroshima Camp Beach is located on an island floating off the coast of Sashio in Usuki, and the sense of adventure from taking a ferry is a major attraction. The ferry operates from 6 AM to 6 PM, with round-trip fares of 500 yen for junior high school students and above, and 250 yen for ages 3 to elementary school students. From July 4 (Saturday) through late August, a shop on the island opens, making it possible to purchase drinks and light snacks, so you can enjoy the island even empty-handed. Since a campground is also available on-site, the beach accommodates both day-trippers and overnight guests. Swim in the clear water, play among the rocks, and spend a summer day on this quiet, island-style beach. The last ferry departs at 6 PM, so it's recommended to allow plenty of time for changing clothes and packing up. This is an ambitious Usuki summer vacation course where you can experience both historical sightseeing and the sea of a remote island.

A full-day course to enjoy Kitsuki Castle Town in the morning before making Nata Coast Beach—open from July 14 (Tuesday) to August 14 (Friday) 2026, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM—the star of the day. In the morning, explore Kitsuki Castle Town with its remaining white walls and winding slopes, then visit Kitsuki Castle standing on an elevated plateau to see both the castle town and ocean views. For lunch, savor local flavors at Michi-no-Eki Kitsuki, then head to the beach for the afternoon climax at Nata Coast Beach. Swimming is free, with restrooms and cold-water showers (fee-based), plus approximately 100 parking spaces—making it family-friendly. Swimming hours are 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Why not head to Kitsuki this summer with your swimsuit and towel to enjoy the shoreline until dusk?

From July 1 (Wednesday) to August 31 (Monday) 2026, this 1-day course features Kouzaki Beach in Oita City, which offers 24-hour free swimming. In the morning, explore the Takasaki Mountain and Umitamago area near the beach to encounter wild monkeys and sea creatures. At noon, savor local cuisine at Oita Station (Michi-no-Eki Oita). The afternoon climax is swimming at Kouzaki Beach—free admission, with complimentary showers and changing rooms, so you can enjoy it with minimal luggage. Barrier-free facilities including slopes and accessible restrooms ensure families with small children and strollers feel secure. The shop operates 9 AM to 5 PM on weekends, so you can purchase drinks and light snacks on-site. With BBQ facilities, log cabins, and a campground also on-site, you can stay until evening after swimming. A perfect family day to enjoy Oita's sea and mountain wildlife all at once.

A full-day family course that centers on Tanonura Beach in Oita City, which will open from July 1 (Wednesday) to August 31 (Monday) 2026, while visiting Takasaki Mountain and Umitamago. In the morning, enjoy Japanese macaque watching at Takasaki Mountain Nature Zoo where wild Japanese macaques live in troops, followed by dolphin and sea lion shows at the adjacent Umitamago, and lunch at the in-house restaurant. The climax is Tanonura Beach in the afternoon. Swimming is free, lifeguards are on duty, and parking and outdoor showers are also free—facilities that families will appreciate. Swimming hours are from 9 am to 5 pm. With lockers and paid warm-water showers available, you can rinse off sand and salt without worry and get ready for the trip home smoothly. Why not bring your swimsuit and towel and head out to the sea in Oita, overlooking Beppu Bay?