COLO’s Traveler Guide: Oita (Originally posted on 2022-Jul-22)

Times listed are the timetable at the time of visit.

Day 1

Tokyo Haneda 0805 (Japan Airlines JAL661) >> Oita 0940

Rent a car at Oita Airport

Kumano Magaibutsu
– Maki Daido Temple
Fuki-ji Temple
Futagi-ji Temple

Overnight stay: Matama Spa Sansuiso

Tips for Day 1
– I tried to go from Futago-ji Temple to Monjusen-ji Temple as instructed by the car navigation system, but I got completely lost due to the road construction work in middle of nowhere.Geography of Kunisaki is tricky.

Day 2

Usa Jingu Shrine
Usuki Stone Buddha

Overnight stay: Beppu Terrace Midobaru

Tips for Day 2
– Last year, I passed through Beppu on my way to Yufuin on a public bus. At that time, I found what looked like a hotel on top of a hill outside of Beppu town. I thought it would have a nice view, I stayed there this time. It was away from the hot spring resort area, but as expected, it was a comfortable place to stay.

Day 3

Mt. Yufudake
Yabakei Gorge
– Monjusen-ji Temple

Oita 1920 (Japan Airlines JAL674) >> Tokyo Haneda 2055

Tips for Day 3
– I stopped near the Yufudake trail. Even it was just beginning of the trail, it was quite a pleasant highland.
– The three best places during my stay were Kumano Magaibutsu, Futagi-ji Temple, and Monjusen-ji Temple. I may not be able to deny possibilities that I saw them better than others due to difficulties of climbing up hills… They were bit tough but worth to see them.