- Country
- Japan
- Population
- 1,121,589
- Area
- 6,341 km²
- Wikidata
- Q133924
Map
Ōita Prefecture
The Realm of Ōita occupies the northeastern part of Kyushu, Japan. Renowned for its hot springs, volcanic landscapes, and rich cultural history, the prefecture blends coastal cities with mountainous towns. It preserves ancient religious sites, castle towns, and unique folklore, including the myth of thermal waters flowing to Beppu from Dōgo Onsen.
Below are the 17 cities and towns with populations of at least 5,000 as of 2020, presented in a narrative style with historical and cultural notes.
1. Ōita City
Status: City Population (2020): 475,852
Ōita City is the prefectural capital and the largest urban center. Located on the northeastern coast of Kyushu, it serves as a hub for government, commerce, and culture. Historically part of Bungo Province, Ōita grew as a castle town and river port, with the Ōita River flowing through its center.
The city is home to several notable Shinto shrines, including:
- Sasamuta-jinja, a Shikinai Taisha and former Bungo Province ichinomiya
- Yusuhara Hachimangū, a Kokuhei Shōsha and Bungo Province ichinomiya
- Kasuga Shrine, a prefectural shrine
- Ōita Gokoku Shrine, a Gokoku shrine honoring war dead
2. Beppu City
Status: City Population (2020): 115,416
Beppu is famous throughout Japan for its abundant hot springs, known as Beppu Onsen. The city’s geothermal wonders are central to its identity, economy, and culture.
According to myth, recorded in the Iyo-no-Kuni Topography from the early 8th century, “once in the age of the gods, Sukunabikona (スクナビコナ) and Ōkuninushi visited Iyo-no-Kuni, now Ehime Prefecture. Sukunabikona fainted from illness. With a deep sorrow, Ōkuninushi placed a long pipe at the bottom of the sea from Dōgo Onsen (Matsuyama) to Beppu to supply therapeutic thermal waters for him to bathe, saving his life.” Local Bungo Province texts describe Akayusen (Chinoike Jigoku), one of Beppu’s “hells,” a steaming pool of red water.
Beppu’s landscape is dominated by the slopes of Mount Tsurumi and its many hot spring resorts, with a history that blends folklore, onsen tourism, and volcanic activity.
Shrines in Beppu include:
- Hachiman Asami Shrine, a prefectural shrine
3. Nakatsu City
Status: City Population (2020): 82,911
Nakatsu, in northern Ōita, was historically part of Buzen and Bungo Provinces. The city developed as a castle town along the Yamakuni River. Nakatsu Castle remains a prominent historical landmark. The city’s economy historically centered on river trade and agriculture, blending inland and coastal influences.
4. Saiki City
Status: City Population (2020): 66,908
Saiki faces the southeastern coast of Ōita Prefecture. Historically a port city, it has long been associated with fishing, maritime trade, and regional commerce. The area retains traditional neighborhoods reflecting its Edo and Meiji-era development.
5. Hita City
Status: City Population (2020): 62,697
Nestled inland along the Mikuma River, Hita grew as a castle town and river port. The city is celebrated for the Hita Gion Festival and its historical merchant quarters. Hita’s mountainous surroundings also supported forestry and river-based commerce.
6. Usa City
Status: City Population (2020): 52,810
Usa is renowned for Usa Jingū, a Kanpei-taisha and ichinomiya of the former Buzen Province. The shrine is central to Shinto practice in the region. Usa City developed historically around religious pilgrimage and agriculture, preserving ancient customs and festivals.
7. Usuki City
Status: City Population (2020): 36,176
Usuki lies along Ōita’s southeastern coast. Known for the Usuki Stone Buddhas, carved during the late Heian period, the city combines coastal scenery with religious and cultural heritage. Historically a castle town, Usuki retains Edo-period architecture and streetscapes.
8. Bungo-ōno City
Status: City Population (2020): 33,741
Central-western Bungo-ōno is a mountainous city formed from multiple former towns and villages. Agriculture and forestry are important, and the landscape is dotted with rivers and small valleys. Bungo-ōno’s history reflects the consolidation of smaller communities into modern municipalities.
9. Yufu City
Status: City Population (2020): 32,787
Yufu City surrounds Mount Yufu and is famous for its hot springs. The area has been a site of tourism for centuries, with ryokan and scenic views attracting visitors. Historically, it grew from small villages and now represents a hub for nature tourism in central Ōita.
10. Kitsuki City
Status: City Population (2020): 28,025
Kitsuki is a coastal castle town known for its well-preserved samurai district and Kitsuki Castle. Edo-period architecture survives along narrow streets, providing insight into regional governance and urban design.
11. Hiji Town
Status: Town Population (2020): 27,747
Hiji lies along Ōita’s northeastern coast. Historically part of Hayami District, it developed as a small agricultural and fishing community. Modern Hiji balances traditional industries with suburban growth from nearby Beppu and Ōita.
12. Kunisaki City
Status: City Population (2020): 26,246
Kunisaki occupies the northern peninsula, known for its Buddhist temples and spiritual heritage. Historically composed of villages throughout the Kunisaki Peninsula, the city is a destination for pilgrims and cultural tourists.
13. Bungotakada City
Status: City Population (2020): 22,142
Bungotakada is a historic city near the northern coast. It preserves temples, samurai residences, and streetscapes reflecting Edo-period urban planning. The city formed from mergers of several smaller towns.
14. Taketa City
Status: City Population (2020): 20,357
Taketa sits inland in a mountainous area, famous for the Oka Castle ruins. Rivers, valleys, and historic towns contribute to its scenic and cultural character.
15. Tsukumi City
Status: City Population (2020): 16,109
Tsukumi is a southeastern coastal city with a history as a port town. Modern Tsukumi has a mix of industry, fishing, and cultural heritage sites.
16. Kusu Town
Status: Town Population (2020): 14,399
Kusu is an inland town named after a large camphor tree historically present in the area. Formerly part of Kusu District, it is known for forestry, rivers, and local hot springs.
17. Kokonoe Town
Status: Town Population (2020): 8,548
Kokonoe lies in the mountainous central part of the prefecture. Known for waterfalls, hot springs, and scenic valleys, it attracts visitors seeking natural tourism. Historically, the town formed from several small villages in Kusu District.