Things To Do
in Hita

Hita is a charming city located in Oita Prefecture, known for its rich history and traditional crafts. Nestled between mountains and rivers, it offers a serene landscape and a cultural experience that reflects both ancient and modern Japan. The city is also famous for its local sake production and beautiful hot springs.

Visitors can enjoy exploring historical sites, local festivals, and the picturesque scenery that Hita has to offer.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Day 1: Exploring Historic Hita
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the Hita Gion Matsuri Museum to learn about the local festival's history. Then, stroll through the old streets of Hita, admiring the traditional wooden buildings.

afternoon
:

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local soba restaurant, followed by a visit to the scenic Kusu River for a relaxing walk or boat ride.

evening
:

Dine at a local izakaya, sampling various Japanese dishes, and then explore the nightlife at a nearby bar or pub.

day 2
Day 2: Nature and Culture
morning
:

Begin the day with breakfast at a local café and then head to the scenic Aso-Kuju National Park for hiking and outdoor activities.

afternoon
:

Visit the Hita Sake Brewery to learn about the sake-making process and taste some local brews. Afterward, take a dip in one of the many onsen (hot springs) in the area.

evening
:

End your trip with a traditional kaiseki dinner, enjoying multiple courses of seasonal dishes at a highly-rated restaurant.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍜Bowl of Ramen$8
🍣Sushi Meal$15
🍵Cup of Matcha$5
🍺Draft Beer$6
🏨Hotel Room (per night)$70

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Rich cultural experiences and historical sites.
  • Beautiful natural landscapes and outdoor activities.
  • Delicious local cuisine and traditional food options.
  • Limited nightlife compared to larger Japanese cities.
  • English may not be widely spoken.
  • Public transportation options can be limited outside the city center.
  • "こんにちは" - Hello
  • "ありがとうございます" - Thank you
  • "おいしいです" - It's delicious
  • "はい" - Yes
  • "いいえ" - No

Places to Visit in Hita

Visit one of these nice places.

Hita River

The riverbanks provide stunning views, especially during cherry blossom season, making it perfect for picturesque shots.

Kawachi Waterfall

A beautiful waterfall that is surrounded by lush greenery, ideal for nature photography.

Old Town District

The historical streets are lined with traditional wooden buildings, providing a glimpse into Hita's past.

Culinary Guide

Food in Hita

Hita offers a delightful culinary experience, showcasing local flavors and traditional dishes that reflect the region's heritage.

Hita Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Hita Soba

A local style of buckwheat noodles, often served chilled with dipping sauce or in hot broth.

Must-Try!

Hita Yaki

Grilled fish, especially trout, that is seasoned and cooked over an open flame.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Hita Morning Market

A vibrant market where local vendors sell fresh produce, handmade crafts, and snacks.

Yatai Stalls

Street food stalls offering various local delicacies, including yakitori and takoyaki.

Climate Guide

Weather

Hita experiences a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. Summers (June to August) are hot and humid, with temperatures averaging around 30°C (86°F). Winters (December to February) can be quite cold, with temperatures dropping to around 0°C (32°F) and occasional snowfall. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are mild and pleasant, ideal for outdoor activities.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Respect for Traditions

Be mindful of local customs, especially in temples and during festivals.

Quietness in Public Spaces

Keep noise levels down in public transportation and communal areas.

Bowing as a Greeting

A slight bow is a common greeting; handshakes may also be acceptable in formal settings.

Safety Guide

Safety

Hita is generally a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates and a friendly local population. Standard safety precautions should be taken, such as being aware of your surroundings and keeping valuables secure. Natural disasters like earthquakes can occur, but Hita is not known for severe incidents. It’s advisable to familiarize yourself with emergency procedures and local contacts.

Tipping in Hita

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Customs

Tipping is not customary in Japan; excellent service is expected as part of the experience.

Payment Methods

Cash is widely used, but many establishments accept credit cards; it's advisable to carry yen.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures and cherry blossoms make it a popular time for outdoor activities and festivals.

Summer

Warm weather with occasional rain; perfect for visiting hot springs and outdoor events.

Autumn

Cooler temperatures and vibrant foliage offer stunning views and comfortable walking conditions.

Winter

Cold weather with potential snowfall; ideal for enjoying hot springs and winter festivals.

Nightlife Guide

Hita at Night

Hita's nightlife is relatively laid-back, with a variety of izakayas, bars, and small pubs that cater to both locals and visitors. The city has a cozy atmosphere, making it easy to strike up conversations with locals. Many establishments offer traditional Japanese entertainment, such as karaoke, and there are occasional live music events. However, compared to larger cities, the nightlife scene is more subdued, focusing on enjoying good food and drinks in a relaxed environment.

Hiking in Hita

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Mount Sobo Trail

A scenic hiking trail leading to the summit of Mount Sobo, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding region.

Kuju Mountain Range

Multiple trails provide varying levels of difficulty, showcasing beautiful landscapes and diverse flora and fauna.

Airports

How to reach Hita by plane.

Oita Airport

Located about 60 km from Hita, Oita Airport offers domestic flights and limited international connections. It provides convenient access to the region.

Getting Around

Walkability

Hita is a walkable city, with many attractions located within close proximity to one another. The old town area is particularly pedestrian-friendly, with narrow streets and charming alleys to explore. Sidewalks are generally well-maintained, and the city is safe for walking, making it easy to enjoy the local atmosphere and discover hidden gems.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local Residents

The population primarily consists of Japanese nationals, with a mix of elderly and younger residents living in the city.

Tourists

Visitors often include domestic travelers from other parts of Japan as well as some international tourists looking for cultural experiences.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Baseball

Baseball is a popular sport in Japan, and local teams often have dedicated fans, with games held in nearby stadiums.

Soccer

Soccer also enjoys a significant following, with local matches and youth leagues actively engaged in the community.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Hita is generally light, with most streets easily navigable. Public transportation includes local buses, but services may be infrequent outside peak hours. For longer distances, renting a car is a convenient option to explore the surrounding areas and attractions more freely.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Hita.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian Options

Many restaurants offer vegetarian dishes, but it's advisable to check for fish-based broths in soups.

Gluten-Free

Gluten-free options may be limited; it's best to communicate dietary needs with restaurant staff.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare access in Hita is reliable, with several hospitals and clinics available for residents and visitors. Emergency services can be reached by calling 119, and many staff members in medical facilities can communicate in basic English. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses, as well as to carry any necessary medications.

Discover Japan

Read more in our Japan 2025 Travel Guide.

Japan Travel Guide