[A Travel Magazine Editor’s Insider Guide]
When you think of hot springs, you think of Oita. When you think of karaage (Japanese fried chicken), you think of Oita.
But there’s so much more to this incredible prefecture than meets the eye!
As an editor-in-chief of a tourism magazine, I’ve spent two decades crisscrossing all 47 prefectures of Japan.
Among them, only three have truly captured my heart to the point where I’d consider living there permanently.
Oita Prefecture is one of them.
Beyond its abundant seafood and mountain delicacies, Oita boasts an incredibly appealing low cost of living.
What truly sets it apart, however, is the way onsen (hot springs) are seamlessly integrated into daily life.
Imagine having a hot spring bath right in your own home, or even discovering that school pools and hospital baths are fed by natural hot springs!
Join me as we uncover the deep charm of Oita, from the surprising everyday realities of an “Onsen Prefecture” to the fascinating story of how it became the birthplace of karaage, and even the humorous tale of a KFC being driven out of business!
Prepare to be amazed, just like the locals who often react with, “Wait, really?!”Onsen: Not Just a Luxury, But a Way of Life
The following facts truly highlight how hot springs are an integral part of Oita life:
