Faith Katunga•May 3 the temporary rebranding will remain in place until October 13 The transformation was celebrated with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring appearances by beloved Sanrio characters Visitors to the airport can enjoy special photo spots designed to showcase Oita’s famous hot springs The highlight is an oversized bathing bucket where travelers can pose alongside Hello Kitty These Instagram-worthy spots create memories for fans of all ages Hello Kitty fans also won’t leave empty-handed The airport’s souvenir shop offers exclusive Oita Hello Kitty Airport merchandise that can’t be found anywhere else and themed cookies to commemorate their visit passengers departing from the airport receive special Sanrio-themed luggage tags as a parting gift The airport experience extends beyond the terminal A new dedicated bus service connects travelers directly from Oita Hello Kitty Airport to Sanrio Character Park Harmonyland about an hour away in Oita’s Hayami district This convenient service makes it easier for Sanrio enthusiasts to enjoy both attractions while visiting the region a free daily newsletter that features the best of travel and guides to the cities you love from a new point of view — yours you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy Queen Elizabeth Once Stepped In To Prevent Snoop Dogg From Being Banned From The UK United Airlines Flight Attendant's Armrest Announcement Sparks Social Media Frenzy ‘Basketball Wives’ Star Mehgan James Speaks Out About Popular Bahamas Island With Flesh-Eating Bacteria After Friend Loses Leg Chaos Erupts After Ethiopian Airlines Passenger Forced To Give Up Seat For Minister Check out these filming sites that have added to this harrowing story of creative survival in two popular cities Paramount+'s 'MobLand' has rapidly garnered a wide audience thanks to its fascinating characters and gorgeous scenic backdrops A 27-year-old Chinese student living in Japan was rescued twice from Mount Fuji within days – the second time after reascending for his phone The Haifeng is Taiwan’s first luxury dessert-themed train It redefines the afternoon tea experience with some Michelin-starred desserts is taking a step towards opening its doors to international travelers Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon We help you navigate a myriad of possibilities Sign up for our newsletter for the best of the city By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions. Tokyo A lot of exciting things are unfolding across Japan to coincide with the momentous World Expo now happening in Osaka. One such project is the absolutely adorable Hello Kitty-themed airport down in Kyushu – which is actually a rebranding of the existing Oita Airport the airport has officially renamed itself Oita Hello Kitty Airport and it will stay that way until October 13 – the end date of Expo 2025 an official ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on the first day with appearances by Hello Kitty The Hello Kitty revamp includes new interior and exterior decorations featuring all your favourite Sanrio characters from the outdoor signage to the international arrivals area.  the airport has also set up a kawaii photo spot where you can snap a picture of yourself inside a massive bathing bucket along with Hello Kitty those travelling from the airport will receive Sanrio-themed luggage tags and you’ll also be able to pick up fun Oita Hello Kitty Airport official merch from the onsite souvenir shop.  Some of the fun items available in the souvenir store include keychains a new bus service will be implemented from the airport transporting travellers between Oita Hello Kitty Airport and Sanrio Character Park Harmonyland which is located about an hour away in Oita’s Hayami district For more information, head to the Hello Kitty Oita Airport website Only visiting Tokyo? Check out the capital’s very own Hello Kitty train station New Tokyo City Pass combines unlimited transport, attraction tickets and special activities Loewe’s mega-exhibition has arrived in Tokyo with whimsical Studio Ghibli rooms 7 best parks and gardens to see late-blooming cherry blossoms in Tokyo this spring Time Out Market Osaka: 17 kitchens and two bars featuring the city’s best chefs and restaurants Ashikaga Flower Park is home to one of Japan's most impressive wisteria festivals Want to be the first to know what’s cool in Tokyo? Sign up to our newsletter for the latest updates from Tokyo and Japan. facebooktwitterpinterestinstagramAbout us plans to temporarily pitch its airport as "Hello Kitty Airport" in hopes of luring tourists visiting the country for the upcoming World Exposition in Osaka who are eager to travel further Oita Airport will call itself Oita Hello Kitty Airport for six months starting April 13 Oita Prefecture is the only location other than Tokyo that hosts a theme park dedicated to the globally popular feline character The airport will welcome travelers by setting up a photo spot and banners featuring Hello Kitty and other Sanrio characters according to the local government and the operator of Sanrio theme parks A shuttle bus connecting the airport and Harmonyland Noting that the prefecture saw a record high 1.5 million foreign visitors in 2024 Kiichiro Sato was quoted in a press release as saying he hopes to share the charms of his prefecture while the expo is under way said her company is aiming to make Harmonyland an "entertainment and resort area." "We will make efforts so that Harmonyland can contribute to attracting tourists in and outside the country as one of Oita Prefecture's attractions," she said Oita Prefecture is also known for its hot springs Oita Airport has international flights connecting with South Korea and Taiwan Cafe run by Japan island's only foreigner aims to be new tourist spot Japan approves lodging tax in 11 more areas as tourism booms Overseas visitors bringing new life to nuclear disaster-hit Fukushima To have the latest news and stories delivered to your inbox Simply enter your email address below and an email will be sent through which to complete your subscription Please check your inbox for a confirmation email Thank you for reaching out to us.We will get back to you as soon as possible Mbela owa halelela okukala mounyuni muhe na oita Ashike ovanhu vahapu ova itavela kutya osho kashi na efiku shi ningwe Ombiibeli oya popya kutya omolwashike ovanhu va dopa okuxulifa po oita Oya yelifa yo kutya mounyuni aushe otamu ka kala shili ombili notashi ka ningwa mafiku outumbulilo “oitaʺ nosho yo “omapiyaanoʺ otau ulike komalwoodi oo haa kala pokati keengudu dopapolotika Omadina oo a tumbulwa moshifo eshi hao ovanhu ovo lelalela Ovakwaita novakwashiwana ove shii oilanduliko ii oyo oita hai etifa Oita nomapiyaano ohai hanauna nohai pula ku longifwe oshimaliwa shihapu Ohatu ningi eenghendabala dokukelela omapiyaano aha xume komesho ndele mbela ohatu dulu okukala nelineekelo kutya eenghendabala odo otadi pondola Ombiibeli oya popya osho hashi etifa oita nomapiyaano nonokutya Ouhamba waKalunga otau ka xulifa po oita nokweeta ombili yashili kombada yedu Ombiibeli tai kwafele ovo va kumwa koita meenghedi tadi longo Ombiibeli oya yandja enyamukulo tali hekeleke kepulo eli nosho yo makwao oo e li moshitukulwa eshi The Oita International Wheelchair Marathon was the world’s first international marathon solely for wheelchair users The inaugural event took place in 1981 at the suggestion of Dr founder of the Taiyo-no-Ie welfare facility and specialist in medical care for the disabled to mark the International Year of Disabled Persons it is an official World Para Athletics event and has grown into one of the leading marathons in the world Honda has been a sponsor of the event since 1990 The 39th Oita International Wheelchair Marathon was held on November 17 A combined 236 athletes from 19 countries entered the marathon and half marathon Honda provided support to its sponsored athletes through its team of support staff and its cheer group of more than 150 associates Team Honda managed to achieve outstanding results at the marathon; it succeeded in providing athletes with the satisfaction of victory 1st/Manuela Schär (in a new world record of 1:35:42) I managed to win and set a new world record – it was an unbelievably good race and everyone was very polite before the race Sport has a special meaning for me—it gives me inspiration and life-long memories My next goal and motivation is Tokyo 2020.  Honda’s support team was fantastic and I was in good condition myself—and this contributed to the result I was thinking about retiring after Rio 2016 and this gave me the motivation to keep fighting until Tokyo 2020 I intend to prepare thoroughly and compete to the best of my ability I caught the flu in the lead up to the marathon so I was quite anxious when I lined up at the start Honda’s glove designer made adjustments to my gloves which enabled me to push my wheels with greater stability; I was therefore able to race with greater confidence in my stamina Adjustments are still being made to my KAKERU FLG so I haven’t used it yet—but I’m looking forward to seeing it completed You never know: when I receive my KAKERU FLG Texas - The 9th annual Oita ATX Japan Festival was held Sunday September 22nd at the Long Center for the Performing Arts.Oita Japan is one of Austin's 13 "Sister Cities," and this festival celebrated 34 years of connecting cultures and celebrating diversity The event opened with a tea ceremony and included a Kimono fashion show and performances by the Austin Taiko Drummers Six students from Austin who were part of an exchange program to Oita Japan shared their experience with the audience and two performers from Oita took the stage who played a shamisen (three-stringed traditional Japanese musical instrument) who performed Shodo (Japanese calligraphy) on stage One of the popular activities was the Austin Japan Community's "Whisk Your Own Matcha" experience CBS Austin was well-represented at the festival with Weekend Anchor Adela Uchida and We Are Austin host Trevor Scott emceeing at the Rollins Theatre and Chief Meteorologist Chikage Windler emceeing at Dell Hall The Oita Japan Festival is hosted by the Austin-Oita Sister City Committee which is already planning a delegation to visit Oita next year for the 35th anniversary of the relationship between the two cities https://www.austinoita.org/ Sanrio theme park Harmonyland announced on March 17 that it has partnered with Oita Airport to rename the airport to “Oita Hello Kitty Airport.” Harmonyland notes "the warmest airport in the world" will take this moniker from April 13 to October 13 and Hello Kitty and other Sanrio characters will greet travelers to the prefecture In a press release Sanrio elaborated that the renaming of Oita Airport to “Oita Hello Kitty Airport” is the first part in a tourism campaign for the prefecture Sanrio added that a special shuttle service between the Airport and Harmonyland will run between August and October “Sanrio character parks are only located in two locations — one in Tokyo and one in Oita Prefecture — and Harmonyland is a wonderful spot in Oita Prefecture with a charm that can be shared with the world We hope that by promoting Oita Prefecture as a place people want to visit through this campaign She noted Harmonyland will celebrate its 35th anniversary in 2026 and “In conjunction with the Expo 2025 we will be promoting the appeal of Harmonyland and Oita Prefecture through various measures with the keyword 'HELLO from Oita to the world.'” The campaign is being carried out in conjunction with Expo 2025 in Osaka and in collaboration between Oita Prefecture and Sanrio The partnership is based on the Comprehensive Partnership Agreement for Tourism Promotion and Regional Revitalization The aim of the Partnership Agreement was to strengthen Oita Prefectures appeal to domestic and overseas tourists and to revitalize the region The campaign period between Oita Prefecture and Sanrio will be between April 13 to October 13 Oita Prefecture in Kyushu is home to over 4,000 hot springs and is known as the onsen capital of Japan Here you can enjoy this geographic feature with therapeutic baths and even sample some delectable dishes steamed using the heat from below ground But did you know Oita’s hot waters also contribute to clean energy geothermal energy is being harnessed for power and hydrogen Kyushu Electric Power Company’s Hatchobaru Geothermal Power Plant in Kokonoe Town generates 110,000 kilowatts of electricity per hour which is enough to power around 37,000 homes for one year The plant’s use of geothermal does not emit carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and saves Japan from consuming 200,000 kiloliters of oil for power generation every year according to Kyushu Electric Power Company The Hatchobaru plant also offers guided tours and lectures at its museum so you can learn more about its operations and renewable energy Another plant using geothermal energy is Obayashi Corporation’s hydrogen plant in Kokonoe Town This plant produces “green hydrogen,” which is hydrogen created without emitting carbon dioxide in the production process Hydrogen is considered as a next-generation portable energy because it can be stored in canisters and transferred to local hydrogen fuel stations the plant can produce one kilogram of hydrogen per hour which is enough for a fuel-cell vehicle (FCV) to drive 130 kilometers Oita’s spring waters are not only a source of relaxation enjoy the hot springs and check out the impressive ways these waters are being used to save the environment and preserve natural resources Kyushu Electric Power Company Hatchobaru Geothermal Power Plant Obayashi Corporation green hydrogen production plant Sign up for our weekly newsletter of articles from Japan High on a hill inside Oita Prefecture’s Aso Kuju National Park the rumbling of wadaiko drums draw in visitors seeking a unique and lively Japanese experience Drum Tao was created in 1993 with the aim to bring Japan’s wadaiko drumming to the world the group has grown to 40 members split into three sub-groups which perform at 150 concerts globally each year the group has performed in for over 9 million people in over 26 countries since 1993 What makes Drum Tao popular is the performers melding traditional wadaiko drums with modern elements and sounds It’s this old-meets-new fusion that has led to the international success of the group as a performance complex complete with an outdoor theater I was able to appreciate the elaborate costumes Drum Tao wears I was also able to enjoy a performance by the group at the Nature Theater an open-air theater overlooking the Oita Mountains The drummers’ rumbling and the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape created an almost sacred experience and I could see why Drum Tao has garnered so many fans worldwide A visit to Oita truly isn’t complete without Drum Tao’s impeccable beats Tickets (Nature Theater): Age 13 and older The Oita International Wheelchair Marathon started in 1981 as the world‘s first international marathon exclusively for wheelchair athletes Driven by the passion to champion athletes who are taking on challenges to make their dreams come true Honda has been providing a wide range of support to such inspiring athletes as the sponsor of this sport event since 1990 has entered this long-established race for the first time in three years Despite of the serious injury she suffered from an accident in 2021 she returned to the track and field at an amazing speed she has been continuing to make great strides by winning a series of international competitions including the 5,000m race where she broke the world record and cemented her position as the top athlete we shed light on her passionate performance in this race her motivation to compete and overcome difficulties and her tireless efforts to continue pursuing her dreams Susannah (far left) participating in the opening ceremony The youngsters were all thrilled to get her autograph [LEFT]Susannah (far left) participating in the opening ceremony [RIGHT]The youngsters were all thrilled to get her autograph the opening ceremony was held in the downtown area of Oita City where top athletes from Japan and abroad have gathered along with local competitors and children sought to lead the future wheelchair athletics community It was impressive to see her responding “OK!” welcomingly with a friendly smile to all these youngsters asking for her autograph and a shot of memorable photo together Honda‘s cheering squad sending hearty cheers at Benten Ohashi Bridge Women’s marathon for T34/53/54 turned out to be a very close race between the top three (Susannah on the right) competing ferociously to finish first [LEFT]Honda‘s cheering squad sending hearty cheers at Benten Ohashi Bridge [RIGHT]Women’s marathon for T34/53/54 turned out to be a very close race between the top three (Susannah on the right) competing ferociously to finish first Oita was filled with high spirit and excitement This year's race was open to both professional and amateur competitors that totaled 158 entries The fervor was further enhanced by this year’s lifting of the ban to send hearty audible cheers to the hard-racing athletes from the roadside which had been restricted for the last few years due to the enforcement of strict safety measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19 infections Susannah came in the 2nd place after engaging in a head-to-head race with Wakako Tsuchida until just before the finish line The heated battle between the two moved the hearts of so many spectators I was aiming for the world record before the race because my conditions were so good I could not maintain the pace I wanted to keep and ended up competing with two other racers until the finish line.Unfortunately but it was a lot of fun racing with Tsuchida (1st) and Kina (3rd) we got together with Susannah for an interview session that was set after she finished attending the data measuring session and meeting with Honda technical team we asked Susannah about what led her to become a wheelchair athlete and the source of her motivation to overcome difficulties and continue pursuing her dream What is your impression of Oita International Marathon What was the initial trigger that led you to decide on becoming a wheelchair athlete I got into an accident that put me in a wheelchair due to the discrepancy caused by the serious injury I was unable to play the sports I used to love as actively as before I learned about adapted sports from the children’s hospital that I used to go at the time They provided my family the information on how to access this sports facility that offered those opportunities I said to my mother “I want to go!” and when she took me there I saw people playing wheelchair basketball and others engaging in wheelchair racing practices I had so much fun and fell in love with them right away From then on throughout my high school years I continued to do both wheelchair basketball and wheelchair racing I find a lot of enjoyment in wheelchair athletics I also love the community as well as the people I race against I‘ve built great relationships with these competitors and my teammates I am also attracted to the fact that there are many things to learn during the 5,000m race that I entered in 2021 Tokyo Paralympics I slipped in the rain and injured my wrist I learned a lot about how I should prepare to compete better in slippery Even if something doesn’t turn out the way you hoped for That is why I like the phrase "there is no such thing as wasted effort.” What is the source of your passion that gets you working energetically as an athlete I had the best time at the opening ceremony of this event Many children came up to me and we got the chance to interact with one another I am working to be a competitor with an aim to be a role model for younger athletes in adapted sports who they can aspire to be in the future I think it would be wonderful if such interaction with them like the one we had this time help make them realize this is what I can do” and also make their families and friends feel assured that “Yes we should let them do whatever they want to become.” Please give a message to children who are working hard to achieve their dreams you can be in any profession you want to be and do anything you set your mind to do you must be determined to take on the challenges You just have to try." This is the message I want to give to these children My goal as an athlete is to set a world record in the marathon race but I also have two other personal targets: either pursue a career as a nutritionist who can work closely with other athletes or work in a hospital I will be getting my master‘s degree in nutrition science next month so I will keep working hard to achieve both my goal as an athlete and my dream as a nutritionist Registration for the Vertical MRO Conference in Kelowna B.C. is now open! Click here to learn more. an eVTOL aircraft manufacturer based in Japan and Kyushu Railway Company (JR Kyushu) have signed a comprehensive partnership agreement with the government of Oita prefecture to explore how the future provision of eVTOL services can improve the prefecture’s transportation infrastructure providing economic benefits and improved travel convenience to local communities and businesses SkyDrive and JR Kyushu anticipate launching and air taxi services connecting the Beppu and Yufuin resorts.  both companies also envision further expanding these services to include flights connecting Yufuin along with air taxi services from Oita City to the Beppu and Yufuin area and from Oita Airport to both Beppu and Oita City While the precise nature of future ticket pricing will depend on flight frequency and passenger occupancy JR Kyushu and SkyDrive intend to provide eVTOL air taxi services at prices low enough to compete with conventional road-based taxis SkyDrive and JR Kyushu intend to survey potential takeoff and landing sites and establish a framework for future flight operations laying the groundwork for the provision of commercially viable eVTOL services with a target service launch date sometime around 2028 This press release was prepared and distributed by SkyDrive and website in this browser for the next time I comment Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" Bell 525 Walkaround: The First Commercial Fly-by-Wire Helicopter Bell 505 Contact seller for price Year: 2022 Click on the button below to send an email to our team and we will get to it as soon as possible Have a story idea you would like to suggest will begin offering regular flights to Oita in northeastern Kyushu on April 2 making it the carrier's 21st destination in Japan Oita will become Tigerair Taiwan's fourth destination in the island of Kyushu after Fukuoka a subsidiary of Taiwanese international carrier China Airlines said the new route to Oita is expected broaden the airline's network in Kyushu and give Taiwanese travelers more flexibility when they plan trips to the island Tigerair Taiwan will fly flight IT750 from Taoyuan to Oita every Wednesday and Saturday at noon while returning as flight IT751 from Oita to Taoyuan the same days An Airbus 320 will be used to fly the new route as Tigerair Taiwan hopes to take advantage of Oita's natural beauty and the continued interest of Taiwanese travelers in Japan The carrier said Oita is well-known for its hot springs the Takasakiyama Natural Zoological Garden 173-meter high Kokonoe Yume Grand Suspension Bridge Japan is the favorite destination of Taiwanese travelers about 6.006 million Taiwanese travelers visited Japan followed by 2.77 million to China and 1.43 million to South Korea according to data compiled by the Tourism Administration KEYE / OITA JAPAN SUMMER FESTIVAL TICKET GIVEAWAY Contest: KEYE / Oita Japan Summer Festival Ticket Giveaway Contest Sponsor(s): Austin-Oita Sister City Committee Prize Provider(s): Austin-Oita Sister City Committee Program to Watch: Watch the "We Are Austin" program during the Contest Period from 9:00 AM CDT to 10:00 AM CDT on Channel 42 Criteria to Win: Caller Number Three (3) Number of Winners for Each Cue to Call: One (1) Total Number of Winners for Contest Period: Two (2) Prize(s) and Value(s): Two (2) tickets to "Oita Japan Summer Festival" on September 22 2024 at 11:00 AM CDT at the Long Center in Austin In connection with any visit to any Prize Provider location please be advised that the Prize Provider’s policies and the recommendations of health officials must be followed Please note that any public location where people are present provides an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 and the Station and Prize Provider cannot guarantee that any person will not be exposed during a visit Station’s Privacy Policy: https://sbgi.net/privacy-policy Station’s Website Terms and Conditions: https://sbgi.net/terms-conditions This contest is subject to all applicable laws and regulations and is void where prohibited Odds of winning depend on the number of valid and correct entries received All capitalized terms shall have the meanings set forth above Entrants may attempt to enter as many times as they wish At the time calls are solicited during the Program to Watch Viewers will call in on the designated telephone line announced on-air To be eligible to participate in the Contest residents who are at least the Age of Eligibility and reside in the Contest Area Residents and Citizens of the European Union are not eligible to enter or win this Contest each of their parent and affiliated companies any and all local television broadcast and cable stations and the immediate family members of each are ineligible The term “immediate family” includes spouses and any other relatives who reside in the same household with employee Station is not responsible for any telephone system failure or malfunctions or other inability of entrants to 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Station has the right to disqualify any entrant it determines has not complied with the Contest Rules All decisions by the Station shall be final and binding relating to this contest including the interpretation of the Contest Rules Station reserves the right to make rules and contest changes and change the contest dates Station reserves the right to cancel/terminate modify or suspend the Contest if in Station’s sole determination it believes that the integrity of the Contest has been compromised or that the Contest is not capable of running as planned or fairly or force majeure or any other causes beyond the Station’s control The Contest is subject to the Station’s Privacy Policy and the Station’s Website Terms and Conditions located on the Station’s Website Tigerair Taiwan chief commercial officer Bernard Hsu and guests participate in a ceremony at Japan’s Oita airport to commemorate the carrier’s first flight between Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport and the Japanese city The new twice-weekly flights make Oita the carrier’s 21st destination in Japan and the fourth on the island of Kyushu April 2 (CNA) United Airlines launched its new Taipei(Taoyuan)-Guam route on Wednesday while Tigerair Taiwan inaugurated its Taipei(Taoyuan)-Oita service also flying twice a week United Airlines operates the new route using a Boeing 737-800 with 166 seats Departures from Taoyuan International Airport are scheduled for 10:30 a.m while return flights from Guam leave at 7:00 a.m representatives from the Guam Visitors Bureau and United Airlines visited Taiwan on Wednesday they emphasized their joint efforts to promote Guam as a travel destination United Airlines' director of sales for Japan highlighted the airline's long-standing presence in Taiwan since 1986 the American carrier has transported 2 million passengers between Taoyuan and San Francisco adding that in addition to the Taipei(Taoyuan)-Guam route the airline plans to launch flights from Kaohsiung to Tokyo on July 12 Tigerair Taiwan's new Taipei(Taoyuan)-Oita route makes Oita its 21st destination in Japan and its fourth direct flight to Kyushu The Taipei(Taoyuan)-Oita service operates twice weekly and return flights from Oita leaving at 4:30 p.m AD Leave a rating/comment#PaintingBack to ArticlesSHARE Even aficionados of the architectural delights of Kamakura – and if you love Japan you probably are – might not be acquainted with Sugimoto-dera situated on the road between Hokoku-ji and Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine Legend has it that any rider who passes by without dismounting his horse will take a bad fall and meditate a moment on one of Kamakura’s rustic gems But why am I talking about a temple an hour from Tokyo if my intention is to discuss one in distant Kyushu On a visit to Oita prefecture this past Fall I had the good fortune to join two old friends for a drive around Kyushu’s idyllic Kunizaki peninsula As the centerpiece of our day of scenic motoring we planned a stop at Fuki-ji which is said to be one of the oldest temples in Kyushu There are fascinating religious artifacts to be found along the winding peninsula roads carved into the volcanic tuft during Japan’s Middle Ages by artists unknown in the more distant times when Buddhism was first being transmitted to Japan from Pekche possibly Kyushu’s quasi legendary Ninmo himself built places of worship and hermitage in these same lush valleys what a strange and pleasant surprise to arrive at this bucolic spot and find – dare I say it busing their clamorous groups straight from Oita Airport to Beppu just aren’t selling it (yet.) There are no trains no honeymooner attractions - nothing but the tranquility of a small crossroads far out in the countryside If you should ever have the good luck to arrive here and stand in awe of the enormous cedar and gingko trees home to birds who have never chirped back at English you will enjoy the ambient tones of primordial life possibly punctuated by the peal of a brass temple bell local men laid the groundwork for this sanctuary to a new deity and philosophy of life to answer the question I posed above: As you can discern from the photos bear a striking resemblance in architectural design I would venture to assert that their footprints are nearly congruous corbels and encircling verandas of almost identical design Is this only because both were at some point rebuilt by the Tendai sect which simply economized by using the same blueprint Or was this the preferred style of a Buddhist temple in the early eighth century with both instances faithfully preserved to this day I’m not an expert on the subject – just a fan of fanes United Airlines today launched its new Taipei (Taoyuan)-Guam route while Tigerair Taiwan inaugurated its Taipei (Taoyuan)-Oita service also flying twice a week Departures from Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport are scheduled for 10:30am on Wednesdays and 11am on Saturdays while return flights from Guam leave at 7am on both days representatives from the Guam Visitors Bureau and United Airlines visited Taiwan today the US carrier has transported 2 million passengers between Taoyuan and San Francisco adding that in addition to the Taipei-Guam route Tigerair Taiwan's new Taipei-Oita route makes Oita its 21st destination in Japan and its fourth direct flight to Kyushu The Taipei-Oita service operates twice weekly with outbound flights departing at 12pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays and return flights from Oita leaving at 4:30pm the same days If you are someone who likes to keep things low-key at the airport Oita might throw you a bit of a (super cute) curveball Oita Airport is getting a playful makeover – and no your boarding pass isn't lying if it says “Hello Kitty.” The airport has officially been renamed as Oita Hello Kitty Airport for the next six months This initiative is part of a special rebrand that will run until October 13 The rebranding taps into the excitement surrounding the Osaka Expo 2025 Also Read: Why Shoveling Snow Is Japan's Newest Tourist Attraction (And Why Tourists Love It) The rebrand adds some serious character (literally) to the otherwise chill airport From the moment you peek out the aeroplane window Hello Kitty's there to greet you — she is painted on the boarding bridge you will spot her on posters dragging suitcases and cruising on tiny planes (function(v,d,o,ai){ai=d.createElement("script");ai.defer=true;ai.async=true;ai.src=v.location.protocol+o;d.head.appendChild(ai);})(window Sanrio's Harmonyland theme park is based here the area is filled with gems like the famous onsen towns of Beppu and Yufuin.  Also Read: When To See Cherry Blossoms In Japan In 2025 “We hope to encourage more tourists, particularly those who typically visit high-traffic destinations like Tokyo and Kyoto, to travel to Oita instead,” a rep from the prefecture's tourism bureau told CNN “In addition to attracting visitors not only from major metropolitan areas such as the Tokyo and Kansai regions but also by highlighting the unique appeal of Oita Prefecture and Kyushu such as hot springs we aim to leverage the global popularity of Japan's Sanrio characters and their theme park,” Sanrio explained in a statement Sanrio Entertainment President Aya Komaki summed it all up: “We are filled with the hope that this airport will become a bridge connecting countless smiles.” Posters at the airport even feature Hello Kitty holding a flag with her signature slogan: “Hello from Oita to the world.” the airport mainly handles domestic flights but there are a few international routes too So if you are planning a Japan trip and want something a little offbeat (and very cute) Operating results & Financial position PDF for printing (PDF 583KB) and Space Port Japan Association received the "Selection Committee Special Award" at the 7th Japan Open Innovation Prize hosted by the Cabinet Office on February 5 for their initiative "Building an Ecosystem Connecting Japan and Low Earth Orbit -Towards the Landing of the Dream Chaser® Spaceplane at Oita Airport-" (hereinafter referred to as "this initiative") The Japan Open Innovation Prize[1] recognizes initiatives with high leadership and originality that are expected to serve as role models to further promote open innovation in Japan It honors exemplary initiatives with significant social impact and sustainability with minister's awards and other awards presented in various fields This initiative aims to establish Oita Airport as an Asian hub for spaceplanes through public-private and international collaboration It was highly evaluated for its pioneering collaborative framework that combines expertise from different industries to promote new entries into the space business and its future development is highly anticipated and Space Port Japan Association have been participating in a partnership to explore the use of the Dream Chaser® spaceplane and are working together to utilize Oita Airport as an Asian base for the Dream Chaser spaceplane By using the spaceplane for launches from Japan this initiative aims to transform Oita Airport into a spaceport functioning as a hub between the space station and the ground in Japan and Asia contributing to regional revitalization and industrial promotion by examining the legal framework related to spaceplane re-entry the initiative will contribute to rule-making A robust framework has been established through collaboration between one U.S This collaboration combines expertise from different industries to promote new entries into the space business With a team of 3-4 members from each of the seven entities this initiative is being advanced through role-sharing including lobbying government agencies and verifying landing feasibility The establishment of an ecosystem through spaceplane launches and transportation to the next launch site is expected to have economic ripple effects in tourism and satellite manufacturing (estimated at 350 billion yen for Oita Prefecture and 3.5 trillion yen for Japan as a whole[2]) [1] The Japan Open Innovation Prize (the Cabinet Office website) https://www8.cao.go.jp/cstp/openinnovation/prize/index.html [2] Estimates by Mitsubishi UFJ Research and Consulting Co. ･Japan Airlines Co., Ltd., Public Relations Email:mediarelations.hdq@jal.com ･Kanematsu Corporation, Public Relations Section TEL: +81-3-6747-5000 https://www.kanematsu.co.jp/en/inquiry/ ･Oita Prefecture TEL: +81-97-506-2943 https://www.pref.oita.jp/soshiki/14270/ Public Relations Office TEL: +81-3-5218-1814 ･Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd.: mailek03@tmnf.jp ･Sierra Space Corporation: Alex Walker alex.walker@sierraspace.com ･Space Port Japan Association: info@spaceport-japan.org high-capacity communications through 5G/6G demand for semiconductors is expected to increase and their performance is projected to advance as well ensuring a stable supply of higher quality and higher performance semiconductor materials for the semiconductor manufacturing process has become increasingly critical Fujifilm provides semiconductor materials used in wafer processing to post-processing in semiconductor manufacturing – including photoresists as well as Wave Control Mosaic which includes colour filter materials for image sensors.  Fujifilm says it's committed to solving customer issues by providing one-stop solutions that leverage its global supply structure and advanced R&D capabilities while expanding its production capacity with new investments in facilities worldwide the company is making aggressive capital investments in production facilities globally and is expanding the production capacity of semiconductor materials the core company that leads Fujifilm’s semiconductor materials business will strengthen and expand its sites in Shizuoka and Oita to enhance the development and quality assurance of advanced semiconductor materials Fujifilm Electronic Materials invests approximately  JPY 13 billion (EUR 81.3 million) to construct a new building to strengthen the development production and quality evaluation functions for advanced photoresists including photoresists for extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUV) The new building will be equipped with a clean room and inspection equipment the company will further speed up development and enhance its quality evaluation systems.  Fujifilm Electronic Materials invests approximately JPY 7 billion (EUR 43.8 million) to construct a new building acquiring land adjacent to the existing site It will introduce additional production equipment and inspection devices for post-CMP cleaners which are key materials in the semiconductor manufacturing process This will expand the production capacity at the Oita site by approximately 40%.  The new building at the Shizuoka site is scheduled to begin operations in the fall of 2025 and the new building at the Oita site is scheduled to begin operations in the spring of 2026 Please view the main text area of the page by skipping the main menu. The page may not be displayed properly if the JavaScript is deactivated on your browser Share your travel photos with us by hashtagging your images with #visitjapanjp Steam rising from various spots throughout the city of Beppu A must-see attraction in Beppu is the Hells of Beppu a tour that takes you around seven unique “jigoku” or “hells”—hot spring vents formed by the sheer power of nature Hot spring steam rising from Kannawa Onsen A visit to Beppu wouldn’t be complete without experiencing its diverse hot springs One such experience can be had at Kannawa Mushiyu (Kannawa Steam Bath) the floor is layered with the medicinal herb Sekisho (Japanese sweet flag) while geothermal steam gently warms the body This traditional hot spring therapy promotes perspiration in a high-humidity environment providing relaxing and detoxifying benefits Mount Yufu as seen from the Yamanami Highway enjoy modern art within a sophisticated space designed by Kengo Kuma home to a giant cedar tree over a thousand years old offers a chance to connect with Japan’s spiritual culture The mystical atmosphere of these ancient sites reflects the thoughts and traditions of the locals which have been preserved for centuries hot springs are special spaces for healing both body and soul hot springs were used for long-term stays focused on recovery often referred to as “hot-spring therapy.” In recent years the trend has shifted toward enjoying hot springs while staying at a ryokan inn and indulging in gourmet delights leading to the rise of luxury hot spring resorts Embracing the farm-driven philosophy of “the menu for the day is decided by the farm,” each dish celebrates the vitality of nature for guests to enjoy will leave a lasting impression on your journey All guest rooms are equipped with open-air baths filled with natural hot spring water allowing guests to immerse themselves in the healing waters of Yufuin in the privacy of their own space with its picturesque view framed by an infinity pool Why not take your Japanese hot spring experience to the next level Awaken all your senses as you embrace the mineral-rich earth and the natural blessings of Yufuin through its hot springs and cuisine A fertile field cultivated from the soil up a premium suite featuring an infinity pool Oita Prefecture is easily accessible from Fukuoka taking about two hours on the Sonic Limited Express train from JR Hakata Station It can also be conveniently reached from areas like Osaka and Kyoto by plane or Shinkansen the Sunflower ferry connects Osaka with Beppu and Kobe with Oita offering a one-night boat trip as part of the journey URL: https://www.facebook.com/welcometooitapref/ URL: https://www.instagram.com/tourismoita/ Browse the JNTO site in one of multiple languages OITA – A Shidazakura weeping cherry tree near Ohara Hachimangu Shrine will be lit up at night through April 7 in Hita, Oita Prefecture. To use this site, please disable the ad blocking feature and reload the page. This website uses cookies to collect information about your visit for purposes such as showing you personalized ads and content, and analyzing our website traffic. By clicking “Accept all,” you will allow the use of these cookies. Users accessing this site from EEA countries and UK are unable to view this site without your consent. We apologize for any inconvenience caused. The tree is about 200 years old and is 12 meters tall with a trunk circumference of 2.5 meters. The illumination event will take place from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. through April 7. It may end sooner if most blossoms have fallen. Our weekly ePaper presents the most noteworthy recent topics in an exciting, readable fomat. © 2025 The Japan News - by The Yomiuri Shimbun Industry and market insights and forecasts Key figures and rankings about companies and products Consumer and brand insights and preferences in various industries Detailed information about political and social topics All key figures about countries and regions Market InsightsMarket forecast and expert KPIs for 1000+ markets in 190+ countries & territories Consumer InsightsInsights on consumer attitudes and behavior worldwide eCommerce InsightsDetailed information for 39,000+ online stores and marketplaces Directly accessible data for 170 industries from 150+ countries and over 1 million facts: Full-service market research and analytics Strategy and business building for the data-driven economy Transforming data into content marketing and design: Industry-specific and extensively researched technical data (partially from exclusive partnerships) A paid subscription is required for full access the average land price in Oita Prefecture amounted to about 47.5 thousand Japanese yen per square meter marking an increase from approximately 41.3 thousand yen per square meter in 2015 Figures are based on the official land price and standard land price Average land price in Tokyo Prefecture 2015-2024 Quarterly house price to income ratio in Japan Q1 2014-Q3 2024 Land use in Tokyo metropolis in Japan 1955-2023 To download this statistic in XLS format you need a Statista Account To download this statistic in PNG format you need a Statista Account To download this statistic in PDF format you need a Statista Account To download this statistic in PPT format you need a Statista Account As a Premium user you get access to the detailed source references and background information about this statistic As a Premium user you get access to background information and details about the release of this statistic you will immediately be notified via e-mail … to incorporate the statistic into your presentation at any time You need at least a Starter Account to use this feature Your browser does not support JavaScript, or it is disabled．Please check the site policy for more information National Report hovercraft are making a comeback as Oita Prefecture prepares to reopen what will be Japan’s only passenger route for the watercraft as early as December The hovercraft will float passengers between Oita Airport in Kunisaki and Oita city through Beppu Bay in about 30 minutes Hovercraft are amphibious vessels that travel above the water surface These vessels will be operated by Oita Daiichi Hoverdrive Co. The company also plans to run hovercraft sightseeing cruises on weekends to build operational experience before resuming the regular airport route in December Hovercraft had been used in Japan since the latter half of 1960s including along routes between Kumamoto city and Shimabara city and routes in the Seto Inland Sea a route to and from the airport was established in 1971 and used by around 400,000 passengers annually at its peak in the 1990s Oita’s hovercraft service was discontinued in 2009 the prefectural government began to reconsider using hovercraft to improve access to Oita Airport which is an hour from Oita city by express bus The prefecture decided to pay for the cost of the vessels and boarding terminals while a private company will operate the hovercraft since navigation and operations training began in November last year four accidents have occurred—including hitting a guardrail beside the route and crashing into a seawall These issues have delayed the start of the operations by nearly a year Joint exercise held by SDF for first time at civilian airport Oita seeks to host ‘aliens’ who will come for Virgin Orbit spaceport Eight injured after earthquake rocks Shikoku and Kyushu New Shinkansen adds 18 km to ‘longest one-way train trip’ Information on the latest cherry blossom conditions Please right click to use your browser’s translation function.) A series based on diplomatic documents declassified by Japan’s Foreign Ministry Here is a collection of first-hand accounts by “hibakusha” atomic bomb survivors chefs and others involved in the field of food introduce their special recipes intertwined with their paths in life A series about Japanese-Americans and their memories of World War II In-house News and Messages No reproduction or republication without written permission is a scenic marvel and home to hot springs rich history and traditional arts and culture Oita is also the center of sustainable geothermal energy It takes about a 3-to-4 hour drive from Sasebo Naval Base or MCAS Iwakuni If you’re visiting from other cities in Japan there are plenty of budget airline options to get you there within two hours You’ve probably heard of Oita as it is home to some of the most famous hot spring sites in the country the prefecture has a whopping 5,102 onsen hot springs brimming with hot mineral waters These healing waters attract foreign and domestic travelers every year 7.9 million people visited the prefecture to soak in the hot springs every year In addition to the many foreign tourists Oita Prefecture gets it hosts a large population of foreign students every year These students make the prefecture more diverse and foreigner-friendly Below are some of the many activities and must-see attractions in historical and beautiful Oita Prefecture interested in rich history or want to experience some amazing food and practice some ecotourism Your visit will definitely be one you’ll never forget Haneda Airport is only a 30-minute train ride from Hardy Barracks and easily accessible from other military bases in the Kanto Plain Traveling through this airport is a quick and easy way to get you to any of the domestic destinations you’ve been wanting to see while stationed in Japan Within about a two-hour flight from Haneda you can find yourself freezing in Hokkaido sailing off the coast of Kyushu or even sun-bathing in Okinawa A recent flight to Kyushu-area airports took about 105 minutes to Oita (803 kilometer) and 110 minutes to Miyazaki (1,023 kilometer) Even getting to Osaka is about a 1-hour flight from Haneda Entering vacation mode via plane is worthwhile when you compare it to a 5-plus-hour drive or 3-hour Shinkansen bullet train ride it’s a straight shot on the Keikyu Express Train departing from Shinagawa Station in Tokyo Yokohama Station in Kanagawa (if you’re departing from Camp Zama or NAF Atsugi) or Yokosuka Chuo Station (if you’re departing from Yokosuka Naval Base) The direct express train will take you to Haneda in 15 minutes from Shinagawa Station 25 minutes from Yokohama Station and 50 minutes from Yokosuka Chuo station The train stops at both the international terminal and the domestic terminals check to see if Haneda Airport offers flights to your domestic destination It will save you some time and maybe even some money Myoban Yunosato is a unique hot spring resort in the center of Beppu Beppu itself is known as a hot spring capital and is a popular destination for soaking in the steaming mineral waters.The resort is home to myoban alum hot springs and thatch-roofed huts known as “yunohanagoya,” or sinter huts Myoban Yunosato has been producing its own yunohana The therapeutic yunohana is made from alum steam and blue clay crystalized under the huts with straw the sinter helps keeping your body warm after bathing and relieving shoulder stiffness you can soak in the outdoor pool with milky white onsen water while enjoying a nice view of the Oita mountains The restaurant and souvenir shop offer local delicacies and yunohana products and cosmetics Though I didn’t get to try the hot springs I did enjoy a yunohama pack back in my hotel bathtub The 10-minute soak was enough to warm me up and make my skin soft pudding and dumplings cooked with onsen steam Myoban Onsen is an unforgettable experience and only a 3.5-hour drive from Sasebo Naval Base is a famous tourist attraction made up of seven “hells” or multicolored volcanic springs You can enjoy impressive views of springs of different colors and smells while hopping from pond to pond while taking short rests at foot spa spots in the area The onsen is a great place to soak and relax but another treat is great food made with hot spring water there is a district specializing in a century’s-old traditional cooking method called Jigokumushi Head to Kannawa District to enjoy various dishes cooked with the natural hot steam rising from below ground Hyotan Onsen is a three-star Michelin-rated bathing and restaurant facility in Kannawa District serving up Jigokumushi dishes for you to enjoy seafood and vegetables are placed in a bamboo basket the basket is placed inside of a large stone contraption that looks like a barbecue grill or oven When the glass lid is closed with the ingredients inside hot steam gushes through the stone enclosure flash-cooking the meal This quick process allows the ingredients to retain their fresh flavors and vibrant colors One taste and you’ll think the flavors are too heavenly to be steamed by hell offers another unique onsen experience you’ll enjoy Nagayu Onsen offers a rare carbonated hot spring experience you’ve got to try a health promotion complex designed by Shigeru Ban The facility was constructed in 2019 and has cottages for overnight stays onsen for bathing and exercise and various restaurants I sampled a homemade lunch set made from only seasonal local ingredients healthy meal that was only tastier thanks to the carbonated spring water used to cook it You may have tried soaking in the hot springs in Japan and possibly had a onsen egg but elevate your experience with a soak and devilishly delicious Yufuin is a popular hot spring resort where you’ll find various museums The lush landscape around the area includes impressive mountains pristine rice paddies and traditional farmhouses Lake Kinrin is a misty wonder which provides Yufuin a mystical ambiance Usa Jingu is a Shinto shrine built in the 8th century as the head of thousands of shrines across Japan dedicated to the “god of archery and war.” Check out the main hall as it is a designated national treasure for the prototype of unique shrine architecture one of the 100 most beautiful locations to catch Japan’s sunset Here you’ll experience breathtaking views of the golden horizon the rumbling of wadaiko drums draws in visitors seeking a unique and lively Japanese experience a group of world-renowned taiko drummers known for their stunning performances the group has performed for over 9 million people in 26 countries since 1993 a performance complex complete with an outdoor theater Though Usuki in Oita Prefecture may seem like a tiny city with a modest population of 35,000 From the majestic Usuki Castle facing the Bungo Channel transport to the olden times with a view of Nioza District’s narrow cobblestone-paved roads The district is home to many Buddhist temples and traditional wooden houses creating a quaint ambiance worthy of recognition as one of the 100 most scenic Japanese towns by the Japanese government in 1993 The former international port town still has symbols of this history in its Portuguese-style architecture and blue “Azulejo Mural” wall paintings nestled among traditional Japanese buildings the fermentation industry arrived in Usuki and thus started a unique food culture here Here you’ll find plenty of fermented dishes The quality of the fermenting and brewing skills in Usuki have even garnered international recognition with a UNESCO designation as Creative City of Gastronomy in 2021 a miso and soy sauce brewery established in 1600 and the Kotegawa Shuzo sake and shochu brewery founded in 1855 to sample their quality fermented products unchanged for hundreds of years Another vintage craft from Usaki is Usukiyaki pottery from the former Usuki Domain dating back 200 years understated white pottery makes the local foods shine when served on it Visit Usukiyaki Lab pottery workshop off the old district to learn how the workshop revived the “lost pottery style” and has transformed it for today’s use Oita Prefecture in Kyushu is home to 5,102 hot springs and is known as the onsen capital of Japan Hydrogen is considered a next-generation portable energy because it can be stored in canisters and transferred to local hydrogen fuel stations I worked up an appetite while checking out the sights near Oita Station which was recommended by the manager at my hotel for a sampling of the local fish and fare Bungo Sakaba is an izakaya-style restaurant inside the Amu Plaza Oita shopping complex inside Oita Station sashimi and other delicious local fish dishes a sushi set using locally caught fish for 1,150 yen (about $8) Ryukyu is Oita’s soul food and consists of horse mackerel or yellow tail sashimi that is well-marinated in a soy sauce-based broth with sesame and ginger not checking out their premium sake and alcohol list would be a shame I chose a glass of locally brewed sake Nishinoseki for 650 yen The sake paired well with the flavorful horse mackerel ryukyu soaked in mirin and ginger The sushi set was extensive and included a sampling of all the Oita fish that was in season at the time In the set were hand-shaped sushi with both fatty and lean tuna I was pleased with my choices and couldn’t help but have another refill of the premium Nishinoseki sake to finish off the meal the restaurant also serves various yakitori (grilled chicken on a skewer) and kushikatsu (deep-fried cutlets on a skewer) available for around 130 to 200 yen Bungo Sakaba is a great spot to try some of the amazing food Oita has to offer The prices are excellent for the high quality and central location so make sure to stop in for a delicious meal during your stay Today's print edition Home Delivery Honda Motor took shareholders on a sightseeing flight Saturday aboard its self-developed HondaJet small business aircraft After departing from Oita Airport in Kunisaki including shareholders chosen by lottery from 6,846 applicants for the shareholder benefit program and their families enjoyed a 30-minute flight over Cape Sada in Ehime Prefecture and the eastern part of Oita with views of the Bungo Channel.googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1499653692894-0'); }); so I want to apply again next year," a 52-year-old male shareholder from Toyonaka This is the second time Honda has offered a sightseeing flight for its shareholders since last year Those who have owned 100 or more shares of the company for at least three years could apply for the program aimed at encouraging long-term share ownership Honda is promoting experience-based shareholder benefits "We want to increase the number of individual investors who will become Honda fans," a Honda official said all of which can accommodate up to eight passengers More than 250 units of the aircraft have been shipped since its first delivery in 2015 In a time of both misinformation and too much information quality journalism is more crucial than ever.By subscribing Your subscription plan doesn't allow commenting. To learn more see our FAQ Sponsored contents planned and edited by JT Media Enterprise Division Showa no Machi is a perfectly recreated Showa-era town that feels like a hidden time capsule After landing at Oita Airport and driving for one hour passing rice paddies and tiny hamlets until the landscape turned urban — green swathes replaced with gray buildings and rows of trees — I was greeted with an unexpected sight “Bungotakada Showa no Machi,” the sign spoke softly faded into hues of dirty white and orange — an unassuming entrance into what would become one of my favorite spots I’d visited that year I was in Bungotakada city in Oita Prefecture for unrelated work reasons I headed out in search of something to eat accompanied by the faint sounds of karaoke that wafted through the streets It was like stepping into a parallel universe I passed numerous fellow night strollers as I wandered the town “Showa no Machi” translates to “Showa Town,” a reference to the Showa era: one of the most recognizable periods of Japanese history covering as it does the 63 years from 1926 to 1989 — a huge period of upheaval in the country and American influence was muscling its way in Western-style clothing was all the rage and yoshoku (Western-style food) boomed in popularity Japan had once again changed: It had globalized and experienced a time of exponential economic growth The conclusion of the Showa era overlaps with what’s known as the bubble economy and it exemplifies a particular aesthetic: opulence and glam made possible by all the extra money floating around Japan at that time The Showa era encompasses a wide range of looks and tastes from the retro-futuristic charm of the 1950s and 60s to the wild maximalism of the 80s; today they’re trying to conjure up a sense of nostalgia usually one associated with the era’s middle years Bungotakada Showa no Machi is 500 meters long each lined with storefronts that burst with the spirit of the 50s and 60s — a time when Bungotakada was still a bustling maritime hub and the shopping street was at its peak as people moved to the suburbs and large retail stores followed them the city gradually fell prey to the effects of depopulation the once-busy area lay quiet and forgotten But the city of Bungotakada was not going down that easily it unveiled an unusual revitalization project designed to breathe life back into its streets While many of the revitalization efforts in Oita emphasize the region’s fascinating Edo-era history — castle towns beautifully preserved ruins — Showa no Machi took a different approach It designated seven stores built in the Showa period as “certified Showa no Machi shops,” recognizing them the essence of Showa is on display in every establishment permeating everything from sample packaging to the replica menu items featured in shop windows and entranceways there’s a dagashiya: a vintage penny-candy shop filled to bursting with a cacophony of old-time sweets you’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere else Kitschy paintings and trick art decorate the ground: Make your way through a diminutive maze and walk among hyper-realistic chess pieces adorning a checkered path Other spots to enjoy include a nostalgia-evoking Showa-era hairdresser’s window a cozy working movie theater housed in a 70-year-old former bakery and a shop serving hand-rolled Bungotakada soba For more information on Showa no Machi and other sightseeing spots in Oita, visit Oita Prefecture’s tourism website Japanese version The Oita District Court sentenced a 23-year-old man to eight years in prison Thursday for causing a fatal crash in the city of Oita in 2021 after the presiding judge overruled the previous negligent driving charge and upgraded it to dangerous driving traveling at 194 kph — over three times the legal speed limit of 60 kph — struck a vehicle turning right at an intersection.googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1499653692894-0'); }); The case had been initially filed as negligent driving resulting in death including a petition by the victim’s family led prosecutors to seek a dangerous driving charge Prosecutors characterized the speed as “extremely reckless” and had sought a 12-year prison sentence They argued that driving at such speeds significantly increased the likelihood of the defendant being unable to brake or steer correctly describing his motivation — reportedly to experience the sound and feel of the engine’s acceleration — as “selfish and egocentric.” They also emphasized the strong desire for accountability expressed by the victim’s family Defense lawyers countered that the defendant had maintained a straight path along the road and contended that the incident did not meet the legal definition of reckless driving resulting in death Sponsored contents planned and edited by JT Media Enterprise Division. NAKATSU, Oita — A memorial service for chickens was held recently in Nakatsu, Oita Prefecture, which promotes itself as the “holy land of fried chicken,” to express gratitude to the animals being consumed.  A group of 16 fried chicken shops in the city holds the ritual annually at the Nakatsu Daijingu shrine. According to the group, there are 42 such shops in the city.  About 20 people, including members of the group, took part in the ceremony on March 6. After around eight kilograms (about 240 pieces) of fried chicken brought by the all 16 member shops was offered to the gods, the priest performed a prayer of thanksgiving. The shop owners offered tamagushi, or branches from a sacred tree, and prayed for the chickens, expressing their gratitude for their daily sacrifice.  The group, called Seichi Nakatsu Karaage no Kai and established in 2010, works to promote the local community. In 2019, it made more than 1,600 kilograms of fried chicken in a single day and was recognized by Guinness World Records for the feat.  “We are all having a hard time due to the rising price of oil and other raw materials,” said Masahiko Inoue, the group’s leader. “But we will do our best to make Nakatsu’s fried chicken more popular.”  USA, Oita — There are about 40,000 Shinto shrines that are called “Hachimansha” or “Hachimangu” in Japan. These are headed by Usa Jingu shrine in Usa, Oita Prefecture, which will celebrate the 1,300th anniversary of its founding this year. By Kenichi Oishi / Yomiuri Shimbun Staff Writer The shrine began the New Year looking fresh. In 2023, renovation work started on the shrine’s Jogu section, which includes the main halls — a national treasure — and the elaborately decorated Chokushimon gate. The work is mostly finished, and a temporary roof protecting the shrine from wind and rain during the work was removed at the end of last year. The renovation work was done by Oyama Shaji Kogyosho, a Fukuoka-based builder well-known for its repairs and maintenance of temples and shrines. The company, which also repaired Usa Jingu’s main halls 10 years ago, changed out the cypress bark on the roofs of the shrine’s two-story Chokushimon gate and the adjacent covered passages, and retouched some of the vermillion paint. The shrine’s Saidaimon gate is also being repaired. “In this milestone year, I hope people will come see this beautiful shrine,” said Masato Oyama, the president of the company. Nowadays, the Kurehashi bridge is open to the public when the envoy visits, and you can walk across the bridge. The envoy is set to pass through this autumn. “I hope people will notice the cypress bark roof, and the beauty of the curvilinear architecture,” said Soryu Yamamoto, a junior priest at the shrine. Making the shrine more accessible to disabled people was a major focus in the latest repairs. In 2022, a graveled road leading to the shrine was partly paved so that wheelchair users may visit the shrine without leaving their seat. “It’s important to create an environment where everyone finds it easy and comfortable to visit the shrine,” said Takayuki Ono, the shrine’s head priest. “There’s always a way to do things that fits with the times.” At Hachimansha shrines, Emperor Ojin is worshipped as Hachiman, or the divinity of lasting luck in war. The origins of Usa Jingu date back to 571, when Hachiman supposedly appeared as a child. The shrine marks 725 as the year of its founding, when Hachiman is said to have been enshrined at the current location. In 769, a revelation from Usa Jingu that said Buddhist priest Dokyo should ascend to the Imperial throne was reported to Empress Shotoku. Dokyo, a man of great power, had found favor with the empress. Wake-no-Kiyomaro, a loyal Imperial retainer, claimed the revelation was a lie, and thereby saved the Imperial line from interruption. This shows just how influential the shrine was. Hachiman was venerated by samurai families, and the deity’s shrines spread all over the country. Among these shrines are such famous examples as the Iwashimizu Hachimangu shrine in Kyoto Prefecture and the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu shrine in Kanagawa Prefecture. During World War II, members of the Imperial Army’s kamikaze squads would visit Usa Jingu to pray for their good fortune in battle. Since the end of war, the shrine has become a tourist spot attracting about 1 million visitors a year. This year will see the broadcast of the anime show “Komekami! Girls,” which takes place in part at the shrine. “We hope to plan some events so that different kinds of people will come here,” said an Usa municipal government official. At Usa Jingu, there is a legend about a massive snake and a grand staircase called the “Hyakudan” (100 stairs). According to the legend, a snake that wanted to live in Hishigata-ike pond in the shrine grounds asked Hachiman to let it live there in return for it building a staircase with 100 steps overnight. The snake built the first 99 steps before dawn, but then Hachiman transformed into a rooster and announced the break of day, so the snake gave up on living in the pond. OITA — A hovercraft tour that takes passengers around Beppu Bay in Oita Prefecture launched on Saturday. The tour’s hovercrafts depart from a terminal in Nishi-Oita. Almost every seat was taken on the first day’s four tours, with enthusiasts from across the prefecture and beyond enjoying the speed of the vessels and the view from them. Oita Daiichi Hoverdrive Co., the company in charge of the tour, operates three amphibious hovercrafts for the tour, each of which has 80 seats. The tour is approximately 16 kilometers long and runs 4 times each on Saturday and Sunday. The company aims in December to establish a new route that would connect Oita City and Oita Airport by a 30-minute trip. A hovercraft service connecting the city and the airport existed in the past but was discontinued due to a decrease in passengers among other reasons. Oita Prefecture decided to reintroduce hovercrafts to improve the transportation system. It covered the costs related to the business, including about ¥11.2 billion to purchase the three hovercrafts and develop the terminal. 16 Feb 2025 05:00:00 GMT?.css-1txiau5-AnswerContainer{color:var(--GlobalColorScheme-Text-secondaryText2);}Oita Trinita won 2–0 over Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo on Sun Predicted lineups are available for the match a few days in advance while the actual lineup will be available about an hour ahead of the match The current head to head record for the teams are Oita Trinita 4 win(s) Have scored 6 goals in their last 5 matches Who won between Oita Trinita and Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo on Sun 16 Feb 2025 05:00:00 GMT?Oita Trinita won 2–0 over Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo on Sun 16 Feb 2025 05:00:00 GMT.InsightsHave scored 6 goals in their last 5 matches Oita Trinita is playing home against Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo on Sun OITA--Archaeologists here unearthed a Christian relic in the grounds of the stronghold of a samurai clan that ruled northern Kyushu for centuries in medieval times It measures 2.5 centimeters in diameter and features the face of Jesus on one side and Mary holding the infant Jesus on the other It was found during the 50th dig at the site where the Otomo clan was based according to the Oita city board of education An official said it marked the second time a Veronica medal had been discovered in Japan The latest discovery was made in a corner of the plot occupied by the Otomo clan which is in the vicinity of a settlement where Chinese and other nationalities were engaged in trade with Portuguese and other merchants The Otomo clan ruled what is now Oita and nearby prefectures in Kyushu The family’s heyday came when Otomo Sorin (1530-1587) took control of the region Sorin was famous for converting to Catholicism and allowing missionary work by Portuguese priests in areas under his rule China and Portugal by setting up a trade center in Oita Archaeologists believe the medal was made when Sorin was in power The first Veronica medal was uncovered 23 years ago near the site Saint Veronica was the woman who presented a piece of cloth to Jesus to wipe sweat and blood from his face on his way to Golgotha for his crucifixion it was said to have been imprinted with the image of his face The relic was found in what used to be the moat which was buried during restoration of the area after it burnt down in the 1586 invasion by the Shimazu clan which ruled present-day Kagoshima Prefecture Monk inserts Buddhist deity into Madonna and Child work JR not on board with preserving historic railway embankment Rugby fields in famed Sugadaira training site now fitted with AEDs signed a comprehensive agreement with Oita Prefecture to launch sightseeing tours by ‘Flying Car’ in Beppu Bay and air taxi services in Beppu City and between Beppu city and Yufuin they plan to offer air taxi services connecting between several tourist destinations in the prefecture between Oita City and Beppu or Yufuin and between Oita Airport and Beppu City or Oita City.  JR Kyushu and SkyDrive signed an agreement for feasible study of a ‘Flying Car’ project in Kyushu in July 2024 They have judged that Oita has a business opportunity of ‘Flying Car’ because the prefecture has a lot of tourism assets and is close to Shikoku or Kansai area OITA — Wild monkeys are warming up in front of heaters at Takasakiyama Natural Zoological Garden in Oita letting visitors enjoy the charming sight of the animals please disable the ad blocking feature and reload the page This website uses cookies to collect information about your visit for purposes such as showing you personalized ads and content By clicking “Accept all,” you will allow the use of these cookies Users accessing this site from EEA countries and UK are unable to view this site without your consent sets up three electric heaters in a corner of the feeding area in late December The sight of monkeys huddling together or grooming each other in front of the heaters to keep warm has been one of the winter features at the zoo for more than 30 years you can see many monkeys huddling together forming a ‘monkey dango ball,’” a specialist at the garden said “I hope people will come and see the animals warming themselves.” Our weekly ePaper presents the most noteworthy recent topics in an exciting