New CM 'Summer in Oita: Cool Stories' Released to Showcase Oita's Summer Appeal

Oita Prefecture has released a new CM titled 'Summer in Oita: Cool Stories' starting from June 2026 on TV and the web. This CM introduces the cool spots in 'Kyushu's summer retreat, Oita' as 'Cool Stories,' featuring natural walks and outdoor experiences from the Kuju region of Aso-Kuju National Park to the UNESCO Eco Park of Oba, Kake, and Okuwa. It also introduces sweets and other summer-only cool experiences in Oita. Please take a look. (Planning and production: Oita Prefecture Nature Conservation Promotion Division)

▼Viewing URL is here / 'Oita, the Onsen Prefecture Official YouTube'

[90-second version]: https://youtu.be/M5yI3Qy4AGY

[15-second version]: https://youtu.be/DGaMKW4BWb4

Oita Prefecture has not only well-known hot spring resorts like Beppu and Yufuin but also many 'natural air conditioners' such as gorges, wetlands, highlands, and waterfalls where you can comfortably spend your summer. Why not go on a trip this summer to enjoy the cool nature and special experiences that can only be found in 'Kyushu's summer retreat, Oita'?

Unique Gorges and Water Activities

①Takiri Gorge (Usa City)

Takiri Gorge is a gorge where clear water flows over a large single rock slab created by Yamagawa lava. It continues for about 2 km to the end of the gorge, where there is a 27m high waterfall called Ootobi no Taki, making it a rare water flow promenade in Japan. The adjacent campsite was renovated in 2019 and wind chimes and windmills were installed in 2023, making it a spot where you can feel the summer even more.

Location

1731 Oaza Teibetsu, Saiki-cho, Usa City, Oita Prefecture

Access

About 30 minutes by car from Saiki IC / About 30 minutes by car from Kuju IC (Parking fee: Free)

Business Days

[July and August] Weekdays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays / [May, June, September, October] Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays only

*Note: Accommodation Facilities

Fees

Junior High School Students and Above: 200 yen / Elementary School Students: 100 yen / Children Under Elementary School Age: Free

*Note: Charges apply on all days in July and August, and on Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays in September only

Contact Information

Takiri Gorge Management Building: 0978-42-6326 (May to October)

Usa City Hall Saiki Branch Office Industrial and Construction Division Industrial Promotion Section: 0978-42-5111

②Yamakawa Aquapark (Natsu City)

Yamakawa Aquapark is Japan's first public water skiing facility using Yamakawa Dam Lake, where you can experience water skiing, wakeboarding, wake surfing, SUP, and canoeing. It's perfect for summer 'water play' as beginners can also challenge themselves with ease under the guidance of instructors.

Location

2704 Yamakawa-cho Oaza Yamamori, Natsu City, Oita Prefecture

Access

About 25 minutes by car from Natsu IC

Business Hours

9:00 AM to 5:00 PM / [July and August] 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM

*Note: Closed every Wednesday, December 29 to January 3

*Note: May be closed for private events.

Fees

SUP and Canoe (200 yen to 400 yen) / Banana Boat (1,200 yen per 10 minutes) / Water Skiing and Wakeboarding (1,750 yen to 3,500 yen), etc.

Contact Information

Yamakawa Aquapark: 0979-54-3000

Natsu City Yamakawa Regional Promotion Division: 0979-54-3111

Cool Off in the Sky: Refreshing Highways and Night Mountains

③Yamanami Highway & Tadehara Wetland (Kujyu Town)

The Yamanami Highway is a scenic drive connecting Aso and Yufuin/Beppu, offering panoramic views of the Kuju mountain range and vast grasslands as you drive through a highland area with an altitude of 1,000m. Along the way, you can enjoy the cool breeze of summer as you walk along the well-maintained boardwalk through the lush green grasslands and highlands of the Ramsar Convention registered wetland, Tadehara Wetland. After refreshing with a nature walk, it's recommended to take a break with rich soft-serve ice cream from the nearby farms. This is a popular spot in summer where you can enjoy scenic drives, great nature, and highland cuisine all at once.

Location

255-33 Tano, Kujyu Town, Kujyu District, Oita Prefecture (Tangohara Visitor Center)

Access

About 30 minutes by car from Kujyu IC / About 30 minutes by car from Yufuin IC

Business Hours

Free walking (Available all day)

Fees

Free

Contact Information

Yamanami Highway: 0973-73-5505 (Kujyu Town Tourism Association)

Tadehara Wetland: 0973-79-2154 (Tangohara Visitor Center)

④Beppu Ropeway & Tsurumi Mountain (Beppu City)

The Beppu Ropeway connects Beppu Highland Station, located at an altitude of 500m, to the vicinity of the summit of Tsurumi Mountain in about 10 minutes. It is the largest ropeway in Kyushu, accommodating 101 people. You can enjoy a stroll in the sky while overlooking the cityscape and Beppu Bay below. Additionally, during the summer, special nighttime operations are held, allowing you to experience a unique time different from daytime. Beyond that lies Tsurumi Mountain, a scenic spot in Beppu with an altitude of 1,375m. From the mountain top, you can overlook Beppu Bay and the cityscape in a refreshing climate with an average temperature of around 25-27°C even in the summer. At night, you can also enjoy the '10 million dollar night view.' The ropeway allows easy access, making it a recommended spot to enjoy both coolness and stunning views on a summer night.

Location

10-7 Kanbara, Minamitate, Beppu City, Oita Prefecture

Access

About 5 minutes by car from Beppu IC / About 20 minutes by car from JR Beppu Station

Business Hours

[Summer Season (March 15 to November 14)] 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM (Last Up 5:00 PM) / [Winter Season (November 15 to March 14)] 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Last Up 4:30 PM)

[Night Operations (May 2 to 5, July 18, 19, 25, August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, September 19 to 22, October 10, 11)]

*Note: Last departure time: Up 8:00 PM, Down 8:30 PM

Fees

Seniors (70 and over) 1,700 yen / Adults (Junior High School and above) 1,800 yen / Children (4 years old to Elementary School) 900 yen

*Note: Round-trip fare

Contact Information

Beppu Ropeway: 0977-22-2278

Ultimate Hot and Cold Bathing: Enjoying Summer Sauna with 'Cold Hot Springs'

⑤Kanno Jigoku Hot Spring (Kujyu Town)

Kanno Jigoku Hot Spring is a famous hot spring in Kujyu Town that has been around since the Edo period, known for its rare cold mineral spring with a temperature of about 13-14°C. Its coolness is also called a 'natural water bath,' making it perfect for a refreshing cool experience in the summer. The famous 'aburikomi' involves alternating between the cold mineral spring and a heated room, allowing you to cool down comfortably, which is why it is also popular among sauna enthusiasts.

Location

257 Tano, Kujyu Town, Kujyu District, Oita Prefecture

Access

About 20 minutes by car from Kujyu IC / About 25 minutes by car from JR Bungo-Nakamura Station

Business Hours

[Large Bath] 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM / [Cold Spring and Sauna] 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Closed Days

Wednesdays (Large Bath is closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays) *Other irregular closures

Fees

[Large Bath] Adults 700 yen / Children 500 yen

[Cold Spring and Sauna (120 minutes)] Adults 2,500 yen / Junior High School Students 1,000 yen / Children 500 yen

Contact Information

Kanno Jigoku Ryokan: 0973-79-2124

⑥Ryumon Falls (Kujyu Town)

Ryumon Falls is one of the famous waterfalls in Kyushu, located in the upper reaches of the Matsuki River, with a height of 26m and a width of 40m. It is a two-tiered waterfall with a plunge pool in the middle, known for its powerful water flow and impressive scenery. The area around the waterfall is surrounded by a cool atmosphere, and the sound and splashes of the water help you forget the summer heat, creating a comfortable space. It's a spot where you can fully enjoy the natural coolness and refreshing sensation, perfect for summer.