Prefecture flag
Main City: Oita
Population: 1,167,000 people, ranking 33/47 prefecture (2015) [1]
Area: 6,339 km2 [2]
Geographical / Landscape description
Oita Prefecture is on the north-eastern section of the island of Kyushu. With many mountains, 70% of Oita is covered by forests, and the rivers and streams that flow from the mountain ranges give the prefecture rich water sources. Thanks to the Kirishima Range, a volcanic belt that runs vertically through the prefecture, Oita is the prefecture with the largest number of hot springs in the whole country (4538). [2]
Climate
With a mild overall climate, the prefecture registers very little snowfall except in the mountainous areas. [2]
Recent history, culture
Oita inhabitants have been close to hot springs from ancient time. The oldest report about local hot and mineral springs is the Bungo Fudoki (Oita Regional Topography) which was edited during the Nara Era (710-794). It is no surprise then that even today the culture of relaxing in a volcanic spring is one of the most praised activities for both locals and visitors. [2]
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