Enjoy Unforgettable Night Views in Oita Prefecture! 5 Recommended Spots You Should Visit!

What comes to mind when you hear Oita Prefecture? Known as the “Hot Spring Prefecture,” Oita’s most famous tourist destination is Beppu Onsen. But in fact, the Beppu area is also one of the most popular spots in Oita Prefecture for enjoying night views. This time, we’ll introduce night view spots that are also beloved by the locals. We’ve carefully selected five, so please use them as a reference!

1. Jūmonjibaru Observatory

When talking about night view spots in Oita, the Jūmonjibaru Observatory is always mentioned. Jūmonjibaru is a plateau in northern Beppu City with an elevation of about 500 meters. It’s a popular spot to enjoy night views centered around Beppu Bay, and has even been selected as one of the “Top 100 Night Views of Japan” and as a “Japan Night View Heritage” site!
From here, you can enjoy spectacular views of Beppu City, Oita City, and the Kunisaki Peninsula. Since you can also enjoy the night views from inside your car, the area is crowded with visitors from both inside and outside the prefecture on weekends. Being able to view from the car is especially nice on cold days, but there can be long lines, so if you want to secure a good spot, head out early. It’s one of Oita’s most highly regarded night view spots.

2. Global Tower

The Global Tower is a 125-meter-tall symbol tower built in 1995 as part of Beacon Plaza, one of the largest convention centers in western Japan. Designed by world-renowned architect Arata Isozaki, who was born in Oita, the tower features a stylish and innovative design that stands out.
At the 100-meter mark is an open-air observation deck with glass walls on all four sides, giving you a 360-degree panoramic view of Beppu City. While the daytime scenery is also beautiful, the night views are especially popular. The illuminated city and the rising steam from Beppu’s hot springs spread out below, with the twinkling lights along Beppu Bay adding a romantic atmosphere.
It’s about a 15-minute walk from Beppu Station, making access easy. However, please note that during winter, it closes in the evening and you cannot view the night scenery. It is also closed on days with strong rain or wind. This spot, too, has been recognized as a Japan Night View Heritage site.

3. Mount Tsurumi

Located on the eastern side of the popular Aso-Kuju National Park, Mount Tsurumi is another great night view spot. Since you cannot drive all the way to the summit, you’ll need to take the Beppu Ropeway from the 500-meter point up to the top. From the summit, you can see not only Beppu City but, on clear days, as far as the Chugoku and Shikoku regions.
There’s an observation deck on the roof of the ropeway station, but for night views, head about three minutes to the right after exiting the summit station to a different viewpoint—this is the best place for night scenery. Normally, the ropeway closes in the evening, so you cannot view the night scenery. However, from April to October, there are nighttime operations on weekends, so plan your visit during this period if you want to enjoy the night views.

4. Beppu Bay SA

The Beppu Bay Service Area is connected by a promenade called “Time Hills” between the inbound and outbound sides. Along the way, you’ll find the “Bird’s Eye Observation Deck,” from which the night view across Beppu Bay is said to be stunning. It has also been certified as part of the Japan Night View Heritage.
The coastline of Beppu Bay sparkles as it is outlined by city lights. To the southeast, you can see Beppu Tower and the city of Beppu, and beyond that, even the lights of Oita City. Thanks to this reputation for beautiful night views, the area has also been selected as a “Lovers’ Sanctuary,” complete with a cute heart-shaped monument.

5. Yukemuri Observatory

When it comes to Beppu, hot springs are a must. With the largest number and volume of hot springs in Japan, Beppu boasts eight hot spring areas collectively called “Beppu Hattō.” Among them, Kannawa Onsen is said to have the strongest hot spring atmosphere, with its variety of “onsen hells” (jigoku).
From the Yukemuri Observatory, built in 2004, you can enjoy live views of the steam rising from Kannawa Onsen. The observatory also offers views of Mount Tsurumi and Ogiyama. It’s a popular night view spot as well, with the steam itself illuminated on Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, and during special events.
Beppu’s famous rising steam was even ranked second only to Mt. Fuji in NHK’s “Sceneries of Japan We Want to Preserve for the 21st Century.” Being able to enjoy both the illuminated steam and the night scenery here is truly wonderful! It is a well-loved spot officially recognized as part of the Japan Night View Heritage.

◎ Summary

What do you think? As expected, the night views of Beppu Bay are extraordinary. Four out of the five spots introduced here have been recognized as “Japan Night View Heritage” sites, with one of them also selected as one of the “Top 100 Night Views of Japan.” When you visit Beppu, be sure to stop by these spectacular spots.

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Enjoy Unforgettable Night Views in Oita Prefecture! 5 Recommended Spots You Should Visit!