Things To Do
in Hiji

Hiji is a quiet coastal town in Oita Prefecture along Beppu Bay, blending fishing heritage with tranquil rural scenery. It offers scenic shoreline promenades, seafood-focused dining, and easy day trips to nearby onsen towns. The town has a compact, walkable center and a welcoming, unhurried pace.

Visitors can enjoy coastal walks, fresh seafood, and a gentle gateway to Beppu and the wider Kyushu region.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Explore Hiji Village
morning
:

Start your adventure in Hiji Village with a leisurely stroll through its picturesque streets. This quaint town is known for its preserved historical buildings and beautiful scenery. Visit the local artisans and enjoy a traditional Okinawan breakfast at a local café.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the culture by visiting the Hiji Historical Museum, where you can learn about the area's rich history and heritage. Take a short hike to the nearby Hiji Falls for a refreshing experience and stunning nature. Don’t forget to pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in the serene surroundings.

evening
:

As the sun sets, enjoy a tranquil dinner at a local izakaya, sampling regional dishes made from fresh ingredients. After dinner, take a peaceful walk along the seaside promenade as the stars start to twinkle. Wrap up your day by sipping on some traditional Okinawan awamori at a local bar.

day 2
Discover the Nature Trails
morning
:

Begin your day early with a guided hiking tour to explore the lush nature trails surrounding Hiji. The cool morning air and chirping birds create a serene atmosphere, perfect for a tranquil hike. Stop at scenic viewpoints to capture breathtaking vistas of the surrounding landscape.

afternoon
:

After your hike, enjoy a hearty lunch at a local eatery that specializes in farm-to-table dishes. Spend the afternoon relaxing at Hiji Falls, where you can go for a swim or bask in the sun by the water’s edge. Engage with the locals, who often share stories of the area’s history and natural beauty.

evening
:

As evening approaches, find a cozy spot to watch the sunset over the mountains. Dine at a traditional Okinawan restaurant, enjoying dishes like goya champloo or Okinawa soba. End the night at a local lounge, where you can mingle with residents and soak in the island's vibrant nighttime atmosphere.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$8-12
🥗Lunch or casual cafe$6-12
🛏️Mid-range hotel per night$60-120
🚆Public transport one-way ticket$1.5-3
🧺Groceries for a week$40-70

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Peaceful coastal town with easy access to Beppu and Oita
  • Fresh seafood and scenic coastline
  • Compact and walkable town center
  • Strong sense of local culture and slower pace
  • Good base for day trips to hot springs
  • Limited nightlife and nightlife options within town
  • Smaller selection of international cuisines
  • Some areas can be quiet at night; transportation is helpful for longer trips
  • "こんにちは" - Hello
  • "ありがとうございます" - Thank you
  • "すみません" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
  • "英語を話せますか?" - Do you speak English?
  • "いくらですか?" - How much is this?
  • "トイレはどこですか?" - Where is the restroom?
  • "お願いします" - Please
  • "はい/いいえ" - Yes / No

Places to Visit in Hiji

Visit one of these nice places.

Hiji Port Sunrise

Golden light over fishing boats and calm waters; best in the early pre-dawn hours.

Beppu Bay Coastline Lookout

Expansive sea views along a long coastline with dramatic skies—great for wide-angle shots.

Rural Coastline Torii Gate

A traditional torii near the coast, offering a striking contrast of wood against sea and sky.

Hiji River Riverside Walk

Quiet mornings yield reflections of trees and reeds with soft light on the water.

Cape Beppu Cliffs

Rugged sea cliffs and panoramic horizons provide dramatic landscape photography opportunities.

Culinary Guide

Food in Hiji

Hiji sits in a region famous for fresh seafood and citrus fruit. Expect simple, seasonal meals that highlight the ocean, with many options at waterfront restaurants and small eateries in the town center.

Hiji Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Toriten

Beppu-style chicken tempura—crisp, light, and commonly served with rice and dipping sauce.

Must-Try!

Seafood donburi

Rice topped with a selection of fresh local fish and shellfish, often available at harbor-scale eateries.

Citrus sweets

Desserts and beverages featuring local yuzu and mikan flavors, perfect for a refreshing break.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Hiji Port Market stalls

Seasonal seafood bites and small eats along the waterfront, especially on market days or festival weekends.

Coastal festival stalls

Temporary stalls offering quick bites and local favorites during local events and celebrations.

Climate Guide

Weather

Hiji experiences a temperate coastal climate with hot, humid summers and milder winters. Typhoon activity is most common from late summer to early autumn. Spring and autumn are comfortable for outdoor activities and photography.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Etiquette Rule

Be punctual and polite; remove shoes when entering homes or traditional spaces; bow slightly as a sign of respect; speak softly in public places; handle money and goods with both hands when appropriate.

Safety Guide

Safety

Japan is overall very safe. Exercise typical travel precautions: monitor weather during typhoon season, be mindful of driving or walking along coastal roads, and keep emergency numbers handy. Healthcare is accessible in Beppu and Oita City, with local clinics in Hiji.

Tipping in Hiji

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is not customary in Japan; good service is included in prices. If you wish, a small tip in a polite gesture is acceptable in some tourist areas, but not expected.

Payment Methods

Cash remains widely used, especially in small shops and markets. Credit cards are increasingly accepted in larger establishments and hotels. IC cards (e.g., Suica) are common for transit; ATMs at convenience stores and post offices usually support international cards.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Hot and humid with occasional rain; typhoon risk in late summer. Light clothing, sun protection, and rain gear recommended.

Autumn

Pleasant temperatures and lower humidity; ideal for outdoor activities and photography.

Winter

Cool to mild with rare frost; windy coastal conditions can be brisk. Layered clothing is advised.

Spring

Mild and comfortable; cherry blossoms and fresh greenery create scenic backdrops.

Nightlife Guide

Hiji at Night

Hiji offers a quiet nightlife with cozy seaside izakayas and small cafés. For more options, a short drive to Beppu or Oita City provides larger bars, late-night dining, and karaoke venues.

Hiking in Hiji

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Coastal Trail near Hiji Port

Gentle coastal path with sea views, ideal for easy hikes and photo opportunities.

Beppu Hills and Rural Trails

Hiking options in nearby hills with forested paths and viewpoints; reachable by car or bus from Hiji.

Airports

How to reach Hiji by plane.

Oita Airport (OIT)

Located about an hour away by car or bus; provides domestic flights and some international connections.

Fukuoka Airport (FUK)

Major international hub in Fukuoka; well connected by rail to Beppu and Oita areas.

Kitakyushu Airport (KKJ)

Smaller regional airport accessible by road and rail from Beppu/Oita region.

Getting Around

Walkability

Hiji is a compact coastal town with a walkable town center and harbor. Most attractions, cafes, and markets are within a short stroll, but some scenic viewpoints are best reached by a short car ride or bike. For broader exploration, Beppu or Oita City can be reached by train or bus in under an hour.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

Local families with multi-generational households; community activities are common.

Elderly residents

Aging population active in community life and local events.

Fishermen and harbor workers

Coastal economy supports a small community of fishermen and dock workers.

Students and commuters

Residents who travel to Beppu or Oita City for study or work.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Baseball

A popular school and community sport across Kyushu, with local games and tournaments.

Soccer

Common in schools and clubs; matches often held on weekends in nearby towns.

Traditional martial arts

Practice and events held in local dojos and community centers.

Transportation

Traffic

Beppu Bay area traffic is typically light; town streets in Hiji are calm. Public transit includes trains and buses connecting to Beppu and Oita. Parking is usually available in town centers, with busier periods near Beppu’s hot springs and coastal attractions.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Hiji.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Choose vegetable tempura, tofu dishes, and rice bowls; communicate clearly about dashi-containing broths.

Gluten-free

Ask about soy sauce and batter ingredients; many places can accommodate with grilled fish, rice, and vegetables.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic healthcare is available in Hiji through local clinics. For more extensive care, Beppu and Oita City host hospitals and specialty clinics. Japan's national health insurance system supports residents and visitors; keep travel insurance for peace of mind. In emergencies, call 119 for ambulance and 110 for police.

Discover Japan

Read more in our Japan 2025 Travel Guide.

Japan Travel Guide