HITA, Oita Prefecture--On a recent day, an "alien" with large black eyes showed up at an onsen ryokan here. Welcomed by the proprietress of the inn, the guest, who identified himself as a ...

Oita Prefecture was known since ancient times as the "Land of Plenty." But why? English cyclist James Hobbs looks for answers on a 3-day, 350-km ride through this southern region. His interest ...

Oita Prefecture in southwestern Japan, host to a Sanrio character theme park, plans to temporarily pitch its airport as "Hello Kitty Airport" in hopes of luring tourists visiting the country for the ...

KITA-KYUSHU--Kyushu Railway Co. (JR Kyushu) rolled out its new luxurious sightseeing train Kanpachi-Ichiroku that is taking passengers in comfort between Fukuoka and Oita prefectures. The ...

TOKYO (Bernama-Kyodo): Oita Prefecture in southwestern Japan plans to temporarily rebrand its airport as "Oita Hello Kitty Airport” in a bid to attract tourists travelling to Japan for the ...