Explore Kyushu: Oita’s Specialty Shopping Streets & Japan’s Summer Sales “Up to 70% Off”

▲ Bustling Oita shopping streets. (Photo / Reporter Wang Zhikai)

Reporter Wang Zhikai / Reporting

Oita Prefecture in Japan is a renowned hot spring destination, boasting the highest volume of hot spring water in the country, with the “Beppu Hatto” springs being especially famous. But when visiting Oita in summer, aside from sightseeing and sampling local cuisine, don’t miss out on exclusive summer shopping festival deals available only to foreign tourists—perfect for soaking in the charm of Kyushu.

Oita Prefecture is located in the northeastern part of Kyushu. Oita City is about a two-hour drive from Fukuoka Airport and is easily accessible by JR or bus. The main shopping streets in Oita City are concentrated in front of JR Oita Station. As you exit the station’s north gate, you’ll immediately see the brick-red Oita Station building, exuding a subtle vintage charm that’s truly distinctive.

The road directly in front of the north exit is “Chuo Dori.” Walking straight along Chuo Dori for about 10 minutes, you’ll find the dark red “TOKIWA” department store on your right. It offers everything from fashion, electronics, cosmetics, and books to premium goods. Its basement also features a special section dedicated to Oita Prefecture’s agricultural and specialty products, as well as local snacks and souvenirs—perfect for picking up unique gifts.

▲ Shops displaying a red sticker at their entrance are tax refund partner stores. (Photo / Reporter Wang Zhikai)

▲ The agricultural and specialty product section in the basement of TOKIWA Department Store. (Photo / Reporter Wang Zhikai)

Additionally, next to the first-floor entrance of “TOKIWA,” there is an information counter where tourists can handle tax refund procedures. As long as you shop at any of the 33 participating stores in the nearby shopping streets and spend a cumulative total of 5,000 yen, you’re eligible for an 8% consumption tax refund. Tourists can do all their souvenir shopping in the shopping streets and process their refunds in one go, which is very convenient. Detailed information on all 33 participating stores is available at the information desk—just look for the tax-free signs at store entrances to enjoy the benefits.

▲ TOKIWA’s first floor has an information counter where travelers can process tax refunds and pick up info on participating shops. (Photo / Reporter Wang Zhikai)

Exiting “TOKIWA” Department Store, on your right is the “Iwate Bank Akarenga Kan,” a building with Meiji-era architectural style. Continuing to the right will take you to the horizontally laid-out “Fuenai Go-ban-gai,” a street filled with Western flair. However, if you walk further in and look to your left, you’ll find an unassuming craft shop called “Mingei no Mise Bungo,” which is filled with various traditional handicrafts. The highlight here is the representative Oita pottery known as “Kokutoyaki.” It's a great spot for those who love Japanese-style goods to go treasure hunting.

▲ A craft shop on Fuenai Go-ban-gai selling local specialty items. (Photo / Reporter Wang Zhikai)

While strolling along “Fuenai Go-ban-gai,” you can also visit “Barae Tea Wakatake-en” for a refreshing drink and some light sweets. The first floor sells tea leaves sourced from various regions across Kyushu, along with teas and desserts. The second floor is an exhibition space centered around Japanese tea culture, featuring a traditional tea room that’s definitely worth a visit.

▲ Kyushu-produced green tea and delicious tea-time treats. (Photo / Reporter Wang Zhikai)

Across from “TOKIWA” Department Store is the bustling Chuo-machi Shopping Street. You can easily cross the street via an underground passage. Here, you’ll find clothing stores, specialty shops, ramen joints, small eateries, and even fresh produce. The shopping street’s arcade-style covered design is a hallmark of Japanese shopping streets, ensuring you stay protected from sun and rain. Notably, Oita is rich in cedar wood, and many shops along the street feature wooden façades—an exquisite touch.

▲ A view of Fuenai Go-ban-gai, showcasing the diverse character of shopping streets. (Photo / Reporter Wang Zhikai)

▲ The shopping street has everything you need for fun, food, and shopping. (Photo / Reporter Wang Zhikai)

Aside from hot springs, Kyushu is also famous for its agricultural products. Inside Chuo-machi Shopping Street, “Bungo Ono Bureau Daichi no Monogatari” sells a variety of farm products and processed goods from Bungo-Ono City in southern Oita Prefecture, all sourced directly from local producers.

▲ Agricultural processed goods from Bungo-Ono City can also be found in the shopping street. (Photo / Reporter Wang Zhikai)

Beyond shopping, Oita Prefecture also boasts a unique attraction—the “Oita Prefectural Art Museum” (OPAM), which is about a 15-minute walk from the station and offers travelers a relaxing place to unwind. The Oita Prefectural Art Museum was newly completed in April 2015. With its large glass curtain walls providing natural lighting, the exterior has a modern feel while also incorporating local cedar wood and bamboo weaving crafts to create a traditional aesthetic—making it a “museum of the five senses.”

The Oita Prefectural Art Museum includes free open spaces, paid exhibition areas, a reading room, and a café for visitors to relax. The museum is open year-round, from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with extended hours until 8:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. Admission to the permanent exhibitions is 300 yen per person, while special exhibitions have separate fees.

▲ The Oita Prefectural Art Museum is not far from the shopping streets, located in the city center, making it perfect for a stroll and explore. (Photo / Reporter Wang Zhikai)

Japan Shopping Festival:

The Japan Shopping Festival, organized by the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) and the Japan Shopping Tourism Organization (JSTO), takes place twice a year—during summer from July to August and winter from December to February. It’s a shopping extravaganza exclusively for foreign tourists. During the festival, participating stores offer discounts of up to 70% off (exact promotions vary by store), and shoppers spending 5,000 yen or more are eligible for tax refunds. You can also register online for prize draws. For details, seeJapan Shopping Festivalthe official website.

TOKIWA Department Store Oita Main Store:
Address: 2-1-4 Fuencho, Oita City
Business Hours: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Mingei no Mise Bungo:
Address: 3-7-29, Fuchinomachi, Oita City
Business hours: 10:00–18:00 (irregular holidays)

Baraé Tea Wakatakeyuan:
Address: 2-4-5, Fuchinomachi, Oita City
Business hours: 09:00–19:00

Bungo Ono Bureau Daichi no Monogatari:
Address: 3-6-12, Chuocho, Oita City
Business hours: 10:00–17:00