The stadium in Oita. (Allsport)

As its ancient name, "Toyo-no-kuni" (Land of Abundance) suggests, Oita Prefecture in northeasten Kyushu exudes its own affluence.

First and foremost, it is nature-blessed. Oita Prefecture contains two national parks and three quasi-national parks. Together they create a world of extraordinary beauty.

Not only that, an abundance of fresh seafood is caught in the area, while the adjacent mountains and fields produce a variety of superb agricultural products aplenty.

There are famous hot springs at Beppu, one of the world's greatest hot spring resort cities.

Oita's own history and culture are rich and varied to the extent that it truly deserves to be known as the "Land of Abundance. "

Accommodation

Accommodations are plentiful in the city of Oita, from quality western-style hotels to reasonably priced hotels. Enjoy the hot springs at the world famous resort, Beppu Spa, or stay at a Japanese-style inn, or ryokan, to savor the quiet atmosphere at Yufuin.

Places of Interest:

Usa Hachimangu: An ancient shrine which is revered nationwide together with other time-honored temples and stone Buddhist images.

Usuki Stone Buddhas: The group of Buddhas are erected in the southwest suburb of Usuki. Take your time and appreciate the stone Buddhas which are still beautiful after the years since the Heian Period.

Furen Stalactite Grotto: Head for Yufuin Spa which commands a view of Mt. Yufu.

Local Delicacies:

Soba-jochu (brewed white liquor: Soba, or buckwheat, is one of the most common grains eaten in Japan. Being a great soba-producing region, Oita is the home of Soba-jochu, a fragrant liquor with a high alcohol content which is brewed from soba.

Fugu: Fugu, or blowfish, is highly prized in general, but tora-fugu is the most precious of all types of blowfish. It is a delicacy which may be eaten as sashimi (sliced raw fish), or nabe-ryori (cooked in pot on the table), or deep fried, and is the most delicious of fish.

Shiitake: Shiitake is a large Japanese mushroom. Broiled or grilled, shiitake is not only delicious, but also very healthy.

Suppon (terrapin): Suppon, or terrapin (soft-shelled turtle), has long been valued as a nutritious tonic food and turtle farming has flourished in Oita. The meat is soft and tasty, so it is well suited for cooking in a hotpot (nabe) on the table.

Tori-ten: Chicken tempura (deep fried chicken) is a very popular family dish in Oita. Try eating it with vinegar, soy sauce and Japanese mustard, just as the locals do.

Zabon: A large citrus fruit. Only the peel is used, either candied or made into a flavoring ingredient for sweets.

Blood-Pond Hell in Beppu-City: One of the oldest hot springs in Japan. Oxide of iron in the clay makes the blood-red color. A salve for skin diseases is produced from this hot clay.

Yuhu-dake Mountains: Oita Prefecture is rich in the beauties of nature,mountains and hills.

Sekizaki-Lighthouse: This lighthouse was built in 1901. You can see a full view of the Peninsula, wide blue ocean and mountains on the platform.

Where To Eat:

Oita is full of diverse restaurants ranging from the traditional local fayre to european menus.

To the World Cup stadium :

From Oita Airport take Hovercraft to Oita City (Nishi-Shinchi). 15 min by bus to JR Oita Station. It is then a further 30 minutes bus ride to the Oita Stadium.