Ōita Prefecture

is a prefecture in the Kyūshū region of Japan on the island of Kyūshū.Nussbaum, Louis-Frédéric. (2002). "Ōita-ken" in Japan Encyclopedia, p. 742; Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), Oita Prefecture, Regional Information; retrieved 2012-4-6.  The capital city is Ōita.Nussbaum, "Ōita" at p. 742. Ōita is well known in Japan for its many hot springs.

 History 
In the 6th century, one of the regions of Kyushu was divided into  Bungo Province and Buzen Province.

After the Meiji Restoration, districts from Bungo and  Buzen provinces were combined to form Ōita Prefecture.Nussbaum, "Provinces and prefectures" at p. 780.

Timeline
 1184 (Juei 3):  Usa Shrine was destroyed by fire in Gempei War.Oita Municipal Guide Book, History of Ōita ; retrieved 2012-2-9.
 November 19, 1274 (Bun'ei 11, 20th day of the 10th month): Battle of Bun'eiDavis, Paul K. (2001). 100 decisive battles: from ancient times to the present, pp. 145-147; History of Ōita ; the noun "Bun'ei" means the Japanese era name (nengō) for a time period started in February 1264 and ended in April 1275
 August 15, 1281 (Kōan 4, 30th day of the 7th month): Battle of KōanDavis, p. 147; History of Ōita ; the noun "Kōan" means the Japanese era name for a time period which started in February 1278 and ended in April 1288.
 2002 (Heisei 15): FIFA World Cup in Ōita

 Geography 
Ōita Prefecture is on the north-eastern section of the island of Kyūshū.

Ōita is faces the Suo Channel and Honshū Island to the north.  The prefecture looks towards the Iyo Channel and Shikoku Island to the east.  It is bordered by Miyazaki Prefecture to the south. Fukuoka Prefecture and Kumamoto Prefecture are to the west.

Cities
Beppu
Bungo-ōno
Bungotakada
Hita
Kitsuki
Kunisaki
NakatsuŌita (capital)
Saiki
Taketa
Tsukumi
Usa
Usuki
Yufu

Towns and villages
Hayami District:
Hiji
Higashikunisaki District:
Himeshima
Kusu District:
Kokonoe
Kusu

National Parks
National Parks are established in about 28% of the total land area of the prefecture.Japan Ministry of the Environment, "General overview of area figures for Natural Parks by prefecture"; retrieved 2012-3-13.

Shrines and Temples
Sasamuta-jinja, Usa-jinjū and Yusuhara Hachiman-gū are the chief Shinto shrines (ichinomiya) in the prefecture."Nationwide List of Ichinomiya," p. 3 ; retrieved 2012-2-9.

Fukiji Temple has the oldest wooden structure in Kyushu.

The Usuki Buddhas include 60+ cliff carvings from Heian period.

Related pages
 Provinces of Japan
 Prefectures of Japan
 List of regions of Japan
 List of islands of Japan
 Oita Trinita

References

 Other websites 

http://www.pref.oita.jp/english/index.html , 
O-net Magazine 
Oita International Wheelchair Marathon Site