natural wonder
Beppu Hells (Jigoku Meguri)
A collection of spectacular hot spring vents in Beppu producing steaming pools of vivid blue, red, and milky-white water.
8 km · about 15 min drive
AsiaJapanOita
Hiji
Oita, Japan · Asia
About Hiji
Hiji is worth a stop: 20 minutes from Kitsuki, 8km from Beppu Hells (Jigoku Meguri).
Hiji is in Oita, Japan, with about 29,000 people. You drive on the left here. The nearest town is Kitsuki, about 10 km away.
Hiji (日出町, Hiji-machi) is a town located in Hayami District, Ōita Prefecture, Japan. As of 30 November 2023, the town had an estimated population of 28,025 in 12811 households, and a population density of 380 persons per km2. The total area of the town is 73.32 km2 (28.31 sq mi).
Where to Stay in Hiji
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to see near Hiji?
Within an hour or so of Hiji: Beppu Hells (Jigoku Meguri) (8 km), Aonodōmon (36 km), Kurokawa Onsen (49 km), Tsuetate Onsen (51 km).
Are there any good drives near Hiji?
The nearest famous roads are Shikoku Karst.
Where is Hiji?
Hiji is in Oita, Japan, about 10 km from Kitsuki.
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Quick Information
- Population
- 28,524
- Continent
- Asia
- Country
- Japan
- Region
- Oita
- Timezone
- Asia/Tokyo
- Coordinates
- 33.3708, 131.5302
Emergency & Services
Essential numbers in Japan
Japan Helpline (24h English assistance): 0570-000-911. An International Driving Permit (1949 convention) is required to drive.
Full driving guide for JapanTags
Worth the detour from Hiji
5 notable places within an hour's drive.
tunnel
Aonodōmon
A tunnel hand-cut through a cliff on the Yamakuni River, begun by the monk Zenkai in 1735 and reputedly dug over three decades to spare travellers a lethal chain path. Sections of the original chiselled bore survive alongside the road.
36 km · about 40 min drive
landmark
Kurokawa Onsen
A hot-spring village in the Aso highlands that banned neon and concrete facades, so wooden inns and stone-walled riverside baths dominate. A single wooden pass grants entry to three open-air baths of your choice.
49 km · about 55 min drive
landmark
Tsuetate Onsen
A narrow ravine village straddling the Kumamoto–Oita border where steam vents rise between old wooden inns and footbridges. In spring hundreds of carp streamers are strung across the gorge.
51 km · about 60 min drive
waterfall
Nabegataki Falls
A broad, low curtain of water falling from an overhanging ledge, allowing visitors to walk along a path behind the entire span of the fall. A short descent from the car park in northern Kumamoto.
53 km · about 60 min drive
Driving roads near Hiji
- 36 kmAonodōmonA tunnel hand-cut through a cliff on the Yamakuni River, begun by the monk Zenkai in 1735 and reputedly dug over three decades to spare travellers a lethal chain path. Sections of the original chiselled bore survive alongside the road.
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