[Oita, Beppu] Oita Sustainable Gastronomy: From the Hot Spring Town to the Seasonal Flavors of the Sea and Land

"Oita Sustainable Gastronomy" is a concept that protects the unique history and environment of each region, from where ingredients are produced to the dining table, and fosters a sustainable food future. In Beppu and Oita City, the tourism hub of Oita, this new food cycle has begun right next to travelers.

A fishing port's challenge to protect a world-famous brand fish while utilizing troublesome sharks as "sea game." Refreshing kabosu citrus fruits grown surrounded by hot spring steam. And a delicious salad made with organic vegetables grown in clear waters where fireflies dance. We'll take you on a journey of cutting-edge flavors, where the convenience of the city intersects with the wisdom of nature.

1. Saganoseki Fisheries Association (Oita City): The pride of line-and-line fishing and the "seventh fish" born from the changing seas

Hayasui Strait is where the tides of the Seto Inland Sea and the Pacific Ocean collide, creating a whirlpool in the ocean like a washing machine. Only fish caught here and brought to the port alive can be called "Sekiaji" or "Sekisaba."

Eat to Support: Buying food helps support the city's recovery

The port town of Saganoseki suffered extensive damage from a devastating fire that occurred in November 2025. The town is now slowly but surely on the road to recovery, striving to regain its vitality. Tasting and consuming the fish that are the pride of this region will go a long way in supporting the town of Saganoseki and its fishermen. Efforts to utilize sharks, which have been increasing in number in recent years, as "game of the sea" are also part of a bold challenge to protect fishing grounds amid a changing environment.

Process & Passion: The art of buying things face to face without weighing them

Fishermen transport the fish they have caught alive without touching them with their hands, and they do not weigh them at the port to prevent the flesh from breaking. The "face buying" method, in which the value is instantly determined by the fish's appearance, color, and luster, is the ultimate craftsmanship born from the trust between the fisherman's skill and the fishing cooperative's discerning eye.

If you go here you can eat

Amabe no Sato Sekiaji Sekisabakan : This restaurant offers panoramic views of the Bungo Channel and serves up sumptuous dishes including freshly caught whole fish sashimi and ryukyu-don (a local pickled rice bowl).

949 Shiraki, Oita City, Oita Prefecture, 879-2202
Google Maps
TEL: 097-575-2338
Business hours: 10:00-21:00

2. Kabosu Honke (Beppu City): The scent of ripeness that takes root in the town of hot springs

Kabosu is a representative agricultural product of Oita Prefecture. The brand "Beppu Yukemuri Kabosu" cultivated by "Kabosu Honke" based in Beppu City was named after the scenery unique to this town, where steam slowly rises from between the buildings in the hot spring area.

Eat to Support: From waste to valuable product

Representative Hoshino-san is facing the challenge of over-harvesting kabosu, which are yellow and ripe, making them "difficult to handle and distribute." He takes advantage of these "fruits that would otherwise be thrown away" by taking advantage of the "charm of fully ripeness" of kabosu, which has a milder acidity and a deeper fragrance, and processes them into juice, ponzu sauce, syrup, and more. By picking up these fruits, you are supporting farmers and helping to reduce food waste.

Process & Passion: Handiwork and the Future of Farming

At the winter processing plant, freshly picked yellow kabosu are picked up one by one and carefully washed by hand to remove mud and dust. Also, a new challenge is being taken on: shifting cultivation from steep slopes to flat land so that future generations can work safely.

If you go here you can eat

Beppu Bay Service Area : You can purchase products filled with the scent of Beppu, including kabosu juice.

3677-43-2 Kamado, Beppu City, Oita Prefecture, 874-0011
Google Maps
TEL: 0977-27-8116 (Upbound SA)
Business hours: 7:00-20:00

*You can purchase the ticket at Beppu Bay SA, JR Beppu Station, Tokiwa, and other souvenir shops in Beppu.

3. Sato Organic Farm (Usa City/Oita City): Vibrant organic vegetables from the pure waters where fireflies dance

Usa City, Oita Prefecture. In this land where the water is so clear that fireflies dance, Sato Organic Farm has inherited the tradition of "farming that believes in the soil" from its predecessors.

Eat to Support: A farm that nurtures young leaders and diversity

Representative Hirako-san actively welcomes young staff not only from Japan but also from overseas, including Vietnam. By growing a wide variety of vegetables, he has made farming a viable career and is supporting the independence of the younger generation. Eating the vibrant vegetables they grow will support the future of sustainable agriculture.

Process & Passion: Creating fluffy soil with microorganisms

They cherish the traditional technique of "fumikomi ondoko," which utilizes locally available organic matter such as rice bran and shochu lees to warm the seedbeds through the power of fermentation. Vegetables grown without relying on chemical fertilizers and in soil rich in microorganisms have a rich aroma and satisfying taste.

You can eat here

Mame no Rikiya (Oita City) : Items such as the "Perfect Tofu Salad" made with vegetables from the farm are available in store, making it easy to enjoy in the city.

3-3 Shitemachi, Oita City, Oita Prefecture, 870-0030
Google Maps
TEL: 097-594-6500
Business hours: 10:00-19:00
Closed: Open daily (please check)

In the Oita/Beppu area, you can enjoy a journey through cutting-edge flavors, where the wisdom of nature intersects with the city. Other areas in Oita are also continuing to tell fascinating stories of sustainable gastronomy. Be sure to visit each area and enjoy.