This page is to help give you an idea of the different ways you can get around Oita Prefecture. For more detailed information please check the pages in our regions section. If there is a useful site you use to look up transport, or something you think we have forgotten, please let us know through the contact page.
JET ORIENTATION TRAVEL PRESENTATION
CAR
Ultimately, traveling by car seems to be the most convenient way of travelling, especially if you live further out from Oita City/Beppu, but there are various pros and cons to owning a car. In addition, some BOE's have restrictions on driving, so it is best to discuss getting a car with your supervisor before you go ahead and do it.
Bikes
For those JET's who live close to their schools, and/or in cities with a concentrated city centre a bike can be useful in getting around and potentially cheaper than maintaining a car. When purchasing a bike (whether new or secondhand) make sure you register your ownership, You need to have a light if you intend to ride your bike at night, and it is recommended that you wear a helmet. It is even more strongly recommended that lock your bike when leaving it unintended as bike theft does occur, and has affected JET's in the past.
Train
For those outside the Oita/Beppu City area, it might be easier to use the train system if you don't have a car. You can check stations and times for trains using hyperdia.com or google maps. There are also various high speed trains that connect Oita to other prefectures on Kyushu, creating a convenient way to travel around Kyushu/Oita (though less so than having a car and more expensive than using the bus). JR Kyushu Railways (English)
BUS
The bus system is pretty impressive in the Oita City/Beppu City area, but doesn't connect well outside of it. However, if you do happen to live in the Oita/Beppu City area, you'll be happy to know that it's usually very convenient, relatively well organized, and not too expensive. Buses are also a cheap way to get to other prefectures. Buses in Oita
PLANE
Oita Airport is located in the northern part of Oita, in Kunisaki. There are buses available from the airport that will take you to most major cities in Oita Prefecture. Airport Bus information (English site available)
Depending on where you are going, and where you live in Oita, it can sometimes be cheaper and more convenient to use Fukuoka Airport. Buses to Fukuoka Airport are available from most major cities in Oita.