5 Popular Souvenirs in Oita

Every city and town in Japan, big and small, has meibutsu (local specialities) and Oita is no different. Oita is well-known as the onsen (hot springs) capital of Japan with 4500 different hot springs to choose from. There are also delicious foods, such as toriten (chicken tempura) and fugu (pufferfish) that are well worth the trip. Here are five popular souvenirs in Oita that make great gifts to bring back home. 

1. Zabieru 

Photo by: Elizabeth Sok

One of Oita Prefecture’s representative confectioneries, “Zabieru”, is a hybrid Japanese-Western baked sweet featuring a butter-flavoured pastry shell encasing white bean paste (or rum raisin filling). This sweet was created to honor the achievements of Francis Xavier, the Jesuit missionary who visited Bungo (Oita) in 1551.

• Price: ¥745 (6 pieces)
• Website

2. Milch Krapfen (Donuts) 

Photo by: Elizabeth Sok

Yufuin Milch’s Krapfen are baked doughnuts with a fluffy texture. They are made using milk from Yufuin and carefully baked by pastry chefs. As they are not deep-fried, they boast a light mouthfeel and milky sweetness. Alongside the classic plain flavour, the Uji matcha variety is also popular. 

• Price: ¥750 (for 5 donuts)
• Website

3. Usuki Senbei

Photo by: Elizabeth Sok

Usuki Senbei, originating in Usuki City, Oita Prefecture, are traditional wheat-flour crackers. Each cracker is meticulously hand-painted with sweet ginger syrup to create a woodgrain pattern. 

• Price: ¥648 (for 5 pieces)
• Website

4. Luisa 

Photo by: Elizabeth Sok

Luisa, a popular Oita souvenir, is a unique blend of Japanese and Western sweets. The interior of this treat consists of white an (sweetened bean jam) flavored and colored with violet liqueur. It is wrapped in aluminum foil before baking and then encased in a milky and buttery sponge cake. 

• Price: ¥658 (for 6 pieces)
• Website

5. Kicchomaru Senbei 

Photo by: Elizabeth Sok

Kicchomaru rice crackers are crispy, freshly baked rice crackers with a sweet and savoury soy sauce flavour. Oita Prefecture confectionery maker Kikuka makes and sells these deliciously crispy rice crackers. Recognisable by their packaging featuring the famous Oita folk tale character ‘Mr. Kicchomaru’, they come individually wrapped and are popular as gifts and souvenirs. 

• Price: ¥972 (for 10 pieces)
• Website