Exploring Oita, the Onsen Country

Japan is a paradise for remote workers. Recently, I shared my experience on LinkedIn and the response was incredible. In just two weeks, I received almost 140,000 impressions, which has never happened to me before. I also received many comments from people who are interested in doing remote work in Japan, so I would like to share my personal experience with this island nation. To check out my post, click here.

A little bit about myself: I'm Sayaka, a writer for Blackbox based in Berlin, and am originally from Tokyo, Japan. This was my first trip back to Japan since I started living in Berlin in October 2021. I spent two months in Japan, from mid-December to mid-February. My main reasons for going back were to see my family and friends and to escape the dark and grey Berlin winter.

While in Japan I kept up my #remotework lifestyle, traveling to Oita Prefecture on the Southernmost of Japan’s ‘main islands,’ Kyushu. Here are some of my biggest takeaways for those of you considering a visit.

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Take advantage of the weak yen

If you earn euros or dollars and are planning an international trip soon, now is the perfect time to visit Japan. The yen is currently (as of March 2023) very weak, which means traveling around Japan will be much more affordable than you might expect.

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Wintertime in Japan is Great

Winter in Japan is usually mild and sunny, except in the Hokuriku region (Ishikawa, Fukui, Toyama, Niigata), Yamagata, and Akita Prefectures, which face the Japan Sea. Visiting during the winter allows you to avoid the crowds of spring and the hot and humid conditions of summer. Although you won't see the pink sakura, you can definitely enjoy winter food and snow (it depends on where you go though).

A highlight of many people’s trip to Japan is visiting an onsen, the traditional Japanese hot spring baths. Soaking in a hot, outdoor bath while admiring gorgeous nature views is lovely any time of year, but as you can probably imagine they are at their absolute best during the winter!

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Co-working space in Beppu

If you're looking for the ultimate relaxation experience in Japan, look no further than Beppu. This seaside city, located in Oita Prefecture, is known for its many onsen, and is often called the "Onsen Capital of Japan." Everywhere you walk within this peaceful, traditional town is filled with clouds of steam.

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In Beppu, I found a co-working space called “a side” that offers a day pass for only 7.5 euros (1,100 yen) and 75.6 euros (11,000 yen) for monthly use and includes access to an onsen next door. The co-working space is clean and offers tea and water (but not coffee, unfortunately…!). There are, however, plenty of cafes nearby, which makes it great to go for a walk after lunch and get some fresh coffee.

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I learned while writing this article that this co-working space and its surrounding area are promoting "Yu-Working" (Yu = hot spring). There are also many onsen in the area that can be accessed for only 1-2 euros, making it the perfect place to unwind after a day of work. There is also a great article about the cost of living in Beppu by Asia Pacific University and the website called wagaya Japan looks helpful for people looking for a place to stay in Japan.

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Weekend travel

One of the great things about remote work in Japan is the opportunity to explore the country on weekends. Apparently, there are more than 5,000 hot springs in Oita alone, so you can never get bored of trying different types. ‘Nagayu onsen,’ for example, is famous for its bubble spa because of the CO2 generated by the springs. One of the hot springs I liked is called "Ramune Onsen" (ramune is a traditional soft drink).

Although it takes an hour to drive there from Beppu or Oita City, it is definitely worth the trip. The temperature of the famous bubbling spa is only 32 degrees, so it might be a bit chilly in the winter. However, there is also a sauna and another onsen that is over 40 degrees, which can help balance things out.

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With affordable co-working spaces, an excellent public transportation system, and a unique culture, Japan is an ideal destination for remote workers seeking a new experience. Whether you want to escape the cold winter months where you're based (like me) or simply explore a new part of the world, Japan is definitely worth considering.

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Post Script:

I also traveled to Ishikawa Prefecture in the Hokuriku region. Despite heavy snowfall, the scenery was absolutely beautiful and the seafood there was amazing. I highly recommend visiting. Perhaps I’ll write about it — and other places — in a follow-up article!