But, situated on the most western of Japan's main four islands, Oita is also an area with an international air.
In the past, it has often been a gateway to the Asian mainland and visitors from farther afield.
At a distance of 600km, South Korea's capital city Seoul is nearer to Oita than the Japanese capital Tokyo, situated some 800km away.
In fact, it has long been an important trading port for Japan with the Ming Dynasty of China and with Portugal for several centuries.