Kappabashi Street is a heaven for people looking for traditional Japanese tableware among other unique goods like the sample foods you see outside of restaurants and even all the neat signs and lanterns that hang out front of establishments. There's an abundance of shops and many also have English support to help out any non-Japanese speakers.

Hassan in Roppongi is a sushi restaurant that turns into a sushi making school. After listening to a brief lecture about the history of sushi by one of their expert chefs, the real challenge begins; making sushi. You’re shown how to go about making sushi, and with specific movements demonstrated effortlessly by the chef, you’re on your way. The experience ends when you make some long, smaller rolls as well as hand-formed sushi. Sushi you made is served to you with sukiyaki and miso soup. The cherry on top is getting presented with a certificate of your “Sushi Graduation,” complete with your name and the signature of the chef. It’s a really great souvenir to end the experience.

Yokochos are small shopping areas located in cities throughout Japan, and Tokyo’s Ameya Yokocho is easily one of the best. It is in open air with various merchants hawking their goods. The prices are decent and the offerings varied so you can easily spend the better part of a day here, shopping and taste testing what’s on offer.

Ueno Park stands as one of central Tokyo's largest parks with a great history based around the area it's in. Countless performers and museums are to be found within the park that each add their own touch to the culture of the area. Surrounding the space are various landmarks including the face of a Buddha which fell off its statue during the Kanto earthquake. It's sights like this that make Ueno park fascinating to explore.

Torie in Ueno is a cute, small yakitori restaurant that will probably change the way you think about the food. With various interpretations and guidance on where the food has been sourced and prepared, you'll feel special as each dish is brought out to you.

Situated in a great location just outside of the hustle and bustle of Ueno, the Life Tree Hotel Ueno has spacious rooms, with various facilities. The toilet and shower rooms being separated are nice and help you feel relaxed as you take a bath. The views are also amazing as you can view all of Ueno and it's surroundings from the large windows.

JAL check in and dealing with their staff is always easy as most speak basic English to help you get your bags on the flight without any hassle. During the flight courtesy drinks were offered halfway.

Being greeted at Oita Airport by oversize nigiri sushi rotating along the baggage claim is a novelty I don't think will ever wear off and thus sets the tone for the sense of humour people in Oita have. Just outside the arrivals gate there's also a foot spa where the spring water is brought every morning from Beppu. A really welcome, and wholesome experience.

Usa Jingu is known as the head shrine of all the Hachiman shrines located all over Japan. Nothing makes this ring true as the grand walk up to the main shrine along beautiful bridges and through enourmous gates and well kept shrine grounds. The walking tour provided by one of the monks gave insight into the care and history the place has.

Asagiri no Sho serves a variety of foods unique to Japan itself. One of these dishes, Suppon Ramen is something that is quite special and unique. Serving up different parts of turtle meat in a slightly more gelatinous broth than expected, this ramen is a very unique dish with a taste you've likely never had before.

Over the past few years the Ajimu winery has become a well renown name for its specialty wines such as its sparkling that's available on first class flights around the world. The grounds sit in a large, quiet area that has various different buildings including an underground bunker that is really interesting. It also includes various historical items on display that are attractive for wine fans.

A special onsen where the unique huts block out all light to help grow the salts that are used in their onsens. Being able to look inside two open ones shows the process and they have a tour to give you more information. Available is an open public bath as well as various private baths that are incredibly relaxing.

Located deep in the Bungo-ono area, Lodge Kiyokawa is run by people who are also fantastic cooks and provide excellent hospitality for their accomodation. Located by a small river, the lodging options range from huts that look like space ships to larger wooden multi-person huts that can accomodate entire families. These larger huts also have showers and bathrooms inside that are all very new and well maintainted. The food on offer ranges from barbecue dinners to locally sourced breakfast full of delicious food cooked on site.

A long, winding ride through the mountains ends up at a well maintained shrine that overlooks a large valley which across the way lies a large buddha carved into the stone wall, facing the vast forest ahead. You're able to walk towards it and climb up beside as well.

Also known as Oita's Niagra Falls, this relatively large waterfall is surrounded by three large tori gates that stand proudly above the waterway. A rope bridge connects each side and provides lovely views. A large visitors centre is nearby full of local foods and delicacies including kabosu soft cream.

A small traditional fish restaurant that offers both floor seated and chair seated options. Various dishes are offered with locally sourced produce and are presented well by the in house chef. Service is prompt and there are private dining room options in case that's your style. In the evening they specialise in puffer fish, represented by the cute mascot character drawn on their logo.

Usuki has a long history including visits from Portugeuse settlers and this is well reflected by taking a walking tour through the streets of the city. Churches are mere metres away from shrines and temples and provide a unique atmosphere complete with the smell of sake and some of the most delicious miso soft cream available.

With a history spanning back centuries, these different tiers of buddhas carved into various cliff faces are a wonder to behold. Intricate details are included in each group.　Understandably these are one of the main highlights of Oita and draw countless visitors year in year out to marvel at their workmanship

The farmhouse gives an insight into the farm life in Oita and allows you to sample and experience what it's like to live in countryside Japan. All the food is locally caught / grown, prepared and served with love by the adorable couple who is proud of what they do.

An in depth history into the use of bamboo in making arts and crafts. A lot of information in English makes it very helpful to learn more about the process.

Very unique experience of steaming your own food with the steam from beneath the ground. Sitting with your feet in onsen water too while you eat is very relaxing and satisfying.

The 'Jigoku' draws one of the biggest tourism crowds to Oita and the vastly different 'hells' provide unique sights for everyone. From the large, Sea Hell that is a strong blue, to the Crocodile Hell that is surrounded by the most crocodiles you'll ever see, each has it's own personality and thing to offer.

The bento I chose at Oita Airport was very hearty with many kinds of sushi included. The airport has a very large souvenir shop that also contains a large fresh produce section if you're looking to bring proper food back with you too.

This tour included onsen and many of the other things Oita Prefecture has to offer, highlighting its cultural history and hospitality. More than just hot springs, there's a lot of scenic views and appeals that Japan has to show the world, and they are proudly shown off by its locals who are proud of their prefecture and what it contains.