Oita City, Oita Prefecture, where Fujimax is located, has large factories such as steel mills and oil refineries in its coastal areas. Here we introduce a driving route that takes you around the attractive night views of these factories.

Night view of factories in Oita City

We set the start point of our trip at Tanoura Beach, a place of relaxation for Oita Prefecture residents. It takes about 30 minutes to get there by car from Fujimax JDM Car Rental.

The coastline of Oita City offers spectacular views. Oita City also has many delicious foods. For more details, please visit the Oita City Tourism Association website.

Hover Terminal Oita

Oita Prefecture has a regular hovercraft route, which is rare even on a global scale. This route connects Oita City and Oita Airport. The port on the Oita City side is called “Hover Terminal Oita.” Take a ride on the hovercraft, which resumed service in July 2025 after a 15-year hiatus, and come visit Oita City.

Nippon Steel Corporation, Oita Steel Works

Nippon Steel's Oita Works began operations in 1971. Covering a vast area of approximately 7 million square meters, it is Nippon Steel's largest steelworks, equipped with the world's largest twin blast furnaces utilizing the latest technology. The plant handles everything from iron raw materials to product shipment, and serves as a base for exports not only within Japan but also to major cities in Asia.

At this location at the mouth of the Otozu River, you can watch products being shipped from the steel mill. The night view is full of realism, with steam billowing from the smokestacks and the sounds of the factory echoing in the air.

ENEOS Oita Refinery

Oita Prefecture has the only oil refinery in Kyushu. The ENEOS Oita Refinery, which began operations in 1964, can process 136,000 barrels (21.62 million liters) of crude oil into products per day.

Located at the mouth of the Ono River, this place is commonly known as “Ozai Disney” and has become a popular date spot for young people. The name comes from the fact that the oil refinery visible on the opposite bank looks as colorful as Disneyland.