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Usuki (臼杵) is a former castle town located on the east coast of Oita Prefecture in Kyushu. It is famous for its numerous stone Buddhas which are sculpted into the walls of cliffs and designated as national treasures. In Japan, Buddha statues are usually made of wood or metal, and stone Buddhas are rare.
- Get There & Around
How to get to Usuki. Usuki and Kami-Usuki are stations along...
- Usuki Samurai District
Usuki 's samurai district is located at its city center, and...
- Get There & Around
A castle town with the largest collection of stone Buddhas in Japan. Once a prosperous castle town in the 16th century, Usuki offers many traces of its prosperous history, as well as scenic and religious sites.
- Usuki-shi, Oita-ken
Usuki is located in east-central Ōita Prefecture, bordered by the prefectural capital at Ōita City to the north. The eastern part faces the Bungo Channel and stretches along Usuki Bay, surrounded by the Saganoseki Peninsula to the north and the Nagame Peninsula to the south.
- Introduction to Usuki: A Former Castle Town with Unique Stone Buddhas
- Top Attractions in Usuki: from Ancient Sculptures to Samurai Districts
- Navigating Usuki: Transportation and Getting Around
- Usuki's Cultural Heritage: Understanding The Significance of Stone Buddhas
- Experiencing Usuki's Old Town Atmosphere: Walking Tours and Historic Sites
- Planning Your Visit: Best Times to Go and Practical Tips
- Beyond The Stone Buddhas: Other Unique Experiences in Usuki
Usuki's history dates back to 1556 when the warlord Otomo Sorin built Usuki Castle on a small island for its strategic defensive position. The city flourished as a center of trade and Western culture during the 16th century. Today, Usuki is most famous for its collection of stone Buddha carvings, known as the Usuki Stone Buddhas, which are designat...
The Usuki Stone Buddhas are undoubtedly the city's main attraction. Carved between the late Heian (794-1185) and Kamakura (1185-1333) periods, these magnificent sculptures consist of over 60 Buddha figures divided into four clusters. Visitors can explore the site via an easy 30-minute walking trail, marveling at the intricate details and serene exp...
Usuki is easily accessible by train, located on the JR Nippo Main Line. From Oita Station, it's about a 35-minute ride by limited express train. For those coming from Tokyo or other major cities, you can take the Shinkansento Kokura or Oita and then transfer to a local train. Once in Usuki, most attractions in the city center are within walking dis...
The Usuki Stone Buddhas are not just a tourist attraction; they're a significant part of Japan's cultural and religious heritage. Carved out of soft volcanic rock from nearby Mount Aso, these statues have survived for nearly a millennium, withstanding the elements and the passage of time. The sculptures showcase various Buddhist deities, including ...
One of the best ways to experience Usuki's charm is through a leisurely walk through its historic districts. The Nioza Historical District is particularly noteworthy, with its stone-paved streets and traditional architecture creating an atmosphere that transports visitors back to the Edo Period. Start your walk at the Haccho Oji Shopping Street, wh...
Usuki can be visited year-round, but each season offers its own unique charm. Spring (March to May) is popular for cherry blossom viewing, particularly at the Usuki Castle Ruins Cherry Blossom Festival. Summer (June to August) brings vibrant festivals, including the lively Usuki Gion Festival in July. Autumn (September to November) is ideal for enj...
While the Stone Buddhas are Usuki's main draw, the city offers many other unique experiences. Food lovers should explore Usuki's culinary scene, which includes local specialties like fugu and kabosu citrus. The city is also known for its soy sauce and miso production, reflecting its rich culinary heritage. Artisan crafts are another highlight of Us...
Usuki 's samurai district is located at its city center, and parts of it retain the flavor of an old castle town with their stone paved alleys lined by pre-modern looking houses. The main attraction is the Nioza Historical Road, a 200 meter photogenic narrow alley which runs along temples and residences built in Edo Period style architecture, ...
Dec 16, 2014 · Southeast of Beppu, stroll through the village of Usuki, famous for its stone Buddhas of the Kamakura era. A few steps from the train station, the ruins of the castle of Usuki and its old neighborhood of samurai residences (bushiki) in the center of the city testify to its military past.
Usuki’s grand temples hints at the power it once held and wealth it accumulated in the Edo Period, when the samurai ruled the land. Today, it is a compact and quiet town of stone-paved streets, lined by a number of traditional buildings, that are pleasant to stroll around.
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