USUKI GUIDEBOOKTransportation

Usuki Stone Buddhas:
The first stone sculptures(4 clusters with 61 statues)
designated as a National Treasure(map:C3)

大阪

Osaka

Tokyo
Nagoya 東京
名古屋(1)From Oita Station:by train to Usuki Station: 35min(Limited Express on the JR Nippo Line)(2)From Oita Airport:
by bus to Usuki Bus Stop: 1hr, 30minby bus to Oita Station: 1hr(3)From Kokura:by train to Usuki Station: 2hr, 35min(Limited Express on the JR Nippo Line)by car via East Kyushu Highway: 2hrs (As of 2023)(4)From Tosu Junction of Oita Motorway:
by car: 2hrs
(5)From Tokyo:
by plane to Oita Airport: 1hr, 45min…then please see (2)by Shinkansen Bullet Train to Kokura: 6hrs…then please see (3)(6)From Nagoya:by plane to Oita Airport: 1hr, 5min…then please see (2)by Shinkansen Bullet Train to Kokura: 4hrs…then please see (3)(7)From Osaka:by plane to Oita Airport: 55min…then please see (2)by Shinkansen Bullet Train to Kokura: 3hrs…then please see (3)(8)From Hiroshima:
by Shinkansen Bullet Train to Kokura: 1hr…then please see (3)(9)From Okinawa:by plane to Oita Airport: 1hr, 45min…then please see (2)(10)From Yawatahama, Ehime (Shikoku)
by ferry to Usuki Harbor: 2hr, 25min

Information
Tourist information Center・ ・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・ ☎0972-63-1715
Usuki Tourism Association・ ・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・ ☎0972-64-7130
Usuki Station information desk・ ・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・ ☎0972-63-2366
Usuki Stone Buddhas office・ ・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・ ☎0972-65-3300
Usuki City, Oita Prefecture

Sightseeing Places
Protected Species Designated by
Oita Prefecture

Kinmei Moso Bamboo（the reverse side Map:C-5） 15

Rokkasako
Mineral Water and
Hot Spring（the reverse side Map:C-1） 11

This rare and mysterious type of bamboo hasalternating green and yellow segments. Severalof these plants were discovered in a privatehouse in Notsu in 1970. Since then, the Kinmei
Moso Bamboo has been designated as aprotected plant by Oita Prefecture. May is thebest time to see these beautiful plants. Somepeople believe that the Kinmei Moso Bamboo are
the“glowing bamboo”from the 10th-century
Japanese folktale called“The Tale of the Bamboo
Cutter.”Legend has it that an injured whiteheron became healed after it soaked Kuju-no-to (Pagoda)
in this hot spring for several days. National Important Cultural
Rokkasako drinking water and hot
spring both have many healing Property
effects. Located near the source ofthe Kumasaki River, this rustic area
has long been famous as a place for （the reverse side Map:C-5） 16
rest and relaxation.

Nine-story Pagoda
The Nine-story Pagoda was built in 1267. It is
one of the stone construction works of art
representing Oita Prefecture. The Nine-story
Pagoda is slim but it looks very stable when
you take a close look at it. This pagoda has
been highly praised for its artistic style.

ParkingFree Wi-Fi

Public toilet

Hakubakei (Valley)（the reverse side Map:B-2） 12This area, near the source of the
Usuki River, is well known for its
scenic beauty. Colorful azaleas in
the spring and maple leaves in thefall make this a great place to visit
all year round.

Magai Cross（the reverse side Map:B-4） 14
The Magai Cross is a stone engraving of across on a cloud-shaped base, enclosed
by a circle. Although its age is unknown,
it is considered to have been made while
Otomo Sorin was governing Usuki. It isalso called“the Calvario Cross.”

Furen Limestone Cave（the reverse side Map:C-5） 17
This 500-meter deep limestone
cave is considered one of the mostbeautiful caves in Japan. It was
discovered in 1926 and designatedas a natural monument two years
later. Before this, it was completely
sealed and therefore it has not been
weathered much by outside air orthe elements. As a result, its purewhite luster is untouched andbeautiful; also, inside the cave isboth cool in summer and warm in
winter. The cave’s largest
stalagmite,“Kyoshuho,”is 10
meters high and 16 meters incircumference.
Open daily from 9 AM to 5PM (Mar-Oct)and 9AM to 4PM (Nov-Feb)<Admission Fees>
Adults ￥1000
Children (15 years and under) ￥700
※ Reduced rates for groups of 20 people or more

slope

Tourist information
Centerelevator

step

stairsnursing room

Wheelchair Rental

Usuki Joseki
Free Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi Spot

Tourist Infomation

Evacuation Shelter

The Inaba-Family
Villa（Map:E-2）

This is the best place to visit when
you first arrive in Usuki City.
Here you can learn everything about
Usuki city's richhistory and culture, sightseeing
spots, buildings, and local cuisine.
This building is not just a tourist
information center.Some meetings,
exhibitions and special events arealso held here.

Usuki Castle was built in 1556 by
Otomo Sorin. The site was originally an
island, and was likely chosen by Otomo
for its defensive advantages.
At the end of the Otomo Era, Fukuhara
Naotaka took over as lord, followed by
Ota Kazuyoshi. After the Battle ofSekigahara in 1600, the Inaba family
governed Usuki city until the Meiji
Restoration in 1869.
Always open.
Admission is free.

,This estate was once the second home of Usuki sformer rulers and its 3,500-square-meter grounds
and gardens are now open to the public. The villa alsooffers us a rare glimpse into an old samurai residence.
Open daily from 9AM to 5PM. (Ticket Last ticket Sale
at 4:30PM)<Admission Fees>
Adults ￥330
Children (15 years and under) ￥160
Adults ￥250/ Children (15 years and under) ￥130
※ Reduced rates for groups of 20 to 49 people
Adults ￥230/ Children (15 years and under) ￥120
※ Reduced rates for groups of 50 people or more

Sala-de-Usuki

Usuki Historical Museum（Map:D-3） 5（Map:A-4） 7

Sala De Usuki provides information on“Food”based on the concept,“TheKitchen of Usuki”. The courtyard hasa relaxing open space with grass, andthere’s also a restaurant where youcan enjoy the local“Farm products”,“Seafood”, and“Cuisine”. Pleaseenjoy the fresh and safe food of Usuki.

Newly opened ,in April 2014, this museum presents a walkthrough Usuki s rich history. Here you can glimpse theworld as seen by 17th-century Japanese cartographers,with their beautiful brush and ink maps of Usuki City, Oita
Prefecture, Kyushu and the world. These unique maps
were created at a time when world exploration was rareamong Japanese and are thus a must-see.
Open from 9:30AM to 5:30PM daily (except for Tuesdays
and during the New Year holidays).
<Admission Fees>
Adults ￥320
Students (18 years and under) ￥160
※ Reduced rates for groups of 20 people or more

Former Marumo
house

Yoshimaru Kazumasa
Memorial Museum

Nogami Yaeko Literary
Memorial Museum
4

Yaeko Nogami (1885-1985) was afamous female author from Usuki who
continued writing until her death at theage of 99. A part of her childhood home
is now open to the public with exhibits tocommemorate her long literary career.
Open from 9:30AM to 5PM daily.
<Admission Fees>
Adults ￥310
Children (15 years and under) ￥150
Group discount over 20 people

Ryugenji Temple andsanju-no-to (Pagoda)（Map:B-5）

8

Ryugen-ji Temple was established in 1600. Its
southernmost tower, Sanju-no-to, is anelaborate three-story pagoda that took ten
years to consturuct and was completed in
1958. Inside the tower stands a statue of
Shotoku Taishi, a prince of the Asukap e r i o d (592-710) w h o h e l p e d s p r e a d
Buddhism throughout Japan. The pagoda isoften called "The Prince's Tower", in his
honor.
Here you can see four"Jaki"(evil spirits thathave turned to good). They are holding up the
pagoda from below. Please try to find them!

2cane Rental（Map:D-3） 1（Map:B-3）

National Monument

Wheelchair-accessible Public toilet（Map:C-2）

3

Free Wi-Fi（Map:F-5）

9Along with the Inaba-family Villa, thisold samurai residence is open to the
public. In the midst of this busy
residential area, this spot seems tohave been forgotten by time.
Open from 9AM to 5PM daily (except
Mondays).
Admission is free.

（Map:A-5） 10

Yoshimaru Kazumasa (1873-1916) was acomposer from Usuki who wrote numerous
songs for elementary school students andchorus contests. He is especially well known
for his song called‘Nursery Early Spring’(So-Shun-Fu). Students continue to sing hissongs even today.
8:30-17:00*Open on weekends and holidays only
<Admission Fees>
Adults ￥220
Children (15 years and under) ￥110
※Reduced rates for groups of over 20 people

Cherry Blossom
Festival (Map:F-2)(First week in April)

Usuki Park, within the Ruins
of Usuki Castle, is home toaround many cherry trees andis one of the most famous
locations for viewing cherry
blossoms along the JR Nippoline. Every year in early April,cherry blossoms are enjoyedhere and throughout Usuki.

Kicchomu Festival(the reverse side Map:A-4)(First weekend in April)This is a unique festival held against abackground of cherry trees in fullbloom. Come and watch local dances,
skits of Kicchomu’s stories, Kagura(ancient Shinto dances and singing)and more!
Kicchomu-Land

Gion Festival(Mid-July)

One of the three‘great festivals’of
Oita Prefecture, this features a paradewith traditional costumes followed bya group of men carrying and pullingtraditional“dashi”(floats). This is atruly fitting festival for this old castle
town.

FESTIVALS

Nioza HistoricalRoad

Hoki Stone BuddhasA

Furuzono Stone Buddha Cluster
The Furuzono Stone Buddha cluster is at the heart of the Usuki
Stone Buddhas, and its center Dainichi Nyorai is regarded as
the finest stone statue of the Buddha in Japan. With its
prominent eyebrows, almond-shaped eyes, and the faint redoutline of its mouth, its dignified face leaves visitors with a vivid
impression of the Buddha’s warm-heartedness. Its most solemnof smiles suffuses the entire group with a mystical ambience.
The Furuzono Stone Buddhas were once in very poor condition,with the fallen head of the Dainichi Nyorai kept on a pedestal
below it. However, they were restored to their original form in
1993.

B Standing Statues of Guardian Deva KingsC

E

Hoki Stone Buddhas-Second Cluster

Sannousan Stone Buddhas

Comprised of two galleries，the first gallery contains asplendid Amitabha Trinity．The central figure and his two
attendants have each been sculpted with their own
individual expressions．It is a truly magnificent rockcarving．The second gallery contains relatively smaller
figures of Amitabha and is called the‘9 Amitabhas’（Kubonno-Amida）．

This trinity has a central figure that is approximately 5 meters tall.
The face is round, with compact, childlike features and a mouththat looks as if it were about to speak. These pure and innocent
faces are truly those of children. They are also known as
the‘Hidden Jizo’(kakurejizo).

National Treasure Usuki Stone Buddhas
The Usuki Stone Buddhas are believed to have been sculpted between the late
Heian period (794-1185) and the Kamakura period (1185-1333). These statues
were created on a scale, in both quantity and quality, unrivaled by any otherstone statues in Japan. As a result of this, 1995, 59 of the Usuki Stone Buddhas
were designated as National Treasures, the first Stone Buddhas to receive this
distinction in Japan. Two standing statues of Kongo Rikishi at the Furuzono
Stone Buddha Cluster were additionally designated as National Treasures in2017. This means that all the 4 clusters of 61 stone figures are a National
Treasure. These tremendous figures create a stunning yet peaceful presence.
The Stone Buddhas were created using hardened volcanic ash from Mt. Aso. This
volcanic rock was highly workable however the statues are especially vulnerable
to the elements. From 1980 to 1994, there were repairs to preserve thesevaluable pieces of cultural heritage.
F

G

H■Niou 20u
(Statue)■Statues of Ma’na’no
Choja and his wife

■Renjo-hoshi(Statue)

Despite being buried kneedeep in the earth,they havea powerful presence and ahumorous expression on
their faces.(In the Mangatsuji
Temple grounds)

According to legend,
this couple financedt h e c r e a t i o n o f theStone Buddhas.
(Sculpted:Muromachi
period,1337-1573)

According to legend,
this Buddhist Priest
named Renjo createdthe Stone Buddhas.

I

J

K

■The Well of Beauty■Hokyointo(Temple)■Gorinto(Pagodu)According to legend，whenPrincess Tamatsu(Ma'na'nochoj
a's wife) washed her face atthis well，an ugly birthmark
miraculously disappeared
and she thereafter became
renowned for her beauty．

Located in the northernpart of the Mangetsu
Temple grounds，this
4.2-meter tall tower issaid to have been built
during the late Kamakuraera．

Located on top of the
Hoki Stone Buddha First
Cluster，this statue iscalled‘Holy Tower’in
the area. This‘5-ring
tower’is 1.51 meters
tall．

（Kesho-no Ido）

Open year round 9:00am-5:00pm*Last entry is at 4:30pm.
<Admission Fees>
Adults ￥550
Children (15 years and under) ￥270
Group discount for over 30 people

Mysteries of the Stone
Buddhas:● Why were they made? The statues
appear to have had something to dowith esoteric Buddhism.
● Who made them? The statues arethought to have been made by, or
under the supervision of, a masterfrom the capital. Based on thecarving style, the artist wasprobably an accomplished master ofwooden Buddhist statues.

D Hoki Stone Buddhas-First
Cluster

The former Shinkoji Temple

A Rest area and municipal gallery made inside a
restored temple (Free entry).
（Map:D-4） 6

Wi-Fi

Constructed in 1855, this building originally served as a temple, but is now used mainly as a publicgallery space.
Visitors can stop by for a rest and enjoy a picturesque view of old Usuki from the second floor balcony.
The surrounding streets of Nioza are ideal for a quiet stroll.

HISTORY

Japanese people have lived in the Usuki area forthousands of years. However, written records ofUsuki’
s history only began around the 16th
century, so any knowledge about this earlier
time period is hidden within legends andfolklore.

Otomo Sorin, the Christian Samurai （1530-1587）
There are more than 20 stone Buddhas in this cluster，Comprised of 4
galleries，the first gallery contains 3 seated Buddhas and 2 standing
Bodhisattvas. The second gallery contains a seated Amitabha，Yakushi
Nyorai and Buddha．The third gallery contains 4 statues including a
Dainichi Nyorai，and the fourth gallery contains 11 statues including a Jizo
Bodhisattva，along with 10 Kings．All of these statues are masterpieces．
Hoki Stone Buddhas-First Cluster,Second Gallery

When Otomo Sorin inherited the headship as 21st master of the Otomo
family, he became blessed with an excellent vassal team and wealthobtained from overseas trade. He then expanded his territory toinclude almost all of Kyushu Island. In 1556, he moved from his
mansion in Funai (current Oita City) to Usuki and built Usuki Castle onwhat was then an island. He strategically chose this location for its
strong defensive value. He then developed the prosperous port townof Usuki at the base of the castle and established it as the capital of his
domain.
Otomo Sorin met the Jesuit missionary, Francis Xavier, in 1551 and he
was baptized late in life by the missionary Cabral. From 1578 onward
he called himself Don Francisco. His faith in Christianity became
stronger, and he led his troops to Mushika in Hyuga (current Nobeoka
City, Miyazaki Prefecture) in order to construct a Christians’utopia.
After he was defeated by Lord Shimazu at war in Mimigawa (current Hyoga City, Miyazaki Prefecture), helost his power quickly. He died in Tsukumi (Usuki’
s neighboring city) on May 23, 1587.

The Inaba Family, Lords of Usuki (1600-1871)
The Inaba family ruled as lords of Usuki Domain from 1600 to
1871. Sadamichi Inaba, the first master of the Inaba family, was on
Tokugawa Ieyasu’s side during the Battle of Sekigahara (October
21, 1600). Ieyasu won the battle to unify Japan and then became
shogun (ruler) of all Japan. Ieyasu valued Sadamichi’s military glory
highly and transferred him from Gujohachiman Castle in Mino
County (current Gifu Prefecture) to a higher post in Usuki.
During the rule of the Inaba family, Usuki’s people developed their
qualities of frugality and diligence. The Inaba family continued torule Usuki until Japan’s domain system was replaced by the present
prefectural system and Hisamichi Inaba left his post as 15th Lord of
Usuki Domain.

Usuki Stone Buddhas Lotus Stone Buddha Fire Festival（the reverse side Map:C-3）(Last Saturday in August)Festival（Mid-July to early August）
Beautiful lotus flowers bloom in the vicinity of
the Usuki Stone Buddhas (National Treasure) .
Various events are held during the festival.

This festival is usually held on the last Saturdayof August starting at 7 pm when 1,000 torches
are simultaneously lit. It’s no exaggeration to
say that this is the largest‘fire festival’in
western Japan.

Brightly Lit Maple Trees of Fugen-ji
Temple（the reverse side Map:B-4）(November)
There are about 200 maple trees around Fugen-ji Temple
and their carpet of red and yellow adds color to this historic
temple. The maple trees are lit up in November, creating a
dream-like atmosphere. This temple has the grave of
Kicchomu, who was a local man famous for his wit.

Takeyoi Festival(First weekend in November)

In late autumn, 20,000 bamboo lanterns withhand-carved designs are arranged around thehistoric streets of Usuki. This is a festival not
to be missed! The magical world created
when the lanterns are lit is truly unique.

LOCAL CUISINE
Local Specialties■ OuhanThis traditional dish features
rice is colored with gardenia
fruit and served with vegetables,
tofu and boiled fish.

Sadamichi Inaba■ Kirasu-mameshi
A mixture of fish pickled in soy
sauce and okara, this healthyand delicious dish was a staple
during the rule of the Inaba
family.

William Adams, the Western
Samurai (1564-1620)
William Adams was the first man from England to come to Japan andpossibly the first Western samurai. He arrived in Usuki at KuroshimaIsland in April 1600 as pilot of the Dutch boat“the Liefde.”He cameto be favored by Tokugawa Ieyasu for his extensive knowledge of
shipbuilding and navigation. Ieyasu bestowed upon him the rank ofsamurai and gave him the Japanese name“Miura Anjin.”
There is a museum dedicated to Adams and his shipmates on
Kuroshima Island in Usuki. Admission is free and ferry tickets to theisland for 500yen (round-trip) may be reserved by calling
0972-68-3939 (Japanese only).
Usuki is host of the upcoming conference dedicated to William
Adams,“Anjin Summit 2016”.

The Best-tasting Fugu in
Southern JapanThe fugu (blowfish) caught around Usuki is
exceptionally delicious and can be enjoyed in many
Usuki restaurants. Visitors come from acrossJapan to taste this delicacy.

KabosuThis fragrant citrus
fruit is grown inUsuki and is famousthroughout Japan.