A Journey Through the Castle Towns and Beautiful Seas of Southern Oita Prefecture
A three-day journey from the beautiful coastal scenery of southern Oita Prefecture to the deep mountain valleys where myths live on. In charming castle towns, stroll through samurai residences and cobblestone streets, immersing yourself in the nostalgic atmosphere. You'll also stop at breathtaking sights like adorable marine creatures and sacred rocks floating in the sea. Savoring fresh seafood and traditional cuisine in coastal towns is another highlight of this journey. Finally, you'll reach a mystical, lush valley. This trip allows you to fully enjoy beautiful scenery and a rich food culture.
* Please note that the text shown on this page includes machine translations.
- Spring
- Summer
- Autumn
- Winter
- Days required
- 3 days / 2 nights
- Transport Options
- Car, Ho-Bar
Contents
- Oita Airport
- #494
- Nishi-Oita Terminal
- #496
- 【Accommodation】Around Oita Station
- #498
- 【Lunch & Stroll】Usuki Castle Town
- #501
- Umitama Experience Park Tsukumi Dolphin Island
- #503
- Bungo Futamigaura
- #504
- Saiki Castle Town
- #506
- 【Accommodations】Around Saiki Station
- #508
- Takachiho Gorge
- #511
- Kumamoto Airport
- #513
Oita Airport
The gateway to the “Onsen Prefecture,” facing the sea
Located on the Kunisaki Peninsula in northeastern Oita Prefecture, this airport was built facing the sea. Inside the airport, you'll find shops and restaurants offering a wide selection of local specialties.
To travel to Oita City, you'll take Japan's only hovercraft, available exclusively here. This high-speed amphibious vessel travels by hovering over the water surface, reaching the “Nishi-Oita Terminal” in about 35 minutes. The exhilarating speed as it glides across the sea creates an exciting start to your journey.
Nishi-Oita Terminal
Where the hovercraft arrives, the gateway to the sea
The hovercraft arrives at Oita City's gateway to the sea. The terminal is located in Oita's waterfront area, offering an open atmosphere where you can feel the sea breeze. Its location provides extremely convenient access to the city center. (Approximately 10 minutes by taxi to Oita Station)
【Accommodation】Around Oita Station
The vibrant hub of Oita City
JR Oita Station is directly connected to a large commercial complex, offering a wide range of shops and diverse restaurants. Meanwhile, the station area and the old-fashioned arcade shopping street are lined with eateries and izakayas serving local cuisine, exuding a distinct local atmosphere. Savor unique Oita flavors like the local dishes “toriten” (fried chicken) and “ryukyu” (a type of stew). Beyond its transportation convenience, this area is also an attractive base for enjoying evening strolls and dining.
Enjoy Oita's fine spirits by night
Raise a toast with local sake. Oita is one of Japan's premier barley shochu regions, known for its crisp, refreshing taste. It's also renowned as a producer of high-quality sake, nurtured by abundant spring water. These spirits pair perfectly with diverse dishes featuring local ingredients. Experience Oita's rich food culture alongside its exceptional beverages.
【Lunch & Stroll】Usuki Castle Town
Stroll through Usuki Castle Town and experience its rich history
Usuki Castle Town is a delightful area for walking while soaking in its historical and cultural atmosphere. The area is home to numerous historical sites.
The Usuki Castle ruins were once the site of a castle built by Sengoku-period warlord Otomo Sorin. The castle's stone walls are engraved with alphabet-like characters. Otomo Sorin, known as a Christian, included a chapel within the castle grounds, and it is said that a training site for Christians existed below the castle. Today, the castle has been dismantled, and the area has been transformed into Usuki Park, a popular relaxation spot for locals and a famous cherry blossom site in spring.
The Nioza Historic Path is a favorite spot for strolling and experiencing Usuki’s history. This narrow path is lined with numerous samurai residences, preserving the strong essence of the old castle town. This area is one of Usuki’s most iconic landscapes and has been selected as one of Japan’s 100 Urban Scenic Spots. Among these, the "Inaba Family Lower Residence" stands out as a noteworthy site. This samurai residence offers a glimpse into the lives of people from the past, featuring characteristic gates, entrances, large rooms, storehouses, and earthen walls.
Immerse yourself in the ambiance of this former castle town and enjoy its timeless charm.
Nearby Attractions
- Usuki Castle Ruins
- A castle built by the warlord Otomo Sōrin, known as a Christian daimyo during the Sengoku period. It is said that a place of worship once stood within the castle grounds, and a Christian training ground existed in the castle town. Although the castle was later dismantled, the site is now cherished by locals as Usuki Park. In spring, it becomes a popular spot renowned for its magnificent display of cherry blossoms in full bloom.
- https://maps.app.goo.gl/LKCWMR5myxKJqvat9
- Nioza Historical Road
- A popular walking spot where samurai residences line narrow alleys, vividly preserving the atmosphere of a castle town. Among them, the Inaba Family Lower Residence features numerous well-preserved buildings offering glimpses into the lives of people from that era. Highlights abound, including gates and entrances unique to samurai residences, spacious layouts, earthen storehouses, and earthen walls.
- https://maps.app.goo.gl/cgF11F2Pv245QGFB8
- Inaba Family Lower Residence
- The Inaba Residence was constructed in 1902 for the Inaba family, feudal lords of Usuki. Even after moving to the capital, the Inaba family, former lords of Usuki, used this residence when returning to their hometown. The building features the refined architectural style characteristic of prestigious samurai residences. Its simple yet elegant, spacious Japanese garden harmonizes with the traditional architecture, making it an ideal spot for photos in kimono.
- https://maps.app.goo.gl/gLKoDBYEKZSSYa378
For lunch, try traditional dishes from Usuki.
Experience unique local cuisine found only in the castle town of Usuki. “O-han” is yellow rice cooked with gardenia, while “Kirasu-ma-meshi” is a dish of fish mixed with okara (soy pulp). Other recommendations include “Chadai-zushi” and the famous local specialty, “fugu” (pufferfish) dishes. Savor the rich flavors in this historic town.
Umitama Experience Park Tsukumi Dolphin Island
An interactive facility where you can connect with dolphins in their natural habitat
Visitors can feed dolphins or swim alongside them by holding onto their dorsal or pectoral fins. The shallow water ensures safety, even for children. The facility also offers a unique activity called "pushing," where a dolphin uses its snout to push the soles of your feet and propel you across the water’s surface – an experience available only here in Japan!
Other programs include observing dolphins from a small electric boat, feeding sessions, and more. The park also features penguins, sea turtles, and a popular touch pool for children.
Next door, the Sato no Eki Tsukumi Marche market offers Tsukumi Dolphin Island merchandise and specialty products from Oita Prefecture, making it a great place for shopping.
Bungo Futamigaura
The sublime scenery of Bungo Futamigaura, where sunrise illuminates the sacred
Located in Kamiura, Saiki City, Bungo Futamigaura is a scenic spot named after Futamigaura in Ise. The two giant rocks, known as Otokoiwa (male rock) and Onnaiwa (female rock), are collectively known as the Meoto Iwa (married couple rocks). The Meoto Iwa have long been revered as symbols of matchmaking, marital harmony, and bountiful catches. The moment the sacred morning sun shines through the large shimenawa (sacred rope) that securely binds the rocks together is a deeply moving and sacred sight that remains in the memory of every visitor.
The shimenawa that binds the Meoto Iwa is one of the largest in Japan, measuring 65 meters in length and weighing approx. 2 tons. Every December, a spectacular ritual is held to replace the rope. The beautiful coastline is especially famous as a sunrise viewing spot, and the sight of the light rising from the horizon bathing the rocks and sea in a golden hue is breathtaking.
Bungo Futamigaura is also known for its limited-time illuminations during the New Year holidays. From December 24th to January 4th each year, the Meoto Iwa Rocks and the large shimenawa rope lit up in a fantastic illuminated display. On New Year's Eve, the rocks are lit all night, allowing you to enjoy the majestic atmosphere from night to morning while watching the first sunrise of the year. Why not experience the majestic power of nature with your loved ones?
Saiki Castle Town
A historic town retaining the charm of samurai residences
This historic castle town flourished during the Edo period. Located in the heart of Saiki City, one of Kyushu's largest cities by area, it still retains a strong, quiet, and charming historical atmosphere. The area around Yamagiwa Street, with its cobblestone paths and whitewashed walls, conveys the atmosphere of former samurai residences. It is also famous as a prime spot for cherry blossoms in spring and autumn foliage. This castle town area concentrates attractions like the town's symbol, Saiki Castle Ruins, and the “History and Literature Path,” perfect for leisurely strolls, allowing visitors to enjoy a relaxed historical walk.
Sightseeing Spots Around Saeki Castle Town
Gather information at the tourist hub, enjoy breathtaking views at the castle ruins, and stroll along charming cobblestone streets—immerse yourself in a historical walk.
- Saiki Castle Town Tourism Exchange Center
- The hub for castle town tourism information. Renovated from an old inn built in 1936, its retro atmosphere is charming. You can get tourist maps and gather information, and it also sells drinks, making it a great spot to rest. It's a convenient starting point for exploring Saiki.
- https://maps.app.goo.gl/gU98w37TtBDWBpYp8
- Saiki Castle Ruins
- The castle ruins, considered a symbol of Saiki. Located atop Mount Shiroyama, visitors can climb to the site of the main keep. While no structures like the keep tower remain today, the magnificent stone walls convey the castle's former appearance. From the summit, visitors can enjoy a splendid view overlooking Saiki city and the sea of the Bungo Channel.
- https://maps.app.goo.gl/kLcmnt2kgN8y9yoj8
- Path of History and Literature
- A roughly 500-meter road stretching at the foot of Saiki Castle Ruins. Also known as “Yama-giwa Street,” it features a distinctive landscape of stone pavements and white walls. This charming area was selected as one of “Japan's Top 100 Roads.” Temples and traditional Japanese houses line the road, with cherry blossoms in spring and autumn foliage coloring the path.
- https://oita-tourism.com/en/attractions/detail_1162.html
Rent a bike for convenient exploration
Renting a bicycle is also a convenient way to explore the castle town. Bikes can be rented at the “Saeki Castle Town Tourism Exchange Center” or the “Saiki Station Tourist Information Center.” Experience the town's atmosphere and breeze in a way buses or cars can't match. Explore the streets on an electric-assist bicycle, making hills easy to navigate.
【Accommodations】Around Saiki Station
Enjoy Saiki's Nightlife
Several hotels are located around the station, and nearby you'll find sushi restaurants serving fresh local fish and seafood restaurants dotted throughout. A major attraction of this area is the fresh, delicious seafood caught in the Bungo Channel, one of Japan's most abundant fishing grounds. It's a convenient base for enjoying a satisfying dinner unique to Saiki that will delight both your heart and stomach.
Dinner features fresh seafood
The fresh fish and shellfish caught in the Bungo Channel are exquisite. Naturally, sushi made with fresh ingredients is a must, but farmed brand fish like “Kabosu hirame (Flounder)” and “Kabosu buri (Yellowtail),” which are raised using Oita's specialty citrus ‘kabosu’ as feed, are also popular. The beautiful, colorful shells of the “Noble scallop ” are also a specialty of Saiki.
Takachiho Gorge
A mysterious V-shaped valley where the gods dwell
This gorge stretches for about 7 km and features cliffs ranging from 80 to 100 meters in height, formed by the erosion of pyroclastic flows from Mount Aso by the Gokase River. The unique columnar jointing landscape has been designated a National Scenic Spot and Natural Monument. The biggest attraction is Manai Falls, selected as one of Japan's 100 best waterfalls. Rent a boat (fee required) and glide across the emerald green water to look up at the 17-meter-high waterfall from the water's surface for a truly impressive experience. Advance reservations for boats are recommended. The fresh green leaves and autumn colors viewed from the walking path are also beautiful, and it is one of Japan's most scenic spots where you can feel the mysterious atmosphere of the birthplace of mythology.
Chicken Nanban & Miyazaki Karamen
When visiting Miyazaki Prefecture, be sure to try its famous local cuisine. Originating in Miyazaki, “Chicken Nanban” is a signature dish featuring fried chicken topped with sweet vinegar sauce and tartar sauce. Meanwhile, “Miyazaki Karamen” is characterized by its uniquely springy noodles and spicy soup infused with chili peppers. Both are irresistible dishes you must savor in Miyazaki.
Kumamoto Airport
The gateway to Kumamoto at the foot of Mount Aso
Known affectionately as “Aso Kumamoto Airport,” this gateway to central Kyushu also handles international flights. Inside the airport, restaurants offer gourmet dining perfect for wrapping up your trip. Enjoy “Kumamoto Ramen,” of course, along with Aso's famous “Akaushi Beef Bowl” and the local specialty “Horse Sashimi.” The airport also offers a wide selection of popular Kumamon character goods and souvenirs from across Kyushu. Make the most of your time before departure by enjoying some last-minute shopping or a meal.
