A Collection of Photo-Worthy Spots to Discover in Oita
Oita Prefecture boasts both breathtaking natural scenery and historic, nostalgic streetscapes. It's an area packed with truly photogenic spots. Beyond famous hot spring towns like Beppu and Yufuin, there are countless charming locations that will make you want to take pictures. From among these, we've carefully selected the most photogenic spots in Oita Prefecture that will make lasting memories of your trip.
* Please note that the text shown on this page includes machine translations.
Contents
- Usa-Kunisaki Area (Bungo-Toyoda City, Kitsuki City, Usa City, Kunisaki City)
- Hita-Nakatsu Yaba Area (Nakatsu City, Hita City, Kusu Town)
- Yufu-Kuju Area (Yufu City, Kuju Town)
- Beppu Bay Area (Oita City, Beppu City, Higure Town)
- Taketa and Oku-Bungo Area (Bungo-Ono City, Taketa City)
- Nippo Coast Area (Saiki City, Usuki City, Tsukumi City)
Usa-Kunisaki Area (Bungo-Toyoda City, Kitsuki City, Usa City, Kunisaki City)
This area is a region steeped in history, where the unique religious culture known as “Rokugo Mansan Culture” remains. This culture was born from the fusion of Japan's ancient Shinto and Buddhism introduced from China. Here, experience nostalgic, traditional landscapes and magnificent nature that will make you forget your daily life.
- Matama Beach(Bungotakada City)
- This location was selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Sunset Spots. It is the only spot in Oita Prefecture where you can watch the sun sink into the sea. The patterns floating on the sandy beach and the contrast created by the setting sun make for a truly spectacular view.
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- Nagasakibana Beach Resort (Bungotakada City)
- A beautiful campground surrounded by sea and greenery. In summer, sunflowers bloom across the vast grounds, creating a stunning contrast with the blue sea. The cape also displays works by various artists, including Yoko Ono (John Lennon's wife).
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- Showa Town(Bungotakada City)
- This spot recreates the streetscape of Japan from 1926 to 1989 (the Showa era). Its retro signs and classic cars are charming. We recommend renting Showa-era fashion and strolling through the town.
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- TeamLab Gallery Matama Beach (Bungotakada City)
- This is a space where digital art and nature merge. Vibrant floral art projected onto the walls changes in response to people's movements. Immerse yourself in a fantastical world of light and capture artistic photos you can only take here.
- GoogleMAP
- Ohara Residence（Kitsuki City）
- This samurai residence is a house where samurai once actually lived. Here, you can learn about the lifestyle of samurai from that era.
Particularly noteworthy are the traditional roofed buildings and the beautifully maintained garden.
Experience the beauty of this simple, tranquil space. 
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- Suya no Saka (Kitsuki City)
- This is a beautiful stone-paved slope located in the “Samurai Residence District,” where samurai once lived. The view from here across to the “Shioya Slope” is splendid. Together with the surrounding samurai residences, you can feel the atmosphere of a historic castle town.
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- Ruru Park (Oita Agricultural and Cultural Park)（Usa City）
- Spanning a vast area centered around a lake, nemophila bloom in spring and kochia in autumn. Alongside the beautiful lakeside scenery, visitors can enjoy activities like boating and cycling.
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- Usa Jingu Shrine（Usa City）
- This shrine is the head shrine (central shrine) for all “Hachimangu” shrines across Japan and boasts an extremely long history. It is characterized by its vivid red shrine buildings standing on a vast grounds. Believed to grant blessings for “good luck in competitions” and “domestic safety,” it is a sacred place visited by many worshippers.
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- Futagoji Temple(Kunisaki City)
- This temple is surrounded by the rich natural beauty of the Kunisaki Peninsula. The large stone statue standing at the entrance is truly imposing. The moss-covered stone steps leading up from there evoke a sense of wabi-sabi (quiet, simple beauty). The autumn foliage season offers particularly breathtaking views.
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Strolling Through Showa Retro Streets “Bungo Takada”
Enjoy strolling through the streets of Bungo Takada, an area that recreates the retro atmosphere of the mid-Showa period (1950s to 1970s). Change into the costume of that era and go out into the town and feel as if you have time traveled back in time. You will feel even more excited when you touch the buses and household appliances of that era.
Hita-Nakatsu Yaba Area (Nakatsu City, Hita City, Kusu Town)
This area harmoniously blends rich nature with traditional streetscapes. Yabakei is counted among Japan's Three Great Autumn Foliage Spots, alongside Nikko and Kyoto. Mamedamachi retains the atmosphere of the Edo period (1603–1867), allowing visitors to feel its history. The beautiful scenery created by history and nature is full of photo opportunities. Be sure to capture these beautiful views in your photographs.
- Yabakei (Nakatsu City)
- This is one of Japan's most iconic scenic spots. It is particularly famous for the area known as “Hitome Hakkai” (Eight Views at a Glance). Here, you can see a spectacular landscape featuring uniquely shaped rock formations and rows of trees. The colors are especially vivid during the seasons of fresh greenery and autumn foliage.
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- Mameda machi Shopping District (Hita City)
- This place is known as “Kyushu's Little Kyoto.” Its charm lies in the streets lined with historic buildings dating back to the Edo period (1603–1867). It's filled with a nostalgic atmosphere. With many cafes and cute variety stores, it's perfect for strolling through town.
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- Sakura Falls (Hita City)
- This waterfall is called “Sakura Falls.” It earned this name because the falling water sprays into fine droplets, resembling cherry blossom petals dancing in the air. You can capture fantastical photos where the sparkling water droplets glisten.
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- Kirikabu Mountain Park (Kusu Town)
- This mountain features a rare flat summit. Here you'll find a giant swing known as “Heidi's Swing.” It offers the chance to take photos that look like you're flying through the sky. The panoramic views overlooking the town below are breathtaking, making this a wonderfully open and expansive spot.
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- Jion Falls (Kusu Town)
- This impressive waterfall cascades down a total height of approximately 30 meters in two tiers. Visitors can walk behind the falls, creating a mystical experience and offering a unique viewpoint unavailable elsewhere.
*Due to damage from heavy rains in July 2020, the path behind the falls is currently closed to the public. 
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- Bungo Mori Roundhouse (Bungo Mori Roundhouse Museum) (Kusu Town)
- This park features a valuable old railway engine shed. The fan-shaped building and locomotives are said to have inspired the setting for a famous anime. You can see steam locomotives from 1912 to 1926 (the Taisho era) up close.
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- Sarutobi Sentsubo Gorge (Nakatsu City)
- A beautiful spot where crystal-clear water flows between uniquely shaped rocks. Over time, the river's flow carved the rocks, creating these mysterious forms. The view from the suspension bridge is spectacular, offering dynamic photo opportunities. It is also famous as a prime spot for autumn foliage.
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- Sanko Cosmos Garden (Nakatsu City)
- In autumn, tens of millions of cosmos flowers bloom across the vast grounds. The breathtakingly beautiful sight of pink and white cosmos stretching as far as the eye can see is truly stunning. Surrounded by flowers in every direction, it's the perfect spot for photography.
- GoogleMAP
- Maple Yaba Cycling Road (Nakatsu City)
- This cycling course utilizes the former railway line. Ride your bike along paths that retain the atmosphere of the past, featuring tunnels and iron bridges. Enjoy beautiful valleys and stunning green scenery, and in spring, you can ride through rows of cherry blossoms.
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- Tenryo Hita Western Liquor Museum (Hita City)
- This museum is packed with rare Western liquors like whiskey and antique goods. The interior features a retro bar-like design, creating a very stylish space. You can spend time surrounded by the owner's carefully curated collection of Western liquors.
- GoogleMAP
- Komojinja Shrine (Nakatsu City)
- This historic shrine venerates the large pond itself as its sacred object (deity). The “Shinmon Gate,” designated a National Important Cultural Property, is truly majestic and splendid. A red torii gate stands in the pond, and its reflection on the water surface is beautiful and mysterious.
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Yufu-Kuju Area (Yufu City, Kuju Town)
The Yufu-Kuju Area boasts beautiful nature and historic hot spring towns. Enjoy views of Lake Kinrin shrouded in morning mist and the majestic Kuju Mountain Range. Furthermore, there are many photogenic spots, such as Yuhira Onsen lined with red lanterns and a museum of contemporary art. Grab your camera and set out on a journey to discover picturesque scenery.
- Kinrin Lake (Yufu City)
- This rare lake is fed by hot springs and natural springs. From autumn through winter, you can witness the beautiful sight of white mist floating on its surface in the early morning. The reflection of the surrounding trees on the water creates a truly mystical photo spot.
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- Mount Yufu (Yufu City)
- This iconic mountain of Yufuin features two summits. Enjoy its beautiful scenery, which changes with the seasons—spring greenery, autumn foliage, and winter snow. Its majestic form, viewed from the base, makes for a picturesque scene no matter the angle.
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- COMICO ART MUSEUM YUFUIN (Yufuin City)
- This contemporary art museum was designed by a renowned Japanese architect. Its beautiful black timber structure harmonizes with the surrounding nature and townscape. It's a charming spot where you can capture both contemporary artworks and the scenery of Yufuin in your photos.
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- Tadehara Marsh (Kokonoe Town)
- This vast wetland is protected as an internationally significant natural environment. Well-maintained wooden paths make for easy walking, allowing visitors to observe rare plants and flowers throughout the seasons. The scenery of wide open skies and green grasslands stretches out beautifully.
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- Kuju Mountain Range (Kuju Town)
- This magnificent natural area features a chain of multiple high mountains. In early summer, pink flowers blanket the mountainsides, while autumn brings beautiful foliage. It's an excellent photo spot for capturing the dynamic scenery of these majestic mountains.
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- Yunohira Onsen (Yufu City)
- A quiet hot spring town with a long history. Old stone-paved paths wind up the slopes, and at dusk, the red lanterns lining the streets light up. It's the perfect spot for capturing Japan's traditional, nostalgic nighttime scenery.
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- Yamanami Highway (Kokonoe Town)
- This scenic drive connects Oita and Kumamoto. The majestic Kokonoe mountain range spreads out before you, and the road cutting straight through green grasslands is utterly captivating. Against a backdrop of blue skies and mountains, you can capture vast, expansive natural landscapes.
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- Oike Pond (Yufu City)
- This spring water, nestled within a primeval forest, boasts exceptionally high transparency. Its surface shimmers with a mystical blue hue, creating a beautiful contrast with the surrounding green trees and moss-covered rocks. It's a spot where you can capture serene, fantastical waterside scenes bathed in sunlight.
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Beppu Bay Area (Oita City, Beppu City, Higure Town)
This area lets you enjoy both the rising steam of hot springs and beautiful ocean views at the same time. Here, you'll find many unique spots that are characteristic of Oita, the hot spring prefecture. On the other hand, there are also sophisticated art museums and seaside parks. Don't miss the stylish and glamorous photo spots where traditional charm blends with a modern atmosphere.
- Beppu Hell Tour (Beppu City)
- This is a place where you can enjoy hot springs with mysteriously colored waters that naturally bubble up from the earth. Features like the bright red “Blood Pond Hell” and the cobalt blue “Sea Hell” are collectively called “Jigoku” (Hell). The vividly colored scenery, where you can feel the energy of the earth, is astonishingly beautiful.
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- OPAM Oita Prefectural Art Museum (Oita City)
- This art museum features walls with a beautiful, woven bamboo-like design. Inside, the spacious interior is filled with light, showcasing unique artworks. The entire building is highly artistic, making every angle a stylish photo opportunity.
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- Takegawara Hot Springs (Beppu City)
- A renowned hot spring representing Beppu, operating since 1879. Its retro building, constructed in 1938, is a defining feature. The area in front of its grand roof is a prime spot for photos. Be sure to take pictures to cherish as memories of your trip.
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- Tanoura Beach (Oita City)
- This popular beach boasts beautiful white sand and blue sea. Palm trees line the shore, creating a tropical resort-like landscape. At sunset, the sky and sea become beautifully colored, transforming into a romantic, breathtaking view.
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- Oga Farm (Hidetsu Town)
- A beautiful herb garden where you can enjoy seasonal herbs and roses throughout the year. The combination of Mediterranean-style buildings and flower fields makes it perfect for photography. Amidst the rich natural surroundings, you can also experience workshops using herbs. We also recommend the stylish lunch.
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- Yusuhara Hachimangu Shrine (Oita City)
- This venerable shrine stands majestically within the forest. Its giant tree, estimated to be over 3,000 years old, is truly awe-inspiring, radiating a powerful natural energy. The ancient buildings are also incredibly charming, offering photogenic spots perfect for taking pictures.
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- Oita Bank Red Brick Building (Oita City)
- Built in 1913, this beautiful red brick building originally served as the bank's main branch. Its retro exterior evokes a distinctly European atmosphere. The interior has been renovated and now houses shops selling Oita's specialty products and cafes.
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- Hell Hot Springs Museum (Beppu City)
- This cutting-edge tourist attraction offers an engaging way to learn about the formation of hot springs. The interior features state-of-the-art visual technology and stylish design, creating a photo-worthy space. Immerse yourself in this beautiful environment to gain a deeper understanding of hot spring culture.
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- Kantan Port Garden (Oita City)
- A park located at the port where you can stroll while gazing at the sea. Buildings renovated from old warehouses house cafes and shops. You can spend leisurely time on the wooden deck while looking out at the ocean. At night, it is illuminated, offering a beautiful view of the port.
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- Global Tower (Beppu City)
- This uniquely shaped observation deck sits 100 meters above ground. From its 360-degree glass-enclosed deck, visitors can take in panoramic views of Beppu's cityscape, the sea, and the rising steam from the hot springs. It's a spot where you can enjoy the surreal sensation of floating in the sky.
"Beppu Jigoku Tour" - Visit the 7 Hot Spring Hells
The Beppu Jigoku Tour is one of Kyushu's most popular tourist attractions. The journey through the springs and steam called “jigoku,” where visitors can enjoy dynamic natural phenomena unique to the hot spring resort of Beppu, is full of surprises and excitement!
Taketa and Oku-Bungo Area (Bungo-Ono City, Taketa City)
This area offers encounters with powerful nature and breathtakingly beautiful scenery. Enjoy expansive views like the ruins of Oka Castle, which resembles a “castle in the sky,” and the beautiful flower-covered plateau. The landscapes, like art created by nature, will stir your heart and make for the perfect photo.
- Harajiri Falls (Bungo-Ono City)
- This wide, beautiful waterfall is also known as the “Niagara of the East.” Its dynamic appearance suddenly emerging amidst the quiet countryside scenery is truly astonishing. The suspension bridge directly in front of the falls is the perfect spot for taking photos from the front.
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- Okajō Ruins (Taketa City)
- The historic site of a castle atop a mountain. Impressive ancient stone walls stretch for a long distance, offering a powerful view. The scenery is especially breathtaking during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons. Feel the sky close in this open space and capture a memorable photo.
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- Kuju Flower Park (Taketa City)
- This park offers expansive flower fields set against a backdrop of towering mountains. The vibrant, colorful flowers stretching across the landscape create a scene of picture-perfect beauty. The sight of the mountain's greenery blending with the hues of the flowers is truly stunning, making it an excellent spot for taking wonderful photos.
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- Inazumi Underwater Cave (Bungo-Ono City)
- This globally rare cave system extends beneath the water. Inside the illuminated caverns, the crystal-clear water glows blue, creating a truly fantastical atmosphere. Enjoy a cool, comfortable space even in summer while savoring an adventurous mood and capturing beautiful, art-like photographs.
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- Fukōji Temple and Fukōji Rock-Carved Buddha (Ōno City, Bungo)
- A colossal Buddha statue (rock-carved Buddha) over 11 meters tall stands carved into the rock face. Its size ranks among the largest in Japan, and seeing it up close is truly awe-inspiring. June is also known as a prime spot for hydrangeas. We recommend capturing both the beautiful flowers and the powerful Buddha statue in your photos.
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- TAO Hill (Taketa City)
- An outdoor stage at an elevation of 1,036 meters offering breathtaking views. Experience the Japanese taiko drum performances of the world-renowned group “DRUM TAO.” The show, where the mountains of Aso spread out before your eyes and the powerful sound of the drums become one, is a moving experience found nowhere else in the world.
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- Chinda Power Plant Ruins (Bungo-Ōno City)
- These ruins are the site of a stone-built power plant constructed in 1909. Ivy entwined around the stone walls creates a scene reminiscent of a fantasy movie's abandoned ruins, possessing a fantastical beauty. Right next to it is the impressive “Chinda Falls,” making this a popular spot for combined photography.
- Iwato Scenic Area (Bungo-Ono City)
- Impressive rock walls and beautiful river scenery unfold before you. The sight of a small train running past massive rocks is truly picturesque. Enjoy the colors of each season, from spring greens to autumn foliage, making this an ideal spot for photography.
Experience Oita's Natural Wonders: Adventure Tourism
Adventure tourism refers to a style of travel that combines at least two of three key elements: activity, nature, and cultural experiences. With the growing global focus on nature, health, and sustainability, this travel style has gained significant attention in recent years. Oita Prefecture offers an ideal destination to experience these elements as visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities while connecting with and experiencing its rich natural landscapes, soothing onsen, and vibrant local culture and history.
Nippo Coast Area (Saiki City, Usuki City, Tsukumi City)
This area boasts beautiful blue seas and expansive horizons. The two rocks standing side by side in the sea, known as the “Meoto Iwa” (Couple Rocks), are a popular photo spot. Beyond the sea, historic, quiet streetscapes remain preserved. Enjoy a relaxing journey in this tranquil atmosphere.
- Bungo Futamigaura (Saiki City)
- This famous spot features two rocks floating in the sea, connected by a large rope. The moment the sun rises between the rocks creates a truly mystical and breathtaking view. Many people visit to capture the perfect sunrise photo.
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- Yotsura Observation Deck (Tsukumi City)
- This springtime scenic spot is located on the Yotsura Peninsula. It is famous for its abundance of early-blooming Kawazu cherry blossoms. The breathtaking view of pink cherry blossoms spreading across the landscape against the backdrop of the blue sea is truly moving. Visitors can feel the warmth of spring arriving early and capture beautiful photographs.
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- Tsukumi Dolphin Island (Tsukumi City)
- Dolphins live in a natural environment utilizing part of the ocean. You can enjoy watching dolphins jump and play at a distance close enough to touch. Besides dolphins, there are also penguins and fish, making it enjoyable for everyone from adults to children.
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- Usuki Stone Buddha Statues (Usuki City)
- This mystical spot features numerous Buddha statues carved into the rock. It is designated as a National Treasure. The gentle faces of the Buddha statues calm the hearts of those who see them. In summer, beautiful lotus flowers bloom in full splendor, creating a perfect collaboration with the Buddha statues for photography.
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- Kuroshima (Usuki City)
- This island, accessible only by boat, is like a secret paradise. The water is so clear you can see the bottom, and its emerald green color is truly beautiful. Without crowds of tourists, you can relax and enjoy peaceful time by the quiet sea. It feels like you have the ocean all to yourself.
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- Usuki Castle Town (Usuki City)
- This beautiful area features rows of traditional Japanese buildings. The contrast between white walls and stone-paved streets is stunning, making every spot picture-perfect. Residences where samurai once lived still remain. Take a leisurely stroll down the quiet streets and enjoy the historic atmosphere.
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- Fujigawachi Valley (Saiki City)
- This spot boasts a huge, seemingly endless single rock formation and beautiful water. The strangely shaped rocks, formed by the flow of water, resemble natural art. The emerald green, transparent water and the deep green of the forest are soothing.
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- Inaba Family Lower Residence (Usuki City)
- This prestigious residence was once used by the Inaba family, feudal lords of the Usuki domain. Its beautifully maintained Japanese garden and traditional architecture, crafted from the finest timber, are truly impressive. Wearing a kimono for photos here creates pictures that feel like stepping back in time.
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- Sky Park & Sky Observatory (Saeki City)
- Located at an elevation of 250 meters, this park offers stunning views of the sky and sea. Below, the vast ocean stretches out, providing an expansive, open vista. The area in front of the symbolic “Happiness Bell” is a popular photo spot. It's the perfect place to take pictures with someone special.
- The Path of History and Literature (Saeki City)
- This quiet street offers a glimpse into the atmosphere of an old castle town. Lined with white-walled buildings and ancient gates, it preserves traditional Japanese beauty. Take a leisurely stroll through this historic scenery.
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- Nioza Historical Path (Usuki City)
- This charming area features cobblestone paths and old buildings. Its slopes and narrow alleys create beautiful contrasts of light and shadow, making it a delight to explore with a camera. Every angle offers a picturesque view, creating a tranquil atmosphere.
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- Tsurumizaki Natural Park Panorama Observatory (Saiki City)
- This scenic spot sits at the easternmost tip of Kyushu. Every direction offers breathtaking views of the beautiful sea and sky stretching out in every direction. The contrast between the white lighthouse and the vast blue Pacific Ocean is truly moving. You can capture a photo with such a grand scale that you feel the sheer magnitude of the Earth.
- Usuki Castle Ruins (Usuki City)
- This park is famous as a cherry blossom viewing spot, with many cherry trees blooming in spring. Remnants of Usuki Castle, such as watchtowers and stone walls, remain here, creating a quintessentially Japanese, atmospheric photo spot. As it was the castle of a Christian daimyo, it is said that somewhere on the stone walls, letters of the alphabet are carved.
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Historical Usuki: A Kimono Walking Guide
Welcome to Usuki, a beautifully preserved castle town in Oita Prefecture that is rich in history, culture, and tradition. To fully immerse yourself in the city’s historical landscape, why not walk its streets while wearing a traditional kimono? Your journey through Usuki will create memories—and photo-worthy moments—that stay with you long after your visit.
