Visit Oita

Usuki grew around Usuki Castle, which was built in 1562 by Otomo Sorin, a powerful lord known for embracing Christianity and for making the city a hub of international trade, most notably with Portugal and Ming China. While the castle itself was partially demolished during Japan’s modernization in the Meiji Period, the old castle town remains largely intact, with narrow, winding streets lined with historical buildings that transport visitors back to Japan’s feudal era. A special way to experience Usuki’s charm is to explore it in a kimono, reinforcing the feeling of stepping back in time. This guide is here to help you do just that.

Kimono no Akouya offers a carefully curated selection of traditional kimono in various patterns and styles for rental. The staff will help you choose your preferred design and then skillfully dress you in your selected kimono, ensuring everything is worn correctly and comfortably. You don’t need to bring any special items or clothing with you, though you might want to wear warm undergarments in winter, and you can borrow a traditional drawstring bag for carrying your valuables. The friendly staff will also share helpful tips about walking and moving in your kimono, so you can explore the streets of Usuki with confidence.

General Tips

New to wearing kimono? Here are some essential tips. First, try to stand upright, with your weight slightly forward. Take small steps when walking and lift the hem when climbing stairs or sitting to avoid straining the fabric and keep everything looking neatly held together. Be mindful of the loose sleeves while eating or around objects they might catch on, like door handles. Also, hold onto the sleeves when lifting your arms, so they don’t slide up or turn inside out. Avoid smoking, as ash and burns can ruin the fabric. For bathroom visits, when using a urinal, simply part the layers to the left and right and lift them up slightly. When using a toilet, find a spacious stall or a room, separate the layers one by one to the left and right in your hands, and gently lift them upwards. If there is anything else you want to know, just ask the rental staff, who will be more than happy to help.

Picture-Perfect Poses

You’ve probably got some photo ideas in mind already, but here are a few classic poses you might enjoy trying, along with some simple tips to help you look your best.

After exploring the former castle town in your kimono, you can round off your day with an authentic tea ceremony back at Kimono no Akouya. The tea master will warmly guide you through each step of this centuries-old ritual in an intimate setting, from the proper way to appreciate your traditional Japanese wagashi sweet to the etiquette of receiving and drinking the tea, making it accessible and engaging even for first-time participants. The ceremony features a balanced combination of intense but not overly bitter matcha tea and delicious wagashi crafted following time-honored recipes. This is a wonderful way to experience one of Japan’s most cherished traditions in an authentic yet approachable setting.

While it may feel a shame to eventually change out of your beautiful kimono, there are more delightful experiences awaiting you in your regular clothes. Why not immerse yourself in unique cultural experiences that you can only find in Usuki? Here, you can try your hand at creating traditional Usukiyaki pottery. Using a technique called katauchi, you’ll press clay into molds to create vessels with beautiful, petal-like patterns. You can also experience kintsugi, the traditional Japanese practice of repairing broken pottery with gold powder, transforming imperfection into beauty.

Usuki’s historical streetscapes and architectural treasures provide the perfect backdrop for memorable photos, especially when you’re dressed in a traditional kimono. Here are three special spots you might consider.

While exploring Usuki’s charms, treat yourself at one of the city’s delightful dessert spots, from locally inspired soft serve ice cream to lovely cafés.

Besides sweets and coffee, Usuki has a rich food culture built on delicious local produce and distinctive traditional dishes.

Otomo Sorin, who built Usuki Castle in 1562 and laid the foundations for today’s city, was one of Japan’s most internationally minded lords of his time. His interest in foreign culture and meeting with the Jesuit missionary Francis Xavier led him to embrace Christianity, and in 1578 he was baptized in a local church, taking the Christian name Francisco. This fascinating chapter of Usuki’s history comes alive at Kuge’s Okura, a former sake storehouse from the late Edo Period. Here, you’ll discover a beautiful mural, created in 2000 by Portuguese artist Rogério Ribeiro using decorative azulejo tiles, that tells the story of early Portuguese-Japanese relations through evocative scenes featuring Christian missionaries, angels, and Otomo Sorin himself. Today, the structure serves as a cultural facility, hosting mini-concerts and small exhibitions. Another fascinating Christian artifact can be found at Kenshozenji near Nioza Historical Road. This temple, founded in 1634, houses a Maria Kannon, which is a statue of the Virgin Mary but disguised as the Buddhist deity Kannon to help hidden Christians practice their faith in secret and avoid potential persecution.

While other destinations in Kyushu like Fukuoka and Beppu might be more famous, Usuki is an authentic and hidden gem that rewards visitors with its well-preserved historical architecture, rich cultural heritage, and delicious local food. Beyond the atmospheric castle town, visitors will also find another of Usuki’s treasures just 20 minutes away—the Usuki Stone Buddhas. Carved between the late Heian and Kamakura Periods (794–1333), these statues are unrivaled in Japan for both their scale and craftsmanship, earning them National Treasure status. The mystery surrounding their origins—who carved them, exactly when, and why—and their secluded setting create a contemplative and memorable experience.