History / Culture / Tour Spots in Oita Area

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Category

Travel / Tourism

History / Culture / Tour

Furuzono Stone Buddhas

4.5

211 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Oita Usuki-shi Fukata

"This collection of over 60 Buddhist statues carved out of a tuff rock wall forms the core of the Usuki Stone Buddhas and is a five-minute drive from the Usuki Interchange on the Higashikyushu Expressway. The statues are believed to have been created from the late Heian period to the Kamakura period. One of the best stone Buddhist statue groups in Japan in terms of size, quantity, and carving skill, the group's statue of Vairocana in particular is considered a masterpiece. In 1995, this statue was the first such stone Buddhist statue in the country to be designated a National Treasure. Also known as the ""13 Furuzono Buddhas,"" other nearby stone Buddhist statue groups include the first and second Hoki Stone Buddhas clusters, and the Sannosan Stone Buddhas."

It is definitely worth visiting, or I rather say it is worth traveling to Kyushu to visit Usuki Stone Buddha. There are four different areas, you can see many statues of Buddha, which are engraved in...
Nakatsu Castle (Okudaira Clan Historical Museum)

4.0

180 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Ninjitsu City, Oita Pref.

Nakatsu Castle formed with fortification of the mouth of the Yamakunigawa River (currently the Takasegawa River) by Kuroda Kanbei. Since the fortress takes the shape of a folding fan, it also takes the name “Ogi Castle,” “ogi” meaning folding fan in Japanese. Following this, it was occupied by the Hosokawa, Ogasawara, and Okudaira clans. The castle tower was rebuilt in 1964 and now houses exhibits of swords, clothing and historical documents related to the Okudaira clan.

Nakatsu Castle is, beside Fukuzawa Yukichi’s former residence, certainly the main tourist attraction in Nakatsu. However, the exhibit inside is much similar to that of other castles, and there is...
Ao-no-domon

4.0

136 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Oita Pref. Nakatsushi Honyabakeimachisogi

In the Edo period a Zenkai high priest who was grieved at men and horses losing their lives on the perilous road, spent 30 years carving out a tunnel with just chisel and hammer together with his masons. It is said that this tale was the basis of Kan Kikuchi’s novel “Beyond Love and Hate.” Even today, in one part of the tunnel the remaining marks of the chisel work can be seen.

Ao Cave is well known thanks to the novel “Onshuno Kanatani”, written by Kikuchi Kan. The novel is based on a real story of a bonze who dug the tunnel for local people. I had expected a very...
Oita Prefectural Art Museum

4.0

132 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Oita Pref. Oitashi Kotobukimachi 2-1

"An art museum situated along Showa-dori Avenue in Kotobuki-machi, Oita City. The museum's collection spans some 5,000 items, including Bungo Nanga paintings which were flourishing in the Oita area from the late Edo through the Taisho periods; as well as examples of modern Japanese and Western style paintings, crafts, and contemporary art by artists affiliated with Oita. Dedicated to being a ""Museum of Encounters and of the Five Senses,"" the museum holds collection exhibitions as well as special exhibitions."

Shigeru Ban’s pretty and pristine jewellery box in Oita. The layout is unconventional for an art museum where much of the space appears to be earmarked for public and community use. That’s on the...
Fuki-ji Temple

4.5

110 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Oita Pref. Bungotakadashi Tashibufuki 2395

A Tendai Buddhist temple standing silently along Prefectural Route 655 in Bungotakada City. Erected in the Heian period (794–1185) as a shrine in the Usa Jingu Shrine complex, the temple’s principle object of worship, a seated wooden figure of Amitabha Tathagatta, is designated an Important Cultural Property. Together with the Phoenix Hall at the Byodoin and the Golden Hall at the Chuson-ji Temple, the temple’s Great Hall is counted one of the three most outstanding halls devoted to an image of Amitabha in Japan. Designated a National Treasure, the Great Hall is also the oldest wooden structure in Kyushu. The Fukinotou inn adjoining the Great Hall for those looking to have a quiet and relaxing stay.

Beautiful amazingly preserved temple, well not entirely - there are spots on the walls with graffiti made by local kids who used it as their playground in the 1950s but it makes it all the more...
Kitsuki Castle

3.5

118 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Oita Pref. Kitsukishi Kitsuki 16-1

"This castle is considered the smallest in Japan and is located on a plateau near the mouth of the Yasaka River. Built by Kitsuki Yorinao in 1394, the Kanji used for the part of ""Kitsuki"" was different from the one used today at the time of its construction, but because the shogunate vermillion seal had mistakenly been written in different Kanji, the Kanji used on the seal came to be used commonly.. It is also known as Gagyu Castle because the plateau it is on is shaped like a cow lying down, and as Katsuyama Castle because it endured for two months against an attack by the Shimazu. The current castle keep was reconstructed in 1970, and items such as armor used by the castle lords is displayed in the castle museum."

There is an English brochure, but most of the information is in Japanese. However you can try on some real armor and look out over a view of the entire city.
Kumano Magaibutsu

4.5

117 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Oita Pref. Bungotakadashi Tashibuhirano

A group of stone carvings made into bare rock in the late Heian period (794–1185) which are believed to be the oldest Buddhist imagery in the nation. There are two carvings—an eight meter tall image of Fudo Myoo (Acala, the God of Fire) and a 7.7 meter tall image of Dainichi-nyorai (Vairocana); both are among the largest such Magaibutsu (Buddhist imagery carved into bare stone) in the country and are nationally designated Important Cultural Properties and as well as a Historic Site. In order to view the statues, it is necessary to climb a steep set of stone steps; accordingly, visitors are encouraged to wear comfortable footwear. Walking stick rentals are also available. The figures may be viewed until evening.

Following Fukiji-oodou we visited Kumano-magaibutsu (stone Buddhist statues carved on rock) not far away. These statues date back to the late Heian period, probably 11th to 12th century, and is the...
Usa-jingu Shrine

3.5

7 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Oita Pref. Usashi Minamiusa 2859

This Shinto shrine is famous for being the head shrine of all 40 thousand Hachiman shrines in Japan dedicated to Emperor Ojin as the god Hachiman in a syncretic belief system which combines elements of Buddhism. Enshrining Hachiman as well as Hime and Empress Jingu, the shrine was founded in 725. The grounds are spacious, and the main shrine building, a National Treasure, is divided between an upper building located on a hill and a lower building located at the base. The first hall of the upper building is believed to provide luck with money and business; the second and third are believed to provide luck with love and easy childbirth.

広い境内を持つ宇佐神宮には、いくつもの摂社・末社がありました。それらのお社にもお参りしながら、宇佐神宮の本殿にあたる「上宮」へと向かう石段を登っていきました。上宮の入り口ともいえる西大門の少し手前の右手にあったのが、若宮神社です。摂社としては本殿のすぐ前に鎮座していますし、大きく立派なお社だなあと思ってお参りしました。この神社は、大鷦鷯命（おおささぎのみこと）など五柱の神々が祀られています...
Oita Fragrance Museum

4.0

69 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Beppu City Kita Ishigaki 48-1 Oita Prefecture

A museum located in Kitaishigaki, Beppu City. The museum has a collection of fragrances from around the world and contains exhibits on fragrances, how they are made, and fragrances from the perspective of their science, history, and culture. There’s also an aroma room and hands-on area where visitors can try mixing fragrances, and museum goers can come in contact with a variety of fragrances. The museum’s shop sells fragrance-related products; an adjoining café serves herbal teas and light meals.

I really enjoyed my visit much more than expected. The collection is very well curated with such an extensive collection of fragrances from around the world. Arrive early if you want to avoid a...
Former Residence of Fukuzawa Yukichi / Fukuzawa Memorial Museum

4.0

76 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nakatsu City, Oita Prefecture, 586

A historic building and museum located in Rusui-machi, Nakatsu City. Famed intellectual and historic figure Fukuzawa Yukichi was born as the second son of a low-ranking samurai in Nakatsu Domain, and the remain of residence where he spent his early childhood and the former residence where he spent his later life are preserved here. The on-site museum contains exhibits on Fukuzawa’s life and looks at the man from a variety of angles.

It is certainly one of the main tourist attractions in Nakatsu, beside Nakatsu Castle. There is also a combination ticket for these two places. The well preserved old residence of Fukuzawa Yukichi is...
OITA ART MUSEUM

4.0

48 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Oita Pref. Oitashi Ueno 865

This art museum is surrounded by the lush nature of Uenogaoka Kodomo-no-Mori Park. Inside are permanent exhibits of Japanese paintings by artists including Heihachiro Fukuda and Tatsuo Takayama, and early modern Chinese-style paintings of Tanomura Chikuden, works of the Bungo Southern School of Chinese paintings, and other paintings and works relating to Oita City. Events are held throughout the year from exhibition to hands-on-learning. The museum’s restaurant also commands great views of the town.

I had modest expectations coming here since this is a city museum for a city that is not on the main tourist paths. However, the exhibits were fantastic. Great collections on display. If I travel to...
Makiodo

4.0

59 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Oita Pref. Bungotakadashi Tashibumaki 1796

A Buddhist temple situated along Prefectural Route 655 in Tashibumaki, Bungotakada City. The temple is one of the groups of Rokugo Manzan temples found on the Kunisaki Peninsula. The temple once flourished as the greatest of the eight head Rokugo Manzan temples but its 36 buildings were almost completely destroyed in a fire. The temple possesses numerous National Important Cultural Property-designated Buddhist statues, including a wooden seated figure of Amitabha, the temple’s principal object of worship; and wooden statues of the Four Heavenly Kinds which stand guard around it. The grounds encompass an observatory and Kodai Park, which contains a group of stone Rokugo Manzan structures.

Rare wooden statues on display. This temple combo Shinto divinities and Buddhist deities. The wooden hall (photo) was built during the zero period.
Sasamuta Shrine

4.0

37 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Oita Pref. Oitashi Souda 1644

A Shinto shrine located in Soda, Oita City. The shrines origins date back the building of a small “hokora” wayside shrine on the order of ancient Emperor Ojin. A renowned destination for enjoying wisteria blossoms, a giant wisteria plant said to be 450 years old grows on the grounds. During the peak blooming period in early May, the shrine holds a wisteria festival which attracts many visitors.

西寒多神社（ささむたじんじゃ）は、大分県大分市寒田（おおいたけんおおいたしそうだ）にある豊後国一宮だ。柞原八幡宮（ゆすはらはちまんぐう）とこの西寒多神社が豊後国一宮とされている。祭神は、西寒多大神（ささむたのおおかみ）西寒多大神は、天照皇大御神（あまてらすおおみかみ）、月読尊（つきよみのみこと）、天忍穂耳命（あまのおしほみみのみこと）の総称とされる。西寒多神社大分県大分市寒田１６４４ 097...
Kangien

4.0

47 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Oita Pref. Hitashi Tansou 2-2-13

A historic building located in 2 Chome Tanso, Hita City. This famous small private school, opened by Hita-born, late Edo period Confucian scholar Hirose Tanso, counted among its graduates such names as Omura Masujiro and Takano Choei. Today, visitors can view the building for free and, in the adjoining Kangien Educational Research Center, view exhibits on the school and its students.

松下村塾や適塾とならぶ日本近世3大私塾の一つです。適塾にはまだ行ったことはないですが松下村塾にくらべ規模は可なりこちらのほうが大きいです。今度は適塾にも行ってみたいと思っています。
Kuncho Sake Brewery Museum

4.0

38 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Oita Pref. Hitashi Mamedamachi 6-31

"This museum inside the sake brewery ""Kuncho Shuzo"" is located along Kamimachi-dori Street in Mameda-machi, Hita City. This is part of the sake storehouse with Edo-period (1603-1868) architecture located in a national important traditional architecture preservation district, and exhibits tools for sake-making used until about 1955. Facilities such as a shop using sake warehouse built from the Edo period (1603-1868) to the Taisho period (1912-1926), a sweets shop using sake, and a baker studio with an adjoining cafe are gathered in the area."

酒蔵というよりも資料の見学でした。建物に入るとすぐ右側に土産などの売り場があり、その奥に見学ができる場所があります。階段を上がると昔酒造りに使っていた器具などが展示されています。買い物は家族もあまり飲まない方なのでみただけで終わりになりました。
Yufuin Station Art Hall

4.0

36 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Oita Pref. Yufushi Yufuinchoukawakita 8-2 JR Yufuin Station premises

A gallery located inside Yufuin Station in Kawakita, Yufuin-cho, Yufu City. Making use of a hall also used as a waiting area inside the Arata Isozaki-designed building, the gallery exhibits paintings, photos, crafts, and other works of art. The station building also has a footbath area.

Many people sitting there waiting for train at mid-day, and luggages are allowed to leave there, not like a Art Hall at all.
Goganji Temple (Red Wall Temple)

3.5

39 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Oita Nakatsu-shi Teramachi 973

This Seizan Pure Land Buddhist temple, a six-minute walk from Nakatsu Station and a 60-minute drive from the Hita Interchange, is situated in between the Shoganji Temple and Hondenji Temple a little south of the center of the Tera-machi district. Records state the temple was established by the daimyo Kuroda Yoshitaka and founded by the priest Kuyo. The temple's nickname of the Red Wall Temple is derived from the red wall on the border of the temple's grounds, helping the temple stand out even among the many temples in the area. According to legend, during the Warring States period, local influential lord Kii Shigefusa and his retainers died in battle, and the walls of the temple, which were covered in their blood, will turn red even if painted a different color.

There is a mysterious legend that the wall of this temple turned out red, whenever it was painted in white. It is said that this is the color of killed samurais who was defending in this temple, as...
Trick 3D art Yufuin

3.5

37 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Oita Pref. Yufushi Yufuinchoukawakami 3001 - 8 Yufuinnaya 1/2 F

A museum where visitors can enjoy the amazing and eye-deceiving world of trick 3D art, where flat pictures seem to leap out and different images appear depending on your position. The real fun comes from the exhibits which allow visitors to take pictures and become one with the artwork, such as rooms which use perspective to make a person look taller or shorter, and a flying carpet scene. Dogs which are carried at all times are also allowed in the museum. Closest station; JR Yufuin Station.

1. More detail should be given to the walls near the artworks. Each photo should be easily framed. Some posters are put near the artworks and if you want to do some simple editing later, the...
Oita Prefectural Museum of History

4.5

27 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Oita Pref. Usashi Takamori Kyotozuka

Located inside the Usa Fudoki no Oka history park, the museum preserves and exhibits materials with a focus on Cultural Properties connected to Oita. Visitors can view full sized models of the Fuki-ji Temple and Usuki Stone Buddhas, designated National Treasures, as well as artefacts excavated from Mengahira Tomb. The nearest bus stops are Oitakenritsu-rekishihakubutsukan-mae and Fudoki-no-oka-iriguchi.

We visited Ooita Prefectural Museum of History opened in 1998 to get some background knowledge of the places we intended to visit. It certainly was worth the three hundred ten yen admission fee. In...
Showa no Machi Museum

4.0

7 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Oita Pref. Bungotakadashi Chuoudori 691

A museum located in Chuodori, Bungotakada City. Operating out of a former Oita Union Bank building built in 1933, the museum contains exhibits such as chronologies and everyday items used during Japan’s bygone Showa period (1926–1989). Entry is free and visitors can learn about Japanese lifestyles and history during the Showa period. The museum also rents retro Showa period Western-style clothing and visitors can walk the streets of Bungotakada, which still retain strong traces of the Showa period, dressed in “period-appropriate” fashion.

今回ここを訪れるのは２回目なのですが、昭和の時代の品々が所狭しと並べられていて、懐かしさがこみ上げてきました。

Oita

Oita City Beppu Yufuin / Kuju Hita Tsukumi / Usuki Bungoono / Taketa Usa / Nakatsu Around Kunisaki Peninsula

Travel / Tourism History / Culture / Tour

Reference/Local/Exhibition/Literature Museum Shrine Castle / Ruins of Castle Historical Monument Temple Church Ruin / Grave / Ancient Tomb Memorial Hall Cultural Property Event Hall / Public Hall Art Museum Museum / Science Museum Other Historic Site/Building

Oita Areas

A trip to Oita is tantamount to a long soak in the Beppu baths. The mountainous, coastal prefecture of Oita is renowned for having more onsen than any other prefecture in Japan, most of which lie in the city of Beppu on the west coast of Kyushu, recognizable by its pungent sulphuric aroma and the clouds of steam that puff up across the hillside. Away from the Beppu hot springs await mountains, waterfalls, and temples, so don’t hesitate to explore Oita a little further.