Oita

Historic Sites, Places of Scenic Beauty, and Natural Monuments

Ogata Miyasako West Stone Buddha

Discover the Ogata Miyasako Nishi Sekibutsu, a National Historic Site in Oita Prefecture featuring three equally-arranged Buddha statues carved into volcanic rock during the Heian period. Located near the famous Harajiri Falls, this hidden treasure offers a unique glimpse into ancient Buddhist devotion in rural Japan.

Ogata Miyasako East Stone Buddha

Explore the Ogata Miyasako Higashi Stone Buddhas, a National Historic Site in Bungo-Ono City, Oita Prefecture. These remarkable late Heian period cliff carvings feature five Buddhist deities with preserved polychrome coloring. Learn about their connection to the legendary samurai Ogata Koreyoshi and plan your visit to this hidden gem of Japanese Buddhist art.

Shimofuji Christian Cemetery

Discover Shimofuji Christian Cemetery in Usuki, a nationally designated historic site and Japan's first complete Christian burial ground from the 16th century. Explore the hidden history of Kirishitan faith, European burial traditions, and the remarkable legacy of early Japanese Christians.

Obsidian Production Area of Himeshima

Explore Himeshima's rare milky-white obsidian cliffs, a National Natural Monument where prehistoric trade networks flourished across western Japan for over 20,000 years. Plan your visit to this off-the-beaten-path geopark destination in Oita Prefecture.

Graveyard of the Nakagawa Family, Lords of the Oka Domain

Explore the Nakagawa Clan Cemetery, a National Historic Site in Taketa City, Oita Prefecture. Three distinct burial grounds reveal the diverse funerary philosophies of Edo-period feudal lords — from elegant Buddhist mausoleums with garden ponds to Confucian graves atop remote mountains in the Kuju Range.

Nanatsumori Kofun Group

The Nanatsu-mori Kofun Group in Taketa City, Oita Prefecture, is a nationally designated historic site featuring ancient burial mounds from the early Kofun period (4th century). With two keyhole-shaped and two round tumuli still intact, the site yielded remarkable artifacts including bronze mirrors and jasper bracelets that evidence cultural ties to the Kinai heartland. Each September, approximately 200,000 red spider lilies blanket the grounds, creating a breathtaking fusion of ancient history and natural splendor.

Anakannon Tomb

Ankokuji Village Ruins

Inukai Stone Buddha

Iwato Ruins

Usa Shrine Grounds

Usa Shrine Forest

Usuki Castle Ruins

Usuki Cliff Carved Buddha / with Hiyoshi Tower, Five Ringed

Oita Motomachi Stone Buddha

The Large Cedar Tree of Ogi Shrine

Giant Salamander Habitat

Otomo Clan Ruins

Oka Castle Ruins

Ozaki Small Mandarin Ancestral Tree