Intangible Folk Cultural Properties Requiring Documentation of Oita

The sixty wooden kugutsu puppets preserved at Koyo Shrine in Nakatsu City, Oita Prefecture, represent Japan's oldest known puppet tradition, tracing their origins to the Hayato Rebellion of 720 CE. Holding dual designations as both an Important Tangible and Intangible Folk Cultural Property, the ritual dance and sumo performed with these puppets once every three years is considered the living root of Japan's entire puppet theater heritage, including Bunraku.

Oita’s registered properties across designations, with featured heritage and travel notes.

The complete kokuhō catalogue — browse by prefecture, period, and category.

Nationwide jūyō bunkazai — architecture, sculpture, painting, crafts, and documents.