Edo

Explore Usa Jingu, Japan's second most prestigious shrine after Ise. This 1,300-year-old National Treasure in Oita features unique Hachiman architecture, an 800-year-old sacred tree, and serves as the gateway to the mystical Kunisaki Peninsula.

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.

The Miura Baien Manuscripts, designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan, comprise 30 categories of autograph manuscripts (212 volumes) and four personal artifacts belonging to the Edo-period philosopher Miura Baien (1723–1789). Preserved in Kunisaki City, Oita Prefecture, these documents record his original philosophical system known as Jōrigaku (Study of Natural Order), which anticipated Western dialectical philosophy. The collection is displayed at the Miura Baien Museum alongside his former residence, a National Historic Site.

The Main Hall of Ganjo-in Temple, known as Aizen-do, stands on the hillside of Mount Hachiman in Taketa, Oita Prefecture, as the city's oldest surviving wooden structure. Built in 1635 by Hida master carpenters under the patronage of Lord Nakagawa Hisamori, this nationally designated Important Cultural Property features sophisticated Zen-style bracket complexes, fan-shaped rafters, and distinctive demon carvings at its eaves. Enshrining Aizen Myoo, the deity of love, it is celebrated as one of Oita's most popular romantic power spots.

Discover the Former Yahata Family Residence (Kyū Yahata-ke Jūtaku), an Important Cultural Property in Hita, Oita Prefecture. This rare 18th-century kudo-zukuri farmhouse preserves the traditional split-roof architecture of rural Kyushu.

The Gyōtoku Family Residence in Yoake, Hita City, Ōita Prefecture, is a nationally designated Important Cultural Property dating from the late Edo period. Once home to generations of official physicians serving the Kurume Domain, the residence features the distinctive L-shaped magari-ya roofline of western Ōita and a spacious earthen-floor layout typical of grand village headman dwellings. Visitors can explore the house, its borrowed-scenery garden, and a medical heritage museum free of charge.

Kōkan Bridge is a magnificent single-arch stone bridge completed in 1824, spanning the gorge of the Mie River between Usuki City and Bungo-Ōno City in Oita Prefecture. Boasting the longest stone arch span in Japan at the time of its construction, this Important Cultural Property represents the origin of large-scale stone arch bridge engineering in Kyushu. Discover the story of three merchants who sacrificed their fortunes to build it and the enduring beauty of Aso welded tuff masonry.

The stone bridge and channel wall before the gate of the Higashi Betsuin in Usa. A late-Edo girder bridge, 9.5 m wide with nine cambered girders, framing the front.

The sutra repository of the Higashi Betsuin in Usa, completed in 1799, the compound's oldest building. Inside turns an octagonal revolving case in a fine storehouse.

The drum tower of the Higashi Betsuin in Usa, a late-Edo two-storey structure housing a drum. With cusped windows east and west, it accents the temple skyline.

The earthen wall and stone base on the north edge of the Higashi Betsuin in Usa. A late-Edo plaster wall on random-coursed andesite, shaping the historic streetscape.

Discover the Tada Family Residence Storehouse, a Registered Tangible Cultural Property in Bungo Ōno City, Oita Prefecture. This traditional earthen storehouse with namako-kabe walls reflects the prestige of Edo-period Grand Headmen in rural Japan.