Usuki: Historic Walking Tour through Kokuho Stone Buddhas, Nijo-za, and the Samurai Town with Stone-Paved Streets

A historic walking course through the National Treasure cliff-carved Buddhas and stone-paved castle town of Usuki in Oita Prefecture. In the morning, visit Usuki Stone Buddhas enshrined in Hotoke no Sato (the Buddha Village). The calm expressions of the Buddhas carved into the rock face naturally soothe the spirit. After gazing across the town from the stone walls of Usuki Castle Ruins, built by Otomo Sorin on the sea, proceed to the Nijo-za Historic Path with its white walls and stone pavement. Enjoy local cuisine such as kirasu-mameshi and kiro-meshi at lunch, and take a leisurely stroll through the narrow cut-through lanes. At the Lower Residence of the former daimyo Inaba family, carefully appreciate the formal writing-room style parlor and garden. To finish, visit Sala de Usuki for souvenir shopping featuring soy sauce, miso, and other brewing-town specialties. Spend a leisurely and refined day enriched by the culture of stone and the lingering atmosphere of the samurai era.