Unravel One Thousand Years of Memories. A Completely Undiscovered Japan
- Millennium Heritage Journey -
In the northern region of Oita Prefecture there are eight municipalities with a history spanning over 1,000 years from the distant past, through ancient times, the Middle Ages, and up to the present day. The history that has shaped modern Japan is ingrained in its memories and has been carved into this region.
The start of history in this area begins with the combining of Buddhism and Shinto religions at the Usa Shrine about 1,300 years ago. The fusion of the cultural beliefs between Shinto gods and Buddha is a kind of culture not seen anywhere else in the world, and perhaps it is precisely because of this that it has become a cornerstone of the essential Japanese spirit. This culture of fused religions from Usa and the Kunisaki Peninsula has proved to be timeless, and still remains today as the Rokugo Manzan culture.
The Usa Shrine reigned over about one-third of the territories in Kyushu, but this power has been lost over the passage of time. Since then each area has continued to develop in its own way; Nakatsu, Kitsuki and Hiji have the characteristic shape of castle towns, while Beppu is prospering as an international hot spring resort area. As time passes, the Rokugo Manzan culture is still concentrated at the temples, and even today is being passed down through the generations of local people.
Toyonokuni Millennium Heritage Tourism Zone is a place where you can immerse yourself in a completely unknown Japan. The Millennium Heritage Journey will unravel its history. The landscape and culture, the lives of the local people, the shrines and temples that are passing on this history, and with each experience and encounter you will uncover something that has been forgotten, and perhaps this will be a journey that leaves you with unforgettable memories…
Clear days are plentiful with a pleasant climate coming from the Seto Inland Sea. Sunny days are the norm in summer, and in winter the seasonal winds can bring snowfalls seen accumulating in the mountains.
The Kunisaki Peninsula is characterized by its steep terrain and volcanic soil which is easily permeated by rain water resulting in a very particular sustainable system of agriculture, forestry and water in the oak forests and ponds, which have been designated as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System.
This area is full of hot springs,especially in Beppu,in which you can enjoy a variety of colorful waters. It is one of the main hot spring areas in Japan and it has the most sources of hot springs in the world.
The region has an array of historical cultures that have come from ancient times to the present day. With the Usa Shrine at its center, Buddhism and Shintoism syncretized forming the 'Shinbutsu Shugo Culture',which spread throughout the Kunisaki Peninsula. Nakatsu, Kitsuki, and Hiji developed as castle towns, and these days they have become large towns with the old castle town at their heart. With one of the world's leading onsen towns, Beppu, there is still a heritage of precious modernization, back alleys, and the public bathhouse culture that escaped the destruction of war.
With all eight municipalities facing the Seto Inland Sea, fresh seafood is in abundance. Nakatsu is famous for conger pike, Himeshima for Japanese tiger prawns, and Hiji for Shiroshita flounder. In addition, Oita's tori-ten and kara-a-ge fried chicken are famous all over the country, The famous hot spring resorts in Beppu have a traditional method of cooking using steam from the hot spring nicknamed 'steamed in hell’s kitchen'.
GYOUKOUE is a sacred ceremony that was held until 400 years ago to replace the enshrined god at USA JINGU shrine. Priests carried an object of worship made at Komo shrine for 100km on a palanquin called "Mikoshi" while visiting other holy sites of the region.
We trace the route that inspired a thousand years of history.
The highlight of this tour is hiking on the beautiful secret paths.
This is a trail based on the ancient "Rokugo Manzan Mineiri Pilgrimage Route" on the Kunisaki Peninsula.This reconfigured course,which can be modified by adding further mountain climbing or walking routes,allows participants to experience the real pleasures of hiking and walking trails in a fun and comfortable way.
Would you like to wear Kimono and walk around the famous hot spring city Beppu?
We offer not only a wide selection of elegant Kimonos but also Obi (sash) and Geta(traditional Japanese clogs) to match your choice of garment, so feel free to visit us empty-handed!
Senpukuji Temple is a Zen temple located in Kunisaki,where many adherents to the Tendai school of Buddism are found,and was founded by the Zen monk Mujaku Myoyu.It is the head temple in Kyushu of the Soto school of Zen Buddhism.Here,you can experience full-fledged zazen(seated Zen medhitation) and copying of sutras in a chief priest over a cup of tea.
This is a walking tour in the Kannawa hot spring area, one of the eight hot spring concentrations in Beppu. Walking along the traditional streets, you will see how hot springs have been closely linked with the local people's lives.
Hot spring steam ovens, the city's hot spring steam bath house, "Yumetake" bamboo cooking tower, a 100 year old ryokan-turned gallery Fujiya, and more. If you would like , you can take a steam foot bath.
【Bus Depots】Oita Station,Beppu Station, Beppu Kitahama,Beppu Kotsu Center,Hiji, Usa Station
【Bus Routes】Oita Station＝Beppu Station＝Beppu Kitahama＝Beppu Kotsu Center＝Usa Station―――Usa Jingu Shrine―Fukiji Temple―Kumano Magaibutsu―Zaizen Family Graves―Futagoji Temple――Oita Airport＝Beppu Kotsu Center＝Beppu Kitahama＝Beppu Station＝Oita Station
【Bus Depots】Oita Station,Beppu Station, Beppu Kitahama,Beppu Kotsu Center,Nakatsu Station
【Bus Routes】Oita Station＝Beppu Station＝Beppu Kitahama＝Beppu Kotsu Center＝Nakatsu Station―――Fukuzawa Kyutei―Ao no Domon―Rakanji Temple―Yabakei Dam Lake―Shin-Yabakei Canyon―History Museum―――――Usa Station＝Beppu Kotsu Center＝Beppu Kitahama＝Beppu Station＝Oita Station
JR Hakata Station
(Nakatsu) - (Usa) - (Kitsuki)
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JR Beppu Station
Limited Express train (About 2 hours)
Fukuoka Airport
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Beppu
Highway bus (About 2 hours)
Fukuoka
(Nakatsu) - (Usa) - (Hiji)
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Beppu
Higashi-Kyushu Expressway (About 2 hours)
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Beppu
Kyushu Expressway / Oita Expressway (About 2 hours)
Oita Airport
(Kitsuki) - (Hiji)
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Beppu
AIRLINER (About 1 hour)
(Kunisaki) - (bungotakada) - (Usa)
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Nakatsu
NORTHLINER (About 1 hour 40 minutes)
Oita Airport
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Usa
National road/Prefectural road (About 1 hour)
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Bungotakada
National road/Prefectural road (About 1 hour)
Oita Airport
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Imi Port
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Himeshima Port
(About 1 hour)
