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Discover Usuki: A Journey Through History and Culture from Beppu
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Joined 2025
Embark on a captivating journey through the historical city of Usuki and experience the rich tapestry of Japanese culture. Once a thriving castle town, Usuki offers a unique blend of ancient history and natural beauty.
Explore the samurai district and wander through the samurai residences and stroll along the historical path The tour highlights a venture to the Usuki Stone Buddhas, colossal statues carved into the cliffs. These ancient sculptures offer a glimpse into Japan's rich heritage.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
JR Beppu Station West Exit
- *Other pick-up points outside Beppu available with additional charges & tour duration on request.
Old Samurai Residence (Inaba clan)
First visit to a former residence of the Inaba family, the former feudal lord of Usuki Domain. Built in 1902, it was constructed as a place for the family to return to after relocating to Tokyo following the abolition of the han system. The residence showcases the elegant architecture of a high-ranking samurai family, featuring a formal entrance with a raised platform, a traditional Japanese-style living room, and high-quality materials such as cedar and cypress.
Nioza Historical Path & Shopping Street
Nestled near Usuki Castle, the Nijoza Historic Path is a unique and captivating destination. Formed from solidified volcanic ash from a volcano, the path winds through a rugged landscape of carved rock formations.
As you wander through the narrow streets, you'll be transported back in time to the Edo period. The area retains its historic charm, with towering stone walls, heavy tiled roofs, whitewashed buildings, and numerous temples lining the sloping streets.
Usuki Stone Buddhas
Nestled amidst the serene natural landscape, the Usuki Stone Buddhas stand as a testament to the deep spiritual beliefs and artistic mastery of ancient Japan. These monumental sculptures, carved directly into a cliff face, are a rare and invaluable treasure. Unlike most Buddhist statues crafted from wood or metal, the Usuki Stone Buddhas are hewn from solid rock, making them a unique and enduring testament to human creativity. The buddha statues earns its significance as a national treasure of Japan.
Usuki Pottery Gallery
Visit to a pottery atelier & workshop next to the stone buddhas.
Ending Point
JR Beppu Station
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Drive & Guide fee
Transportation by a private car (Nissan "Serena")
Fuel, parking fees, toll fees
Admission- Stone Buddha: JPY550 per person
Admission- Samurai Residence: JPY330 per person
Meals (guide & members)
Tour Important Information
* This tour includes a walking up slopes/steps, and not recommended for those with severe back/knee problems.
* Visit to the workshop & gallery is subject to their availability. If the workshop is not available, the visit to local breweries, soy sauce factory
offered optionally.
Important message from the supplier
Draft itineraries and tour options are the starting point to have more insightful conversation. I'm always welcome to discuss further, catering to your particular travel needs!
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Joined 2025
About Tour Guide Kei H.
Hi, I'm KEI! Your friendly local guide ready to show you the real Japan.
With expertise in Oita area (Beppu, Yufuin etc), I'm passionate about guiding my guests around various aspects from commonly known attractions to off-the-beaten tracks, those in the know, know places.
I've been working in tourism for years and love sharing my passion for this beautiful country with visitors. From bustling cities to hidden gems, I'll create a personalized itinerary that suits your interests.
Whether you're a foodie, history buff, or nature lover, I can help you experience the best of Japan. Let's create unforgettable memories together!
Reviews
Cody H.
“Excellent and Unique Tour!”
We had an excellent tour from Kei! We really loved going to some of the sights and experiences outside of the major tourist areas in Oita - we had the opportunity to visit the Kuju flower park, cook onsen eggs in a rustic hot spring, and visit the Kokonoe Yume Otsurihashi Bridge. Kei was very knowledgeable and customized the tour to what we were interested in. He even showed us a roadside rice polisher which we had heard about and thought was very cool, so he found one in Beppu and told us all about it! Kei was beyond welcoming and pleasant and I would highly recommend him to anyone looking to go beyond the typical sights and experience true local knowledge.
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Kei H.
Thank you so much for such a wonderful and heartwarming review! It was an absolute pleasure guiding you around Oita.
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Candice W.
“My Attack On Titan Dreams Came True!”
Because many of the iconic Attack on Titan sites in Hita are a bit far from each other I was so grateful to find an English-speaking Tour Guide, Kei, who took care of every detail of this tour! From taking us around to Oyama Dam, that Tree on the Hill, TWO dedicated museums, Isayama sensei yakisoba and Levi gelato, and even the local sites to closely watching the weather and being so mindful of all of our needs, these were the most special and memorable days of my life!!! Kei was super friendly and knowledgeable, and even played the Attack on Titan soundtrack in the car. My greatest dream came true finally making my pilgrimage to the hometown of Isayama sensei, the creator of Attack on Titan!!
Kei H.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! I am absolutely thrilled that I could help make your ultimate Attack on Titan pilgrimage come true and that you enjoyed the special touch of the soundtrack.
John F.
“Funai Castle Tour”
Kei was great, knowledgeable, easy to talk to, and went above and beyond our expectations. Would highly recommend
Kei H.
I truly appreciate your interest in the castle ruins and district and feeling a connection that your name has :) The day was definitely exceptional for me either to explore the city from the different aspect.
$556/ per group
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