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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
John F.
“Funai Castle Tour”
Kei was great, knowledgeable, easy to talk to, and went above and beyond our expectations. Would highly recommend
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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.
Jennifer G.
“Fantastic Visit to Moji and Shimonoseki”
Kei did a great job communicating in advance of the tour and customized the day to see the beautiful wisteria that I had been wanting to see. He also added in an extra stop that he knew of that had gorgeous wisteria on our way to the actual garden. We enjoyed visiting Moji Retro, walking under the strait in the pedestrian tunnel and visiting the Shimonoseki fish market. Fantastic day off the cruise ship.
Kei H.
Thank you very much for coming in the best season for wisteria. It's a wonderful day that you appreciate the colorful seasonal flowers. Have a safe trip back home.
Kevin J.
“Well recommended for your AoT/Hita trip!”
We had a great time with Kei! We wanted to see some of the Attack on Titan sights in the area, and having a local guide who can provide transport was invaluable (it can be a LONG walk to certain spots). Kei was super communicative before the trip, and had a good (and flexible) schedule planned out for the day. He helped us with getting the proper trains to/from Hakata to Hita, which was appreciated. We hit all of the major AoT spots and still had time to see a wonderful artisanal pottery village, which was definitely one of the highlights. Lunch was excellent, and he also gave us some great recommendations for the food scene in Fukuoka. If you're looking for an AoT tour in Hita, or just want someone to show you some different sights in the Japanese countryside, we highly recommend Kei!
Kei H.
Thank you very much. I appreciate that you share the wonderful information about Costa Rica. I'll be longing to trip to your country in the future for sure.
$470/ per group
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