This article describes the historical places of interest in and around Usuki, a castle town in Oita on the island of Kyushu. (Archived article - Originally published by Japan Today)
Category: Oita
Rakan-ji: Buddhist ascetism amid dramatic scenery, yet a sort-of hole in the wall
Not long ago, we were driving in north-central Oita on the island of Kyushu when we spotted a mountain with a hole it. Needless to say, such a phenomenon must be explored! So we did. We learned that the top of this mountain was historically a hermitage for the practice Buddhist asceticism--reputed to have been … Continue reading Rakan-ji: Buddhist ascetism amid dramatic scenery, yet a sort-of hole in the wall
Beppu: fun promotions for hot springs
As a volcanic island chain, Japan is blessed with innumerable hot springs, making it inevitable that the people who live here love a good soak. Perhaps the queen of all of Japan's hot springs (onsen) areas is the city of Beppu, in Oita Prefecture. Situated on a bay on the northeast coast of the island … Continue reading Beppu: fun promotions for hot springs
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