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Information on past events is also posted.
Usa Tidbits
The rivers that flowed out of the Ajimu Basin and Innai Valley merge to form the Ekidate River, which flows through the Usa Plain and flows into the Buzen Sea. Many ancient ruins have been discovered in the basin. Among them, the keyhole-shaped tombs in the Kawabe/Takamori area, which are nationally designated historic sites, are famous, and have been maintained as the Prefectural Usa Fudoki Hill, and together with the attached Prefectural Museum of History, are cultural facilities that are proud of the nation.
At the end of the Kofun period, ancient temples were built, and Hachimangu Shrines, a syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism, were established across the country, and over time the spirit of Hachiman deity was divided throughout the country and became the main shrine. In addition, from ancient times to the Middle Ages, excellent temples were built in various places, such as the temples around Usa Jingu such as Entsu-ji and Daraku-ji, as well as the main hall of Zenko-ji, which is an important national cultural property due to its Kamakura period architectural style.
Ruins of castles from the Sengoku period still remain throughout the area, and the Mitsuoka Castle ruins in the Akao district are the setting for a novel by local author Riichi Yokomitsu called "Tabishu."
In the Edo period, the Jodo Shinshu temple built in Yokkaichi developed into Higashibetsuin and Nishibetsuin, and is said to be the largest wooden temple in Kyushu. The 500 Arhats enshrined within the grounds of Tokoji Temple convey the beliefs of the common people at the end of the Edo period.
The war ruins of the Usa Naval Air Corps during the Pacific War are attracting attention as a field for peace learning. In the shallow Buzen Sea, you can try clam picking and the traditional fishing method called "Ishihibi." In addition, the birthplace of Futabayama, a great yokozuna from the Showa era, is known as Futaba no Sato, where you can enjoy the history of Futabayama and sumo. The Usa plains is dotted with historical sites and cultural assets from ancient times to modern times, and has the charm of being a history book carved into the earth.
Ruins of castles from the Sengoku period still remain throughout the area, and the Mitsuoka Castle ruins in the Akao district are the setting for a novel by local author Riichi Yokomitsu called "Tabishu."
In the Edo period, the Jodo Shinshu temple built in Yokkaichi developed into Higashibetsuin and Nishibetsuin, and is said to be the largest wooden temple in Kyushu. The 500 Arhats enshrined within the grounds of Tokoji Temple convey the beliefs of the common people at the end of the Edo period.
The war ruins of the Usa Naval Air Corps during the Pacific War are attracting attention as a field for peace learning. In the shallow Buzen Sea, you can try clam picking and the traditional fishing method called "Ishihibi." In addition, the birthplace of Futabayama, a great yokozuna from the Showa era, is known as Futaba no Sato, where you can enjoy the history of Futabayama and sumo. The Usa plains is dotted with historical sites and cultural assets from ancient times to modern times, and has the charm of being a history book carved into the earth.
Recommended Spots
The year in Usa begins with the first visit to Usa Shrine. The Takasu Kannon-do Demon Festival, held on January 4th, is a fire and water festival held on the river during the winter.
People who have been looking forward to spring enjoy the plum blossoms in full bloom on the Usa plains and the wisteria flowers at Sakurasenzai Farm. In addition, clam picking will begin at Wama Seaside Park and other places.
Usa Jingu's Summer Festival, Yokkaichi's Tanabata Summer Festival, and Choshu's Port Festival are the three major summer festivals that are crowded with people.
During the autumn harvest, the Usa Jingu Mid-Autumn Festival (Hojo-e) is held at Wama Shrine. Yokkaichi, where Kyushu's largest wooden structure, the east and west branch temples of Shinshu Hongan-ji Temple, is located, is crowded with "torikokoshi" from early to mid-December.
Usa City is Japan's number one producer of barley shochu, including Sanwa Shurui Co., Ltd. Buzen seafood such as Toyoyuki crab is sold at the beach market held on the last Sunday of the month. Usa is also the birthplace of karaage specialty stores, and many stores sell it. Traditional Usa candy is a famous souvenir from Usa Shrine.
People who have been looking forward to spring enjoy the plum blossoms in full bloom on the Usa plains and the wisteria flowers at Sakurasenzai Farm. In addition, clam picking will begin at Wama Seaside Park and other places.
Usa Jingu's Summer Festival, Yokkaichi's Tanabata Summer Festival, and Choshu's Port Festival are the three major summer festivals that are crowded with people.
During the autumn harvest, the Usa Jingu Mid-Autumn Festival (Hojo-e) is held at Wama Shrine. Yokkaichi, where Kyushu's largest wooden structure, the east and west branch temples of Shinshu Hongan-ji Temple, is located, is crowded with "torikokoshi" from early to mid-December.
Usa City is Japan's number one producer of barley shochu, including Sanwa Shurui Co., Ltd. Buzen seafood such as Toyoyuki crab is sold at the beach market held on the last Sunday of the month. Usa is also the birthplace of karaage specialty stores, and many stores sell it. Traditional Usa candy is a famous souvenir from Usa Shrine.
Tanabata summer festival held in Yokkaichi shopping district
Mid-Autumn Festival (Hojo-e) Mikoshi procession and Mt.
Tourism Initiatives
The center of the Usa area is Usa Jingu, which is visited by 1,750,000 worshipers and tourists every year. We would like to inform these customers about sightseeing spots other than Usa Jingu so that they can fully enjoy the charm of Usa.
The Prefectural Museum of History is surprisingly little known. Just a 5-minute drive from Usa Jingu Shrine is one of the best museums in Japan. Our museum is located in a 20-hectare burial mound park called "Usa Fudoki no Oka," and exhibits the history and culture of the entire Oita prefecture, with a focus on Usa and the Kunisaki Peninsula. We hope you will enjoy Usa Jingu Shrine and the Prefectural Museum of History in one package.
In the area centered around the Yokkaichi shopping district, there is the Tozai Betsuin of the Shinshu sect, which boasts the largest wooden structure in Kyushu. It is a temple town that once flourished as a Kyushu Gobo temple. Currently, in conjunction with the cityscape development, we are working on experiential tourism such as making clay dolls and prayer beads, and providing tourist guides.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of Futabayama's birth. Futabayama has started to attract attention due to Hakuho's 69 consecutive wins. We would like to collaborate with Usa City and related organizations and organizations to spread the word about "Futabayama, which is from Usa" to the whole country.
The Prefectural Museum of History is surprisingly little known. Just a 5-minute drive from Usa Jingu Shrine is one of the best museums in Japan. Our museum is located in a 20-hectare burial mound park called "Usa Fudoki no Oka," and exhibits the history and culture of the entire Oita prefecture, with a focus on Usa and the Kunisaki Peninsula. We hope you will enjoy Usa Jingu Shrine and the Prefectural Museum of History in one package.
In the area centered around the Yokkaichi shopping district, there is the Tozai Betsuin of the Shinshu sect, which boasts the largest wooden structure in Kyushu. It is a temple town that once flourished as a Kyushu Gobo temple. Currently, in conjunction with the cityscape development, we are working on experiential tourism such as making clay dolls and prayer beads, and providing tourist guides.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of Futabayama's birth. Futabayama has started to attract attention due to Hakuho's 69 consecutive wins. We would like to collaborate with Usa City and related organizations and organizations to spread the word about "Futabayama, which is from Usa" to the whole country.
Nishi Honganji Temple Main Hall
Oita Prefectural Museum of History (Usa Fudoki Hill)