For The Fans of Mother Nature
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Six Gorgeous Nature Spots to Check Out in Bungoono
Located south of Oita city (大分), Bungoono (豊後大野) is a city renowned for its gorgeous geological site, filled with many beautiful nature spots. This is because it was formerly a volcanic region that was created from the eruptions of the nearby Mt Aso (阿蘇山) thousands of years ago. And yet surprisingly, the site is still relatively unknown amongst the travel community; mainly due to the lack of public transportation as well as marketing towards foreign tourists. To my surprise, these nature sites are equally as gorgeous as the famed Mt Fuji (富士山), but also shamefully underrated. Due to the lack of foreign tourists, these sites do offer plenty of personal…
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Awe-Inspiring Scenic Sites in the Kunisaki Peninsula
The Kunisaki Peninsula (国東半島) is certainly no slouch when it comes to its variety of scenic sites. Humongous Buddha statues, former temple sites as well as mountain landscapes, the region is undeniably a hotspot for those wishing to dwell into the wilderness. It comes with no surprise, as for centuries, the region is the center of the Rokugo Manzan (六郷満山) culture, a practice that assimilates Buddhism together with Shintoism and mountain practice. With that in mind, lets explore some of these hidden scenic sites of the Kunisaki Peninsula. Special thanks to Tourism Oita for the images in this article, including header image. Save In Pinterest No time to read this…
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8 Genuine Onsen Spots Nearby Oita, Other than Beppu
Oita Prefecture (大分県) is certainly no stranger when it comes to hot springs/onsen (温泉) hotspots. In fact, most would often think of Beppu (別府) first when it comes to hot springs. However, did you know there are plenty more genuine places nearby Oita (大分) for a soothing dip into a hot bath? Here are 8 genuine onsen spots to visit nearby Oita. Trip map courtesy of Wanderlog, a vacation planner app on iOS and Android Save In PinterestNo time to read this onsen travel guide now? Click on the save button and pin it for later! Yufuin (由布院) The lovely mountain town of Yufuin (由布院) is without doubt the second…
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Fukoji Temple – The Spectacular Cliff-Carved Buddha of Bungoono
Have you ever heard of the little Fukoji temple (pronounced Fukouji/Fukōji/普光寺)? This little temple features a rare cliff-carved Buddha statue in Japan. Located an hour away from Oita (pronounced ooi-ta/Ōita/大分) by train ride, the temple is located in the little town of Asaji (朝地) in Bungoono (pronounced Bungo-oono/Bungo-ōno/豊後大野) city. To learn more about this fascinating hidden spot, lets dwell deeper into its background. History of Fukoji Temple It’s Origins Fukoji Temple (普光寺) originated back in AD 583, during the Asuka period (飛鳥時代); a time when Buddhism firstly became a pop-culture in Japan. The founder of this temple was basically Nichira (日羅), a Japanese who worked as an official for the…
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Bungoono – Admiring the Beautiful Autumn in Japan’s Enchanting Countryside
Have you ever heard of the autumn leaves (momiji/紅葉) spot known as Bungoono (豊後大野)? This little hidden city is known among locals as a lovely leaf-peeping or momijigari (紅葉狩り) spot. Located south of the city of Oita (pronounced ooi-ta/Ōita/大分) in Kyushu (九州), Bungoono offers an enchanting autumn experience together with a touch of Japan’s authentic countryside and rustic temples. To learn more about the beauty of this city, lets deep dive into it, shall we? The History of Bungoono Learn More Bungoono’s history dated 90,000 year ago; where the volcano Mt Aso (阿蘇山) erupted frequently. This resulted in the everchanging landscapes; leading to the formation of various mesmerising waterfalls, canyons…
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9 Best Hidden Road Trip Destinations Around Usa, Ōita
Hello fellow travelers, did you know there are plenty of hidden destinations to explore nearby the city of Usa (宇佐/pronounced oo-sah)? Usa is located one-hour drive from Beppu (別府) and Ōita (大分) in Ōita Prefecture (大分県), Kyūshū (九州). Renowned for the Usa Jingū (宇佐神宮) shrine, many often overlooked Usa’s other destinations due to limited busses and exposure. Despite this, their natural beauty certainly warrants the attention for those seeking a more fulfilling Japan trip. Furthermore, their limited access via public transportation gives the perfect excuse to rent a car for a road trip. With that said, here are 10 must explore destinations nearby Usa via car on a road trip. Special…
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Usa Jingū – A Complete Travel Guide to Japan’s First Hybrid Shrine
What happens when two religions agreed to a mythical crossover? The result is Japan’s first ever hybrid shrine Usa Jingū/Usa Shrine (宇佐神宮), with a grandeur of a palace, but also having a commonly mispronounced name. Usa Jingū is Japan’s first shrine that represents a fusion between two of Japan’s major religions; Shintoism (神道) and Buddhism (仏教). Located in the North-Eastern Kunisaki peninsula (国東半島) of the island of Kyushu (九州), it is nestled in a rural town called Usa (宇佐), Japan; one of the reasons why this shrine is outside of tourist radar despite being a long-established shrine. So is this shrine worth the time and effort to travel? Let’s explore…
