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 thanks to Tourism Ōita & Usa City Tourism for providing these amazing pics (including the cover pic) and info of these destinations.
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Table of Contents
Stone bridges of Innaimachi (院内町の石橋群)
Did you know Ōita Prefecture (大分県) has the most number of stone bridges among prefectures in Japan? The town of Innaimachi (院内町) has an impressive collection of 75 stone bridges built within the past few centuries. Also, majority of them are arch bridges, aka spectacle bridges (めがね橋/meganebashi), because they look like nerdy specs from the side view.
These stone bridges were built to withstand swift river currents, and subsequently became a unique attraction to this little town. Their presence also eventually leads to the town earning its nickname as the stone bridge town in Japan. For those who enjoy driving along the countryside, Innaimachi is certainly a wonderful place to stop by especially for those looking for photo opportunities.
Higashi Shiiya Falls (東椎屋の滝)
Located half-an-hour’s drive south from Usa, lies one of Japan’s undeniably gorgeous waterfalls, Higashi Shiiya Falls (東椎屋の滝). Officially in the list of Japan’s top 100 waterfalls, this 85m tall waterfall is famed for its beauty. This also earned it the nickname ‘The Kegon Falls of Kyūshū/九州華厳’. (Kegon Falls is an impressive waterfall located near Nikkō (日光) on mainland Honshū (本州).)
Despite this, it has surprisingly remained hidden over the years from tourist radar, while maintaining a state of tranquility. This provides a wonderful opportunity to have the entire waterfall for yourself, especially during the weekdays. In fact, admiring the elegant waterfall while being accompanied by the tranquility of the forest is undeniably a delightful way to cleanse the soul.
The fall is beautiful all year round, but if you are looking for something special, check it out during winter (Dec – Feb). During this time, the water will freeze, turning the waterfall into a mesmerising ice queen.
Keishōji Temple Ruins (桂昌寺跡)
Ever wonder what does the afterlife looks like especially in Japanese beliefs? Here is undoubtedly one of the eccentric destinations nearby Usa, located in the small town of Ajimu (安心院町). Originally created by a Buddhist monk in 1820, this cave temple was built to teach the horrors of hell to the villagers from committing crimes and hanky panky stuffs. The result is a one of a kind cave temple depicting the horrors of the afterlife.
Keishōji Temple Ruins (桂昌寺跡) or Jigoku Gokuraku (地獄極楽) features a series of caves depicting the sceneries of hell in old-school fashion. These caves are lighted up by light bulbs only, exuding a mysterious and eerie presence while sending chills down your spine. Certainly not for the faint-hearted but temple lovers and ruin explorers should not miss this out.
Nishishiiya Scenery (西椎屋の景)
One experience which make road trips wonderful is discovering mesmerising sceneries while driving. While often being exaggerated as the ‘Machu Picchu of Japan’, Nishishiiya Scenery (西椎屋の景) is a testament of Japan’s mountainous region. Located along highway Route 387, this observatory platform features a gorgeous view of the village settlement and rice terraces beng surrounded by the majestic cone-shaped mountains.
Bearing a slight resemblance to Machu Picchu of Peru, one could certainly admire the hidden beauty of Japan’s mountains at its finest. Furthermore, in autumn (Oct – Nov) the mountains will be dyed in red, turning it into an enchantress. Also for those who enjoy grocery shopping, check out the nearby store selling local fresh fruits and vegetables.
Ryūganji Temple (龍岩寺)
As we scroll the list of destinations, we have yet another one nearby Usa that blends in magically well with mother nature. Ryūganji Temple (龍岩寺) is a cave temple nestled within the mysterious mountains of Kyūshū. Built as a hanging temple/Kake-zukuri (懸造) style inside a cave, it houses a triad of rare wooden Buddha statues. Legends said that in AD 746, a monk stopped by here to shelter from the heavy rain while going to Usa Jingū (宇佐神宮) shrine.
While staying here, he built this temple as a gratitude for shelter and carved these Buddha statues. One could admire a subtle sense of beauty in these statues as they appear white beneath the sunlight. So much so that their beauty eventually garnered them the status of Nationally Designated Important Cultural Property (国指定の重要文化財).
Senzai Fujien (千財藤園)
If there is one activity the Japanese love, that would certainly be admiring their seasonal blossoms. Most of you would immediately think of cherry blossoms/sakura (桜) but thats not the only popular flower in Japan. Introducing the Senzai Wisteria Park/Senzai Fujien (千財藤園), which boasts the largest wisteria (藤) farm in Kyūshū, known as a popular spot among the locals from late-April to early-May.
Additionally, unlike the warm cherry blossoms, the blue and purple wisterias exude a sense of cool and fading beauty. Be sure to walk along the wisteria tunnels leisurely, as it provides a surreal experience of traveling across a new dimension. Also, if you happened to visit in mid-May, then you are just in time to witness the blooming of roses, which marks the beginning of summer time. For the botanists and the flower lovers, this is undeniably one spot you should not miss out.
Tōkōji 500 Arhats (東光寺五百羅漢)
While our previous temples require a bit of hiking, Tōkōji (東光寺) is easily accessible for all. It does have one unique charm however; featuring a astounding collection of 500 Buddhist Arhats or in Japanese, Gohyakurakan (五百羅漢). This little temple was originally founded in AD 1362 under the Rinzai Sect (臨済宗), but was later destroyed due to civil wars. Later, it was restored miraculously during the mid-17th century and the chief priest at that time ordered the production of these Buddhist Arhats statues.
Originally, this was to relief the farmers from the drought, but eventually became the temple’s star of attraction. What makes them attractive is how each of them represents the different emotions of a person; from joy to anger and to sadness. Make sure to pay close attention to their expressions, as who knows you may find one statue that resembles you. Overall, a unique temple that is easy to explore and a great place to relax.
Ajimu Winery (安心院葡萄酒工房)
A road trip certainly is not complete without some delicious wine tasting. And what better way to stop by at the Ajimu Winery while visiting the destinations nearby Usa. Ajimu Winery or Ajimu Budoshu Koubou (安心院葡萄酒工房), is a boutique winery producing high-quality wines brewed from fresh locally harvested grapes since the 1960s. Located in the secluded woodlands outskirts of Usa, the winery provides a peaceful environment where one can indulge into wine tasting together with savoury cheese.
From their best-seller sparkling wines to their red and white wines, Ajimu Winery features a variety of wine for the wine enthusiasts to satisfy and enrich their taste buds. Also, if you don’t drink or you are driving, fret not as they provide their grape juice and other delicacies like local meat products, cheeses and ice creams for you to refresh. In summary, an ideal location to relax and indulge in good old wine and cheese while admiring the surrounding vineyards and hilly landscapes.
Fukino Falls (福貴野の滝)
The area around Usa is undoubtedly rich in natural sceneries, and this is no exception the Fukino Falls (福貴野の滝). Fukino Falls is unique in the sense that it consists of two waterfalls; Otaki (雄滝), the big bro waterfall and Metaki (雌滝), the younger and smaller bro. Most notably it is known as a hidden place among locals to watch rainbows. The best time to watch the rainbows is June – July from 7am to 8 am, under a clear blue sky.
If you are looking for a more poetic scenery, autumn (Oct – Nov) certainly is a wonderful time to pay the waterfall a visit. During this time, one should check out the scenery of the waterfall from the nearby observatory platform. One can marvel at the mesmerising waterfalls while being surrounded by the vibrant autumn leaves. Truly a place that should not be missed, especially for the artists and the poets.
Overall
There is no doubt plenty of beautiful destinations nearby Usa, warranting a perfect opportunity for a road trip. Moreover, their secluded location allows one to escape the bustling city and to get some solitude. Together with the grand Usa Jingū shrine and the nearby authentic samurai town Kitsuki, one should consider planning for an awesome road trip and renting a car.
Editor’s Note:
A friend of mine used Tocoo; Japan’s leading rental car website which is reliable and provides a wide selection of cars, ranging from small economical cars to the big family ones with affordable rates. Are you unsure of getting the necessary license and familiarising with the rules of driving in Japan? Fret not as they provide comprehensive and elaborate guides in their site on what you need to start your driving journey in Japan. Click here to embark on a wonderful journey of driving through the countryside of Japan.
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