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9 Surprisingly Charming Historic Cities To Explore In Oita Prefecture
Historic is certainly not the word that comes across your mind when you think of Oita (pronounced ooi-ta/Ōita/大分).The city in Kyushu (九州) is often overlooked by many due to its lack of attractions in the city center. Despite this, surrounding Oita lies a variety of mesmerising historic towns that houses Japan’s rich history. From the birth of deities and their dramas, to the beginning of civilisation and the introduction of Christianity, Kyūshū is certainly no slouch when it comes to its historical value. The mountainous region too helps in providing an overall genuine countryside experience as you venture into these wonders. With that said, here are 9 must-visit historic towns…
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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…
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Kitsuki Castle – A Complete Travel Guide To Japan’s Smallest Castle
Welcome back fellow travelers. Previously, we covered the hidden history together with the tragedy behind Kitsuki Castle (杵築城), Japan’s smallest castle. Subsequently, the castle was nearly forgotten throughout the passage of time. Fortunately, in 1970, the local council of Kitsuki (杵築) decided to rebuild the castle keep and later turned it into the town’s mascot. Did you know this little castle holds a treasure that very few people know about? Join me as today, we will be exploring the treasure that Kitsuki Castle holds dearly. Exploring Kitsuki Castle About Kitsuki Castle Located 25 km from the city of Beppu (別府) in the island of Kyushu (九州), the castle is located…
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Kitsuki – A Comprehensive Travel Guide to the Sandwich Castle Town
Imagine a neighbourhood where samurai (侍) clans lived together as opposite neighbours. Introducing Kitsuki (杵築), a relatively authentic mini castle town, with a reputation as the hidden Little Kyōto (京都) in Kyushu (九州). Located in the Kunisaki peninsula (国東半島) in Kyushu, the town lies along the coast facing the Seto Inland Sea (瀬戸内海). It is the only sandwich castle town in Japan. To clarify its nickname, firstly, this town does not specialise in sandwiches. Instead, the town has a unique townscape of having two samurai districts on its hills; both of them sandwiching a commercial district in the middle. Yet, Kitsuki (杵築) remains relatively unknown due to its rural location…
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The History of Usa Jingū (Part 2 – Towards the Modern Age)
Welcome back fellow travel peeps and history fans to the second part of the history of Usa Jingū (宇佐神宮). In part 1, we explored how the shrine’s founding had created an unorthodox culture which developed into a mainstream practice that hit the country. While it had enjoyed a relatively stable life throughout the age of religions and aristocracy, things would take a turn at the beginning of the warring era. Usa Jingū in the History of the Genpei War From Where We Left in the History of Usa Jingū Part 1 Throughout AD 1180 to 1185, the warrior clan Minamoto (源) fought against their rival, the Taira (平) for supremacy…
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The History of Usa Jingū (Part 1 – The Ancient Times)
Usa Jingū (pronounced U-sa and not U.S.A) is an ancient and influential shrine in Japanese history; yet surprisingly has remained hidden under many tourist’s radar. Reason being its secluded location in north-east of the island of Kyushu (九州) which is mainly a rural area with a few smaller cities. This area is known as the Kunisaki Peninsula (国東半島) and is famous for its rural areas, mountains and agriculture. Despite this, Usa Jingū is one of Japan’s major shrines and has a rich and colourful history behind its origin. To fully appreciate its significance, lets deep dive into its background. How It All Began Birth of Usa Jingū in Ancient History…
