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Oita – The Ultimate Travel Guide to the Peaceful Coastal City
Often when planning a trip to Japan, the city of Oita (pronounced ooi-ta/大分) is not exactly the first thing that pops up in the mind. In fact, when I was assigned to this city for my exchange back in 2011; I relatively knew nothing about it. So much so that when I informed everyone about my exchange, the first question everyone asked was “Where is it?”, accompanied with a puzzled face. Little did I expect, Oita turned out to be a lovely place to stay while brushing up my Japanese skills. A peaceful city with a touch of countryside, it features a lovely mix of skyscrapers and also countryside landscapes.…
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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 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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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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Photography in Kitsuki – Most Gorgeous Spots to Look Out For
Japan’s only sandwich castle town, Kitsuki (杵築) is certainly a hidden photography haven. Boasting samurai residences from the 17th century Edo period (Edo Jidai/江戸時代), it presents a wonderful spot for those wishing to dwell into the samurai (侍) world. Furthermore, its secluded location allows for a peaceful surrounding while presenting plenty of wonderful photo opportunities to discover. It is relatively easy to snap a photo without having other tourists photobombing your shots. Without reservation, here are my personal favourite photography spots (and selfies too) in this little castle town. Kitsuki Castle Grounds What better way to start the list than to introduce Kitsuki’s mascot, Kitsuki Castle (Kitsuki-jō/杵築城). The castle holds…
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The History of Kitsuki Castle – Japan’s Smallest Castle
Fellow travelers, let me first introduce to you Kitsuki Castle (杵築城), the smallest castle in Japan with a hidden history. A tiny castle with a mini overlooking a small samurai town, it certainly lives up to its tiny reputation. Even the founders of the castle are a relatively minor clan when compared to its brethren. Located 25 km from the city of Beppu (別府) of Kyushu (九州), Kitsuki Castle stands among the attractions in this charming sandwich caste town. The beautiful Kitsuki Castle hidden from afar, similarly to its relatively unknown history. The History of Kitsuki Castle Regardless, the castle played an important part in Kitsuki’s founding. Also it served…
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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…
