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Information on past events is also posted.
Usa Tidbits
The rivers flowing from the Ajimu Basin and Innai Valley merge to form the Ekikan River, which flows through the Usa Plain and empties into the Buzen Sea. Numerous ancient ruins have been discovered along its basin. Among them, the group of keyhole-shaped burial mounds in the Kawabe and Takamori districts, designated as a national historic site, are particularly famous. They have been developed as the Usa Fudoki-no-Oka Prefectural Museum of History, and together with the adjacent Prefectural History Museum, they are a cultural facility that the nation can be proud of.
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."
During the Edo period, a Jodo Shinshu Buddhist temple built in Yokkaichi developed into Higashi Betsuin and Nishi Betsuin, and is known as the largest wooden temple in Kyushu. The 500 Arhats enshrined on the grounds of Tokoji Temple represent the popular faith of the late Edo period.
The war relics of the Usa Naval Air Base from the Pacific War era are attracting attention as a field for peace education. In the shallow waters of the Buzen Sea, visitors can experience clam digging and the traditional "ishihibi" fishing method. Furthermore, the birthplace of the great sumo grand champion Futabayama of the Showa era, known as Futaba no Sato, allows visitors to enjoy the history of Futabayama and sumo wrestling. The Usa Plain, dotted with historical sites and cultural assets from ancient times to the modern era, possesses the charm of a history book etched into the land.
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."
During the Edo period, a Jodo Shinshu Buddhist temple built in Yokkaichi developed into Higashi Betsuin and Nishi Betsuin, and is known as the largest wooden temple in Kyushu. The 500 Arhats enshrined on the grounds of Tokoji Temple represent the popular faith of the late Edo period.
The war relics of the Usa Naval Air Base from the Pacific War era are attracting attention as a field for peace education. In the shallow waters of the Buzen Sea, visitors can experience clam digging and the traditional "ishihibi" fishing method. Furthermore, the birthplace of the great sumo grand champion Futabayama of the Showa era, known as Futaba no Sato, allows visitors to enjoy the history of Futabayama and sumo wrestling. The Usa Plain, dotted with historical sites and cultural assets from ancient times to the modern era, possesses the charm of a history book etched into the land.
Recommended Spots
The year in Usa begins with the first shrine visit of the year at Usa Shrine. The Oni-e festival at Takasu Kannon-do, held on January 4th, is a fire and water festival held in the cold river.
People who have been eagerly awaiting spring will enjoy the plum blossoms in full bloom across the Usa Plain and the wisteria at Sakurasenzai Farm. Clam digging will also begin at places like Wakama Seaside Park.
The Usa Shrine Summer Festival, the Yokkaichi Tanabata Summer Festival, and the Choshu Port Festival are the three major summer festivals and attract large crowds.
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 boasts the largest production of barley shochu in Japan, with companies like Sanwa Shurui Co., Ltd. Seafood from the Buzen Sea, such as Toyoko crab, is sold at the Hamanoichi market held on the last Sunday of each month. Usa is also the birthplace of karaage (Japanese fried chicken), and it is sold in many shops. Traditional Usa candy is a famous souvenir for visitors to Usa Shrine.
People who have been eagerly awaiting spring will enjoy the plum blossoms in full bloom across the Usa Plain and the wisteria at Sakurasenzai Farm. Clam digging will also begin at places like Wakama Seaside Park.
The Usa Shrine Summer Festival, the Yokkaichi Tanabata Summer Festival, and the Choshu Port Festival are the three major summer festivals and attract large crowds.
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 boasts the largest production of barley shochu in Japan, with companies like Sanwa Shurui Co., Ltd. Seafood from the Buzen Sea, such as Toyoko crab, is sold at the Hamanoichi market held on the last Sunday of each month. Usa is also the birthplace of karaage (Japanese fried chicken), and it is sold in many shops. Traditional Usa candy is a famous souvenir for visitors to Usa Shrine.
Usa Shrine Summer Festival Portable Shrine
The procession of portable shrines at the Mid-Autumn Festival (Hojo-e) and Mount Omoto
Tourism Initiatives
The heart of the Usa area is Usa Shrine, which attracts 1,750,000 worshippers and tourists annually. We would like to introduce these visitors to other tourist spots besides Usa Shrine so that they can fully enjoy the charm of Usa.
One place that's surprisingly little known is the Oita Prefectural Museum of History. Just a five-minute drive from Usa Shrine, you'll find a nationally renowned museum. Located within a 20-hectare burial mound park called "Usa Fudoki no Oka," the museum exhibits the history and culture of Oita Prefecture as a whole, focusing on the Usa and Kunisaki Peninsulas. We hope you'll enjoy visiting both Usa Shrine and the Oita Prefectural Museum of History as a package deal.
The area centered around the Yokkaichi shopping district is home to the East and West Branch Temples of the Shinshu sect, boasting the largest wooden buildings in Kyushu. It was once a thriving temple town known as the Kyushu Gobo (temple of Kyushu). Currently, in conjunction with the urban redevelopment, the area is focusing on experiential tourism, such as workshops on making clay dolls and prayer beads, and guided tours.
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.
One place that's surprisingly little known is the Oita Prefectural Museum of History. Just a five-minute drive from Usa Shrine, you'll find a nationally renowned museum. Located within a 20-hectare burial mound park called "Usa Fudoki no Oka," the museum exhibits the history and culture of Oita Prefecture as a whole, focusing on the Usa and Kunisaki Peninsulas. We hope you'll enjoy visiting both Usa Shrine and the Oita Prefectural Museum of History as a package deal.
The area centered around the Yokkaichi shopping district is home to the East and West Branch Temples of the Shinshu sect, boasting the largest wooden buildings in Kyushu. It was once a thriving temple town known as the Kyushu Gobo (temple of Kyushu). Currently, in conjunction with the urban redevelopment, the area is focusing on experiential tourism, such as workshops on making clay dolls and prayer beads, and guided tours.
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 Branch Temple Main Hall
Oita Prefectural Museum of History (Usa Fudoki no Oka)