Tradition & Heritage
Jigoku
View Access InfoThe seven hells of Beppu!
Known as the ‘Hells’ of Beppu, the Jigoku are a collection of seven individual hot springs that attract visitors from all over the world. They’re known as ‘Hells’ for a reason; these are certainly not the type of hot springs that you would want to take a dip into!
Each of the seven Jigoku have a different theme, from the rich blues of the ‘Sea Hell’, to the fiery reds of the ‘Blood Pond Hell’, you will want to visit all seven of them for the full experience.
All seven Jigoku are located close to each other, with five residing in Beppu’s Kannawa district and two in the neighboring Shibasaki district.
The water may look good enough to jump into, but that's a very bad idea! Be sure to purchase a Hells Pass for the cheapest way to visit all seven hot springs.
Access Information
Phone Number
0977-66-1577
Address
559-1 Kannawa, Beppu, Oita 874-0000
Opening Hours
8am - 5pm daily
Website
Futago-ji Temple
View Access InfoAn ancient temple, set in tranquility.
Situated on the slopes of Mount Futago in the Kunisaki peninsular, Futago-ji temple was established in 718 and is the central temple of ‘Rokugo-Manzan’ an ancient religious group which combined elements of Shinto, Buddhist, Taoist and folk rituals.
If you manage to make it past the imposing Nio guardian statues, you will be treated with a stunning picturesque temple set deep within the Oita countryside.
The statues (built in 1814), combined with mossy stone steps and dense forest creates a calm, tranquil environment to take a step back and reflect.
The temple's Nio guardians
Access Information
Phone Number
0978-65-0253
Address
1548 Akimachi Futago, Kunisaki, Oita 873-0356
Opening Hours
8am - 5pm daily
Website
Usa Jingu
View Access InfoA temple of huge cultural importance.
A major religious and political center in ancient times, Usa Jingu Temple is the head of over 80,000 Hachiman shrines located throughout Japan.
The main hall and Kujaku Monkei are designated Japanese National Treasures, cementing their status as among the precious of all Japan's Tangible Cultural Properties.
The shrine occupies a large site that includes an upper and lower complex, as well as a treasure hall, ponds and a number of auxiliary shrine buildings.
Usa Jingu is also known as Usa Hachimangu.
Access Information
Phone Number
0978-37-0001
Address
2859 Minamiusa, Usa, Oita 872-0102
Opening Hours
6am - 9pm daily
Website
Kumano Magaibutsu
View Access InfoStunning large cliff carvings.
Constructed sometime in the late Heian Period, the Kumano Magaibutsu Stone Buddhas are found atop a steep flight of stone steps in Hirano, Kunisaki. The image of Fudo Myoo measures 8.07 and is one of the largest stone buddhas in the country.
Kunisaki is home to a number of Buddhist artifacts with Fudō Myōō and it’s neighboring Dainichi Nyorai amongst the largest and designated as Important Cultural Properties.
Legend has it that the uneven, difficult to navigate steps up to the Magaibutsu was constructed by the devil overnight, so take extra care when traversing them.
Tucked away in the countryside, the Kumano Magaibutsu are a sight to behold.
Access Information
Phone Number
N/A
Address
2546-3 Tashibuhirano, Bungotakada, Oita 879-0853
Opening Hours
24 hours
Website
Usuki Sekibutsu
View Access InfoIntricately detailed statues.
Located in Usuki, central Oita, the Usuki Sekaibutsu are a set of carved Buddhist statues which, like the Kumano Magaibutsu, date back to the late Heian Period. Sekibutsu differs to Magaibusu as they are three dimensional, not flat carvings an
The only stone Buddhas in Japan to be designated as national treasures, the beautiful Usuki Sekibutsu can be found in four clusters, all located very close to each other and easily accessible on foot via a pathway.
Considering that the statues are over 1,000 years old, a lot of care and preperation has gone into the restoration and maintenance of them.
Located around the Sekibutsu are a number of plaques that contain QR codes, simply scan one to learn more about the specific statues it is located in front of.
Access Information
Phone Number
0972-65-3300
Address
804-1 Fukata, Usuki, Oita 875-0064
Opening Hours
6am - 6pm daily
Website
Fuki-ji
View Access InfoAn elegant Buddhist structure.
A beautiful national treasure and the oldest wooden building in Kyushu, Fuki-ji hosts a statue of Amida Nyorai, the Buddhist deity who invites all believers into paradise.
The relaxed and tranquil atmosphere of Fuki-ji, surrounded by nature makes it the perfect spot to sit and take a moment. If you are interested, the temple provides a one-hour mini Zen meditation practice that visitors are welcome to attend.
Legend has it that the Amidha Nyorai statue was constructed from the wood of a single kaya Japanese nutmeg-yew tree.
The peace from the surrounding woodland can be felt all around the temple.
Access Information
Phone Number
0978-26-3189
Address
2395 Tashibufuki, Bungotakada, Oita 879-0841
Opening Hours
8:30am - 4:30pm daily
