Celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Usuki Stone Buddhas with a Special Prayer and Exclusive Access to the Former Inaba Residence on this Full Experience Tour of Usuki’s History and Cuisine!
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The Highlight
- Special access to the Tatami Turret at Usuki Castle Ruins, normally closed to the public (with local guide).
- Enjoy a private experience at the Former Inaba Residence with Usuki Bowl (sake offering) and commemorative photo opportunities
- A must-visit! Savor a premium Usuki Fugu Kaiseki meal (worth ¥12,000) at Kirakuan, one of Usuki’s top three traditional restaurants.
- Stroll along the Nioza Historical Path, one of Usuki’s most scenic and iconic streets.
- Participate in a special prayer ceremony commemorating the 30th Anniversary of the Usuki Stone Buddhas National Treasure designation! (Includes prayer tablet and limited-edition cliff Buddha charm)
The Experience
Special access to the Tatami Turret at Usuki Castle Ruins, normally closed to the public (with local guide).
- Built by Ōtomo Sōrin during the Sengoku period, Usuki Castle was a seaside fortress constructed on Nyūjima Island, floating in Usuki Bay.
- At that time, it was surrounded on three sides by the sea, making it a naturally fortified stronghold.
- The Tatami Turret, which still remains at the Usuki Castle Ruins, was built during the Edo period. Its unique architectural style makes it a rare and valuable cultural property.
- On this tour, you’ll enjoy special access to the Tatami Turret, which is normally closed to the public. (A local guide will provide detailed explanations.)
Enjoy a private experience at the Former Inaba Residence with Usuki Bowl (sake offering) and commemorative photo opportunities
- Built in 1902 (Meiji 35), the Former Inaba Residence of the Usuki Domain was constructed using high-quality materials such as cedar and cypress.
With its grand entrance featuring a formal approach and an elegant inner drawing room in the shoin-zukuri style, it stands as a refined architectural masterpiece and is designated as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan.
On this tour, you’ll enjoy exclusive private use of the Former Inaba Residence — relax inside the historical building while savoring Usuki Bowl sake and taking memorable photos you can only capture here ♬ ※ What is “Usuki Bowl”?
- This is a unique local way of sharing drinks — slices of kabosu (a citrus specialty of Usuki) and ice are placed in a large bowl, and Tokuzo, a barley shochu from Kuge Honten, is poured over.
- Participants then scoop and share the drink together using a ladle, creating a lively and fun atmosphere. The subtle aroma of barley shochu, the fine oils from kabosu peel, and its refreshing acidity blend harmoniously in the bowl, making for a drink that looks as refreshing as it tastes — and brings everyone together around the Usuki Bowl!
A must-visit! Savor a premium Usuki Fugu Kaiseki meal (worth ¥12,000) at Kirakuan, one of Usuki’s top three traditional restaurants.
- Founded in 1878 (Meiji 11), Kirakuan, a renowned restaurant specializing in fugu and traditional Japanese cuisine, has long served as a guesthouse of honor in Usuki — welcoming distinguished figures from Japan’s political, business, and even imperial circles since its founding.
- Gourmets from Japan and abroad visit Usuki just to savor its famous Usuki fugu, known for the thick cuts of its “tessa” (fugu sashimi).
- The secret lies in the tradition of “preparing and serving fugu caught that very morning”, ensuring peak freshness and flavor.
Menu
- Kirakuan’s Specialty: Sesame Tofu — a signature dish so exquisite that Prince Akishino once requested the imperial chef to learn its recipe directly from Kirakuan’s master.
- Traditional dish from the former Inaba Domain: Kirasu-mameshi
- Usuki Fugu Sashimi
- Usuki Fugu Sushi
- Deep-Fried Usuki Fugu
- Usuki Fugu Hot Pot (Fugu-chiri Nabe)
- Rice Porridge (Zosui)
- Dessert
※ Menu items are subject to change depending on ingredient availability on the day.
Stroll along the Nioza Historical Path, one of Usuki’s most scenic and iconic streets.
- Located at the foot of Usuki Castle, the Nioza District sits atop a hill formed from tuff, a type of rock created by solidified volcanic ash from Mount Aso.
- Paths were carved directly through the stone, creating a maze of narrow lanes that still retain the unique charm of an old castle town.
- Along these sloping streets, you’ll find high stone walls, traditional tile-roofed houses, white plaster buildings, and numerous temples lined up in harmony.
- In front of the former Shinkōji Temple lies a famous passage known as “Kiritōshi”, one of Usuki’s most iconic scenic spots.
- The picturesque streets of stone pavements and white walls are perfect for a leisurely stroll in a kimono! Kimono rental and dressing are available as an optional add-on for both men and women — we highly recommend joining the tour in traditional attire.
Participate in a special prayer ceremony commemorating the 30th Anniversary of the Usuki Stone Buddhas National Treasure designation! (Includes prayer tablet and limited-edition cliff Buddha charm)
- The Usuki Stone Buddhas, a proud national treasure of Usuki City in Oita Prefecture, are magnificent cliff carvings created between the late Heian and Kamakura periods.
- They are regarded as one of Japan’s most important groups of stone Buddha reliefs, with all 61 statues across four clusters designated as National Treasures.
- The Special Prayer Ceremony at the Usuki Stone Buddhas involves monks from the Usuki Buddhist Association offering prayers and sutra chanting for the written wishes placed into a prayer box by participants.
- Each attendee will write their own prayer slip, receive a symbolic blessing from the wind of the Great Prajñāpāramitā Sutra, and pray for peace and well-being.
- Additionally, this tour includes exclusive commemorative gifts — a limited-edition amulet of the Cliff Buddhas and a prayer plaque celebrating the 30th Anniversary of their National Treasure designation. Note: The commemorative amulets are limited in quantity and will be available only while supplies last.
＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝ Information about the tour Place of departure and destination: From Hakata to Oita Number of days of travel: 1 Day Means of transportation: Bus Name of bus company: Yamato Kanko Meal(s): Lunch 1 Minimum number of passengers to operate: 15 Number of GUIDE：1
Tour Operator Information Company Name: H.I.S. Co., Ltd. Department Name: Inbound Travel Sales Division DMC Department Kyushu Group Northern Kyushu Team Address: Tenjin-heiwa Building 8F 1-14-4 Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka, JAPAN, 810-0001 Tel: +81-050-1742-3921 Registration No.: No. 724 by the Commissioner of Japan Tourism Agency Membership: Full Member of the Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA)
Contact Information Department Name: Inbound Travel Sales Division DMC Department Kyushu Group Northern Kyushu Team Address: Tenjin-heiwa Building 8F 1-14-4 Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka, JAPAN, 810-0001 Tel: +81-050-1742-3921 Opening hour :10:00~18:00 (Closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays)
General Travel Services Manager: Megumi Hisatomi *The Tour Operations Manager is responsible for transactions related to your travel at the sales office handling your travel arrangements. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the explanations provided by the staff about this travel contract, please do not hesitate to contact the above-mentioned Tour Operations Manager.
Please read and understand the Terms and Conditions below. Travel Terms and Conditions: Domestic Package Tours Travel Agency Terms and Conditions: Section of Package Tour Contract
Guide Services
Languages Spoken by Guides
- Japanese
Itinerary
- Include: Lunch
- 07:307:30 Depart from Hakata Station 8:00 Depart from Kiyama PA ※ Please arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes before departure.
- ※ The group will split into two. 1. With Kimono Rental Option → Drop off at Akouya Kimono dressing & rental (requires optional booking / approx. 60 min) 2. Without Kimono Rental → Drop off at Usuki Castle Ruins Guided tour with a local guide (approx. 60 min) ※ Includes special access to the Tatami Turret, normally closed to the public
- Former Inaba Residence (Private Use) / approx. 50 min ※ Enjoy Usuki Bowl sake offering & commemorative photo time
- Lunch (approx. 90 min) at Kirakuan, a traditional Japanese restaurant specializing in fugu cuisine (Usuki local product market “Marche” will also be held)
- Stroll along the Nioza Historical Path / approx. 50 min ※ The group will split again: 1. With Kimono Rental → Photo time at Nioza, then return to Akouya for changing 2. Without Kimono Rental → Guided walking tour (Yasaka Shrine → Kotekawa Sake Brewery & Shop → Nioza Historical Path)
- Special Prayer Ceremony at the Usuki Stone Buddhas (includes prayer plaque & limited cliff Buddha amulet / approx. 50 min)
- Shopping at Goto Seika (local confectionery) / approx. 20 min
- 19:30Around 19:00 Arrive at Kiyama PA Around 19:30 Arrive at Hakata Station
Price Details
Add-on Items
How to Use
- Voucher will be sent via email. Please show your e-voucher at designated location.
Purchase Notice
- This tour is conducted with a Japanese-speaking guide.
- If the minimum number of participants is not reached at least 7 days before departure, the tour will be canceled. You will be notified by email, so please make sure to check it.
- Participants under 18 years old must have parental consent.
Important Booking Information
- Please note that the schedule and sightseeing locations may be subject to change due to traffic or weather conditions on the day of the tour.
- Please be punctual and arrive at the designated meeting points on time.
- Depending on traffic conditions, there may be slight delays at boarding locations.
- The schedule may vary slightly due to traffic or weather conditions. Thank you for your understanding.
- For your safety, please wear your seatbelt while the bus is in motion.
- Smoking is strictly prohibited on the bus. We appreciate your cooperation.
- As the bus may be used for other tours, please do not leave any belongings on board. Large luggage, such as suitcases, cannot be stored on the bus. Thank you for your understanding.
- To ensure efficient operation, the order of the itinerary may change after departure.
- The bus will depart at the discretion of our staff once the check-in time has ended, so please be on time.
- In case of delays requiring a taxi ride or overnight stay, please note that the company will not be responsible for any additional costs.
- There is no restroom on the bus.
- The drop-off point may differ from the meeting location.
- Pets are not allowed on the tour.
- Seating arrangements will be assigned by the tour operator.
- In the event of natural disasters, accidents, or other unavoidable circumstances that prevent the tour from operating, the itinerary may be changed or canceled by noon on the day before departure. In such cases, we will contact you by phone.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellation made at least 11 day(s) before departure date, Fully refundable (100% refund)
- Cancel during 8 ~ 10 day(s) of departure, will charge 20%
- Cancel during 2 ~ 7 day(s) of departure, will charge 30%
- Cancel on 1 day(s) before departure, will charge 40%
- Cancel on activities date, Non-refundable (0% refund)