Beyond the spectacular scenery! 400 years of history and memories of war quietly lying dormant: 5 Usuki areas in Oita Prefecture

Recommended Touring Spots in 7 Prefectures in Kyushu

Hello, I am Tetsuma Photographer, a photographer who loves traveling in Kyushu! Using the know-how I have gained through my coverage activities for touring magazines that I started in 2017, I will introduce selected recommended touring spots in the Kyushu area from the perspective of Tetsuma Photographer. In this 30th installment, we will be looking at the Bungo area in southern Oita Prefecture, where you can fully enjoy the memories of war ruins and good old Japanese scenery all at the same time.

1. Kawazu Cherry Blossoms on the Yotsuura Coast, the earliest in Japan and a special place in spring

The Yotsuura Peninsula in southern Oita Prefecture is famous as Kyushu's fastest cherry blossoming tourist spot. Kawazu-zakura cherry blossoms are at their best from early February to early March, about one month earlier than Someiyoshino cherry blossoms. The experience of riding through the "deep pink tunnel" on a motorcycle during the cold winter months is sure to be a most luxurious time for riders.

Originally, in the 2000s, local residents began planting trees with the hope that their hometown would still be something they could be proud of 100 years from now.

From a high vantage point, one can look down on the intricate inlets characteristic of the Rias coast and the cherry blossoms blooming on the slopes.

2. Tanga Battery Park, where the "main gun" of a giant battleship was repurposed

In the early Showa period (1930s), the "Bungo Channel" passing between Kyushu and Shikoku was an absolute defense line to protect Kure Military Port and the Seto Inland Sea. Tanga Battery boasted the most powerful firepower in that defense network (Hoyo Fortress), and was built by transferring the main guns of the decommissioned cruiser battleship "Ibuki" directly to the shore.

The huge turret well where the main gun was mounted remains.

With a range of about 30 km, it was built to have a full range of fire between Ehime Prefecture (Cape Sada) on the opposite shore and to repel enemy ships entering from the Bungo Channel.

3. Aim for the easternmost point of Kyushu! Tsuru Misaki Lighthouse

Tsurumisaki Lighthouse stands on a cliff 200 meters above sea level in Tsurumisaki Nature Park, the easternmost point of Kyushu. Tsurumisaki Lighthouse was completed and lit in 1981. During the war, turrets and shelters were built to serve as fortifications, and only a few ruins remain today.

It is a popular destination for touring to the edge of Kyushu, and the moment you reach it, the feeling of freedom is exceptional.

The Bungo Channel spreads out before you, and on a clear day you can clearly see as far as Cape Sada in Shikoku.

4. A panoramic view of the Bungo Channel! Bungo Kuroshio Line

This is a spectacular 9-km long skyline connecting Yonemizu and Kabae in Saiki City. It offers a panoramic view of the Hyuga Sea (Pacific Ocean), and on a clear day, you can even see as far as Shikoku Island.

Because the route rises in elevation from the coastline and follows a ridge, the greatest highlight of the ride is the "feeling of freedom, as if you were flying in the sky" at the moment when the view opens up.

The observation deck has a bell and is a great location for a commemorative motorcycle photo with the blue ocean in the background.

5. Travel back in time to 400 years ago! Niouza Historical Path

Nioza, located at the knee of Usuki Castle, is a tuff hill formed by hardened volcanic ash from Mt. The narrow alleys everywhere still retain the atmosphere of a castle town, with high stone walls, massive tiled roofs, whitewashed buildings, and many temples stretching long along the sloping streets.

In front of the old Shinkoji Temple is one of the most representative landscapes of Usuki, called a "cut-through," especially the wet cobblestones after it rains are particularly atmospheric, but driving should be done with caution!

Beyond the spectacular view! 400 years of history and memories of war that lie quietly in the Usuki area, Oita Prefecture. 5 areas to visit Gallery (9)