Discover Usa: Cave Tombs, Temples and Park Landscapes

Usa brings together archaeological traces, Buddhist architectural history and seasonal garden scenery. In Yokkaichi, centuries-old cave tombs stand alongside temples whose history extends far beyond the town. There are also park visits that offer a different view in each season. This gives families and other travelers a choice of different interests rather than a single excursion theme.

Cave tombs with visible traces of their history

The Yokkaichi-Yokoana group is a collective name for two groups of tombs: at least 80 tombs belong to the Ichigite group and at least 70 to the Kagayama group. They are estimated to date from the second half of the 6th century through the 7th century. Their scale turns the individual tombs into an extensive archaeological subject; the dating remains an estimate, not an exact year.

Three tombs are especially vivid examples, with patterns painted in red: one belongs to the Ichigite group and two to the Kagayama group. Their design suggests that influential people were buried there. During a visit, you can move between the larger complex and a specific detail—the painted tombs and the cautious interpretation they invite.

Temples, neighbors and architectural history

The Higashi and Nishi Honganji Betsuin stand side by side and belong to different Buddhist schools. Such an arrangement is considered unusual throughout Japan. The surviving magnificent gate at Higashi Honganji Yokkaichi Betsuin is also noteworthy: it was designated a tangible cultural property of Ōita Prefecture in 2005.

The history of Shōkatsu-ji also takes us to a different time and place. In 1743, a dispute over the temple was decided in Edo by 寺社奉行 Ōoka Echizen-no-kami Tadasuke. The Tokugawa shogunate then confiscated the temple and later transferred it to Higashi Honganji; it became one of its Betsuin. The present main hall of Honganji Betsuin was built in 1859. It measures 29.5 meters from north to south and 31.5 meters from east to west. These two measurements give a concrete sense of the building’s dimensions without needing to attribute them to either of the two Betsuin in particular.

Another way to explore local culture is to paint unglazed Yokkaichi figures, such as zodiac animals or beckoning cats; you can take the finished piece home. Yokkaichi dolls were made as good-luck charms from the Meiji period until around the 1920s, during the Shōwa period. A 2023 article described the painting activity as available by advance reservation only. Before your trip, check whether it is currently offered and how to make a reservation.

Seasonal park and garden scenery

Hibiki-yama Park is especially impressive during cherry blossom season. During the rainy season, about 3,000 hydrangeas adorn the park. These seasonal attractions add different touches to a travel itinerary: one time, the cherry blossom scenery takes center stage; another, the hydrangeas. If you make the park a focal point of your visit, you can plan your travel there at the same time.

One route to Hibiki-yama Park is to take an Ōita Kōtsū Yokkaichi Line bus from Yanagigaura Station to the Hōkyōji stop. From there, it is about a 33-minute walk or an 8-minute taxi ride. As route information can change, check the latest local transport details before setting out.

In the Usa municipal area, Senzaifarm offers more garden scenery: its wisteria trellis covers 2,400 tsubo and features 250 wisteria plants. The rose garden displays about 2,500 roses across a 5,000-square-meter site during the blooming season. These figures describe two different garden scenes; the roses are specifically associated with the blooming season.

Plan visits and accommodation around your own interests

Otorikoshi also gives a visit a date to plan around: it is held every year from December 11 to 16. Check the dates locally before your trip. Along with the advance reservation for doll painting and the seasonal park scenery, these details are useful when deciding which experiences you want to shape your stay. When choosing a vacation rental in Usa, you can start with this day-trip itinerary: archaeological history, temple architecture, seasonal park scenery or gardens.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Kusu District, Yufu, Hita, Taketa, Kunisaki, Saiki, Nakatsu, Usuki.

Back to the main travel overview: Ōita Prefecture.