Usa Shrine and Stroll Retro Streets and Kitsuki Castle Town

Usa Jingu in Usa City, Oita Prefecture, is one of Japan’s most significant Shinto shrines, with a history of around 1,300 years. As the head shrine of over 40,000 Hachiman shrines nationwide, it enshrines Hachiman, the god of war and protector of Japan and the imperial family. Renowned for its distinctive architecture and deep historical roots, the shrine has been a major religious and cultural center since the Nara period.

Showa Town in Bungo-Takada City is a nostalgic shopping street that recreates the vibrant atmosphere of Japan’s 1950s–60s Showa era. With retro shops, signs, and historic buildings, it offers a step back in time. Many stores showcase cherished items and sell traditional goods, making it a popular place to experience Japan’s past daily life and culture. ※Some facilities within Showa Roman-kura require an admission fee.

Kitsuki Castle Town, built around a 14th-century castle, is a beautifully preserved historic district. With traditional samurai residences, merchant shops, and narrow streets, it captures the atmosphere of the Edo period and offers a glimpse into Japan’s feudal past.