Leave the steam and bustle of Beppu behind and travel back in time with us to Usuki, a serene former castle town along the coast of Oita. Unlike the crowds of Kyushu’s well-known onsen resorts, Usuki keeps the slow, unhurried rhythm of old Japan — and together we’ll immerse ourselves in its samurai history, ancient stone carvings, and quietly celebrated food culture.
At its heart stand the Usuki Stone Buddhas (Usuki Sekibutsu), a designated National Treasure of Japan whose peaceful expressions have watched over these wooded hills for centuries. We’ll walk the same stone-paved lanes the samurai once did through the beautifully preserved Nioza Historical District, step inside the elegant villa of the Inaba lords who ruled the domain, and wander the atmospheric ruins of Usuki Castle. As a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, Usuki is also known for its fugu (pufferfish), soy sauce, and miso — flavors we’re always glad to help you discover.
This tour is fully private and can be tailored to your interests — just reach out, and let’s shape the day together.
Primary Area: JR Beppu Station or Beppu Cruise Port.
*Pick-up at your hotel or any preferred location available.
Also Available: We can also arrange pickup from Yufuin. Please inquire when booking.
Return to the same point that the tour starts.
Flexible (between 9:00 AM- 11:00 AM)
English, Japanese
Please note: This is a sample itinerary based on a 10:00 AM start time. As this is your private tour, the start time is fully flexible and we will adjust the schedule accordingly.
We’ll meet you at your hotel lobby or chosen pickup point in Beppu. After a warm hello, we’ll set off together in a comfortable private vehicle for the scenic drive south to Usuki. *Hotel pickup is available.
Our step into the past begins at the graceful former villa of the Inaba clan, the feudal lords who once ruled Usuki. We’ll wander its refined wooden architecture and tranquil gardens, imagining daily life in the age of the samurai.
Next we’ll take a leisurely stroll along the Nioza Historical Road, a beautifully preserved samurai quarter of earthen walls, old temples, and quiet stone lanes that feel untouched by time.
We’ll pause for a relaxed lunch. Usuki is a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, and we’ll happily point you toward the best local spots — from delicate fugu to hearty home-style fare. (Please note: the cost of the meal is not included.)
Just beside the stone Buddhas, we’ll visit a local pottery atelier, where you can admire handmade ceramics and meet the artisans who shape them.
The heart of the day: the awe-inspiring Usuki Stone Buddhas. We’ll take our time among these mysterious carved figures, soaking in their serene expressions and the peaceful, wooded hush that surrounds them.
Our day together comes to a close as we drop you off at your hotel or another preferred spot in Beppu.
Also Available: We can also arrange pickup from Yufuin. Please inquire when booking.
My parents and I went to Usuki with Kei. He picked us up and dropped us off at our lodgings. Unlike the crowded onsen towns Beppu and Yufuin, Usuki was pleasantly peaceful with no tourists to be seen! Kei explained to us that the British samurai of drama Shogun fame actually washed up in Usuki in 1600. He took us to a Buddhist temple that was linked to that history, and introduced us to a Frenchman who works there and resides in the area. It was so interesting to meet a real-life gaijin who fell in love with the city and makes his life there. The Fugu lunch Kei arranged was wonderful too. Apparently, Usuki is a UNESCO city of gastronomy, famous for its soy sauce and miso. The stone Buddhas were impressive and serene in a beautiful countryside setting, and getting to go inside a samurai residence (villa of the Inaba clan that ruled Usuki in the Tokugawa period) was fascinating. I highly recommend taking a detour to Usuki with Kyushu Immersions. Frankly, one day was too short to take in all the history, culture, and gastronomy. Thanks to Kei who thoughtfully accommodated my elderly parents, so we didn’t need to walk too far or take stairs.
We arrived in Beppu via a cruise ship, but planned on going to the city of Usuki to explore the samurai district and then venture on to see the Usuki stone Buddhas. We arranged a tour with Kei who had his own van that readily accommodated four of us for the ride from Beppu to Usuki, thus avoiding the need for public transport. Kei walked us through the samurai district highlighting the history of the area ending in a little shop with a wonderful unique blend of ice-cream. We then went on to see the Usuki stone Buddhas with Kei giving us a great historical overview. Kei then took us to a small pottery factory before taking us back to Beppu. When we got back to Beppu, Kei took us up to a great lookout high in the hills, where we got a wonderful view of the city and water below. Kei was an excellent guide, very hospitable and knowledgeable with a very good command of the English language, which made our trip a wonderful experience.
Kei is fantastic. He worked with us to map out our day according to our interests and introduced to the slower side of life in Japan. He is so knowledgeable about the areas we visited, but also allowed us to get to know him a little as a person. We really enjoyed our tour and left only wishing we had more time to explore. We’ll be talking about this day for a long time, and we’re so thankful Kei provided us the opportunity. Highly recommend!
Didn’t know there is so much to see in Usuki. We were so glad we hired Kei to be our tour. He was very thoughtful from the very beginning. There was a closure on the highway and he was willing to provide the flexibility to suggest an earlier departure. He was very thoughtful to go with an easier path knowing my dad has a bad knee. Usuki is very different from other popular tourist attractions. We did not feel this place was heavily commercialized, so we could submerge ourselves in its history and the locals’ daily lives. Kei introduced us to Usuki more like a friend who is passionate about his home prefecture. He could tell you a lot about Oita. Kei did not end his work day by simply dropping us off at the hotel; he even made great suggestions for what we could do in the afternoon on our own and shared some dinner recommendations with us. Thank you, Kei.