Sponsored by Tourism Oita<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Usuki<\/strong> is a small city located in Oita prefecture<\/strong>, Kyushu<\/strong>. It is easily accessible from Beppu<\/strong> and a day trip can be easily accomplished. Let’s discover Usuki<\/strong>, famous for its samurai residences<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

In the Footsteps of Samurai along Nioza Street<\/h2>\n

Usuki’s samurai residence area<\/strong> is located in the heart of this city. The street is easy to find as it is parallel to the main shopping street “Haccho Oji<\/strong>“.<\/p>\n

The historic Nioza road<\/strong> is a narrow and beautiful walkway<\/strong> for about 200 meters. As you walk through this postcard-like street, you’ll come across temples<\/strong>, historical residences<\/strong> which remind you of the Edo period<\/strong>, tall stone walls<\/strong>, authentic dark wooden buildings<\/strong>, bright white walls<\/strong>, and traditional roofs<\/strong>. These objects are very well preserved and restored<\/strong>. While walking, you are directly immersed in the enchanting traditional atmosphere.<\/p>\n

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A Commercial Street, Haccho Oji<\/h2>\n

There is a very authentic shopping street called Haccho Oji. <\/strong> It is lined with many local craft shops<\/strong> (traditional shoes<\/strong>, kimono<\/strong>, sweets<\/strong> …) and grocery stores<\/strong> and other various items. Enjoy stopping by these places to sample their goods!<\/p>\n

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Soy Sauce and Miso Factory, Fun Dokin<\/h2>\n

Situated not far from Haccho Oji Street, along the river, the Fun Dokin factory<\/strong> has been producing soy sauce<\/strong> and miso<\/strong> since 1861.<\/p>\n

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Kotegawa Sake Brewery<\/h2>\n

This sake<\/strong> brewery with a beautiful wooden entrance<\/strong> was established in 1855. It produces sake<\/strong> and shochu<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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Kagiya Soy Sauce Shop<\/h2>\n

Created in 1600, it is the oldest soy sauce factory<\/strong> in Kyushu<\/strong>, boasting a 415 year history<\/strong>! Impressive to see that Kagiya is still present after so many years. They are famous for crab soy sauce<\/strong>!<\/p>\n

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Usuki Castle<\/h2>\n

These are actually Usuki castle ruins<\/strong> that are located on the east side of the city. The view from the top allows a nice view<\/strong> of the city and the surrounding mountains.
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Samurai Residence of Inaba Family<\/h2>\n

During the Edo period<\/strong>, the local lord of Usuki was from the Inaba Clan<\/strong>. You can visit the house where the family lived (9:00 to 17:00 \/ 320yen). The residence is composed of several tatami rooms<\/strong>, wide corridors and a nice Japanese garden<\/strong>. Another samurai residence<\/strong> is open to the public as well, this is the Marumo Residence<\/strong>, located at the southern end of the city center.<\/p>\n

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