Usa: Cave Tombs, Betsuin Temples and Gardens

Usa can be explored through a range of themes: archaeological remains, Buddhist temple history and gardens with seasonal displays. The Yokkaichi Yokoana Group offers a glimpse into early history, while the Honganji Betsuin and its buildings provide a religious and architectural focus. Parks and gardens add seasonal scenery to the selection. For your planning, you can consider these historic sites, garden displays and a hands-on activity as different areas of focus.

Cave Tombs from Two Groups

The Yokkaichi Yokoana Group is the collective name for the Ichigite and Kagayama cave tomb groups. The Ichigite Group has at least 80 tombs, and the Kagayama Group at least 70. These are minimum figures, not exact totals. The site is estimated to date from the second half of the 6th century through the 7th century. Three tombs feature patterns painted in red: one belongs to the Ichigite Group and two to the Kagayama Group. The decorations suggest that influential people were buried there. The group thus combines a historical timeframe with visible differences between its two constituent groups.

Betsuin Temples and Architectural History

The Higashi and Nishi Honganji Betsuin temples stand side by side in Yokkaichi and belong to different Buddhist schools. Such an arrangement is considered unusual nationwide. The splendid gate at Higashi Honganji Yokkaichi Betsuin has been preserved; in 2005, it was designated a tangible cultural property of Ōita Prefecture. The present main hall of the Honganji Betsuin in Yokkaichi was built in 1859. It measures 29.5 meters from north to south and 31.5 meters from east to west.

Another historical thread leads back to the Edo period: in 1743, the dispute over Shōkatsu-ji Temple was decided by Ōoka Echizen-no-kami Tadasuke, the magistrate of temples and shrines (寺社奉行). The Tokugawa shogunate then confiscated the temple; later, it was transferred to Higashi Honganji and became its Betsuin. Otorikoshi is observed annually from December 11 to 16. If this date is important for your trip, check locally in advance.

Seasonal Garden Scenes

At Hibiki-yama Park, cherry blossom season offers particularly striking scenery; during the rainy season, around 3,000 hydrangeas adorn the park. These provide two distinct seasonal displays: cherry blossoms and hydrangeas during the rainy season. In Usa, Senzaifarm adds to this variety of gardens with two sites whose sizes are specified. The wisteria garden’s trellis covers 2,400 tsubo and supports 250 wisteria plants. At peak bloom, the rose garden has around 2,500 roses across a 5,000-square-meter site.

Unique Experiences and Getting There

At Jūhōzan Daijō-in in Yokkaichi, a figure known as the “Oni Mummy” is housed in a shrine. The temple is reached via a steep staircase with 108 steps. This is a practical detail to keep in mind when planning your temple visit.

A 2023 article describes an opportunity in Yokkaichi to paint unglazed figurines—such as zodiac animals or beckoning cats—and take the finished piece home. Yokkaichi dolls were made as good-luck charms from the Meiji period until around the 1920s, in the Shōwa period. According to the article, painting was available only with advance reservations; check in advance whether the activity is still offered.

The bus route to Hibiki-yama Park runs from Yanagigaura Station on an Ōita Kōtsū bus on the Yokkaichi Line to the Hōkyōji stop. From there, it is about a 33-minute walk or an 8-minute taxi ride. Check current local transport information before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Nakatsu, Saiki, Taketa, Yufu, Beppu, Ōita, Bungo-Takada, Kusu District

For the broader travel overview: Ōita Prefecture.