Usuki Castle Ruins

WannaGoWannaGo
FavoriteFavorite
Highlight

The views of the castle town from the restored gates and turrets are breathtaking! Known as a cherry blossom viewing spot, the castle grounds are awash with blossoms in spring.

Tourist destination images of Usuki Castle Ruins(1)
Tourist destination images of Usuki Castle Ruins(2)
Tourist destination images of Usuki Castle Ruins(3)
Tourist destination images of Usuki Castle Ruins(4)
Tourist destination images of Usuki Castle Ruins(5)

Overview

Usuki Castle was originally built in the 16th century by Saeki Koretada, a retainer of the Ōtomo clan. Over time, various lords ruled the castle, with the Matsudaira clan holding sway during the Edo period. After the Meiji Restoration, the castle was abandoned, leaving behind the ruins we see today. From the castle ruins, you can enjoy panoramic views of Usuki city. Spring brings a stunning display of cherry blossoms, creating a truly beautiful scene. Restored gates and turrets offer a glimpse into the castle's past. Remaining structures such as stone walls and earthworks provide fascinating insights for history buffs. The site is now a well-maintained park, perfect for a relaxing stroll or break. Usuki Castle Ruins is a recommended sightseeing spot where you can enjoy history and nature. Be sure to visit!

  • Historic Sites
  • Castle

Basic Information

Address
Usuki, Usuki-Taneshima, Oita Prefecture Search for tourist attractions in Oita
Access
Take the JR Kyushu Hitoyoshi Main Line to Usuki Station, then travel southwest 4.5km. From Usuki Hirakimizu Post Office (about 300m north of the station), take the Oita Bus bound for Miike or Oita Prefectural Government Office. Get off at Usuki Sekibutsu; the bus runs approximately once an hour. Alternatively, from Usuki Station, take the Oita Bus bound for Miike and get off at Usuki Sekibutsu. Note that buses to Oita Prefectural Government Office do not pass through this stop (buses from near Usuki Station pass through Johoku and Usuki City Hall bus stops). From Oita Station, take the Oita Bus from platform 4 in front of Oita Station bound for Usuki and get off at Usuki Sekibutsu. By air/airport bus: From Oita Airport, take the Oita Kotsu Sausu Liner and get off at Usuki Interchange stop. It's a 2.8km southwest walk (about 35 minutes). You can also take a bus from the Oita Bus Hakumakei bus stop, located on National Route 502, slightly west of the interchange. By car: From the Usuki Interchange on the Higashi-Kyushu Expressway, take National Route 502 southwest for approximately 3.3km. By bicycle: Rent a bicycle (free) from the Usuki Station Tourist Information Center. It's about a 6.6km one-way ride. Show route
Op.Hours
Open 24 hours
Cld.Days
Open every day
Fee
Free
INFO
Restrooms and parking available.
HP
http://www.city.usuki.oita.jp/docs/2014013100402/

Recommended nearby attractions

Nijoza Historical Path

Nijoza Historical Path
distance 0.619km from Usuki Castle Ruins
  • Historic Sites
A charming historical path lined with cobblestone streets, preserving the atmosphere of a traditional castle town.

Kitsuki Castle

Kitsuki Castle
distance 36.476km from Usuki Castle Ruins
  • Historic Sites
  • Castle
Kitsuki Castle boasts a 600-year history. Its beautiful three-story castle keep, standing majestically on the castle grounds, offers stunning views of the charming castle town.

Oita Castle Ruins Park (Funai Castle)

Oita Castle Ruins Park (Funai Castle)
distance 22.112km from Usuki Castle Ruins
  • Historic Sites
  • Castle
A stunning castle ruin park with beautiful stone walls and moats seemingly floating on water! In spring, it explodes with cherry blossoms, offering breathtaking views where history and nature merge.

Nomizu Residence

Nomizu Residence
distance 36.947km from Usuki Castle Ruins
  • Castle
  • Historic Sites
One of the remaining samurai residences in Kitsuki Castle Town, free to visit.

Saiki Castle Ruins

Saiki Castle Ruins
distance 19.949km from Usuki Castle Ruins
  • Historic Sites
  • Castle
Stunning panoramic views of Saiki city and a historic mountain castle ruin. Enjoy trails suitable for all fitness levels, from beginner-friendly paths to more challenging climbs.

Isoya Residence

Isoya Residence
distance 36.911km from Usuki Castle Ruins
  • Historic Sites
  • Castle
A charming samurai residence that feels like stepping back in time to the Edo period. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Bungo Suido strait.

Ohara Residence

Ohara Residence
distance 36.986km from Usuki Castle Ruins
  • Historic Sites
  • Castle
Take a leisurely stroll through the elegant residence of a Kitsuki clan chief retainer and its charming garden.

Ichimatsu Residence

Ichimatsu Residence
distance 36.813km from Usuki Castle Ruins
  • Historic Sites
A magnificent mansion built in the early Showa period, offering breathtaking views of Kiji Castle and the sea.

Usuki Sekibutsu

Usuki Sekibutsu
distance 5.061km from Usuki Castle Ruins
  • Historic Sites
  • World Heritage
  • National Treasure
Usuki Sekibutsu is one of Japan's most famous examples of magaki-butsu (cliff-face Buddhas), also designated as a Special Historic Site.

Oka Castle Ruins

Oka Castle Ruins
distance 40.554km from Usuki Castle Ruins
  • Historic Sites
  • Castle
Characterized by its dramatic, cliff-like stone walls, it was once known as an "impregnable castle."

Nearby Hotels

hotel kura

8.8 Excellent1 reviews
hotel kura
distance 0.368km from Usuki Castle Ruins

Usuki Yunosato

7.6 Very Good10 reviews
Usuki Yunosato
distance 4.152km from Usuki Castle Ruins

EPURONTEI

6.4 Good2 reviews
EPURONTEI
distance 6.071km from Usuki Castle Ruins

Hotel AZ Oita Tsukumi

9.7 Exceptional3 reviews
Hotel AZ Oita Tsukumi
distance 7.578km from Usuki Castle Ruins

Business Hotel Kyugetsu Tsukumi

7.2 Very Good14 reviews
Business Hotel Kyugetsu Tsukumi
distance 8.055km from Usuki Castle Ruins