Oita City, Saiki, Usuki Travel Guides

Oita City is the central city of the prefecture. It is also the prefectural capital and is designated as a core city. Toriten," a well-known local dish, can be found everywhere in the city.

In addition, the Seki horse mackerel and mackerel landed at Saganoseki Port are nationally known brands. The Umitamago Aquarium and the Takasaki Mountain Nature Zoo are recommended sightseeing spots for those with children.

If you go south from Oita City, you will find Usuki, the castle town of Usuki Castle. The town layout from the early Edo period (1603-1868) remains as it was, and the streets are dotted with samurai residences and merchant houses, such as the former Maruge family residence, the Hisa family's large storehouse, and the Inaba family's lower house. Usuki is also a town of stone Buddhas designated as national treasures. The more than 60 stone Buddhas dug out from the cliff are a sight to behold.

Saiki, located further south from Usuki City and facing Saiki Bay, was a castle town of the Saiki Domain. The area from Otemon-ga to Yokenji Temple, where the tomb of the Mori family, the feudal lord of Saiki, is called the "Road of History and Culture.

The ruins of Yano Ryukei's birthplace and the Kunikida Doppo Museum in the castle town of Saiki are sightseeing spots designated by Saiki City as a historical environment preservation zone. Visitors can feel the remnants of history and literature in the samurai residences with their beautiful white walls.

In addition, the 160-meter-high "Sky Park," "Sky Observatory," and "Sky Jizoson" at the same site offer spectacular views overlooking the Sea of Hyuga. If the weather is fine, you can see the islands of Shikoku and the Tsurumi Peninsula floating in the azure sea.

Saiki City, where fish from the Bungo Channel are landed, is an area rich in seafood, and you can enjoy elaborate sushi and seafood bowls at restaurants in the city.