Tourist Guide

》　Nakatsu district 》　Sanko district 》　Honyabakei district 》　Yabakei district 》　Yamakuni district

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 FUKUZAWA Yukichi's Old Residence Memorial Museum

FUKUZAWA Yukichi grew up in this house and stayed here till he left to pursue his studies in Nagasaki. The warehouse in the yard was rebuilt by Yukichi himself, and he made his study area on the second floor of the same building.

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 Nakatsu Castle

Also known as "Senjo Castle", it was built by Load KURODA Yoshitaka in 1588. The donjon, stonewalls and inner moat have been preserved in their original forms. The castle is also known as a water castle as the water level in the moat rises during high tide when seawater flows through the water gate.

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 Nakatsu History and Folk Museum 

A variety of look-related displays can be found in this museum, including archaeological material and reenactments of civic life. It is also accredited as a valuable architectural structure from the Showa era, and is a registered national cultural asset. 

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 Goganji Temple

Goganji Temple is also known as the "Red Wall Temple". The vassals of samurai warrior, UTSUNOMIYA Shigefusa, died in battle here, leaving bloodstains on the wall. Even after the wall was re-plastered repeatedly, the bloodstains would not recede, thus leaving a wall of red. 

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 Horaien

Built in 1882, this theater drew in large crowds with performances by the greatest actors of the time. It was demolished during World War II and converted into a garden after the war.

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 Murakami Family Museum of Historical Medical Data

The murakami family operated a clinic in Moro town in 1640. The museum holds a large volume of medical material, including information on dissection of the human body that was carried out by the seventh generation Gensui*, as well as thousands of valuable reference materials spanning a variety of subjects.

* Field Marshal in the Imperial Japanese Army. 

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 Oe Family Museum of Historical Medical Data

A number of books and reference concerning Western studies, including "Kaitai-Shinsho"(translated from a Dutch book--Kulmus' "Ontleedkundige Tafelen") have been preserved in this museum. Besides medical data, there is also a variety of historical data related to other fields of study. 

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 Jishoji Temple(Taigado Hall)

47 calligraphic works and paintings by IKENO Taiga, a master of the Nanga art style, are stored and displayed in this hall. Having such a large number of his works in one place is a rarity in Japan.

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 Komo Shrine

The Komo Hachiman Shrine has a long and distingushed history, and is often considered to be the origin of the Usa Hachiman Shrine. The deity's gate and main sanctuary from degnified deity area with their brilliant architectural beauty.

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 Daihatsu Motors Co., Ltd. Oita Nakatsu Plant

A car assembly factory boasting the most advanced technology, this plant produces about 250,000 cars in a year. Prior appointments may be made for factory tours.

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 Jingoji Temple Nirvana Statue

The depiction of Buddha attaining Nirvana is engraved onto a stone 7.88m long and 1.4m high. Completed in 1972, it is one of the biggest stone statues in Western Japan.

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 Hachimensanso 

This is a multi-purpose recreation center which utilizes the beautiful landscape of Mt. Hachimen. It is suitable for meetings or training camps, and is surrounded by an open-air concert hall so users can sit back and enjoy the natural environment around them. 

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 Mt. Hachimen

Mt. Hachimen has an altitude of 659m. Views of the mountain do not differ much from every direction, hence the name "Hachimen*". It is best to take a drive hike in this area.

*"Hachimen" means "eight faces", and derived from expression meaning "from every direction".

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 "Old Yakata Elementary School" Loading

After Yakata Elementary School was closed down, the school premises were refurbished and converted into an accommodation facility that allows visitors to experience agricultural activities and farm life, as well as go through the changing seasons in a mountain village. Visitors can also savor country dishes made with local produce. 

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 Yabakei Bridge

Yabakei Bridge is also called the "Dutch Bridge". It is the only stone bridge in Japan built in a beautiful series of eight arches. The bridge spans 116m and is the longest stone bridge in Japan.

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 Ao-no-domon Tunnel

A monk known as Zenkai spent 30 years digging this tunnel at the Kyoshu peak using just a chisel and a hammer. The tunnel is also well-known through Kan Kikuchi's novel, "Onshu-no-Kanatani".

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 Yabakei Museum

This data library is made up of three sections of different themes--"Yabakei, a place of scenic beauty","Ao-no-domon Tunnel", "Hekidoketsu Cave". Information and reference materials related to each theme are displayed in the museum. 

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 Driver's Rest Area Yapa-topia

This is a driver's rest area set up alongside the Yabakei Museum and a local products shop. There is also a corner where you can learn to make buckwheat noodles and savor your own handmade noodles after that.

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 Rakanji Temple

It is said that Rakanji Temple began with the religious training of the Hodo mountain hermits in year 645. Over 3,000 stone Buddha statues with a variety of expressions, including the Five Hundred Rakan Buddha, welcome each visit to the temple. 

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 Nishitani Hot Spring

The hot spring water is rich, yet soft to the touch. There is a campsite here, which consists of log houses and cottages with thatched roofing, where visitors can hold barbecue parties and other activities.

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 Bakei Bridge

This bridge was completed in 1923. The bridge with a series of five arches provides a good vantage point for viewing the mountain range as well as spring greenery and autumn foliage. It is also an excellent spot for photography.

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 Maple Yaba Cycling Path

This cycling course used to be a railroad track, so it has gentle inclines. Every member of the family can enjoy cycling  here. The depot is not merely a bicycle rental area, but also houses an accommodation and fitness facility.

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 Keisekien Garden

Seaonal trees and flowers grow harmoniously in this Japanese garden. The garden was created as Yabakei Dam Memorial Park. Through the use of tens of thousands of rocks and water from the dam, the garden presents itself as a reenactment of mountain streams.

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 Yabakei Aqua Park

This is the only municipal venue for water-skiing in Japan. Would you like to attempt water-skiing or wakeboarding at the best ski run in Japan? You can also enjoy other activities such as riding on a banana boat.

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 Shinyabakei

Immerse yourself in breathtaking views such as that of "Hitome Hakkei", where you can take in eight types of scenery at one go. While the spring view of sprouting greenery comes highly recommended, the red autumn foliage is also a must-see.

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 Sarutobi-Sentsubokyo

This is a natural piece of art created over a long period of time through the flowing of the mountain streams, and has been designated a national natural treasure. "Sarutobi", which refers to jumping monkeys, is derived from the fact that wild monkeys used to jump from rock to rock in the past.

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 Yasuragi-no-sato Yamakuni

Enjoy a hot spring bath and delicious food amongst the tranquil setting. Accommodation facilities, including a log house, are availabale for family use or meetings.

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 Skating

Experience the fun of skating throughout the year at an open-air skating ring in a courtyard. The rink is open for ice-skating in the winter and in-line skating in other seasons.

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 Kamio Family Old Residence

Among buildings with a clearly-defined year of construction, this residence built 1771 is the oldest wooden house in Kyushu. The thatched roofing with its coners bent into the shape of flying geese is a characteristic of the house. 

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 Nenbutsu Bridge/Mabayashi Ravine

This bridge is located 300m downstream of Sarutobi-Sentsubokyo. The Mabayashi ravine that can be seen from the bridge has an air of age-old mystery and quietess.

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 Country Life Experience Center

An old residence built during the Meiji era was refurbished to house this facility. Here, you can try your hand at making Dango-jiru dumpling soup, weaving straw sandals, and making traditional Japanese decorations from straw ropes.