Usuki Stone Buddhas & Castle Ruins

History and culture abound on this half-day excursion to a duo of Oita Prefecture's most celebrated sights. Carved on a natural cliff, the Usuki Stone Buddha Statues can be found in Usuki City in Oita. The sheer number of these stone carvings and the skill level that is displayed are impressive. Fifty-nine of the more than 60 statues were designated as National Treasures of Japan in 1995. Next, visit the Usuki Castle ruins, located on a dramatic hill in the eastern part of the city. Built in 1562 by Otomo Yoshishige, a feudal warlord, today, the ruins are within a park that features over 1,000 cherry trees. The "castle" originally included a castle tower and 31 other towers and buildings. However, most of the buildings were demolished after the end of the feudal Edo government in 1868. Historical townscape still remains along Nio-za street. Return via your motorcoach to the port.