
Famous Pilgrimage Routes & Religious Sites in Ōita, Ōita, Japan
1. Yufuin Taishokan, Yufu
A popular temple built in 1754, known for its beautiful autumn leaves and spiritual atmosphere.
- Historical Significance: One of the oldest temples in Yufu, offering a glimpse into Japan's religious past.
- Autumn Leaves: Famous for its stunning autumn foliage, attracting many visitors during fall.
- Spiritual Atmosphere: A place of peace and tranquility, perfect for meditation and spiritual reflection.
2. Mt. Kuju Pilgrimage Route, Kujū
A 33-temple route stretching across Mt. Kuju, offering breathtaking views and spiritual experiences.
- Natural Beauty: The scenic mountainous route offers a unique blend of nature and spirituality.
- 33 Temples: Each temple along the route has its own history and unique features.
- Challenging Hike: The pilgrimage is a physically demanding hike, suitable for adventurous travelers.
3. Kumamoto-gongen Shrine, Bungo-Ōno
An ancient shrine dedicated to the protection of the region, known for its magnificent torii gate.
- Historical Significance: One of the oldest and most important shrines in Ōita Prefecture.
- Torii Gate: Its massive torii gate is one of the largest and most beautiful in Japan.
- Festival Atmosphere: The shrine comes alive during festivals, offering a lively and colorful experience.
4. Bishamonten-do Hall, Beppu
A stunning hall dedicated to the guardian deity Bishamonten, known for its intricate wooden carvings.
- Wooden Carvings: The hall is adorned with beautiful and intricate wood carvings.
- Guardian Deity: A place to seek the protection of Bishamonten, the guardian deity of Buddhism.
- Historical Artifact: An important cultural artifact, showcasing traditional Japanese craftsmanship.
5. Hell Valley, Beppu
A unique hot spring area known for its sulfurous odors and striking landscapes, with a spiritual twist.
- Natural Wonder: A natural wonder where hot springs meet the ocean, creating unique geysers.
- Sulfurous Odor: The strong sulfur smell is a reminder of the area's geothermal activity.
- Spiritual Significance: Believed to have healing properties and connected to local folklore.
6. Beppu Shrine, Beppu
A beautiful shrine overlooking Beppu Bay, known for its stunning views and spiritual powers.
- Scenic Location: Located on a hill, offering breathtaking views of the bay.
- Spiritual Powers: Believed to have spiritual powers and offer protection to the city.
- Annual Festival: The shrine comes alive during its annual festival, offering a lively and colorful experience.
7. Ōyama-dera Temple, Taketa
A temple built into the mountainside, known for its beautiful architecture and stunning views.
- Mountainous Setting: Built into the side of a mountain, offering panoramic views of the valley.
- Tranquil Atmosphere: A peaceful place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
- Historical Significance: An important historical site, dating back over 1300 years.
8. Usa Jingu Shrine, Usa
One of the most important shrines in Japan, known for its grand architecture and spiritual significance.
- Spiritual Significance: A major spiritual center, attracting pilgrims from all over Japan.
- Grand Architecture: The main hall is one of the largest and most impressive in Japan.
- Annual Festival: The shrine comes alive during its annual festival, offering a lively and colorful experience.
9. Kawasaki Shrine, Beppu
A beautiful shrine known for its stunning gardens and spiritual atmosphere.
- Beautiful Gardens: The gardens are a sight to behold, especially during cherry blossom season.
- Spiritual Atmosphere: A peaceful place for meditation and spiritual reflection.
- Historical Significance: An important cultural artifact, showcasing traditional Japanese architecture.
10. Takachiho-no-Mine Cave, Takachiho
A sacred cave believed to be the home of the god Susanoo, known for its spiritual significance and stunning natural beauty.
- Sacred Cave: Believed to be the home of the Shinto deity Susanoo.
- Natural Beauty: The cave's stalactites and stalagmites create a beautiful natural wonder.
- Spiritual Significance: A place of spiritual importance for the local Amano-Yasakani-no-Mikoto shrine.
11. Kunisaki Hachiman Shrine, Kunisaki
A network of over 1000 shrines dedicated to the god Hachiman, known for its historical significance and spiritual power.
- Historical Significance: One of Japan's largest networks of Hachiman shrines.
- Spiritual Power: Believed to have powerful spiritual energy and offer protection to the region.
- Scenic Location: Located in a beautiful rural setting, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
12. Yamadera, Taketa
A mountain shrine with over 1000 steps, known for its spiritual significance and stunning views.
- Spiritual Significance: A place of spiritual importance for the local community.
- Scenic Location: Located atop a mountain, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
- Physical Challenge: A challenging hike with over 1000 steps to reach the shrine.
13. Takachiho Amano-Iwato Cave, Takachiho
A sacred cave believed to be the entrance to the underworld, known for its spiritual significance and stunning natural beauty.
- Sacred Cave: Believed to be the entrance to the underworld.
- Natural Beauty: The cave's stalactites and stalagmites create a beautiful natural wonder.
- Spiritual Significance: A place of spiritual importance for the local Amano-Yasakani-no-Mikoto shrine.
14. Nemurumaki Shrine, Yufu
A small but significant shrine known for its spiritual power and beautiful natural surroundings.
- Spiritual Power: Believed to have powerful spiritual energy.
- Beautiful Natural Surroundings: Located in a beautiful rural setting, surrounded by forests and mountains.
- Historical Significance: An important cultural artifact, showcasing traditional Japanese architecture.
15. Beppu-jinja Shrine, Beppu
A beautiful shrine dedicated to the goddess Beppu-gongen, known for its spiritual power and stunning natural surroundings.
- Spiritual Power: Believed to have powerful spiritual energy.
- Beautiful Natural Surroundings: Located in a beautiful rural setting, surrounded by forests and mountains.
- Historical Significance: An important cultural artifact, showcasing traditional Japanese architecture.