A Castle Town and Its Surrounds
Situated in the northeastern area of Oita, Nakatsu is a historic and scenic area boasting distinctive manmade and natural wonders. Get a bird's-eye view of the area from the top floor of this five-story castle, which dates from the late 16th century. You will have expansive views of the grounds, which resemble an open fan. Inside, there is a museum with samurai armor, maps, and information about Dutch studies. There are also heirlooms of families that governed the region on display.
The Yamakuni River cut through a lava plateau to form Yabakei Gorge, which extends 36 kilometers to the east and 32 kilometers to the north. Its vast expanse has an array of distinctive rocks. Look out for the eight huge rocks that can be seen from the view spot, Hitome Hakkei, each with fascinating shapes.
A chairlift will transport you to the mountain temple of Rakanji Temple, built into the cliffs of Mt. Rakan. Explore the caves on the site to find more than 3,700 stone figures of Buddha, including 500 rakan, the Buddha's disciples.
The Yamakuni River cut through a lava plateau to form Yabakei Gorge, which extends 36 kilometers to the east and 32 kilometers to the north. Its vast expanse has an array of distinctive rocks. Look out for the eight huge rocks that can be seen from the view spot, Hitome Hakkei, each with fascinating shapes.
A chairlift will transport you to the mountain temple of Rakanji Temple, built into the cliffs of Mt. Rakan. Explore the caves on the site to find more than 3,700 stone figures of Buddha, including 500 rakan, the Buddha's disciples.
