Highlighting the unique charms of Kusu Town, the tour offers a unique gastronomic experience that allows you to deeply immerse yourself in Japanese culinary culture. Using the freshest seasonal ingredients, we invite you to savor not only the delicious food but also the history, techniques, and beautiful presentation behind each dish.
Every visit finds you new discoveries and memorable experiences.
Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Sit back and relaxed, and immerse yourself in a tranquil world where you’ll long to return to Kusu Town again
By uniquely designing seasonal ingredients and experience-based content, we offer a tour plan that allows for various activities and meals without feeling overly packed. This enables participants to experience the passage of time while enjoying a special and relaxing moment.
The video showcases the Yamaura area (Shimozono Myoken-sama spring) / Mikazuki Falls tour plan, which was conducted in the fall of 2023.
The tour is designed to include activities such as shiitake mushroom picking, visiting the spring, a Buddhist sermon, tofu making, sightseeing, and dining, all tailored to the season. This approach ensures that participants who join once will feel inspired to visit again in different seasons.
Embark on a journey to Shimonosono Myoken-sama Yusui (下園妙見様湧水), Oita Prefecture's renowned natural spring.
Immerse yourself in the local food culture, from a special lunch featuring a locally-produced tofu to exciting activities like shiitake mushroom picking and visiting the stunning Jion-no-taki waterfall. Savor delicious dishes crafted by a local chef against the backdrop of the beautiful rural landscape.
※The tour plan’s content may change depending on the season.
Local flavors are prepared and served by local people themselves, allowing to savor the local food culture of Japan by incorporating seasonal ingredients.
Local guide will navigate you to illustrate about the wisdom and the history in the area, enabling you to comprehend the charm of the area you explore.
Shimonosono Myokensama Yusui spring water is a source of pride for Oita Prefecture and has been recognized as one of Japan’s top 100 waters. The spring water is naturally drinkable without any treatment.
Mannen Genki Tofu (万年元気とうふ), a tofu producer operated by local residents, is a source of pride for Kusu Town. Learn about tofu making and experience its food culture through interactions with the friendly producers.
Kusu Town, with its abundant mountains, provides an ideal environment for the mushrooms to flourish. Witnessing the impressive sight of neatly arranged logs dedicated to Shiitake cultivation is truly breathtaking. Savor the thick and succulent Shiitake mushrooms they produce.
Kusu Town boasts numerous historical buildings, and simply admiring the elegance of their exteriors and interiors allows you to immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of history.
Explore our historic sites and enjoy stunning views that are perfect for photos.
By offering a unique and special ambiance, we believe your experience during the tour will be truly exceptional, providing a relaxing and memorable time.
Mori district in Kusu Town is a historical gem, which is known as the "smallest" castle town in Japan.
This tour explores the area by a walking to historical buildings and gardens associated with the feudal lords, a part of Japan Heritage.
Enjoy a special lunch at a tea house that is open specially for this tour, savor local favorites in an exclusive location overlooking the castle town.
※ This tour plan is currently in preparation, and the sales period has not yet been determined.
Constructed in 1832 by the feudal lord at the time, Kurushima Michihiro (久留島 通嘉), this building served as a gathering place for the lord and his retainers. Adored for its cherry blossoms in spring and moon viewing and autumn foliage, it was affectionately known as the “Maple Tea House.” As part of Japan Heritage, this historic building features a unique two-story design that takes advantage of the difference in ground elevation. <br>The 12-tatami-mat rooms on the east and west sides offer panoramic views of the beautiful castle town.
Constructed in 1601 by the feudal lord at the time Kurushima Yasuchika(来島 康親), the shrine was later renovated in the late Edo period by Lord Kurushima Michihiro, resulting in a magnificent structure reminiscent of a castle. Featuring the Shimizu Gate, corridor stone walls, and Seihōrō, among other unique elements, the shrine and its surrounding garden, which was integrated with the feudal residence, reflect the lord’s aspirations for a castle. Recognized as part of Japan Heritage, this historic site is highly valued for its cultural significance.
This beautiful Japanese garden was created by the eighth feudal lord, Kurushima Michihiro, was constructed on a hill to the west of the former residence during the Edo period. Utilizing the natural topography of the hill and featuring massive boulders, the garden offers stunning views. At its heart lies a dry waterfall constructed from large stones, which has earned the garden recognition as part of Japan Heritage.
Centered around the former lord’s residence, the town features a well-preserved historic townscape with samurai and merchant houses arranged in a long, narrow layout. Thriving as the center of Kusu County from the Meiji to early Showa periods, it is also famous as the birthplace of the local specialty, chestnut (kuri) manju. Moreover, this town holds literary significance as the place where renowned authors Tayama Katai (田山 花袋) and Kosugi Hōan (小杉 方庵) stayed during their journey through Yaba-kei George. As you stroll through the town, you’ll discover historical buildings alongside statues of Japanese fairy tale characters, making your walk even more enjoyable.
All the contents in the program are guided by knowledgeable a local guide with an interpreter (English only).
A special set meal inspired by the cuisine of feudal lords and old noble families, featuring an abundance of seasonal vegetables from Kusu.
Bring home a taste of flavorful soy milk in Kusu, made with the natural spring water from the renowned Shimonosono Myoken-sama Yusui. The perfect souvenir to remember your trip.
A delicate soy milk flavor and a moist, smooth texture
A delightful texture that is perfect for people of all ages.
Simple, home-style cookies made
with soy milk from local tofu shops.
Accented with herbs and edible flowers
Simple, home-style cookies made with soy milk from local tofu shops.
Accented with herbs and edible flowers
A rich and creamy soy milk pudding made with high-quality soybeans in Kyushu and pure spring water.
A delightful treat with a delicate sweetness and a rich soy flavor.
We will continue to plan tour experiences that allow inbound tourists to experience the unique food culture in the natural environment of Kusu Town. We are also always available to discuss tour plans.
【CONTACT US】
KUSU-MACHI TOURISM ASSOCIATION
tel +81-973-72-1313