This day trip was one of the highlights of my Northern Kyushu adventure. As I waved goodbye to Usuki Samurai District, a local bus took me to Usuki Stone Buddhas (Usuki Sekibutsu). Since 1995, this area has been recognized as a Japanese National Treasure. Unlike other tourist sites in Japan, Usuki maintains its rustic small town charm. That’s not to say you won’t encounter any other tourists, this is Japan after all. You will encounter a few, but you’ll be delighted to know that there are no bus-loads of tourists. It was so quiet, peaceful and tranquil.
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Usuki Stone Buddhas (Usuki Sekibutsu)
During my trip to Usuki, I learned that the Usuki Stone Buddhas are an incredible historical treasure. According to an article I read, these figures were created between the late Heian and Kamakura periods, making them some of the oldest and most significant stone Buddhas in Japan. What struck me most was that this cluster in Usuki is recognized for its impressive size, number, and craftsmanship.
Out of over 60 figures at the site, 59 have been designated as Japan’s first stone Buddhas to be registered as a National Treasure. It’s fascinating to think that these are also Kyushu’s first sculptures to hold such an honor. Standing in front of these ancient carvings, I could feel the deep history and cultural significance surrounding them, which made my visit to Usuki even more meaningful.
Overlooking the Lotus Flower Field from Usuki Stone Buddhas
As I stood admiring the view, an elderly lady approached me with a warm “Konnichiwa!” I replied with the same greeting, and after mustering up some courage, I asked, “Sugoi desu ne?” She smiled and asked if I was Japanese. When I told her I wasn’t, she seemed eager to continue the conversation, speaking quickly and with enthusiasm, but I couldn’t quite understand her. We eventually wrapped up with a friendly “Ja,” meaning goodbye or see you later. Honestly, striking up conversations in Japan can be a bit nerve-wracking, but it’s a great reminder that I need to learn more Japanese for next time!
Usuki Lotus Flower Field
After spending an hour marveling at the Stone Buddhas, I made my way to the Lotus Flower field for a closer look. I was lucky enough to catch them in full bloom! My Japanese dorm mate, Sarah, had mentioned the day before that there was a Lotus Flower Festival happening in Usuki, so I was thrilled to experience it firsthand. It felt like a photographer’s dream, capturing so much beauty in just one day—the historic Samurai District, the awe-inspiring Stone Buddhas, and the vibrant Lotus Flowers. It was truly an astonishing experience!
Curious about the presence of a Lotus Flower field in Usuki? According to the tourist pamphlet I picked up at the ticket office, lotus flowers symbolize purity and spiritual rebirth. Growing in muddy waters, the lotus rises above the murk to bloom, embodying the journey toward enlightenment. This connection is why you often see the Buddha depicted sitting on a lotus in bloom, representing the triumph of rising above worldly struggles to achieve spiritual awakening.
I wrapped up my tour around 2:00 in the afternoon, and by then, I was absolutely famished. Earlier, I had skipped lunch to make sure I caught the noon bus to the Stone Buddhas. Thankfully, there were a few nearby restaurants where I could finally grab a bite before heading back to Usuki Station. I treated myself to a delicious (and quite pricey) fish meal, but it was totally worth it! Definitely hit the spot after a long day of sightseeing!
How to Get to Usuki Stone Buddhas
From Fukuoka
Take the Limited Express train from Hakata Station to Usuki Station with a transfer in Oita Station. The journey takes about 3 hours and 14 minutes.
Note: Local trains from Oita Station to Usuki Station are not covered by the JR Kyushu Rail Pass (North Kyushu). However, they are included in the Japan Rail Pass and the JR Kyushu Rail Pass (All Kyushu Area Pass). If you hold a North Kyushu Rail Pass, you can purchase a separate ticket to Usuki Station for 740 yen one way.
From Beppu
Take a local train (Nippou Line Local towards Saiki) from Beppu Station to Usuki Station. The trip takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes and the train fare is 950 yen one way.
From Usuki Station
Once you arrive at Usuki Station, you can take a local bus or taxi to the Usuki Stone Buddhas. The site is about a 10-15 minute ride from the station. For those who enjoy biking, you can borrow a bicycle at the Tourism Office in Usuki Station. The ride takes about 15-20 minutes and offers a pleasant way to enjoy the scenery. If you prefer to walk, it’s about a 30-40 minute walk from Usuki Station to the Stone Buddhas.
Staying connected in Japan
For this trip, I relied on Klook Japan eSIM (use my code PROJECTGORAKLOOK to get 5% off), and it proved to be incredibly useful! Since Usuki is quite a distance from Fukuoka and nestled in the Japanese countryside, public Wi-Fi is limited. Having a personal internet connection was essential for staying connected and navigating the area with ease. At under $5 per day, it offers unlimited data—a feature not commonly included with other eSIM providers.
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So, this is the end of my tour in Usuki. I seriously hope you enjoyed this post! Anyone going to Northern Kyushu soon? I recommend an overnight stay in Usuki if you can. After the tour, I regretted that I only settled for a day trip. It was hardly enough for anything more than just photos and a quick tour. If I ever get a chance to go back, I will definitely stay overnight.
