Standing atop a steep landform created by large volcanic eruptions from Mt. Aso, Oka Castle Ruins cover an area measuring 1,000,000 square meters.

The structure looks like a fortress. While the buildings no longer remain, the stone walls are a major attraction.

Enjoy the beauty of stone masonry combining stones of various shapes by the most skilled craftsmen in Japan at that time. With its unique beauty scattered over the area, the landscape evokes the solemnity of the castle tower in the old days.

Take an enjoyable stroll around the ruins surrounded by the seasonal beauty of nature. It takes a minimum of 30 minutes to complete the round trip from the parking area, to Ote-mon Gate, and to the Main Enclosure where the castle tower was built. There’s no better way to relax than touring the ruins while enjoying the landscape. The observation spots offer panoramic views of Mt. Aso and the Kuju Mountain Range. When tired from walking, you can take a rest at a free rest house in the grounds.

Gani-yu has a long history as a popular hot spring. It’s also famous for the folktale of a crab that fell in love with a girl and the name Gani-yu comes from the story. Looking at the unique scenery from the riverside is relaxing, but you can also enjoy a hot spring bath 24 hours a day (a changing room is located below the bridge). The bath is open to both men and women, and it’s not fenced in. Bringing your own bathing suit will be convenient. Relax in the bath and feel a special sense of freedom like letting yourself become one with the flow of the river.

Tanomura Chikuden (1763-1840) was a Nanga artist during the Edo period. Founded in the mid-18th century, Nanga was a Japanese school of painting influenced by Chinese artists. It sought to render the essential beauty of poetry into visual form. Chikuden layered soft lines in his paintings to produce graceful, calm works that reflected his personality.

The former Chikuden-so was the home he was born in and where his deep artistic sensitivities were nurtured. The home consists of a main, two-story structure, a separate inkyo *, and an atelier that also served as a living space for Chikuden’s apprentices. The home offers a panoramic view of the castle town below.

Taketa City Historical and Cultural Museum Yugakukan, which is located near the Former Chikuden-so, exhibits works by Tanomura Chikuden.

*In Japan, where three-generation households were once the norm, the inkyo was a separate structure that served as a living space for the family’s eldest generation.

The large amount of bamboo in the area is believed to have given Taketa its name (Taketa means bamboo field in Japanese). Bamboo is very common in Japan, used as building material for homes and daily commodities since ancient times.

In November of each year, approximately 20,000 bamboo lanterns light up the castle town of Taketa at night. During this event, cultural properties in town are lit up by artists called kewai-shi, to create a deep, quiet atmosphere that evokes black-and-white ink paintings.

Performers have held concerts in many locations throughout Taketa because of the unique atmosphere of the area, where merry rhythms from traditional Japanese instruments become part of the scenery.

Tajimaya is the oldest Japanese confectioner in Oita Prefecture. Founded in 1804, Tajimaya served as a purveyor of cakes to the Oka Clan, the family that ruled the area in the Edo period. Its most famous cake, Mikasano, was offered to the feudal lord.

The Japanese-style building was built 150 years ago. It is stylish with a somewhat modern look blended with the traditional style.

Made with clear spring water from the mountains surrounding Taketa City, the cakes Tajimaya offers are exquisitely beautiful and have delicately sweet flavors. Enjoy these special Japanese cakes in a set with green tea or try other Japanese sweets such as red bean soup (zenzai) at Teahouse Dan Dan, which is located in the store. They also make the perfect souvenir for family and friends.

Born in 1879, Rentaro Taki became a musician who represented the dawn of Western music in Japan. He wrote Western-style melodies for Japanese lyrics to create popular songs. They can still be heard here and there today, some in elementary school music textbooks and others in train departure announcement melodies. Kojo no Tsuki, a composition that evokes images of the old Oka Castle in Taketa, is a masterpiece that embodies the Japanese sense of beauty.

This Japanese-style home, where he spent his childhood, has been remodeled into a museum. Letters, photos, and videos related to him are exhibited alongside his musical scores. This remarkable place lets you feel the essence of Japanese music created in beautiful nature that changes over the seasons.

The building that houses Art Space Café Okura Shimizu-yu evolved from a rice granary to a public bath before becoming a gallery café. The interior of the café features retro tiles that evoke the atmosphere of 80 years ago when it was a public bath, and the posts from when it was a granary give the interior of the café a mysterious sense of unity that fills it with a nostalgic Japanese flavor.

The first-floor café space offers a delicious Japanese menu that includes udon noodles and set meals with seasonal small dishes all served in and on antique tableware. The second floor is a gallery exhibiting products created by local artisans.

Daruma is a paper mache folkcraft seen throughout the nation. It was originally a lucky charm made in the image of Saint Dharma, the old Indian monk. This daruma , however, is female, a rare variation of this traditional craft. The model for this daruma was wife of a samurai that lived some 370 years ago. The smile on her face seems to change subtly each time we see it.

The hime-daruma (female daruma) was once almost lost to time, but this atelier has kept the tradition alive. There are 16 steps in the creation of thedaruma, from creating the wooden block that gives the daruma its shape to the final step of painting the features. Each daruma takes about a week to make, and the care required to create each piece inspires admiration that has made the hime-daruma popular again as a lucky charm.

Koya Some Kai indigo dyeing atelier is in an old sake storehouse recognized as a registered tangible cultural property of the nation. It has clay walls covered with white plaster, over which blue shop curtains sway.

Known as the oldest dye in human history, indigo was brought to Japan from China via Korea some 1,500 years ago; and Koya Some Kai practices the traditional method of dyeing that was introduced along with it. The technique features natural ingredients produced in Japan, and the high quality of water from Taketa ensures outstanding colors on dyed items.

Natural indigo dyeing produces a blue color that changes beautifully over the years. Koya Some Kai offers beautiful indigo blue towels, clothing, and other items. Take a look at Taketa blue items and experience their allure.

Statues of arhats are lined up irregularly on natural rock. They stand along the approach to Kannon-ji Temple, which was founded in 1618. The Sixteen Arhats were devoted followers of Buddha who took a vow to be faithful to his teachings.

The statues were carved from the relatively soft rocks that spewed out during eruptions of Mt. Aso some 90,000 years ago. Each statue has a unique face, whose gentle and friendly expression transcends both time and religion.

To the rear of the statues is an operational radio tower. The contrast of old and new is very unique and well worth seeing.

Selected as one of the 100 Best Sites of Cherry Blossoms in Japan, the Oka Castle Ruins are home to approximately 450 cherry trees, including Yoshino cherry and double cherry, that beautifully decorate the expansive grounds.

The highlight of the festival is the “feudal lord’s procession” through the castle town of Taketa modeled after the one in the Edo period (1603-1868). In those days, such processions took place nationwide when feudal lords and their servants fulfilled their obligation to journey to the capital Edo every two years to make their official visits to the Shogun. Usually quite large and opulent, the processions showcased each lord’s power and dignity.

Today, the characters participating in the parade in traditional dress includes samurai, princesses, the feudal lord, and many other courtesans. Visitors are also treated to an impressive display of martial arts by a gun corps using matchlocks.

Gesshorou is a refurbished residence that once served as the feudal lord’s guest house in the mid-Edo period (around 1750 to 1850). The traditional Japanese rock garden (evoking mountains and rivers with rocks) behind the residence shows its long history.

Keeping the spirit and atmosphere of the time it was used as a guest house alive, Gesshorou serves the popular Taketa saffron tea and cakes as well as coffee and black tea. Enjoy Taketa’s special hospitality along with the history of this beautiful castle town.

You absolutely have to taste Taketa’s popular deep-fried whole chicken leg. Despite its size, it’s deliciously light and crispy. Marufuku offers this wildly popular local favorite along with a wide selection of other tasty treats.

The chicken tempura is a well-known Oita specialty popular with locals and visitors alike.

Marufuku’s casual atmosphere makes it a popular destination for the workaday crowd looking to enjoy tasty food, good drink and a relaxing time with the locals.

Built in 1635, Aizendo is the oldest surviving building in Taketa. The builders were a group of top-tier temple carpenters living in this castle town at that time. Its unique structure was designed with no interior posts.

Aizendo’s features create a simple harmonized beauty typically found Japanese architecture which takes full advantage of the texture of wood. The statue of Aizen Myoo, the god of matchmaking, is the principal image. Ancient and enduring, Aizendo watches over the people living in the area.

Covering an area of some 220,000 square meters, Kuju Flower Park is home to 5 million flowers representing 500 varieties that come into full bloom from spring to autumn. In addition to a garden area for roses and other popular flowersas as well as a greenhouse area and a fruit area, the park has six flower fields that blend into the landscape of the highland to treat visitors to scenery that changes with the season.

After strolling through the natural beauty of the park, enjoy coffee or a meal. The park’s 14 shops include a buffet restaurant that offers delicious selections featuring locally grown vegetables, and a shop that offers Japanese rice crackers cooked with fresh Kuju eggs. Kuju Flower Park is the perfect place to spend the day.

Spreading over a 6-hectare area on the 850-meter highland at the foot of the Kuju Mountain Range, Kuju Winery grows Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and other European grapes for a delicious range of wines that includes dry, sweet, rose, and sparkling. Visitors are welcome to taste the magic produced in the nature of Kuju Highland.

Restaurant Ishigama Kobo offers tasty pizza and other Italian cuisine that makes a perfect pair with Kuju wine, and the terrace seats command a wonderful panoramic view of the vineyard.

The long-term friendship between a German hot spring resort and Nagayu Onsen is behind the establishment of this hot spring complex. Kur in German means a stay at a hot spring for health and relaxation. Kur Park Nagayu is a spa that features a walking pool, a restaurant offering natural food cooked with local specialty ingredients, and comfortable accommodations. Rental bathing suits are available, and the restaurant is open to non-stay guests, too.

The building was designed by Shigeru Ban, winner of the 2014 Pritzker Architecture Prize. The roof, supported by four large posts, harmonizes beautifully with the surrounding scenery.

Resonate Club Kuju is a resort hotel on the highland 860 meters above sea level. In addition to the maisonette type guest rooms along the slope, the hotel has flat type guest rooms; and all rooms have a grand view of the vast highland.

The wide range of activities that feature beautiful seasonal scenery include trekking, horse riding, and viewing the starlit sky. After a delicious meal of Kuju beef and other local specialty ingredients at the restaurant, enjoy a relaxing hot spring bath. The hotel offers a large public bath as well as private baths.

A stay at Resonate Club Kuju is a special experience that brings you close to nature.

Made from soybeans and eaten throughout Asia, tofu is an essential part of Japanese cuisine. Japanese-style tofu is known for its soft, light texture.

Because 80 to 90% of tofu is water, the flavor and quality are highly dependent on the quality of the water in which the soybeans are soaked.

Mt. Kuju’s elevation is responsible for the outstanding quality of its spring water, and Hanabishi takes full advantage of this special spring water to produce the delicious tofu that accompanies its meals. Enjoy the best that Hanabishi has to offer in a private Japanese-style room that evokes the atmosphere of a traditional home while you view the Satoyama-inspired garden.

Although the exact date is unknown, it is thought to have been built in the Edo period (1603-1867) as a chapel by Catholics who secretly worshipped after Christianity was banned in Japan.

Taketa flourished as one of the eight largest missionary centers during the early days after the religion reached Japan in the 16th century. Even after Christianity was prohibited by law, the faithful continued to pass their practices down.

The alter was carved into the wall of the dome-shaped chapel. The windows in the front and the roof were also carved through the rock. This structure is very similar to cave chapels built around the 14th century in Rome, Italy.

Bistro & Cucina Champi offers French-Italian cuisine featuring freshly harvested local specialties. Enjoy delicious corn or pumpkin soup, or special soups featuring mushroom, Jerusalem artichoke, yacon, and other select seasonal ingredients from Taketa.

This restaurant also offers Bungo beef, the local brand beef, Kuju Highland Herb Pork, and game meat such as deer and wild boar combined with fresh vegetables in a wide range of dishes that satisfy every taste.

The great location makes it easy to drop in while sightseeing around the castle town.

Designed by Terunobu Fujimori, this hot spring bath has an impressive rooftop that evokes an old European house and reflects the beauty of pine, the traditional Japanese lumber.

The atmosphere transports visitors into a mysterious world. Located in a secluded area, this hot spring was frequented only by local residents. Its high concentration of carbon-dioxide has given it the name Lamune Onsen, after a carbonated drink called Lamune in Japanese.

Rotating between the mineral and carbonated hot springs made available within one bathhouse is a scientifically proven way of slowly absorbing the carbon-dioxide to increase your body’s ability to efficiently discharge waste.

The facility includes a gallery where works related to this area are on display.

Mimura Seikaho is a traditional Japanese sweets store with a nostalgic atmosphere. Founded 95 years ago, Mimura Seikaho has sold its specialty soda spring sugar (onsento) for 80 years.

It’s a deliciously sweet treat as is, but the mild sweetness full of hot spring minerals also makes great coffee sugar. While strolling around Nagayu hot spring town, drop in at the store and enjoy the retro feel.

Founded in 1917, Daimaru Ryokan is a long-established inn representing Nagayu Onsen. Pass through the gate and you will instantly feel the freshness of the air and the unique dignity that only an old Japanese inn can offer. It’s no surprise that well-known Japanese artists and intellectuals have been attracted to its charms over the past century. All 15 rooms, both of the Japanese- and Western-style, face the river to give guests a beautiful, relaxing view. Daimaru Ryokan also offers delicious food featuring seasonally harvested ingredients served on distinctive dishes from Taketa Pottery Rojin Gama.

After enjoying an outdoor bath at this inn, enjoy another type of bath at nearby Lamune Onsen with highly carbonated water.

Bansho no Yu offers relaxation in the gentle sound of a stream. It has both a large public bath and smaller private baths for guests who prefer to enjoy their hot spring bathing alone.

It is scientifically proven that in the soda spring bath carbon-dioxide gas goes through the skin and dilates blood vessels throughout your body to increase blood flow and rejuvenate your skin. Bansho no Yu also has a foot bath and a facial bath, which is very rare. They allow guests to enjoy the benefits of a soda bath in casual settings.

The restaurant here offers French- and Spanish-style buffet featuring local ingredients. This facility also has accommodations for overnight stays.

The Kingfisher Resort stands on the 100,000 squre-meter highlands overlooking a forest, and the traditional thatched roof of the main building evokes the image of a house in a Japanese fairytale.

The Japanese-style gate is a portal to a modern and sophisticated space. Built by seven master carpenters, each guest room features a unique design offering both style and comfort. All guest rooms, separated by a 300-meter-long corridor at a comfortable distance, like those of a palace, arouse an adventurous spirit.

The original Japanese-Western style food cooked with yamame trout (called enoha by the locals) caught in the area and locally raised Bungo beef and duck are exquisitely delicious.

Kuju Highland is one of Japan’s leading dairy producers. Guernsey Farm raises dairy cattle from Guernsey, England (Guernsey cattle). Visitors can see cattle grazing in the vast pasture and the kids can ride a pony.

The Guernsey Farm restaurant offers buffet-style dining featuring local ingredients in about 40 different selections that are sure to satisfy every taste. Soft served ice cream, cheese, and yogurt, all made with 100% Guernsey milk (golden milk*), and freshly baked bread are available for purchase.

Enjoy the best that the highland has to offer.

* Because Guernsey milk has a great balance of milk constituents, it is called golden milk in the United States and Europe.

Hostel cue is an 80-year-old Japanese-style residence which has been renovated into a charming guest house. The blend of modern design and old materials is both attractive and relaxing.

The friendly owners are a cheerful couple who welcome guests like they are family coming by for a visit.

The lounge is open to hostel guests and non-stay visitors, who are welcome to stop in for a drink, a snack and a nice chat with other customers. The five guest rooms include both dormitory and private types. The hostel has common restrooms and showers, a kitchen inside the building and a hot spring that guests can walk to.

A café attached to the hostel is operated by a local bakery, offering delicious bread made with local seasonal ingredients.

BBC stands for bed, breakfast and culture. This facility provides comfortable beds, healthy breakfasts, cultural experiences and the Small Library in in the Forest with more than 10,000 books.

Guests at Nagayu Onsen often stay for a long time to take advantage of its medical benefits, and BBC Nagayu was built for such extended-stay visitors, even staying for a month. The BBC Nagayu does not have baths in guest rooms, but guests can use a hot spring bath at Daimaru Ryokan and high-concentration soda spring bath at Lamune Onsen nearby.

The temperature in the Kuju Highland drops to below zero on winter mornings, making the area ideal for sake brewing by helping control unwanted bacteria; and pure soft Kuju Highland water gives the sake made here a moderate sweetness.

Founded in 1917, Sato Sake Brewery has received the coveted gold prize at the Annual Japan Sake Awards for seven successive years.

The original Western-style building is well worth seeing. Its unique architecture shows the depth of its history. Drop in and purchase some sake at the entrance of the storehouse.

Although not widely known, Taketa was one of the eight major regions where Christianity was propagated during its early days in Japan in the 16th century. Even after Christianity was prohibited by government decree in 1612, adherents continued to pass down their beliefs for generations.

The traces of Christianity remaining in the city include the Bell of Santiago, a national important cultural property, and many other valuable items that tell the history of Christianity in Japan are all exhibited at this museum. They show how Christianity grew in this region and survived the severe oppression Christians experienced.