Nioza Historical Road

OITA CULTURE

This townscape was chosen as one of the Top 100 City Landscapes by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism. Nioza, the front yard of Usuki Castle, is located on a hill made of tuff, hardened volcanic ash from Mount Aso, and the road was created by shaving away the rocks in places. The vestiges unique to a castle town remain throughout the narrow alleyways here; entering from the crossroads you will find rows of high-class samurai residences, and should you climb up from the Tamachi side there is a multitude of temples. Around 20,000 bamboo lanterns line the stone-paved streets during Usuki Takeyoi, a festival held in early November each year, creating a fantastical atmosphere.