Landmark & Tower · Usuki

Usuki Stone Buddhas 国宝臼杵石仏

More than 60 Buddhist figures carved into rock cliffs in the 12th-13th centuries, the first cliff carvings designated a National Treasure.

Hours9:00-17:00 (last entry 16:30)

ClosedOpen daily

PriceAdmission: ¥550

Getting thereUsuki Station (JR Nippo Line), 20 min by bus or taxi

Time needed30-45 minutes

Best timeSpring or autumn; late afternoon light on the cliff faces

Address804-1 Fukata, Usuki, Oita

Websitesekibutsu.com

About

The Usuki Sekibutsu are four groups of stone Buddhas carved directly into soft volcanic cliffs on a quiet hillside outside Usuki. Who made them and why is still unclear, but the quality and scale of the carving are unmatched in Japan. In 1995 they became the first cliff Buddhas to be named a National Treasure.

Highlights

Furuzono group with its serene Dainichi Nyorai head
59 statues designated National Treasures
Walkway linking four cliff groups
Lotus fields below the site in summer

Tips

Combine with Usuki's samurai district and fugu restaurants
Buses from Usuki Station are infrequent; check times or take a taxi

Open in Google Maps · Info checked 2026-10-10

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Usuki Stone Buddhas 国宝臼杵石仏

About

Highlights

Tips

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