What is the Kunisaki Peninsula?
Located in the northeast part of Oita Prefecture, the Kunisaki Peninsula (Kunisaki Hantō) is a mysterious area where history and nature coexist.
As one of the centers of Japanese Buddhist culture, the Kunisaki Peninsula is dotted with a historic group of temples known as Rokugō Manzan (Rokugō Manzan).
✅ Vast nature surrounded by beautiful sea and mountains
✅ Buddhist culture and mysterious stone Buddhas with over 1,300 years of history
✅ Plenty of activities such as trekking and hot springs
The Kunisaki Peninsula is a place where you can enjoy history exploration, nature walks, and local cuisine all in one!
Highlights of the Kunisaki Peninsula
1. Rokugō Manzan culture and mysterious temple tours
Rokugō Manzan (Rokugō Manzan) is a unique Buddhist culture of the Kunisaki Peninsula that has continued since the Nara period.
The peninsula flourished as a center of Shugendō (a mountain ascetic form of Buddhism), and many temples and stone Buddhas are scattered throughout the area.
Recommended historical spots
- Fuki-ji (Fuki-ji): A national treasure temple boasting Kyushu's oldest wooden structure
- Futago-ji (Futago-ji): A training temple located at the heart of the Kunisaki Peninsula
- Iwato-ji (Iwato-ji): A mysterious temple surrounded by dramatic rock cliffs
Why not experience the peninsula’s distinctive Buddhist culture while touring these temples?
2. Awe-inspiring stone Buddha tours
The Kunisaki Peninsula is home to many stone Buddhas with histories of several hundred years.
The gigantic stone Buddhas tucked into the mountains give you the feeling of having traveled back in time.
Must-see stone Buddha spots
- Kumano Magaibutsu (Kumano Magaibutsu): One of Japan’s largest magaibutsu (Buddhas carved into rock)
- Monju-senji (Monju-senji): The “wisdom” Buddha popular with students preparing for exams
- Chōan-ji (Chōan-ji): A beautiful temple where you can enjoy seasonal scenery
Stone Buddha tours on the Kunisaki Peninsula are recommended for history lovers and fans of power spots!
3. Enjoy the great outdoors! Spectacular trekking courses
The Kunisaki Peninsula is a nature-rich area surrounded by mountains and sea.
Trekking is especially popular here, with courses suitable for beginners to advanced hikers.
Recommended trekking courses
- Mount Futago (721m): Located at the center of Rokugō Manzan, the summit offers spectacular views!
- Monju-senji hiking course: A beginner-friendly route that you can enjoy while visiting temples
- Coastal trail around Oita Airport: A coastal walk where you can fully enjoy beautiful scenery
Refreshing yourself in the great outdoors of the Kunisaki Peninsula is highly recommended!
4. Spectacular sunset spot: Matama Coast
On the west side of the Kunisaki Peninsula, Matama Coast (Matama Kaigan) is famous as one of Oita Prefecture’s top sunset spots.
At low tide, beautiful sand patterns appear, creating a magical landscape.
A perfect spot for Instagram-worthy shots!
- Recommended time: late afternoon, around 17:00–18:30 (varies by season)
- Check the tide times before visiting for even more beautiful views!
This is an ideal spot for photography enthusiasts and those who enjoy romantic scenery.
Kunisaki Peninsula food guide
On the Kunisaki Peninsula you can enjoy fresh seafood and local dishes.
Recommended local foods
- Jōka karei: Exquisite flounder dishes (a specialty of Hiji Town, Oita Prefecture)
- Bungo beef: Juicy Oita wagyu
- Dango-jiru: Oita’s miso-based dumpling soup
- Tori-ten: Oita’s soul food — tempura-style fried chicken
Every meal on the Kunisaki Peninsula is delicious!
Be sure to taste the local flavors while sightseeing.
Practical information for travelers
1. Getting to the Kunisaki Peninsula
By train
- From JR Kitsuki Station or JR Usa Station, take a bus for about 1–2 hours
By bus
- There are buses from Oita Airport to the Kunisaki Peninsula
By car (renting a car is recommended!)
- About 1 hour by car from Oita City
- About 30 minutes by car from Oita Airport
2. Recommended accommodations
Recommended hotels & ryokan
- Kunisaki Onsen — Kappo Ryokan Kaikisō (a charming ryokan with Taisho-era atmosphere)
- Hotel Baygrand Kunisaki (a hotel with a pool available in summer)
Many accommodations offer hot springs, perfect for easing the fatigue of sightseeing.
Summary and Frequently Asked Questions
Summary
✅ The Kunisaki Peninsula is a mysterious area where history and nature coexist
✅ You can enjoy temple tours while experiencing Rokugō Manzan culture
✅ Enjoy nature with trekking and sunset spots
✅ Local cuisine is plentiful — Jōka karei and Bungo beef are outstanding
✅ Easy to access and suitable for day trips
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I sightsee the Kunisaki Peninsula in one day?
A: You can visit the main spots in one day, but if you want to enjoy it at a relaxed pace, a 1-night, 2-day itinerary is recommended.
Q: Are the trekking routes suitable for beginners?
A: Mount Futago is more of a mountain climb, but the hiking courses around Monju-senji are suitable for beginners.
Q: Is it worth visiting in winter?
A: Sightseeing is possible in winter, but the autumn foliage season (October–November) is especially beautiful!
The Kunisaki Peninsula is an attractive area where you can fully enjoy history, nature, and local food.
Be sure to visit and enjoy the mysterious experiences it offers!
