Nioza Rekishi no Michi
Oita Prefecture · Japan
As you wander through the narrow streets, you'll be transported back in time to the Edo period. The area retains its historic charm, with towering stone walls, heavy tiled roofs, whitewashed buildings, and numerous temples lining the sloping streets.
Contents
8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Orientation
Welcome to Nioza Rekishi no Michi, or the 'Nioza History Road,' a remarkably well-preserved district in the castle town of Usuki, Oita Prefecture. As we stand at the beginning of this stone-paved path, we are stepping back into…
Listen in the app2The Haccho-zaka Slope
We begin our climb at Haccho-zaka, the iconic slope that leads into the upper Nioza district. This is perhaps the most photographed spot in Usuki. …
Listen in the app3Ryugen-ji Temple and the Three-Storied Pagoda
Nestled among the samurai homes is Ryugen-ji, a Buddhist temple of the Jodo sect. Its most striking feature is the three-storied pagoda, one of the few remaining in the region. …
Listen in the app4The Kyu Inaba-ke Residence
The Kyu Inaba-ke is the former residence of the Inaba clan after they stepped down as daimyo at the start of the Meiji era. It is a sprawling complex that showcases the height of samurai domestic architecture. …
Listen in the app5The White-Walled Storehouses (Kura)
As we continue along the 'history road,' we pass several 'kura' or traditional storehouses. These thick-walled buildings were designed to be fireproof and earthquake-resistant, used to store everything from precious heirlooms to…
Listen in the app6The Marumo Samurai Residence
This residence belonged to a middle-ranking samurai family, the Marumo. It offers a more modest but equally fascinating look at daily life compared to the grand Inaba estate. …
Listen in the app7Usuki Shoyu and the Miso Legacy
Our journey through Nioza is accompanied by the intangible heritage of Usuki’s fermentation industry. For centuries, this town has produced some of Japan’s finest miso and soy sauce. …
Listen in the app8Closing
As the shadows grow longer over the stone paths of Nioza, our walk comes to a close. This district is a rare survivor, a place where the modern world feels like a distant rumor. …
Listen in the app
What is Nioza Rekishi no Michi?
Nioza Rekishi no Michi is a place in Oita Prefecture · Japan with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Location | Oita Prefecture · Japan |
|---|---|
| Type | Activity |
| Story sections | 8 |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 33.1184, 131.7982 |
| Last updated |
