Usa(Japan) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

For first-time visitors, staying near Usa Jingū Shrine is ideal. The area offers easy access to Japan's most revered Shinto shrine, with options like Ushu Jinja Mae Ryokan, a traditional ryokan featuring tatami rooms and private onsen baths. This location allows guests to participate in morning prayers and explore the sacred grounds at leisure. Alternatively, Usa City Hotel in the city center provides modern amenities and convenient transport links to nearby attractions such as the Usa Municipal Museum and local hot springs. Staying close to the shrine enhances cultural immersion, while central hotels offer comfort and accessibility for those seeking a balanced mix of tradition and convenience.

Don’t miss the chance to enjoy Ōita Onsen nearby—natural hot springs rich in minerals perfect for relaxation after a day of sightseeing. Local cuisine like Oita-style karaage (fried chicken) and fresh seafood from the Bungo Channel are must-tries during your stay.

Ushu Jinja Mae Ryokan stands out as the most authentic Japanese accommodation in Usa City. Located just steps from Usa Jingū Shrine, this traditional ryokan blends Edo-era architecture with modern comfort. Each room features tatami mats, shoji paper screens, and private onsen baths, some offering views of the shrine’s serene garden. Guests enjoy daily breakfasts made with local ingredients—fresh Ōita seafood, regional tofu, and house-made miso soup.

A highlight is the complimentary morning prayer tour, where visitors learn about Shinto rituals and spiritual traditions. The ryokan also hosts tea ceremony workshops, allowing guests to experience the art of matcha preparation and Japanese wabi-sabi aesthetics. Nearby, the Usa Municipal Museum and Shrine Historical Plaza provide enriching cultural context. Staying here offers an immersive journey into Japan’s spiritual heritage and everyday life.

Perfect for travelers seeking genuine cultural connection beyond typical tourism.

The area around Usa Jingū Shrine is the prime neighborhood for sightseeing in Usa City. Just a 3-minute walk from the main shrine gates, it offers unparalleled access to one of Japan’s most important Shinto sites. This district hosts several traditional ryokans and boutique hotels, including Ushu Jinja Mae Ryokan and Usa Jingū Minshuku, all providing authentic Japanese hospitality and local cuisine.

Nearby, you’ll find a tourist information center, souvenir shops selling lucky charms (omamori) and festival items, and easy access to public buses heading to Ōita Onsen and the Usa Municipal Museum. The proximity to the shrine makes early-morning visits for prayer ceremonies effortless, while the quiet streets offer a peaceful atmosphere ideal for cultural immersion.

Visitors should time their stay to coincide with the Usa Jingū Grand Festival (held annually), a vibrant event showcasing traditional dances, processions, and local crafts. This area combines convenience, authenticity, and spiritual depth—perfect for travelers seeking meaningful experiences beyond standard tourism.

While staying in Usa City, visitors can enjoy several unique cultural experiences. At Ushu Jinja Mae Ryokan, guests receive free morning shrine rituals, learning traditional Shinto purification rites, candle offerings, and chanting—offering deep insight into Japan’s spiritual heritage. The ryokan also hosts regular tea ceremony workshops, led by master tea masters who teach proper matcha preparation and the philosophy of wa kei sei jak (harmony, respect, purity, tranquility).

Guests may also participate in kimono dressing sessions, trying on authentic wafuku and strolling through the historic old town alleys or shrine gardens for photo opportunities. For craft lovers, traditional kite-making classes are available—using bamboo frames and washi paper to create flying kites rooted in local customs.

Evenings feature nighttime shrine walks, illuminated by lanterns and wind chimes, accompanied by distant drumbeats and temple chants. These immersive activities transform a simple stay into a soulful journey through Japan’s living traditions—moving beyond sightseeing to true cultural connection.

Yes, several hotels in Usa City and nearby areas offer onsen (hot spring) facilities. While Ushu Jinja Mae Ryokan does not have public baths, every guest room includes a private onsen bath filled with natural mineral-rich water drawn from underground sources in Ōita Prefecture—ideal for relieving muscle fatigue and improving skin health.

For more extensive onsen experiences, Ōita Onsen, located just 15 minutes by car from Usa City, is highly recommended. Resorts like Ōita Onsen Dai Hotel and Kawabe Onsen Bijin offer indoor and outdoor open-air baths, foot spas, and wellness treatments using local hot spring minerals. Many hotels also provide onsen + stay packages that include dinner, breakfast, and spa vouchers.

Some accommodations, such as Usa City Hotel, even offer shuttle services to Ōita Onsen. For a quieter, more secluded experience, consider onsen minshuku (family-run inns) nestled in mountainous villages, surrounded by lush forests and pristine nature. Whether seeking relaxation or holistic healing, the region’s high-quality onsen offerings make it a must-try destination for travelers visiting Usa City.

Must-try local dishes in Usa City revolve around Ōita Prefecture’s fresh ingredients. Start with Ōita Karaage, a crispy, juicy fried chicken dish often served with local soy-based sauce and fresh greens. Another highlight is the Usa Seafood Platter, featuring fresh catches from the Bungo Channel, including scallops, sea urchin, and sashimi-grade yellowtail—highlighting the region’s abundant marine resources.

At Ushu Jinja Mae Ryokan, guests can enjoy kaiseki-style dining, a seasonal multi-course meal emphasizing presentation, balance, and harmony—featuring local vegetables, tofu, grilled fish, and rice. Don’t miss Ōita Anpan, a soft, sweet red bean-filled bread beloved by locals, available at street stalls and shrine-side markets.

For a deeper culinary experience, join a local cooking class to learn how to prepare Ōita miso soup or simmered amberjack (Suzuki). These dishes reflect the region’s connection to nature, agriculture, and tradition, turning meals into meaningful cultural encounters. Every bite tells a story of place, season, and community.