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

For guests seeking proximity to historical landmarks, Otsuki Nikko Hotel is ideal, located just a 5-minute walk from the Otsuki Castle Ruins and National Treasure Stone Walls. The hotel blends modern comfort with traditional Japanese design, offering views of the Hita Basin from select rooms. Nearby attractions include the Otsuki Shrine and Ōita Prefectural Art Museum, making it perfect for history lovers. Free shuttle services are available to major sites, enhancing convenience for travelers exploring the ancient city.

The best area for first-time visitors is central Otsuki City near Otsuki Station, where most hotels offer easy access to key attractions like the Otsuki Castle Ruins, Ōita Prefectural Art Museum, and Kawaramachi Shopping Street. This district features well-connected public transport, ample dining options, and local charm. For a quieter stay with nature views, consider Kikuchi Onsen Area, which offers serene hot springs and tranquil surroundings. Both zones provide excellent base points for exploring the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Kikuchi Onsen Ryokan stands out as a premier choice for an authentic onsen experience in Ōtsuki City. With over a century of tradition, this family-run inn features natural sulfur-rich hot springs known for their therapeutic benefits. Rooms are designed in classic Japanese tatami style, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking lush gardens. Guests enjoy daily foot baths, tea ceremony sessions, and private outdoor baths in select suites. A signature onsen bento box is served each evening, combining local ingredients like fresh seafood and Hita mountain vegetables.

Tourists in Ōtsuki City can participate in guided tours of the Otsuki Castle Ruins, uncovering stories from the Sengoku period through expert narrators. Another highlight is the traditional pottery workshop, where visitors craft pieces inspired by Otsuki ware ceramics, a local artisanal heritage. During spring, don’t miss the Otsuki Cherry Blossom Festival, featuring folk performances, craft markets, and illuminated night walks along the Otsuki River. These events offer deep immersion into Ōita Prefecture’s regional culture and community spirit.

Yes, Otsuki Nikko Hotel and Kikuchi Onsen Resort are top picks for families. The former offers spacious family rooms, a children’s play area, and kid-friendly dining options, all within walking distance of Otsuki Castle Ruins. The latter features a large open-air bath, kids’ pool, and wellness spa, perfect for relaxation. The resort also hosts educational nature exhibits at its Nature Learning Center, allowing children to explore local flora and fauna. Both hotels provide family-oriented packages including breakfast and activity vouchers.

To savor authentic local flavors, visit Kawaramachi Shopping Street and dine at Isshō-an, a centuries-old restaurant famed for its Otsuki-style yakitori and Ōita beef steak. For a full cultural meal, book a kaiseki dinner at Kikuchi Onsen Ryokan, where dishes feature ingredients sourced from local farms and fisheries—such as Hita mountain vegetables and fresh coastal seafood. Pair your meal with locally brewed Ōita sake or chilled ume plum wine. Many restaurants also offer take-home boxes with regional specialties, ideal for souvenirs.

Ōtsuki City offers stunning photo opportunities at the Otsuki Castle Ruins, especially during golden hour when sunlight highlights the National Treasure stone walls and dramatic architecture. The Kawaramachi Shopping Street features preserved wooden facades and lantern-lit alleys perfect for vintage-style shots. Along the Otsuki River, cherry blossom pathways and panoramic views of the Hita Basin create breathtaking landscapes. Don’t miss the Hita Mountain overlook, where wide-angle lenses capture sweeping vistas of the city and surrounding mountains—ideal for landscape photography.

Yes, Ōtsuki City is highly suitable for self-drivers. While JR Kyushu's Nippō Main Line connects Otsuki Station to Ōita and Miyazaki, renting a car allows easier access to Kikuchi Onsen, Hita Mountains trails, and scenic viewpoints. Most hotels offer free parking, and road signage is clear throughout the region. Car rental desks are available at Otsuki Station, enabling flexible itineraries—perfect for visiting nearby destinations like Beppu Hot Springs or Hita City. The compact layout and low traffic make driving comfortable and stress-free.

The highlight event is the Otsuki Summer Festival, held annually at Otsuki Castle Ruins Park, featuring a grand fireworks display, taiko drum performances, and traditional dance parades. Visitors can wear yukata and stroll through vibrant night markets selling grilled skewers, cold Ōita plum wine, and handmade crafts. Special festival packages are offered by local hotels, including tickets and commemorative gifts. In spring, the Otsuki Cherry Blossom Festival draws crowds to the riverbanks for illuminated night walks and cultural exhibitions celebrating local heritage.

Guests staying in Ōtsuki City can enjoy a range of outdoor activities nearby. Hiking trails around the Hita Mountains offer scenic routes with panoramic views of the Hita Basin. At Kikuchi Onsen, guests can soak in natural hot springs while surrounded by forested hills. The Otsuki River Path is ideal for morning walks or evening strolls, lined with cherry trees and historic bridges. For adventure seekers, canoeing on the Otsuki River and birdwatching in the wetlands are also available. Many hotels provide free rental bikes for exploring the countryside.