Question 1

Is there parking?

Accepted Answer

There is a free car park for 80 cars and 8 coaches, about 200 m from the Usuki Sekibutsu junction on Route 502.

Question 2

How do I get there from Usuki Station?

Accepted Answer

From Usuki Station on the JR Nippo Line, take the JR bus towards Notsu, about 20 minutes, and alight right at the Usuki Sekibutsu stop. Free bicycle hire is also available at Usuki Station, and the ride takes about 40 minutes. By car it is about 5 minutes from Usuki IC on the Higashi-Kyushu Expressway along Route 502.

Question 3

Are there volunteer guides?

Accepted Answer

With booking at least three days in advance you can have a free guided tour of the stone Buddhas by a volunteer guide, who explains their history and what to look for, making the visit far richer.

Question 4

When are the lotuses and other flowers at their best?

Accepted Answer

The adjoining Usuki Stone Buddha Park has lotus beds, at their best in summer (July and August). Cosmos flower in autumn. Flowering updates are posted on the blog on the official website.

Question 5

Can I visit with a pet?

Accepted Answer

Yes, pets may enter. Please keep your pet on a lead and clear up after it so as not to trouble other visitors.

Question 6

What are the opening hours and closed days?

Accepted Answer

9:00-17:00 (last admission 16:30), open all year. It can be busy during seasonal events such as the Stone Buddha Fire Festival.

Question 7

What are the Usuki Stone Buddhas?

Accepted Answer

They are a historic site where 61 cliff-carved Buddha figures in four groups, cut into tuff rock walls between the Heian and Kamakura periods, are all designated National Treasures. You follow a set route round four locations: the Sannozan figures, the first and second Hoki groups, and the Furuzono group. Some of the colouring from over a thousand years ago survives, and the figures have an overwhelming presence.

Question 8

Can I visit on a rainy day?

Accepted Answer

Each group of figures has a roof over it, so you can visit in comfort even in the rain. The ground can become slippery, however, so please wear comfortable shoes.

Question 9

How much is admission?

Accepted Answer

Adults 550 yen and children 270 yen. Usuki City residents enter free on production of identification. Group discounts apply from 30 people.

Question 10

Which groups of stone Buddhas should I look out for?

Accepted Answer

There are four groups. 1. The Furuzono group: a grand mandala of 13 figures centred on a seated Dainichi Nyorai. 2. The second Hoki group: rounded, gentle expressions. 3. The first Hoki group (the Dogasako figures). 4. The Sannozan figures, which you can see close up after climbing the steps.

Question 11

How long does a visit take?

Accepted Answer

Seeing all four groups takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. The route is almost entirely on ramps; only the Sannozan figures require a few steps to see them at close range.

Question 12

How much is admission?

Accepted Answer

Adults 550 yen, children 270 yen (free for Usuki City residents on production of identification). Group discounts apply for 30 people or more.

Question 13

When is it closed?

Accepted Answer

Open all year.

Question 14

What are the opening hours?

Accepted Answer

9:00-17:00 (last admission 16:30).

Question 15

What is the address?

Accepted Answer

804-1 Fukada, Usuki City, Oita Prefecture

Question 16

How do I get there?

Accepted Answer

From Usuki Station on the JR Nippo Line, take the JR bus towards Notsu, about 20 minutes, and alight right at the Usuki Sekibutsu stop. From Usuki IC on the Higashi-Kyushu Expressway, about 5 minutes along Route 502 towards Notsu.

Question 17

Is there parking?

Accepted Answer

Parking is available. Please check the official information for details.

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