Beppu, Japan

Buddhas, Castle & Monkeys

See Carved Stone Buddhas, Visit an Ancient Castle and Meet Wild Monkeys Explore Kyushu’s rich history and encounter mountain wildlife on this tour of contrasts. First, travel to the village of Usuki, famed for its majestic stone Buddhas. Many of them, known as Magaibutsu, were carved out of the soft volcanic rock of a cliff between the 12th and 14th centuries. Next, take a short drive to the hilltop ruins of Usuki Castle. This structure was built in 1562 by a feudal warlord, and its remains are set among more than 1,000 cherry trees. Down below is the village’s picturesque samurai district. After a leisurely lunch, meet the wild residents of Mt. Takasaki Monkey Park on a forested mountain just outside Beppu. More than a thousand monkeys live in this natural sanctuary. Get up close and personal, and have your camera at the ready to capture these inquisitive creatures. * Demanding - Physically challenging activities, including extensive walks, hiking, riding, water sports, and high altitude activities. Activities by foot may contain difficult, unpaved surfaces and/or multiple stairs and steep inclines. Total time walking or standing may exceed 3 hours.