What to know
The Kunisaki Peninsula (国東半島, Kunisaki Hantō) lies in northern Oita Prefecture, jutting into the Seto Inland Sea. Its centerpiece is Mount Futago, from which numerous valleys radiate. Largely forested and dotted with sparse farmland, the peninsula hosts temples of all sizes—from major sites like Futagoji Temple and the celebrated Fukiji Temple to smaller, rustic ones.
The peninsula boasts a unique local Buddhist culture known as Rokugo Manzan, blending Buddhism, Shinto, and mountain worship. This tradition centers on the area's many temples and Usa Shrine, the head shrine of thousands of Hachiman Shrines across Japan. Stone statues are a hallmark of Rokugo Manzan.
At the peninsula's southern edge lies Kitsuki, a city with a beautifully preserved samurai district. Oita Airport is also located on the peninsula.
