How to reach Usuki by train, car, bus, or ferry — and one important thing to know before taking the train.
Usuki is located on the eastern coast of Kyushu, in Oita Prefecture.
It is not directly on the main tourist route between Fukuoka and Beppu, but it is easier to reach than you might think. Usuki can be reached by train, car, bus, or ferry from Shikoku.
From Beppu and Oita
If you are already traveling around Oita, JR is one of the easiest ways to reach Usuki.
Trains run from Beppu and Oita to Usuki Station on the Nippo Main Line. Limited express trains are available as well.
From Beppu, you can travel south along the coast, passing through Oita before reaching Usuki.
⚠️ Important: IC Cards Do Not Work at Usuki Station
This is something that can easily confuse visitors.
Usuki Station is outside JR Kyushu's SUGOCA area, so transportation IC cards cannot be used to enter or exit there.
If you are traveling from Beppu or Oita, do not simply tap your IC card when you board and expect to tap out at Usuki.
Instead, buy a paper ticket to Usuki before boarding.
This is particularly important for visitors who are used to using IC cards almost everywhere they travel in Japan.
JR Usuki Station. Photo: SORECCHA.
From Fukuoka
Usuki can also be reached from Fukuoka by train or car.
By train, a convenient route is from Hakata to Oita and then on to Usuki, using limited express trains.
By car, take the expressway toward Oita and continue south to Usuki.
If you are traveling around Kyushu, Usuki can also make an interesting stop before continuing farther south.
From Oita Airport
If you are flying into Oita Airport, there are two useful ways to reach Usuki.
A direct highway bus, the South Liner (佐臼ライナー), runs between Oita Airport and Usuki Interchange. The trip takes about 90 minutes.
Keep in mind that the bus stops at Usuki Interchange, not Usuki Station or the historic city center. From there, you can continue by local bus or taxi.
Another option is to take an airport bus to Oita and then continue by JR train to Usuki.
There is no direct train from Oita Airport.
From Shikoku: Take the Ferry
Usuki has a particularly interesting connection with Shikoku.
Ferries run between Yawatahama in Ehime Prefecture and Usuki Port. The crossing takes a little over two hours.
For travelers coming from Shikoku, this is not just a way to get to Usuki. It is also a chance to see the coastline and approach the city from the sea.
A ferry arriving at Usuki Port. Photo: SORECCHA.
By Car
A car can be a convenient way to explore Usuki and the surrounding area.
Usuki is connected to the expressway network via Usuki Interchange and is within easy driving distance of other destinations in Oita.
Driving is particularly useful if you want to visit places outside the city center, such as the Usuki Stone Buddhas.
Once You Arrive
JR Usuki Station is close to the historic center of the city.
From the station, you can walk toward the old castle town, or use a taxi or bicycle depending on where you want to go.
The city center is relatively compact, but some of Usuki's attractions are spread out. If you want to explore beyond the historic center, check the location of each place before you set out.
Useful Links
JR Kyushu – Usuki Station (Japanese)
Usuki Tourism Association – Access (Japanese)
Usuki Tourism Association – English
Now that you know how to get here, explore Usuki with SORECCHA.