The City of Bungotakada
The city of Bungotakada in Oita prefecture is located on the northeastern coast of Kyushu, Japan’s third-largest island, and faces the Suonada Sea. It is situated on the northwestern section of the Kunisaki Peninsula between the city of Usa, located a short distance to the west, and Kunisaki to the east. The city is part of both the Setonaikai National Park and the Kunisaki Hanto Prefectural Natural Park, and there are plenty of opportunities to explore the great outdoors nearby. The summers are warm and the winters are mild, with rainfall year-round, and higher levels of precipitation during the warmer months, making for a pleasant climate. The soil in the region is rich in minerals, and fresh produce including citrus fruits such as kabosu and vegetables like shiro negi (Welsh onion) is available in abundance.
Bungotakada’s topography ranges from long stretches of coastline to elevated areas with distinctive mountain formations. The coastal districts include popular spots with beach access and numerous water activities such as Nagasakibana and the Matama Coast. The mountainous areas include the unique and scenic landscape around Ebisu. Close to the city center is Showa no Machi, an area resembling a series of shopping streets of the mid-Showa era (1926–1989).
The closest airport is Oita Airport in Kunisaki, which is around an hour’s drive from Bungotakada’s city center by car or bus. The closest train station is JR Usa Station, which is a 10-minute drive from Bungotakada and is served by the JR Nippo Line and the JR limited express Sonic Nichirin trains. The limited express to Usa from Oita Station in the city of Oita takes approximately 39 minutes.