Kunisaki Peninsula

The Kunisaki Peninsula is a peninsula in northern Ōita Prefecture, Kyushu, Japan that juts out into the Seto Inland Sea. The peninsula is almost circular. There is Mount Futago in the central part of the peninsula.

''Rokugō Manzan''

On the Kunisaki Peninsula, there are several mountain valleys which radiate from the centrally located Mount Futago outwards toward the surrounding sea. Beginning 1,300 years ago, these areas were divided into six sections. Many [Buddhist Buddhist temples in Japan|temples in Japan|temples] were constructed in this area and the area developed a unique religious culture. The temples and the unique culture of these valleys is referred to as Rokugō Manzan. This culture is said to be the birthplace of Shinbutsu-shūgō, or the syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism. image: Futago-ji torii.jpg|thumb|Torii, typically seen at Shinto shrines, at Futago-ji Temple. This is indicative of Rokugō Manzan's mix of Shinto and Buddhist elements.
Some of the influences of Shinbutsu-shūgō can be seen in the many Rokugō Manzan Tendai sect temples. The Rokugō Manzan temples' Shinto elements originated from the influences of nearby Usa Jingū, the head shrine of Hachiman shrines in Japan. Usa Jingū, which is located in Usa at the base of the Kunisaki Peninsula, was itself influenced by Buddhist elements. In fact, the former Usa Hachimangu-ji which was at the site of the present-day Usa Jingū is said to be the earliest example of Jingū-ji, or "mixed shrine-temple complex."
The most central of the Rokugō Manzan temples is Futago-ji a temple which, dating back to the Heian period, is the oldest wooden building in Kyushu.

Kumano Magaibutsu statues which are the largest Buddhist stone carvings in Japan. Maki Ōdō a temple which contains National Treasure statues of Amida Buddha. Monjusen-ji which is the oldest temple in Kunisaki and is dedicated to Amitabha.Iwato-ji where Shujo Onie, a fire festival with oni is sometimes held.

Hiking

The Kunisaki Peninsula is known for its mountain climbs and hiking trails. The Kunisaki Hantou Minemichi Long Trail, or simply "The Kunisaki Long Trail," is a well-known 134 kilometer-long hiking route which is located on the peninsula. Hikers may choose to do the trail in its entirety or sections of it. The trail, which has been used by monks for hundreds of years, leads hikers to many of the peninsula's most notable landmarks.image: Nio Guardians Kunisaki Long Trail.jpg|thumb|Stone Buddhist Nio guardian statue in front of a torii along the Kunisaki Long Trail. This too shows the peninsula's history of Shinbutsu-shūgō.During the trek, many stone Buddhist statues can be seen. It is said that more than half of all stone statues in Japan are located on the Kunisaki Peninsula. The trail also includes a climb of the Mount Futago, the tallest mountain on the peninsula.

Transportation

Airports

Oita Airport is located in the southeastern part of the peninsula on reclaimed land in Kunisaki.

Railways

The JR Kyushu Nippō Main Line is runs through the base of the peninsula.

Roads

Japan National Route 10 runs through the base of the peninsula.
Japan National Route 213 runs along the coast of the peninsula.

Sea

The Suonada Ferry Company runs a car ferry between Tokuyama, Yamaguchi Prefecture and Takedatsu on the Kunisaki Peninsula.
A hovercraft which connected Oita Airport on the peninsula to Ōita City until it was suspended in 2009 is planned to resume service in fall of 2024.
Regular ferries connect the island of Himeshima, which is located just off the coast of the peninsula, to a port in Imi on the Kunisaki Peninsula.