BUNGO-ONO SATONOTABIEXPERIENCES
Let’s explore
Bungo Ono
What’s the specialty of Kiyokawa, where our lodge is located? That’s right—the legendary Clean Peach! This rare, top-quality peach sells out in just 30 minutes. Sweet, juicy, and incredibly fragrant, it’s a true hidden gem. Join a Peach Master and learn the secrets of picking these exclusive peaches. Get ready to harvest the ones you can hardly ever find in stores!
Bungo-Ono is one of Japan’s top shiitake-producing regions—so much so that even the city’s mascot is a shiitake mushroom! This experience is your official "entry ceremony" into the Shiitake Kingdom. After harvesting, we’ll head back to the lodge for a shiitake party! You’ll be amazed by the rich texture and deep umami flavor. Calling all shiitake lovers across the country—we're waiting for you! 🍄✨
Did you know the Okudake River, right in front of our lodge, is home to wild eels? Catching one yourself is tricky, so we’re teaming up with Mr. Aso—nicknamed ‘Kappa’—who knows every inch of the river. He’ll share his secrets for eel fishing! If we’re lucky enough to catch some, we’ll fillet them on the spot and grill them in traditional kabayaki (sweet soy-based sauce). It’s an unforgettable flavor you won’t want to miss!
Coming soon!
We are thrilled to announce that the Satonotabi Experiences website is finally up and running! It has been almost 10 years since our Lodge first opened its doors in Bung Ono, and in all that time we have discovered countless wonderful experiences and incredible people in this region. This project was born from our deep desire to share these treasures with you.
Right now, our site features four unique experiences and we are planning many more (though it is a huge undertaking, so it might take some time!). We hope that every encounter you have on your journey here becomes a cherished memory that enriches your life. However since this a new collaborative effort with our local community, you might notice a few rough edges along the way. We welcome your feedback and can’t wait to meet you. Let’s set off on this adventure together! Let’s go, Satonotabi!
We believe that the greatest charm of Bungo Ono, the city where Lodge Kiyokawa is located, lies in its breathtaking nature and the everyday lives of people who call this place home. That is why we created the Satonotabi Experience - a chance for you to step into the rhythm of local life and truly connect with this beautiful countryside.
Each experience is crafted with the help of locals who have been living and shaping this land for generations. Whether it is about learning traditional crafts, exploring hidden gems, or simply enjoying the peaceful rhythm of rural life; these activities let you enjoy Bungo Ono in a way that’s unique to this region. And we are just getting started! Our experiences will keep growing with local hosts who we call Satonotabi Presenters, leading the way.
There are many stories hidden in the daily life of this region. Your perception of this town is sure to change when you dive deeper into those stories that we aim to tell through Satonotabi Experiences.So why not take a journey filled with meaningful encounters and exciting discoveries? Nothing would make us happier if you fell in love with our Bungo Ono along the way.
Enaido Scenery: Fertile farmland shaped by river terraces.
The 1,000 Yakushi statues at Uchiyama Kannon.
They say it’s “Oita’s vegetable garden,” thanks to all the abundant produce.
Roadside stations are brimming with local Bungo-Ono products.
Harajiri Falls: You can ride a bike right above them!
The cliff-carved Buddhas at Fukōji Temple—simply enormous!
Stone bridges, still in active use, can be found all around the city.
Asakura Fumio Memorial Hall: Full of cat sculptures!
Yūjaku Park: A well-known spot for autumn foliage!
Local festivals still feature the traditional Kagura dance.
Bungo-Ono
Located in the southern part of Oita Prefecture, Bungo Ono covers an area of approximately 603 square kilometers making it the third-largest city in the prefecture. Around 90,000 years ago, a massive eruption of Mount Aso blanketed this area in pyroclastic flow. Over time, rivers were carved through the volcanic deposits, shaping a breathtaking landscape of waterfalls, gorges, and unique rock formations.
The history and culture of Bungo Ono have been nurtured through the relationship between the land and its people. Generations of people have adapted to its rugged beauty - carving “magaibutsu” (stone Buddhas) into cliffs, constructing elegant stone bridges over deep valleys, and cultivating farmland in areas shaped by the river, known as “haru”. Even today, traditional performances like “kagura”, sacred Shinto dance to pray for a bountiful harvest, are still carried on celebrating the connection between people and nature.
This rich history has made Bungo Ono a place of striking contrasts. Here, you will find peaceful countryside landscapes alongside powerful natural wonders - majestic waterfalls appearing out of nowhere, hidden temples guarded by ancient stone Buddhas, and roadside stations packed with locally grown produce.
Harmony between nature and people, this is Bungo Ono.
In the Satonotabi Experience, local presenters from different areas of Bungo-Ōno will be your guides!
