Nakatsu, Administrative district in Oita Prefecture, Japan
Nakatsu is a town in northern Oita Prefecture on Kyūshū Island, situated between the Suō-Seto coast and the forested hills of the Yabakei Gorge. The settlement spreads along the Yamakuni River, linking residential neighborhoods with smaller agricultural zones and port areas.
Nakatsu Castle was built in the late 16th century and remained the center of a feudal domain until the Meiji Restoration. After World War II, the town became part of Japan's new municipal structure and grew by merging with neighboring villages.
The city maintains regional traditions through municipal events while operating as one of 792 administrative units within the Japanese governmental structure.
The river and hills give the town a clear layout, making it easy to find your way on foot. Most paths are flat, but trails leading into the gorge rise noticeably.
The Aonodomon Tunnel was carved into the rock by a monk in the 18th century to secure the path to Rakanji Temple. Today visitors can walk through the hand-cut passage and see chisel marks on the walls.
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