Exploring Usuki through the Guided Usuki Castle Town Revival Walk

Today, April 29, marks Showa Day, a time to reflect on the era and its cultural legacy. It was also the perfect occasion to immerse myself in the rich traditions and ongoing revival efforts of Usuki, a town known for its vibrant festivals and deep-rooted history.

As part of the “Let’s Go to Usuki for Golden Week” events, I participated in the Guided Usuki Castle Town Revival Walk. This historical walk is more than just sightseeing—it’s a journey through Usuki's past, present, and future.

A Town Full of Festivities

Usuki is always bustling with events and festivals, and today was no different. Alongside our revival walk, the town came alive with the Akaneko (Red Cat) Festival, a unique tradition originating from local folklore. Children dressed in red—symbolizing good fortune and protection—joyfully carried red cat-shaped floats as they marched through the streets. In addition to the parade, the festival features various traditional ceremonies, storytelling sessions, and community gatherings, allowing both locals and visitors to experience the heart and soul of Usuki.

Revival Walk: A Journey Through Resilience

The Revival Walk was held in two sessions, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, and I participated in the morning session of 16 participants. This was a special monitor tour, with the entire participation fee donated to recovery efforts. Looking ahead, organizers plan to incorporate this experience into school field trips, ensuring future generations learn about Usuki’s journey of resilience.

We embarked on our walk from Usuki Tourism Plaza, passing through Hatcho-Oji, and visiting the fire disaster site—a tragic yet significant landmark in the town’s recent history.

The disaster site has been leveled, and in preparation for the Golden Week events, carp streamers swayed and danced in the wind.

We then stopped by the temporary store of “Megane Toyofuku”, a shop that was completely destroyed in the fire. Here, the owner, Mr. Yamanaka, shared invaluable insights from his personal experience:

• Preparedness Matters: Thanks to routine evacuation drills, they had essential items packed and stored near door beforehand.

• Fire Safety Lessons: Checking wind direction first when a fire breaks out is crucial for planning evacuation and firefighting efforts.

• Preventing Fire Spread: Cutting off the gas supply and switching off electrical breakers before escaping can help minimize damage.

• Escape Tactics: Crawling low to avoid smoke inhalation can be life-saving.

• The Importance of Intangible Assets: Beyond physical belongings, customer records and family memories held the most value.

• Human Kindness Shines Through in Crisis: The fire revealed the depth of community support and compassion.

  
  

As a local fire brigade chief, Mr. Yamanaka acted swiftly—prioritizing his neighbors’ safety and firefighting efforts. The fire burned for 11 hours, devastating 15 buildings, but given the strong winds, connected wooden rooftops, and the fire’s proximity to Nioza Historic Path, the town was fortunate that there were no casualties and that the damage wasn’t even greater.

Instead of letting this disaster define Usuki, the community is using its lessons to rebuild Hatcho-Oji with resilience and purpose—ensuring that future generations understand and preserve these experiences as part of their town’s historical legacy.

The Scarlet Corridor: A Spiritual Walk

Following our revival walk, we explored the Scarlet Corridor, part of Usuki’s "Prayer Corridor"—a unique pilgrimage route that connects visitors with the town’s deep spiritual heritage. Over the centuries, Usuki has become a center for Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, and even Christian influences, shaping a rich tapestry of faith and history. This corridor is divided into four themed paths, each offering a distinct experience of reflection and discovery.

The Four Paths of the Prayer Corridor

1. The Scarlet Corridor – A journey through Usuki’s historic temples and shrines, including the famous Nioza Historical Path.

2. The Blue Corridor – A coastal pilgrimage, passing through fishing villages and sites dedicated to prayers for safety at sea.

3. The Green Corridor – A route through the countryside, highlighting Christian heritage and serene landscapes.

4. The Colorful Corridor – A path that leads to Usuki Castle and the National Treasure Usuki Stone Buddhas, offering a glimpse into the town’s spiritual legacy.

Visitors can collect stamps at each sacred site, and those who complete all 33 locations receive a special commemorative gift.

Our guide, elegantly dressed in a traditional kimono, led us through the Nioza historical path, visiting sacred sites such as Kenshoji Temple, Houonji Temple, and Tafukuji Temple, each with centuries of history. We were able to step inside the main halls of these temples, gaining a rare glimpse into their interiors.

A Beautiful Day for a Meaningful Walk

Blessed with perfect weather, the two-hour stroll allowed us to take in the sights, reflect on Usuki’s resilience, and connect with its remarkable history. Whether through festivals or community initiatives, Usuki continues to thrive—proving that revival is not just about rebuilding, but about honoring the past while embracing the future.