is a city located on the east coast of Ōita Prefecture, Japan. It is famous for its Usuki Stone Buddhas, a national treasure, and its soy sauce production. Recently it has become known for having the look and feel of a Japanese castle town. It is part of Ōita City's metropolitan area through economics and thus has strong ties to Ōita City. Demographics and geography As of March 1, 2017, the city has an estimated population of 38,090 and a population density of 140 persons per km2. The total area is 291.08 km2. The city is bordered by Ōita City, Saiki, Tsukumi, and Bungo-ōno. The city looks upon the Bungo Channel in the east. The city surrounds the Bay of Usuki with the Saganoseki Peninsula in the north and the Nagame Peninsula in the south. Within the bay are Kuroshima Island and Tsukumi Island. Water from the bay flows into Usuki River, around whose flat lands town areas have been built. The northern part of the city has gently-sloping hills while the southern part has mountain ranges that are 500m to 600m above sea level. History The city was founded on April 1, 1950. On March 31, 1954, multiple towns were merged into Usuki. On January 1, 2005, the town of Notsu (from Ōno District) was merged into Usuki. William Adams, Jan Joosten, Jacob Quaeckernaeck and Melchior van Santvoort got stranded on the coast of Bungo, now Usuki City, in April 1600, on the ship "De Liefde", marking the first contact that led to many years of Dutch-Japanese trading partnership. Economy Agriculture and fishing are the primary industries, however the production of soy sauce and miso paste are also popular. Many people come from abroad to work at Usuki shipyards. The city is well known for its kabosu fruits. Historical and Sightseeing Sites Usuki Stone Buddhas, a national treasure and special historical landmark Usuki Castle Nioza Historical Road Inaba-Family Villa, a former samurai residence Hakubakei Furen Limestone Caves, a national monument Meiji Era Bridge Nogami Yaeko Memorial Museum Fugen Temple, burial site of Kicchomu Usuki City Historical Museum, open on April 26, 2014 Naora Nobuo Memorial Museum Festivals Major festivals in Usuki include the Gion Festival (mid July), Stone Buddhas Fire Festival (late August), and Bamboo Lantern Festival (early November). There are also festivities and celebrations during the cherry blossom blooming period in April, for example at Usuki Castle. Transportation