Oita Prefecture, in southwest Japan, is an area with beautiful natural scenery and many sacred sites. It also boasts a remarkable number of Buddhist statues, in out-of-the-way rural locations. Mark Schumacher has a deep interest in the religious statuary of Japan. He travels throughout the country and posts his discoveries on his web site. On this edition of Journeys in Japan, Mark visits Oita Prefecture and visits some important Buddhist sites close to 3 stations along the JR Nippo Main Line.