Hello, this is the Kitsuki City Tourism Association! Kitsuki City, located in the northeastern part of Oita Prefecture, is a full of charm Castle Town surrounded by abundant nature. Kitsuki City, with a population of about 26,000 (as of 2023), is There is a at the base of the Kunisaki Peninsula and is easily accessed from Oita Airport. Kitsuki City is known as the "Castle Town of the Slope" and is characterized by a rare townscape in Japan, with samurai residences spread out on high ground from north to south, arranged across the merchant town in the valley. In this first COOL JAPAN VIDEO posting, we will deliver plenty of Tourist Information that allows you to fully enjoy Kitsuki City! We will also introduce recommended Spots and exquisite gourmet Information, so be sure to check it out! 【Access to Kitsuki City, Oita Prefecture】 Kitsuki City, Oita Prefecture can be reached in about 30 minutes by car from Oita Airports. In addition, it is about 30 minutes by car from Beppu / Yufuin. Use JR Station is the closest. Transportation from the station to the Castle Town area by local bus or Taxi and enjoy a historical walk. There are the sea nearby, the beautiful scenery Unfolds on a sunny day, and it is also popular as a Driving course, so renting a car is also recommended! 【About Kitsuki City, Oita Prefecture】 While receiving the blessings of the sea and mountains, Kitsuki City has nurtured its own culture over a long history. Above all, if you walk through the Castle Town, you can feel the good Nostalgic Atmosphere with Samurai Residences and Merchant Towns left everywhere. If you are interested in the kimono experience and historical walks that are often introduced in Kitsuki City's Tourist Information, please visit. 【Historical background of Kitsuki City, Oita Prefecture】 Kitsuki City, Oita Prefecture developed from the Muromachi period to the Edo period, and the townscape of the Edo period still remains Richly preserved, making it an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. It is attractive that you can enjoy the unique scenery and history that other Castle Towns do not have. In particular, the structure that developed in the form of Samurai residences lined up on the north and south and sandwiched between the Merchant Town in the center is rare in Japan. This unique townscape of "Castle Town on the Slope" has become one of the reasons why many tourists have visited it in recent years. 【Popular Sightseeing spots in Kitsuki City】 ◆Kitsuki Castle Kitsuki Castle, a symbol of Kitsuki City, Oita Prefecture, is said to be the smallest Castle Keep in No.1 in Japan, but its charm is said to be a Castle Town with a compact but unusual shape with historical value. From the high ground of the castle, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the Castle Town cityscape and Seto Inland Sea, giving Visitors Impression. The castle is Open to the public as a Museum and is recommended for history buffs and photography lovers. ◆Suya Slope, Shioya (Shihoya) Slope Slope with Samurai Residence and other townscapes reminiscent of the scenery of the Edo period. If you look down from the top of the slope or walk along the Stone pavement slope that connects the high ground, the scenery Unfolds as if you have traveled back in time. There are many tourists who rent kimonos and stroll around the city, and it is also famous as a photo Spot of the Kitsuki City Tourism Model Course. ◆Kitsuki Castle Shitamachi Area (Samurai Residence, Merchant Town) It is characterized by a castle town with a very rare topography in Japan, with a group of Samurai Residence Districts spreading out on the high ground from north to south and a merchant town spread out in the valley. At the Samurai Residence, you can also visiting the site architectural techniques and structures where you can learn about the lifestyles and construction techniques of the time, and the fun of learning about the historical background Unfolds. Souvenir shops and cafes are also scattered around, so you can enjoy a little Meals and shopping. ◆Ohara Residence It is known as a presence that represents a corner of the Samurai Residence, and the Charming Garden and the appearance of the old architecture make you feel the history of Kitsuki more deeply. Please think about the culture of the Castle Town and the lives of the people at that time. 【Kitsuki City's Traditional Culture and Crafts】 In Kitsuki City, traditions representative by samurai residences and Castle Town culture are inherited, while local festivals and performing arts rooted in the locals are also carefully preserved in various places. Especially in Kitsuki City, which is still deeply connected to kimono culture, you can enjoy the kimono experience. If you walk in a kimono to blend in with the Castle Town, you will feel as if you are the protagonist of a period drama. In addition, as a kimono Privileges, you can enter the cultural facilities for free, and there are services such as discounts at Privileges Subject shops, so you can stroll around at a great price. In particular, taking photos on Samurai Residence Street and Shioya Slope is sure to look good on social media. 【Gourmet food in Kitsuki City】 ◆Kitsuki tea / Kitsuki black tea Tea Production around Kitsuki City is characterized by its deep taste and refreshing aroma. In recent years, it is one of the few domestic black teas At cafes in the city, you can enjoy seasonal Japanese sweets with Kitsuki tea and matcha. Why don't you spend a moment of travel while taking a break at a quaint café in Castle Town? ◆Mandarin oranges (citrus fruits) Kitsuki City is a Mandarin Oranges production area that boasts one of the highest productions in the prefecture. In addition, various varieties are also cultivation, so many people visit to coincide with the citrus season. ◆ Strawberries Kitsuki City is one of the one of the most strawberry-producing areas in Oita Prefecture, and High quality strawberries are cultivation that take advantage of the warm climate and rich nature environment. Varieties such as "Saga Honoka" and "Belitsu" are especially popular, and are characterized by a good balance of sweetness and acidity, rich Aroma and juiciness. Strawberry picking can also be enjoyed at the tourist farm, and it is popular with many people. ◆Hamo Oyster Kitsuki City is known as a fisheries for ducks, and Raised in the fast currents of the Bungo Water Channel, the ducks are characterized by their tight flesh and good fat. It is in season from summer to autumn, and you can enjoy its elegant taste with hot water and tempura. Oyster farming is also thriving, growing in nutrient-rich waters and having a rich umami and creamy texture. Especially in winter, when the Oyster Highway is in season! The store, which serves a variety of dishes such as grilled oysters and steamed oysters, is crowded with many customers. 【Introduction of Events and Festivals in Kitsuki City】 ◆Kitsuki Castle Festival (May) A traditional festival centered on the Castle Town area where Samurai parades and stage events are held like historical picture scrolls. Local residents and tourists will It will be a lot of fun! together. ◆Kitsuki Tenjin Festival (July) It is a 300-year-old festival held at Kitsuki Tenmansha Shrine and the Castle Town area, where dancers, drum drummers, mikoshi and festival floats parade through the town of Kitsuki. ◆ Kangetsu Festival (October) An event to enjoy Tea and the famous moon of mid-autumn in the Traditional Japanese straw raincoat of the Castle Town. Lights are lit in the Castle Town, and it is a festival that colors the autumn night in a very fantastic way. ◆Castle Town Kitsuki Walk and Hiina Tour (February ~ March) Hiina Meguri is held in for about one month. This is an Events around the Hina dolls displayed in Samurai residences and Machiya houses. In the Traditional Japanese straw raincoat full of Edo atmosphere, you can feel the arrival of Spring. 【Tourist Information of Kitsuki City, Oita Prefecture】 Kitsuki City is an attractive town with a townscape full of history, beautiful Nature, and a food culture born from that Nature. Wear a kimono and walk around the Castle Town, enjoy the spectacular scenery, and enjoy delicious local cuisine. Why don't you experience such a special trip in Kitsuki City? Plenty of charm awaits your visit. In the next post, I will introduce Kitsuki that I couldn't write in this post!

Hello viewers of Cool Japan Video! This is the Bungoono City Tourism Association. From now on, we will be introducing the many charms of Bungoono City in Oita Prefecture on Cool Japan Video, so please stay tuned! ◆◆◆ What is Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture Bungoono City in Oita Prefecture lies in the southern part of Oita Prefecture and offers abundant scenic nature and historic sites. Bungoono City was formed in 2005 by merging five towns and two villages (Mie Town, Kiyokawamura, Ogata Town, Asaji Town, Oonocho, Chitose Village, and Inukai Town), and it now has a population of about 32,000. Bungoono City is the only place in Kyushu designated both a Japan Geopark and a UNESCO Eco Park, with vast natural landscapes to enjoy through all four seasons. In recent years the city has also developed excellent sauna facilities, making it an ideal place to relax. ◆◆◆ Access to Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture ◇ Oita Airport – Access to Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture You can reach Bungoono City from Oita Airport by car or public transport. By car: It takes about one and a half hours by car from Oita Airport to Bungoono City using toll roads. You will pass beautiful mountains and rural scenery along the way. By train: From Oita Airport, take the airport bus to Oita Station in about one hour, then transfer to the JR Hohi Main Line and ride about one hour to Mie Town Station, the central station of Bungoono City. ◆◆◆ Bungoono City — The Sauna Town Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture has recently gained attention as a “sauna town.” The area has a long history of stone bath culture and a tradition of enjoying steam baths, so the city has declared itself a “sauna town,” using its great outdoors to develop outdoor saunas as a tourist resource. Bungoono City’s saunas provide a relaxing natural setting where visitors can enjoy restorative moments. Local-themed sauna events are held regularly, making the city an attractive destination for sauna enthusiasts. ◆◆◆ Popular sightseeing spots in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture ◇ Harajiri Falls Harajiri Falls, called the “Niagara of the East,” is a magnificent waterfall and a signature sight of Bungoono City. This waterfall is about 120 meters wide and 20 meters high, and its seasonal scenery draws many visitors. In particular, the fresh green season offers a spectacular view where the falls and surrounding nature blend beautifully. ◇ Inazumi Underwater Cave Inazumi Underwater Cave is a rare underwater limestone cave. A cave formed in the Paleozoic era about 300 million years ago sank underwater during the massive Aso volcanic eruption 300,000 years ago, becoming an underwater cave. Inside the cave, over 1,000 meters long, you can find stunning stalactites and flowing underground water that create a mystical landscape. Visitors can explore the cave on guided tours and enjoy snorkeling or scuba diving in Japan’s top underwater cave. ◇ Chinda Falls Chinda Falls is a beautiful waterfall with a drop of about 20 meters, surrounded by rich natural scenery. It is one of the geosites of the Bungoono Geopark and is designated as a nationally registered monument. You can also see the remains of a power plant built in the Meiji era. ◇ Yusaku Park Yusaku Park is a vast park famous for its autumn foliage. In autumn, more than 500 maple and Japanese maple trees planted around the shinji pond turn red and yellow, attracting many visitors. On weekends and holidays during the foliage season, the autumn leaves are illuminated for a magical atmosphere. ◆◆◆ Roadside Stations and Satonomes in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture There are five roadside stations in Bungoono City. A tour of these roadside stations is a great way to explore the area. ◇ Roadside Station Mie From here you can enjoy the renowned Enaido no Kei scenic view in Mie Town. The product center offers fresh local vegetables and specialty products. ◇ Roadside Station Kiyokawa You’ll find affordable fresh vegetables and heartfelt handmade processed goods from producers. This is also the hometown of the intangible folk cultural property Mitake Kagura. ◇ Roadside Station Harajiri no Taki This roadside station adjoins Harajiri Falls, one of Japan’s top 100 waterfalls. It’s conveniently located for visitors touring Bungoono City. ◇ Roadside Station Asaji Nanohana Oborozuki Kan is a very distinctive log-built structure. Restaurant Fukujuso serves exquisite dishes featuring the local specialty Bungo-Asaji beef. ◇ Roadside Station Ono Set within the great nature of Bungoono City, this roadside station offers plenty of fresh vegetables and local specialties to enjoy. ◆◆◆ Events and festivals in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture ◇ Tulip Festa Held every spring, this festival features 300,000 vibrant tulips in 100 varieties blooming around Harajiri Falls. ◇ Kodai Torch Fire Festival The Kodai torch fire festival is a traditional event held each August during the Obon season and is a local summer highlight. The vast Ogata Plain fills with the glow of many torches. ◇ Bungo Inukai Fireworks Festival This historic and traditional fireworks festival takes place in Inukai, the birthplace of Bungo fireworks. ◇ Mitake-style Kagura Festival In Bungoono City, where many performing arts have been handed down, local Mitake Kagura and kagura from other regions perform together. Mitake Kagura is said to have begun around the same time as the founding of Mitake Shrine and stands as one of Oita Prefecture’s representative kagura. In 2007 it became the first kagura in Oita Prefecture to be designated a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property and has received high praise outside the prefecture as well. ◇ Megurukura — Bungoono Brewery Tour This event is a joint brewery opening of the city’s four breweries, where you can drink delicious sake and shochu and enjoy the scenery of Bungoono for a luxurious day. Bungoono City has two sake breweries and two shochu distilleries. Rich water from the surrounding mountains nurtures the rice and barley, and these high-quality ingredients allow the four breweries to produce outstanding drinks. ◆◆◆ Tourist information for Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture Bungoono City is a charming destination with beautiful natural scenery and a rich history. Enjoy the city’s attractions throughout the changing seasons and savor all that Bungoono City has to offer. We will continue sharing recommended information about Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, so please follow us!