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!