2025 Kitsuki Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in March)

#kitsuki are among the best preserved #samuraitown in #japan.The samurai lived on the highest ground in the north (kita dai) and south (minami dai) of the city, and on both sides of the castle, while the lower segments were occupied by the merchants. #unforgetabletrip #scenicspotguide #happynewyear

#kitsukicastle is Japan`s smallest castle. It is located on one of the city`s plateaus facing the sea. #kyushu #japan #travelinspiration #castle

Nestled in Oita Prefecture, Kitsuki is a hidden gem that transports visitors back to Japan’s feudal era. Unlike other samurai districts, Kitsuki’s charm lies in its well-preserved historical layout, where samurai residences line two gentle hills with a merchant district nestled in between. This unique townscape has earned Kitsuki the nickname “Japan’s smallest castle town.” Walking through Kitsuki feels like stepping into an Edo-period painting. The samurai districts on the north and south hills remain largely intact, with traditional wooden houses, stone-paved streets, and beautifully maintained gardens. The town’s sloping roads, such as the famous Suya-no-Saka and Shita-no-Saka, create stunning perspectives that make Kitsuki one of the most photogenic samurai towns in Japan. Visitors can explore the preserved samurai residences, where tatami rooms, wooden verandas, and traditional armor displays offer a glimpse into the life of a high-ranking warrior. At the heart of the town sits Kitsuki Castle, a small yet picturesque fortress perched atop a hill overlooking the Seto Inland Sea. Originally built in the 14th century, the current reconstruction offers panoramic views of the town and coastline. Kitsuki is also known for its deep connection to kimono culture. Many visitors choose to stroll the historic streets in traditional attire, blending seamlessly with the town’s old-world atmosphere. Unlike more crowded destinations like Kyoto, Kitsuki remains quiet and authentic, offering a peaceful journey through Japan’s samurai heritage. #japantrip

Thought I had seen all the sunrises and sunsets Until I met Oita... Sharing two stunning scenic spots! ⛩️ Hachiman Nada Shrine Located in the center of Nada Beach, the main hall of the shrine is on an island off the coast, and the torii gate stands majestically on the reef. From a distance, it looks like a fairyland rising from the sea 🌊 The most special thing here is that two of the three gods are goddesses! Therefore, it is also known as the holy place of fate, love, and reunion 💕 In addition, I strongly recommend waiting for a sunrise! The moment the sun slowly rises from the sea level, with the torii gate standing in the sea, it is simply a stunning view! The orange morning sun makes the whole picture super dreamy ✨ solemn and sacred, really worth getting up early. 📍 Address: Nada 229, Kitsuki City, Oita Prefecture 🌅 Sunset at Matama Beach Exclusive to Oita Prefecture! The sunset can be seen falling into the sea level. On a clear evening, the whole sky is dyed crimson, the orange sunset is reflected on the water, and finally slowly sinks into the center, a dreamlike scene that is intoxicating. Because of its stunning sunset scenery, it has been reported by TV programs many times, and it has been selected as one of the 🏆 "Japan's Top 100 Sunsets". Even at the lowest tide, Matama Beach will not dry up completely, leaving a shallow tidal beach. 📸 Photography tips The shallow tidal beach and the golden water surface under the sunset are intertwined, capturing a dreamy photo! 📍 Address: Usuno, Bungotakada City, Oita Prefecture, Matama Beach This is probably the legendary stunning view! The moment the sun sets, the whole world is quiet 🌅

#kitsukicastle #happy

#2024Travel Wish In 2023, I visited Kitsuki Castle Town in Fukuoka, which was once the residence of famous Japanese samurai. When I was a child, I had a superficial understanding of the samurai spirit. I just felt it was scary and thought that the final fate of the samurai was to commit seppuku. The more I learned about Japanese history, the more I realized that samurai were an indispensable part. This very historically significant Kitsuki Castle Town is a place worth traveling thousands of miles to learn about the history of the samurai. As we enter 2024, I most hope to visit Spain, and I have a strong desire to explore Madrid and Barcelona. 😄

Cafe Restaurant Aozora 1312-1 Kitsuki, Kitsuki City, Oita Prefecture Castle Town Kitsuki A little ways away, there is a relaxing old-style cafe. At first glance, it looks like a cafe in a house, but there is a sign, so trust it and go in! There is also a parking lot🚗 The interior of the store has a warm wooden feel, and faded manga and other things add a nice touch🙆🏻‍♀️ The menu includes rice dishes, pasta, and desserts, so you can enjoy it at lunch or as a cafe. It uses seasonal ingredients, so it is recommended to go at different times of the year! #OitaPrefecture #Kitsuki #Old-styleCafe

About 20 minutes by car from Oita Airport 🚗 This wonderful town is located in a great location that is not an exaggeration to call the gateway to Oita Prefecture 🥰🌿 This castle town, with its samurai residences lined up on two hills on the north and south, feels like a time slip into the Edo period 😚 The atmosphere of these stone-paved slopes is indescribable 😆 What's more, interestingly, the names are also unique, such as "Suya no Saka" (Sugar Hill) and "Ameya no Saka" (Candy Hill) 😁 The area is rich in nature, so insect repellent is a must at this time of year 👍🏻 The lush nature of summer is nice, but it's a wonderful spot that can be enjoyed in all four seasons ☺️❤️ #OitaTourism#Kitsuki #BeautifulSights #CastleTown #777

Masudaya is located in Kitsuki Castle Town, about 20 minutes by car from Oita Airport. 😄 This is an onigiri shop that fits in with the nostalgic atmosphere of the town. 😚🍙 The top of the large onigiri is packed with ingredients. 😆 The moment I took a bite, the fluffy rice spread throughout my mouth, and I felt the care and kindness of the shop. 🥺 The miso in the miso soup and the moromi mash for the onigiri ingredients are from the miso shop next door, and the rice is from the rice shop across the street. 👀🌱 There's a souvenir shop in the back, and the upper floors are a family-friendly inn. 😄 Not only are the onigiri delicious, but the pickles and potato salad are also delicious. ❕ The entire Kitsuki townscape is beautiful, and the cobblestone slope was the best photo spot. 📸 〒873-0001 171 Kitsuki, Kitsuki City, Oita Prefecture 1F🌈 10:00-16:00 #OitaTourism#OitaGourmet #Kitsuki #OitaTourism #777

Address: Japan, 873-0001 Oita, Kitsuki Getting there: You can take bus to the Kitsuki Chugakko Mae bus stop, and the castle is about 10 minutes walk away. 😬 Highlights: The Kitsuki Castle is a medieval Japanese castle, originally built in 1394. It was lost during the Meiji Period. The present three-tiered main keep was reconstructed in 1970. It is said to be the smallest castle in Japan, comprised of two hills with a valley in between. Standing on top of a plateau by the sea, it offers nice views overlooking the Seto Inland Sea. Within the keep is a small museum, exhibiting items related to Kitsuki, such as the belongings of past feudal lords. 😃 Opening hours: 10am to 5pm daily Admission fee: 400yen #bucketlistreboot #traveljapan #culturewalk

#themepark #sakura looking for this beautiful flowers melt my heart♥️

Sophie's Japan Kyushu travel can see The city of Okinawa in Oita Prefecture, Kitakyushu now retains an urban area of the Edo period, where it always feels like entering the world of comics. There are a lot of homeowners and samurai residences in the city's Shimomachi area. Some of the tickets are free. Some tickets are free if you wear them. Among them, the visible near the is the home of a samurai at that time, because it is free to go in and see. It is not big inside, there is a small Japanese courtyard far less than the courtyard of Kyoto, there are two open tatami rooms and a running tea room but need to take off your shoes. If you are hungry, you may wish to have lunch or afternoon tea. The price of desserts and ramen is not expensive. Another room in the treadmill room has a Guqin. It is actually a place for visitors to play freely. Since there are very few tourists, if you are interested, you can take our Hanfu and take a picture of the piano. Full of ancient elegance.

Sophie's Japan Kyushu travel about Japan travel, more people choose Kyoto Kyoto, Tokyo, the classical beauty of Kyoto even higher preserved the architecture and planning of our Tang Dynasty, and Kyushu is the same There is a long history of civilization, and the niche city tour travelers should have little understanding. In fact, the smallest castle in Japan on the edge of the bay in Kitakami, Kitakyushu, and its castle town are said to be the must-see for Asian architects. From Hakata, take the express train to Hagi City JR Train Station for 2 hours, and take the only bus outside the station to the Tsukuba Bus Terminal and walk for 10 minutes. Small castle, entering from the humble park, it takes only 5 minutes to get to the castle. If you have been to Japans national treasure city such as Osaka Castle or Himeji Castle, this white castle is more like a miniature scenic spot. I have to go to the castle tower for 300 yen, and I feel that it is not necessary. Instead, I am more interested in the observatory near the Shimomachi Museum and overlooking the castle tower and the bay on the mountain.