Kitsuki ー
杵築
A castle town where the traditional Japanese beauty:
Kitsuki City is located in the south of the Kunisaki Peninsula in Oita Prefecture, where a castle on the hill, the samurai houses in the north and south and ancient shops in the valley still remain unchanged. It is a rare place all over Japan where the traditional Japanese scenery is preserved so well while it is disappearing in other places. It is a really beautiful town. Women wearing kimonos make the town different from other cities in Japan. Tourists are hoped to visit it also because it is near to Beppu Hot Spring Resort. Main sightseeing spots in the town are within walk reach, a walking is recommended. Tourism information center is next to the bus terminal.
Access and Getting Around
By train
2 hours from Hakata Station in Fukuoka by the JR Nippo Line with 1 train per 40 to 60 minutes;
13 minutes from Beppu Station by the JR Nippo Line with 1 train per 40 to 60 minutes. Kitsuki Station is a little far away from the downtown. 10 minutes from the station by bus.
By bus
25 minutes from Oita Airport, 30 minutes from Beppu Bay Bus terminal.
By car
2 hours from Hakata Station in Hakata; 30 minutes from Beppu Station and 25 minutes from Oita Airport.
Features
-Historic Sites
Samurai houses on the north and south plateau respectively,business shops in the valley between two plateaus forms the whole town.On the north plateau, there are Ohara Residence, Noumi Residence, Isoya Residence, Sano Residence and so onwhose beautiful stone street makes a wonderful scene.Tourists can have a visit to main houses by buying a common admission ticket.They are worth visiting one time....
-Historic Sites
In theCommercial District between the two plateaus,Ayabe Miso or bean paste shop is the symbolic building.In the downtown of Kitsuki with many slopes,the most beautiful slope is said to be the Suyanosaka Slope on the north plateau.At the entrance of the slope, Miso shop or the bean paste shop shows the prosperity of ancient Japanese business people....
-Historic Sites -Recreational Facilities
Kitsuki-shurakukan was a popular playground in the Edo period and was once closed for a periodbut has now been recovered and there are performances every day.Even if visitors do not know Japanese, they can enjoy the Japanese popular entertainment, so it is recommended....
-Culture -Shops
Kitsuki City matches Kimono. Warakuan next to the Kitsuki Shurakukan rents kimonos,so it may be a good experience to have a walk in the street in kimono.Moreover, public tourist facilities will be free of charge if a visitor wears a kimono....
-Historic Sites
Kitsuki Castle was rebuilt and in it there is a museumwhere the precious armorsors words of the military commander are displayed.The view of a gulf and the river from a castle tower is very good....
-Festivals
Kitsuki Castle Festival is held at the beging of May , the civilians wear costumes of the Edo period,a march and show public plays.It is a pleasant festival that the town seems to become into the Edo period. ...
-Culture
Yamaga is a mountainous area located in the northwest of Kitsuki City of the Kunisaki Peninsula.Yamaga area provides private homes for stay as a hostel and holds green tourismswhich make tourists experience the country life.It is a good chance to experience the country life of Japan....
Accommodation around Kitsuki
