Kitsuki City is located in Oita Prefecture, and it is famous for its townscape which still looks like Edo period (1603 – 1868). That’s the reason why this city is famous also by foreign tourists. Sam and Nita, who visited this place for the first time, will introduce it to you.

The first place you should head to after arriving is the tourist information center. Famous tourist spots, restaurants, etc. and the access to it will be explained to you in English, by the friendly and competent staff.

Strolling around the city in a Kimono

We were too excited and couldn’t wait, so we went immediately to the “Kimono Rental Shop Warakuan”. There you can find more than 250 different Kimonos and you can rent them for 2400JPY per day. But not only Kimono can be rent here, accessories like leather soled sandals, sun umbrella, hair ornaments, Kimono back and many more too
(Tabi (Japanese socks with split toe) can be bought for 100JPY per socks or you can bring them with you if you have one. Couple discount is available!)

The shop has many Kimono for men (big size as well). Nevertheless, the number of Kimono for women outnumbers the male one`s.
You can choose your favorite Kimono by color or design. Because of the many different designs and variations, it may take some time to find the right one. But it is really fun and exciting to try on many of it.
To complete your look, accessories like Sensu (Japanese fan), handkerchief and pouch are purchasable here. They are also perfect as souvenirs.

You can rent a Kimono by just going to the rental shop. Please note, customers who made a reservation will be treated first. That’s why our recommendation is to make a reservation before you go there.

If you wear a Kimono, some places give you a discount on the entrance fee (some places offer free entrance) or meals. Great and unique service, isn`t it?

If you are in Kitsuki for the first time like Sam and Nita, the city offers you a very convenient tool to get information about the sightseeing spots, a voice guide system (Multilanguage service in English, Korean, Chinese and Japanese).
That everyone can use that service, the city provides free Wi-Fi at many places.

Strolling point ①　“suya no saka”

A steep hill down from called “Suya no saka”. “What is so special about a hill”, you might think. It is the amazing view from the hill downwards. Kitsuki is called the sandwich city. Two plateaus divide the city. And in between them, is a valley. If you look downwards the “Suya no Saka” you can see the opposite site (plateau) of the city.
If you stand on the top, looking downwards, you can feel an atmosphere of past days.

Strolling Point ② “noumitei dai no chaya”

We had our lunch at “dai no chaya” and it was amazing. In early days, this was a place where Samurai lived. These days, this place is a beautiful café. The best thing about this place is, you can enjoy your meal while looking at a beautiful Japanese garden.
Sam and Nita had shoukadou bentou (松花堂弁当, traditional black-lacquered Japanese bento box) for lunch. It came with fish, meat and seasoned vegetables and cost only 1200JPY.

As a dessert, you can order cake or traditional Japanese confectionery (550JPY).

Strolling Point ③ “Kitsuki Shurakukan”

Shurakukan is a popular theater which has the daily life of Edo period as its topic. Here you can enjoy entertainment which shows up and downs of that era. After the show finished, the actors will wait in front of the theatre and interact with the guests. It is the perfect chance to get a picture of you and the actors. The theater group changes every month which means everyday a new, funny and exciting show for guests.

Strolling Point ④ “Matsuyamadou”

Matsuyamadou is the place you have to go, it you want to try traditional Japanese confectionery combined with Japanese kindness and hospitality. Sam and Nita ate “Miso Manjuu” (steamed yeat bun with filling” here and were surprised about the amazing flavor. The Miso for the Manjuu comes from the “Ayabe Miso” from the other side of the street. Not only the high quality Miso, but also the staff`s kindness are the reason why many customers come here.

Strolling Point ⑤ “Kouno Uchihamano”

Kouno Ichihamano manufactures a variety of cutlery, from kitchen knives to farm work tools. The owner has the rare qualification to make Katana, a real Japanese sword. These place shows you, that the people of Kitsuki love what they do. They manufacture products carefully and handmade, one by one.

Strolling Point ⑥ “Ocha No Tomoya”

If you are into tea, “Ocha No Tomoya” is the place you have to go. It is continuing its business since the Edo period (200years ago). Not only many, handmade tea products can be found here, for the price of 500JPY you can experience “Sadou” – tea ceremony. If you want to feel the “Aesthetic sense in Japanese art emphasizing quiet simplicity and subdued refinement” you should definitely come here.

Strolling Point ⑦ “Nakano Shuzo“

Nakano Shuzo is a famous brewery which produces sake since Meiji period.
Especially Junmai (sake made without added alcohol or sugar) is famous, and won the “Fine Sake Awards Japan”. The secret of its taste is the water, which comes from a source 200m under the brewery in combination with rice from the Kitsuki area (world heritage). Customers from far away come to Kitsuki, just to buy this unique and delicious product.

Strolling Point ⑧ “Ohara Tei”

Ohara Tei is a upper samurai residence from the Edo period.
After entering the entrance gate, it seems like you go back in time. A thatched roof, an old samurai residence-style gate and entrance, an elegant circuit-style Japanese garden, etc. it is a place like in a movie. If you go inside, you can feel the desire for perfection people in earlier days had. Every room had a purpose and was constructed to provide best protection against enemies.

Strolling Point ⑨ Kitsuki Castle

Kitsuki Castle is Japan`s smallest castle. It is located on one of the city`s plateaus facing the sea.
From there you can have beautiful overlook on the city and the area around. Inside the castle, you can find an exhibition and you can wear also a real samurai armor.

Kitsuki City is a place, where it seems that the Edo period still lasts. The city is perfect for strolling around in a Kimono and definitely worth visiting it.

※All information are from September 21st 2016