Kitsuki Castle Town Museum (きつき城下町資料館)

Flow of the course

About this spot

Kitsuki is known nationwide for its rare 《sandwich-style castle town》, and the unique topography still remains today, with samurai residence districts on the high ground to the north and south, sandwiching a merchant townhouse district in the valley between them. Among these, Suya-no-saka (酢屋の坂) and Shioya-no-saka (塩屋の坂) are beautiful slopes paved with stone, offering a quintessentially Kitsuki view from the top, where tiled roofs overlap with the sea of Morie Bay (守江湾). Stop by the open-to-the-public samurai residences such as the Ohara Residence (大原邸) and the Nomi Residence (能見邸) as you walk slowly and feel the vestiges of the Edo period. The tree-shaded alleys are surprisingly cool in summer, making it a pleasant area to walk through.

Tips

Accessible on foot right from Kitsuki Castle (杵築城). The stone paving can be slippery when wet, so wear comfortable walking shoes. Some of the samurai residences charge admission when open to the public (a few hundred yen). Summer afternoon sunlight is strong, so do not forget a hat and to stay hydrated. Strolling maps are available at the Kitsuki City Tourist Association or the castle town's tourist information center.

Best time to visit

About 1 hour 30 minutes. This is a photogenic time of day, when the slanting afternoon light shines beautifully on the white walls and stone paving

Access & map

〒873-0002 Oita Prefecture, Kitsuki City, Minami-Kitsuki 193-1