Hita guide: Discover the charming "Kyoto of Kyushu" in Oita Prefecture
Kamimachi Dori, Mameda, Hita, Oita Prefecture
Nestled in the mountains of northern Kyushu, Hita is a charming city often called the "Kyoto of Kyushu" due to its historic streets modeled after the ancient capital. Visitors to Hita can explore the atmospheric neighborhoods of Mameda and Kuma, learn about the city's rich history dating back to the Edo period, and enjoy local specialties like sake, eel, and ayu fish. With hot springs, the pottery village of Onta, and easy access from Fukuoka city and Oita, Hita offers a delightful glimpse into traditional Japan.
Hita's historical background and importance during the Edo period
Human settlement in the Hita area dates back to the earliest history of Japan. Located centrally in Kyushu, Hita became an important trading outpost and religious center in medieval times. In 1593, the powerful warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi took control of Hita, fortifying the town as his base for conquering Kyushu. Hideyoshi then passed control to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Period, who made Hita a tenryo town under direct rule of the shogunate. During the Edo Period, Hita grew substantially, modeling itself after Kyoto in architecture and merchant culture. This heritage is still prominent in Hita today, drawing many visitors.
Street in Kuma, Hita, Oita Prefecture
Exploring Mameda: A neighborhood modeled after Kyoto
The Mameda neighborhood just north of Hita Station is the main area modeled after Kyoto, with a grid of straight streets lined with historic buildings. Stroll the atmospheric streets and visit sites like the Kuncho Shuzo Sake Brewery with its museum on sake and shochu production, the Nihon Marukan Traditional Medicine Museum in an impressive Edo-era building, and the Hita Shoyu Hina Goten displaying thousands of beautiful hina dolls. Shops sell traditional craftwork and you can rent a kimono to walk the streets in style. Be sure to try Mameda's famous eel dishes at long-running restaurants like Mabushi Senya.
Kuncho Shuzo Sake Brewery, Mameda, Hita, Oita Prefecture
Nihon Marukan Traditional Medicine Museum, Mameda, Hita, Oita
Kuma: A traditional fishing village turned hot spring district
A short walk south of Hita Station, the old Kuma neighborhood grew from a traditional fishing village along the Mikuma River. Today it's Hita's onsen hot spring district, with numerous ryokan inns and modern hotels offering baths with the area's geothermal waters. The major attractions in Kuma are the yakatabune pleasure boats that cruise the river, offering dinners and the chance to watch cormorant fishing for ayu sweetfish (May-Oct). Stay at riverside accommodations like Mikuma Hotel, Sansuikan, Sanyokan, or Yorozuka to book a yakatabune cruise.
Amagase: A small hot spring town with a unique river bath experience
Amagase is a small onsen town along the Kusu River about 15 minutes east of Hita by train. Its hot springs date back some 1300 years. In addition to many ryokan inns, Amagase's top draw is the Yakushinoyu bath located right in the river bed, where you can enjoy a mixed-gender bath under the open sky as the river flows by. Amagase is one of Oita Prefecture's top onsen towns along with Beppu and Yufuin.
Yakushinoyu river onsen hot spring bath, Amagase, Oita Prefecture
Onta: A vintage pottery village known for its traditional Onta ware
Onta is a small pottery village in the mountains about 15 km north of Hita. Visiting feels like stepping back in time, with the sound of water-powered hammers pounding clay echoing through the valley. Pottery production remains little changed from 300 years ago, with everything done by hand using traditional tools and techniques. Onta-yaki pottery is characterized by its practicality and durability, made for everyday use. The town has 10 pottery families, each with a shop selling their wares. Read more about Onta here.
Onta ware and kiln, Onta Village, Hita, Oita Prefecture
Local food and drink specialties to try in Hita
Hita is known for a number of local specialties thanks to its rich natural environment:
- Eel dishes, especially in the Mameda neighborhood, became popular in the Edo Period when eating meat was restricted. Try hita-mabushi (eel over rice) at restaurants like Mabushi Senya.
- Ayu sweetfish are the favorite in the Kuma area, caught by cormorant fishing and served fresh on yakatabune boat dinners.
- Sake from breweries like Kuncho Shuzo has a crisp, clean flavor thanks to Hita's quality water.
- Shochu is also made at distilleries like Iichiko, Mori, and Seishin.
Yakatabune restaurant boat on Mikuma River, Kuma, Hita, Oita Prefecture
How to get to Hita by train or car and practical travel information
Hita is easily reached by train or car from Fukuoka or Oita cities:
- By train from Fukuoka's Hakata Station, take the Kagoshima Shinkansen or a rapid train to Kurume, then change to the JR Kyudai Line to Hita Station (90 min).
- By car, Hita is just off the Oita Expressway between Fukuoka and Oita. Get off at the Hita exit.
- Buses run from Hita Station to sites like Amagase and Onta. Taxis are also available.
- The city's English tourism website is http://www.en.oidehita.com/.
With its historical charm, hot springs, traditional crafts, and tasty cuisine, Hita offers something for every type of traveler. Take the time to explore this atmospheric city on your next visit to Kyushu.
