24 hours in Japan

Top 5 things to do in Kitsuki

1. Explore Samurai Residences – Wander through beautifully preserved samurai homes like the Ohara and Sano Residences.
2. Walk the Iconic Slopes – Stroll along Suya Slope and Kanjobanosaka Slope for postcard-worthy views.
3. Have Lunch at ます田や Onigiri Bar – Enjoy a wholesome, handmade onigiri lunch.
4. Visit Kitsuki Castle – Admire the smallest castle in Japan and take in scenic views of the Seto Inland Sea.
5. Dress in Kimono – Rent a kimono for an authentic stroll through this historic town.

Google Maps walk route for this itinerary > https://maps.app.goo.gl/2rtXojnN5XFGaHhU9

How to get to Kitsuki:

Kitsuki is north of Beppu. Here are the transport options:

🚌 Bus: Hourly buses connect Oita Airport, Kitsuki Bus Terminal, Beppu (Kitahama Bus Stop), and Oita Station.

• From Oita Airport: 30 minutes, 720 yen
• From Beppu: 50 minutes, ~1000 yen

Kitsuki Bus Terminal is conveniently located in the city center.

Proposed itinerary:

11:00 AM – Arrival in Kitsuki

Buses to Kitsuki don’t run very frequently, so check the schedule in advance. From the bus stop at Morisue, walk to City Hall. There’s a Lawson or 7-Eleven nearby if you need a quick snack or drink before starting your day. If you’re interested in wearing a kimono, start at the Kitsuki Castle Town Museum to rent one for 3000 yen.
Address: Kitsuki City Hall , 377-1 Kitsuki, Oita 873-0001, Japan

11:15 AM – Visit the Sano Residence

Just a short walk from City Hall, you’ll find the Sano Residence. Since the early Edo Period, the Sano family has been well-known as medical practitioners. Built in the 1700s, it’s thought to be the oldest wooden townhouse in Kitsuki. Inside, visitors can see historical medical tools, including a German-made microscope from the Meiji Period.
Address: Sano Residence , 329 Kitsuki, Oita 873-0001

11:45 AM – Visit the Ohara Residence

The Ohara Residence, once home to the chief retainers of the local feudal lords, is one of the most impressive samurai dwellings in Kitsuki. Its combination of earthen walls, wooden facades, and a straw-thatched roof creates an authentic, historic atmosphere. You can explore beautifully preserved tatami mat rooms and admire the serene garden surrounding the house.
Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM)
Admission: 300 yen
Address: Ohara Residence, 207 Kitsuki, Oita 873-0001

12:15 PM – Visit the Nomi Residence

The Nomi Residence, recently restored to its original Edo Period appearance, is a must-visit. It’s the only residence that can be entered for free and features a quaint café where you can enjoy beverages and snacks.
Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM)
Admission: Free
Address: Nomi Residence, 208-1 Kitsuki, Oita 873-0001

12:30 PM – Visit the Isoya Residence

Once used as a resting place for the local feudal lord, the Isoya Residence now houses a small art museum. It showcases scrolls of ink paintings and other traditional works, making it a treat for art lovers.
Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM)
Admission: 300 yen
Address: Isoya Residence ,〒873-0001 Oita, Kitsuki, 北台211-1

1:00 PM – Lunch at ます田や (Masuda Onigiri Bar)

Walk down the iconic Suya Slope to this hidden gem. We had an amazing lunch at Masuda, which is categorized as a snack bar on Google but is actually an onigiri bar. You can choose your own fillings, and the lunch set includes two onigiri, miso soup, croquette, pickles, and a mini salad. The woman running the shop is incredibly kind, and the experience felt warm and wholesome. The lunch set costs just 880 yen!
Address: Masuyada Onigiri bar , 〒873-0001 Oita, Kitsuki, 171 1F

2:00 PM – Kitsuki Castle

Walk back up Suya Slope, then descend Kanjobanosaka Slope to reach Kitsuki Castle. Kitsuki Castle may be small, but it’s full of charm. Inside, you’ll find a platform offering panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea, as well as a small museum with interesting artifacts from the feudal era. Don’t forget to snap a photo in front of the castle!
Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM)
Admission: 400 yen
Address: Kitsuki Castle, 〒873-0001 Oita, Kitsuki, 城山１６−1

2:30 PM – Kitsuki Castle Town Museum

The Kitsuki Castle Town Historical Museum is modest but fascinating, featuring cultural artifacts from the town’s past. On the first floor, you’ll see a large festival float used during the Tenjin Festival on July 25 each year. There’s also a diorama illustrating how the town looked in earlier times. We didn’t have time to visit, but if your schedule allows, it’s worth checking out.
Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM)
Closed: Wednesdays, December 29 – January 3
Admission: 300 yen
Address: Kitsuki Castle Town Museum , 193-1 Minamikitsuki, Kitsuki, Oita 873-0002

3:00 PM – Hitotsumatsu Residence

This stately residence belonged to a prominent politician and was completed in 1929. It blends architectural elements from both the Showa and Edo Periods. Inside, you’ll find exhibits of antiques and drawings, while outside, you can enjoy sweeping views of Kitsuki Castle and the sea.
Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM)
Admission: 150 yen
Address: Hitotsumatsu Residence, 193-1 Minamikitsuki, Kitsuki, Oita 873-0002, Japan

” Kitsuki is a calming cultural day trip if you are around Fukuoka or Beppu”

Google Maps walk route for this itinerary > https://maps.app.goo.gl/2rtXojnN5XFGaHhU9