Kitsuki Samurai District

The Kitsuki Samurai District is located in Oita Prefecture on the southern side of the Kunisaki Peninsula. This unique city has multiple samurai districts on the northern and southern area, met by a commercial district in the middle. Visitors can stroll along the long slope connecting the two districts without the interference from power lines or large commercial signs, thanks to successful efforts and preservation to keep this historical area at the peak of its ancient beauty. Many samurai residences are open for visitors to walk in and experience the living space of the once social elite in Japan. At the northern area, the Ohara Residence and Nomi Residence are regarded as one of the best surviving samurai buildings in Kitsuki offering traditional rooms filled with tatami mats with authentic Japanese gardens. While the medical practitioners of the Sano Residence, displays different everyday objects related to their profession used over hundreds of years ago by the warrior class. The southern area with the Hitotsumatsu Residence and Kitsuki Castle Town Historical Museum provide a view of the feudal ages in Japan with cultural artifacts, antiques and different displays of the samurai district. Another location for visitors to experience samurai would be the Kitsuki Castle, which is regarded as the smallest castle in Japan. Originally built in 1394, the castle was later burnt down during the Meiji period with the current structure as a reconstructed model in 1970. Varies exhibits and a small museum provide items which once belonged to the past feudal lords of Japan.