Home
Back

The city of Kitsuki (‹n’z) is located on the southern side of the Kunisaki Peninsula. The city center is sometimes referred to as a "sandwich castle town", because of its interesting topography of having two samurai districts on hills north and south respectively, sandwiching a commercial district in the middle. The districts combined measure about 500 meters north-south and 1.5 kilometers east-west, with Kitsuki Castle standing at the eastern end, close to the coast facing the Seto Inland Sea.

Successful efforts have been made to keep these historic districts free of distractions such as power lines and unsightly signs, thus preserving their authentic atmospheres. The beautiful town features multiple photogenic slopes and samurai residences open to the public. Amiable locals look forward to engage with visitors, making it a friendly environment for tourists.

Some of the town's best attractions are listed below. A combination ticket for 1200 yen provides admission to all of them. At Warakuan near the Historical Museum, visitors can rent kimono for around 3000 yen, dress in them and stroll the quaint town, taking pictures reminiscent of past centuries.

Kitsuki Castle

Kitsuki Castle

Hours: 10:00 to 17:00 (entry until 16:30)
Closed: No closing days
Admission: 400 yen

Northern Samurai District

Ohara Residence

Hours: 10:00 to 17:00 (entry until 16:30)
Closed: No closing days
Admission: 300 yen

Nomi Residence

Hours: 10:00 to 17:00 (entry until 16:30)
Closed: December 29 to January 3
Admission: Free

Isoya Residence

Hours: 10:00 to 17:00 (entry until 16:30)
Closed: December 29 to January 3
Admission: 300 yen

Sano Residence

Hours: 10:00 to 17:00 (entry until 16:30)
Closed: Tuesday to Thursday, December 29 to January 3
Admission: 150 yen

Southern Samurai District

Historical Museum

Hours: 10:00 to 17:00 (entry until 16:30)
Closed: Wednesdays, December 29 to January 3
Admission: 300 yen

Hitotsumatsu Residence

Hours: 10:00 to 17:00 (entry until 16:30)
Closed: December 29 to January 3
Admission: 150 yen

Getting there and around

Kitsuki is located halfway between Beppu and Oita Airport.

Kitsuki Station stands about five kilometers outside of the city center. A taxi ride from the station into the city center takes about ten minutes and costs 1500 to 2000 yen.

There are also hourly buses that run between Oita Airport, Kitsuki Bus Terminal, Beppu (Kitahama bus stop) and Oita Station. The ride from Oita Airport to Kitsuki takes 30 minutes and costs 720 yen, while from Beppu it takes 50 minutes and costs around 1000 yen. Kitsuki Bus Terminal is located in the city center.

How to get to and around the Kunisaki Peninsula