Things To Do
in Kitsuki
Kitsuki is a historic coastal town in Oita Prefecture on Kyushu, known for its well-preserved samurai district and scenic waterfront. The city blends traditional streets with gentle sea breezes, inviting easy exploration on foot. Visitors can trace feudal-era lanes, visit castle ruins, and savor fresh seafood from Beppu Bay.
With nearby hot springs, coastal hikes, and village markets, Kitsuki offers a compact, authentic Kyushu experience.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Kitsuki and settle into your accommodations. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local cafe, sampling traditional Japanese pastries alongside freshly brewed green tea. Explore the quaint streets of the town, soaking in the serene atmosphere.
Visit the Kitsuki City Historical Museum to learn about the area's rich cultural heritage. Stroll through the historic samurai districts, where you can admire traditional Edo-period architecture. Stop by local artisan shops for unique handicrafts and souvenirs.
Dine at a local izakaya, savoring regional delicacies like grilled fish and tempura. After dinner, take a quiet walk along the coastline as the sun sets, casting a beautiful golden glow over the ocean. End the day with a soak in an onsen, feeling refreshed and relaxed.
Begin your day with a hike to the ruins of Kitsuki Castle, where you can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside. Take your time to explore the remnants of the castle, imagining its historic significance. Capture photos of the beautiful landscapes that surround you.
Head to the nearby Kitsuki hot springs for a rejuvenating experience. Enjoy a traditional Japanese lunch at a ryokan, savoring seasonal ingredients prepared with care. Spend time at the bathhouses, indulging in the healing properties of the mineral waters.
Return to the town for a casual dinner at a sushi restaurant, where you can try freshly caught seafood. Afterward, visit a local sake brewery for a tasting session, learning about the production process and flavors. Enjoy the cozy evening ambiance as locals gather and share their stories.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $2-5 |
| 🍣Casual dinner (sushi or donburi) | $15-25 |
| 🛏️Budget hotel or guesthouse (per night) | $60-120 |
| 💧Bottle of water or soft drink | $1-3 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Compact and walkable historic core
- Fresh seafood and coastal scenery
- Well-preserved samurai district and castle ruins
- Quiet, safe, and family-friendly
- Limited nightlife compared to major cities
- Some areas can be a bit sleepy outside peak season
- Fewer English-speaking services than bigger towns
- Travel time from major hubs can be longer
- "こんにちは" - Hello
- "ありがとうございます" - Thank you
- "いくらですか？" - How much is this?
- "すみません" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "トイレはどこですか？" - Where is the toilet?
Places to Visit in Kitsuki
Visit one of these nice places.
Partial remains and manicured grounds with panoramic views over Beppu Bay, especially beautiful at sunrise.
Stone-paved lanes and preserved samurai residences provide atmospheric photo backdrops.
Working harbor scenes, boats, and seafood markets offer dynamic coastal photography.
Food in Kitsuki
Kitsuki Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A bowl of fresh sashimi over rice, often featuring local fish such as mackerel or sashimi-grade seafood.
Must-Try!
Seasonal local fish grilled to order, typically served with rice, miso soup, and pickles.
Crispy tempura served over rice with dipping sauce and side vegetables.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A local market near the harbor where you can buy fresh seafood, produce, and prepared snacks.
Nearby markets offering a wider variety of seafood and street-style bites.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A bow is common, and polite language such as asking politely is appreciated.
Remove shoes when entering homes, temples, and some traditional restaurants.
Speak softly on trains and during transportation; avoid loud phone conversations.
Safety
Tipping in Kitsuki
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Japan; polite service is expected and typically included in the experience.
Cash is widely accepted, with credit cards and IC cards accepted in many shops and restaurants in town and especially the Beppu-Oita area. Some rural spots may be cash-only.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures, cherry blossoms in certain areas, and fresh seafood beginning to come online.
Hot and humid with summer showers; typhoon season sometimes affects travel; coastal breezes help.
Pleasant weather, colorful foliage along coastal trails and in town parks.
Cool to mild, occasional rain; seafood remains fresh and markets are cozy; some attractions may have shorter hours.
Kitsuki at Night
Hiking in Kitsuki
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Scenic coastal hikes with sea views, rock formations, and temples along the peninsula.
Accessible hillside trails offering hot springs scenery and panoramic views of Beppu Bay.
Airports
How to reach Kitsuki by plane.
Main gateway for the region; from the airport, trains or buses connect to Kitsuki with longer travel times via Beppu and Oita.
Major international hub; about a 2-3 hour journey by Shinkansen/limited express train to the Beppu/Oita area.
Smaller airport serving northern Kyushu; accessible by train or bus to Kitsuki with longer travel times.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Primarily Japanese families and elderly residents, with many people living in town or nearby rural areas.
A growing number of domestic travelers exploring Kyushu’s historic towns.
Active, traditional communities sustaining the local economy.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Frequently played and followed by locals, with community leagues and school teams.
Popular in schools and local clubs; local parks host pick-up games.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Kitsuki.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many Japanese dishes include dashi; ask for meat- and fish-free options, and opt for tofu, vegetable tempura, salads, and rice bowls.