{"id":42320,"date":"2018-12-09T08:00:25","date_gmt":"2018-12-08T23:00:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/?p=42320"},"modified":"2021-05-28T20:01:04","modified_gmt":"2021-05-28T11:01:04","slug":"kyushu-oita-samurai-towns","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/kyushu-oita-samurai-towns\/","title":{"rendered":"Stroll Through Feudal Japan with Oita\u2019s Historic Samurai Towns"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The samurai<\/em> were once Japan\u2019s most powerful social caste<\/strong>. These feudal warriors have since been mythologized in everything from Hollywood movies to Japan\u2019s national football team, Samurai Blue. At the height of their social status during feudal times, however, they lived everyday as part of Japan\u2019s military nobility<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The remnants of samurai<\/em> history are scattered across Japan in the form of artifacts<\/strong> (armor, katana <\/em>swords<\/a>, <\/em>artistic depictions of famous battles, etc.), and also in the form of preserved samurai residences<\/strong>. While most have been destroyed, some mansions dating back to the Edo Period (1603 \u2013 1868) <\/strong>have been maintained over the generations and are now open for public tours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Nomi<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

As part of the caste system, samurai<\/em> residences were often isolated in designated samurai<\/em> districts, located on the more desirable land of a castle town, away from the merchants, artisans and farmers. Oita Prefecture is home to many of these neighborhoods of concentrated samurai<\/em> residences<\/strong> and is a great destination for those looking to learn more about the samurai<\/em>. One of the host prefectures for the 2019 Rugby World Cup<\/strong>, any history buff visiting Oita should include these samurai<\/em> towns on their itinerary. These homes are a window into the samurai<\/em> lifestyle and the luxury this social class enjoyed at the height of its power.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Walk Through Kitsuki\u2019s Samurai District <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Perhaps Oita\u2019s most famous samurai destination<\/a>, Kitsuki<\/strong> is a city located on the southern coast of the prefecture\u2019s Kunisaki Peninsula. During the Edo Period, Kitsuki was the political and commercial hub of the region, home to its own daimyo<\/em> (feudal lord) and castle. Nicknamed \u201cthe smallest castle in Japan,<\/a>\u201d<\/strong> the reconstructed building stands on a 30-meter cliff overlooking the city\u2019s bay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Kitsuki<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Kitsuki is also home to two preserved samurai<\/em> districts located on high ground, with both a northern district (Kita-dai)<\/strong> and a southern district (Minami-dai)<\/strong>. The cobblestone paths, Edo-style architecture and dynamic slope ways up to these elevated neighborhoods create a historic ambiance. Suya-no-saka<\/strong>, literally \u201cvinegar slope,\u201d was once cluttered with vinegar stalls during feudal times, but today has become a popular photo spots for visitors looking to rent kimono<\/em> and yukata <\/em>(summer kimono).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Suya-no-saka,<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

One of the most popular residences in Kituski is Noumi Residence,<\/strong> with its dark wooden framing, traditional shoji <\/em>(screen doors), elegant tatami flooring, and an outdoor garden. A koto<\/em> (Japanese string instrument) is on display, and its beautiful music undoubtedly once filled the residence during private performances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Nomi<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The residence also includes the Dai-no-Chaya teahouse<\/strong>, which allows you to enjoy the surroundings over kakigori <\/em>(shaved ice), traditional sweets and green tea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Dai<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Other popular residences in the Kitsuki\u2019s samurai<\/em> districts worth visiting include Ohara Residence, Isoya Residence, Hitotsumatsu Residence, and Sano Residence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Usuki\u2019s Historic Niouza Road and Samurai Town<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Usuki<\/strong> is another historic city<\/a> in Oita Prefecture, located about an hour and a half south of Beppu by train. The town is most known for its 59 stone Buddhas<\/a><\/strong>, which were carved as reliefs into a natural rock formation in the Heian period<\/a> (794 \u2013 1185)<\/strong> and Kamakura period<\/a><\/strong> (1185 \u2013 1333)<\/strong>. The history behind these ancient sculptures remains a mystery, but they are considered Japan\u2019s first stone buddhas and were restored in the 1980s and designated national treasures of Japan<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, far less discussed is Usuki\u2019s historic quarter, an old town that is home to many samurai<\/em> residences. Niouza road<\/strong> is a 200-meter narrow cobblestone path filled with Edo-style residence, with white walls, dark wooden frames and tiled roofs. Some of the structures include the house of famous Japanese male novelist, Sadahiko Nakane, and the Kagiya soy sauce brewery, which has been in operation since 1600.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Traditional<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Among these buildings you\u2019ll also find the Inaba Residence, a samurai mansion<\/strong> from the Edo era. Like most samurai<\/em> homes it features traditional design and a scenic Japanese garden. On the southern end of the city you\u2019ll find another home, the Marumou Residence<\/strong>, which is open to the public for viewings and tours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Inaba<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Saiki: A Scenic Samurai Town <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While in modern times only the ruins of Saiki city\u2019s impressive castle remain, its feudal history is preserved in the nooks and crannies of the former samurai town<\/a>. The 700-meter long road known as \u201cThe Way of History and Literature\u201d<\/strong> is one notable destination, featuring the familiar design of an Edo-era cobblestone path. A map is available for the road that will guide you through the historic walkway, from the Kyushintei Tea House<\/strong> to the beautifully constructed Doppo Kunikida Memorial House<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Located just below Usuki City, a visit to Saiki\u2019s old town, like the other destinations in Oita Prefecture included in this guide, will transport you back to the times of the samurai<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Traditional<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n