Kitsuki

What to know

Kitsuki (杵築) lies on the southern coast of the Kunisaki Peninsula. Its unique layout, often called a "sandwich castle town," features two samurai districts on hills to the north and south, with a merchant district in between. Together, these areas stretch about 500 meters north-south and 1.5 kilometers east-west, with Kitsuki Castle at the eastern end near the Seto Inland Sea.

Careful preservation has kept the historic districts free of power lines and intrusive signs, maintaining an authentic atmosphere. The town boasts several photogenic slopes and samurai residences open to the public. Friendly locals enjoy interacting with visitors, creating a welcoming environment for tourists.

Below are some of the town's top attractions. A combination ticket costs 1200 yen (1500 yen from April 2026) and grants access to all of them. At Warakuan, near the Historical Museum, you can rent a kimono for about 3500 yen and stroll through the quaint streets, taking photos reminiscent of centuries past.

Kitsuki is 15 kilometers northeast of Beppu, halfway between Beppu and Oita Airport. Kitsuki Station is on the JR Nippo Line, a 15-minute ride from Beppu by limited express (1060 yen one way, unreserved seat) or 25 minutes by local train (560 yen).

Kitsuki Station is about five kilometers from the city center. Buses run roughly every hour between the station and Kitsuki Bus Terminal, taking 10 minutes and costing 290 yen one way. A taxi ride is about 2000 yen.

Some buses from Kitsuki Station to the bus terminal (every 1-2 hours) continue to Oita Airport. The trip from Oita Airport to Kitsuki Bus Terminal takes 30 minutes and costs 720 yen.