The Castle Town of Kiomono and Historical Townscape
Kitsuki, a little Kyoto in Kyushu, is located at the southern gateway of the Kunisaki Peninsula. Kitsuki is a scenic castle town with many slopes overlooking the beautiful Morie Bay. A picturesque castle town dotted with samurai residences and traditional Edo-era buildings, Kitsuki is a window into the past. Due to its age-old aesthetics it's a popular place to rent a kimono, the traditional gown, and walk around the impressive buildings taking photos. Kitsuki promotes “Kitsuki Kimono Promotion.” People who visit the city wearing traditional kimono can receive some privilege. For more of an insight into the town's history, head to The Kitsuki Castle Town Historical Museum. Kitsuki Castle is actually the smallest castle in Japan, however you wouldn't have thought so from its location towering over the town on a standalone hill.
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.
Visit Kitsuki where time goes slowly and one can enjoy the serene sea breeze of the Setouchi Inland Sea.
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.
Visit Kitsuki where time goes slowly and one can enjoy the serene sea breeze of the Setouchi Inland Sea.