Short Trip into The Past
Oita Prefecture has plenty of tourist attractions on offer, but you will not likely find Saiki Castle Ruins in your typical tourist guide. Known as one of Japan’s premier samurai towns, Saiki may be worth a visit on your next trip to the prefecture.
Check out this 700-meter long road given the name, “The Way of History and Literature” which stretches from the Otemonzeki ruins to Youken-ji Temple. In 1986, it was designated one of the Top 100 Roads in Japan. Cobblestone streets and statues will guide you time travel back to the age of the samurai. You may find some panels alongside the road, telling you stories and allowing you to develop a deeper understanding of this historic place as you walk (although most panels are only written in Japanese). Mixed in with modern buildings such as schools or houses, are the historical structure of Saiki, giving me the feeling of a juxtaposition of modernism and tradition, which is such a special part of Japan. You will also come across a church. This mix of the beauty of Japan and its different traditions and cultures makes it a special destination.
The old houses and their old lanterns can be seen, and if you listen closely you may hear birds singing songs. Using your imagination and all your senses you can paint a vivid portrait of the times of the samurai. This is a small escape from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo’s many urban centers. If you take a closer look at the architecture, you will notice the precision and beauty of it all. As for old buildings, they are maintained well but still bring to the neighborhood the essence of Japan’s feudal past.
Far from a beaten path, a trip to Saiki Castle Ruins will make Japanese cultural enthusiasts delighted, especially those who are interested in the samurai period. So it is a short trip into the past that has kept its appearance of the past.
Check out this 700-meter long road given the name, “The Way of History and Literature” which stretches from the Otemonzeki ruins to Youken-ji Temple. In 1986, it was designated one of the Top 100 Roads in Japan. Cobblestone streets and statues will guide you time travel back to the age of the samurai. You may find some panels alongside the road, telling you stories and allowing you to develop a deeper understanding of this historic place as you walk (although most panels are only written in Japanese). Mixed in with modern buildings such as schools or houses, are the historical structure of Saiki, giving me the feeling of a juxtaposition of modernism and tradition, which is such a special part of Japan. You will also come across a church. This mix of the beauty of Japan and its different traditions and cultures makes it a special destination.
The old houses and their old lanterns can be seen, and if you listen closely you may hear birds singing songs. Using your imagination and all your senses you can paint a vivid portrait of the times of the samurai. This is a small escape from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo’s many urban centers. If you take a closer look at the architecture, you will notice the precision and beauty of it all. As for old buildings, they are maintained well but still bring to the neighborhood the essence of Japan’s feudal past.
Far from a beaten path, a trip to Saiki Castle Ruins will make Japanese cultural enthusiasts delighted, especially those who are interested in the samurai period. So it is a short trip into the past that has kept its appearance of the past.
