Mameda Town in Hita was one of my favorite places on this trip to Kyushu. It was once a tenryo, a territory directly governed by the shogunate during the Edo period, and prospered through commerce. Today, you can still see many preserved traditional buildings throughout the neighborhood, which is why it's also known as “Little Kyoto in Kyushu.”
I actually prefer quiet little places like this to popular tourist attractions.
There aren't tons of tour buses or crowds of tourists. Along the streets, you can see traditional Japanese homes, old houses, and a natural sense of everyday life. I slowly wandered the streets without any particular itinerary. Just looking at the streetscape and taking in the local atmosphere felt very relaxing.
Mameda Town is somewhere I'd like to come back and stroll around again.
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Mameda Town
The Little Kyoto in Kyushu with the townscape from the “Tenryo” Era.
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Hita City, neighboring Fukuoka and Kumamoto, was a prosperous “Tenryo (directly ruled by the Shogunate)” merchant town in Edo Period. The city is still dotted by classic buildings and earthen walls, which earned the nickname “Little Kyoto in Kyushu.” Roughly a 15-minute walk from Hita train station will take you to Mameda Town, where houses of merchants still remain who were providing goods to the Shogunate during the Tenryo Era. The graceful townscape is selected as a National Preservation District for Groups of Historic Buildings.
The traditional homes are used as shops which carry Hita City’s traditional crafts such as Onta Ware, or as breweries, great for souvenir hunting. Kusano Residence belonged to the prefecture’s oldest wealthy merchant and is opened to the public during festivals such as Hinamatsuri, Boy’s Day, Hita Gion, or Hita Tenryo.
From mid February to the end of March, Hina Dolls handed down for generations are displayed for the public view during “Tenryo Hita Ohina Matsuri.” Also, on the Saturday and Sunday in the 2nd week of November, “Hita Tenryo Festival” will recreate Daimyo’s procession with people dressed in Edo period’s samurai attire. Then, “Sen-nen Akari (A Thousand-Year Lights)” is held on the following Friday where 30,000 bamboo lanterns are lit.
Highlights
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Edo-period townscape with wealthy merchants’ residences and earthen walls is preserved in the same old zoning.
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The traditional homes are used as shops, cafes or museums.
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During the Tenryo Hita Ohina Matsuri, inherited Hina Dolls for generations will be displayed for the public.
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During the Hita Tenryo Festival, the procession in Mameta Town is the most exciting.
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The Hita Gion Festival in summer features lavish floats.
Photos
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Around Miyuki Street and Uwamachi Street, Edo-Period townscape still exists
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Shops sell souvenirs made in Hita
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The zoning in 1724 remains to this day
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The townscape in the Edo Period ambience
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Families of pedigree show inherited Hina Dolls during the Tenryo Hita Ohina Matsuri
Reviews
7
Some reviews are AI-translated.
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It has a charming old-fashioned feel, and walking down the streets, you can really feel the atmosphere of the Edo period. The old houses, traditional shops, and streetscapes are all well preserved, making it pleasant to stroll around and take photos at a leisurely pace.
It's not as crowded as major tourist areas, and the pace is very relaxed. You can browse the small shops, buy some souvenirs, and get a feel for local life. Although the area isn't large, it's very -
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I fell in love with the beauty of Mameda Town. Despite the blazing sun, its charming old-fashioned streets felt especially peaceful beneath the blue sky and white clouds.
Hita yokan, century-old soy sauce and miso, and wooden geta sandals are must-try souvenirs. Against the backdrop of white-plastered walls, it’s easy to imagine the Edo-period townhouses and the dedication of their artisans. It feels like stepping into a painting from history. These wonderful memories and reflections are the most precious treasures of any journey ^_^ -
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The streets and buildings are gorgeous! The charming old-fashioned atmosphere also has a cute touch ❤️ Walking around here is so peaceful and relaxing. Whether you’re by a wall, next to a vintage window frame, or just standing along the street, it’s easy to take beautiful, atmospheric photos. It’s truly a lovely place.
There are also some Attack on Titan collaborations here. I love the anime, so spotting Captain Levi around town and inside the shops was such a fun surprise〜 -
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This historic little town is perfect for a relaxing stroll. Definitely worth a visit.
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Details
- Name in Japanese
- 豆田町
- Postal Code
- 877-0005
- Address
- Mamedamachi, Hita City, Oita
- Telephone
- 0973-22-2036 (Hita City Tourism Association)
- Hours
- Free to walk around anytime
- Directions
- From JR Hita Station, walk 17 min.
- Official Website
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Official Website (Japanese)
Kusano Residence (Japanese)
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