Mameda Town
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.
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 ^_^
