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Time Travel to the Town of Tenryo. Blissful car tour guide to Hita and Mameda Town, where you will be overwhelmed by the 4,000 "Hinamotoden" hina dolls.
Index
Hita City, Oita Prefecture. During the Edo period (1603-1867), the city was directly ruled by the shogunate as the political and economic center of Kyushu, and was known as "Tenryo. Mamedamachi, the center of the city, is still lined with white-walled warehouses that gently welcome visitors.
This time, we will navigate you through a driving course that will definitely satisfy you, from a stroll in Mameda Town, which is fun only if you visit with a camper or your car, to the excitement of "Hina Goten" and shopping at the long-established "Hita Soy Sauce".
Strolling in Mameda-cho｜Enjoying the Edo atmosphere with "Karankoron
First, go to the center of Mameda Town. Even with a large camper, you can use the municipal parking lot on the outskirts of town or the large parking lot of "Hita Soy Sauce" as a base, and then walk around the rest of the town in comfort.
1. "Nippon Marukan," an architectural beauty that tells the story of history
The landmark of Mameda-cho is here. It is the building of Iwao Yakuho, which used to manufacture and sell "Nihonmaru," a panacea in the past.
- Highlights: The tower is a rare "four-story, three-story wooden structure. From the observation space built by wealthy merchants of the time to look out over the town, you can see the sea of tiled roofs that blend in with the modern townscape. Momotosebina" are also on display here, raising expectations for the "Hina Goten" to which we are heading.
Reference: Nihonmarukan | Oita Prefecture's official website for sightseeing information on Oita Prefecture, Japan's number one "Onsen Prefecture
https://www.visit-oita.jp/spots/detail/4532
2. "Hita Geta" where tradition and modernity intersect
Hita is one of the three major geta producing areas in Japan. Geta made from traditional Hita cedar are surprisingly light and comfortable on bare feet.
- Experience: There is a store known as "Geta Oji" that offers a wide variety of colorful geta with a nose strap that fits in with modern fashion. Find your own pair and walk along the cobblestone streets with a "clang-clang" sound. ...... This is the best part of driving in Hita.
3. feel the life of the brewery at the Kuncho Sake Brewery
A large warehouse built in 1826 remains as a historic sake brewery.
- Fun: After touring the museum, which displays sake brewing tools, visit the store, where you will be surrounded by the aroma of sake. For those in charge of driving, we recommend the alcohol-free Ginjo Ice Cream and flavorful Sake Kasu bread.
Reference: Kaorucho Sake Brewery | Oita Prefecture, Japan's number one "Onsen Prefecture" official website for tourism information
https://www.visit-oita.jp/spots/detail/9253
Hina Goten｜4,000 dolls tell the story of "prayer
The highlight of the tour is the “Hina Goten” operated by the Hita Soy Sauce Company. This is not just an exhibition facility, but a "sanctuary for Hina dolls" where you will be overwhelmed by the energy of the thousands of dolls.
From Heian to Modern Times. Evolving Hina Dolls
Once you step inside, you will find approximately 3,800 to 4,000 dolls filling the room.
- Old Hina of Edo: A dignified expression as a "guardian" to protect the girl from disaster.
- Meiji - Taisho: With time, the expression softened to a figure that we today find "cute".
- Showa - Modern: Gorgeous and gorgeous creative china dolls that are the ultimate in beauty as art.
In particular, the grand staircase lined with giant dolls, the tallest in Japan, is breathtaking in scale.
Hita Soy Sauce｜Take home the taste of the Emperor's gift as a memento of your trip.
Waiting for you at the impressive exit of Hina Goten is the direct sales store of Hita Soy Sauce, a long-established company founded in 1859. Heavy souvenirs can be purchased without hesitation when traveling by car.
1. "The most exquisite taste" honored as a gift to the Emperor
Hita's pure water and traditional techniques that have remained unchanged for 170 years. The miso and soy sauce that our craftsmen make while listening to the voice of koji is a gem, and even the Emperor Showa recognized its taste.
2. dedicated to car travelers! 3. 3 Must-Buy
- Kikkori Miso: No. 1 among repeat customers, this rich aroma made from barley, soybeans, and rice is unforgettable once tasted.
- This one." This is all you need to make your food taste like a pro. This magical all-purpose sauce can be used for simmered dishes, oyakodon (chicken and egg bowl), udon noodles, and everything in between.
- Sashimi Soy Sauce: Kyushu's typical sweetness and richness. Be sure to try it with local sashimi at tonight's dinner in the car.
An earful for drivers: The parking lot at Hita Soy Sauce is very spacious and safe for large campers. The parking lot is right in front of the store, so miso and soy sauce purchased in large quantities can be quickly loaded in a cart.
If you're heading to this spot, this is the place to base yourself!
How would you like to spend your time after enjoying the atmosphere of the Tenryo, the overwhelming world view of "Hina Goten" and shopping at Hita Soy Sauce? Among the spots listed in "Flat," we have picked out a few that are easy to use as a set with sightseeing in Hita.
(1) Progressive history and waterside healing "Roadside Station: Suiben-no-sato Oyama
It takes about 15 minutes by car from "Hinagoden". After a stroll through history, why not stretch your wings by the riverside in a rich natural setting?
- Here's a guess: It is also home to the "Shinkage no Kyojin Museum" by Hajime Isayama, a manga artist from Hita. It is a luxurious base where visitors can enjoy both traditional and modern culture in one day.
If you want to leave for Aso or Kumamoto the next day, go to "Michi no Eki Taio Kinzan" (Roadside Station Taio Kinzan).
For active people who want to enjoy a real mountain drive further south from Hita, click here.
- Here's a guess: It is uniquely located on the site of the largest gold mine in the East. An auto-camping site is also available, where you can fall into a deep sleep under a star-filled sky in the quiet mountain setting.
In summary: Load up on history and move on to your next destination.
The face of Edo period, the prayers embodied in dolls, and the taste of a tradition that has continued for 170 years. A trip to Hita and Mameda Town will be a special time that will satisfy both your heart and your stomach.
After loading your favorite miso into the sideboard, you can enjoy local delicacies at a roadside station in the evening. Why don't you experience such a luxurious car trip?
The alleys of Mameda-cho are charming, but be careful moving around as there are many pedestrians. Drive safely and enjoy your trip to rediscover the charm of Kyushu!
