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Hita (日田市 Hita-shi) is a small city located in the west of Oita prefecture, Japan.

The Mikuma river running through Hita

[edit] Get in

[edit] By bus

Hita is linked with Oita and Fukuoka cities by regular highway bus services. Buses to and from Fukuoka run approximately every 20 minutes between 6AM and 12 midnight.

[edit] By train

[edit] By car

[edit] Get around

[edit][add listing] See

Onta pottery drying in the sun

• Gion Festival Centre, Kuma-2-chome (隈2-丁目) 7-10, +81-973-24-6453. 9AM-5PM, closed Wednesday. This small museum details the history and activities surrounding Hita's annual summer Gion festival, exhibiting six full sized floats. ¥310 entry.

• Bamboo Fish Traps, Takedashin-machi (竹田新町) (next to the Mikuma river), +81-973-24-0420. End of July to the beginning of November, 10AM-9PM (10AM-5PM from mid-September). Bamboo fish traps (鮎簗 ayuyana) are erected in the Mikuma river in late summer. Hapless sweetfish (鮎 ayu) are captured, covered in salt and grilled and can be enjoyed with a cool beer, looking out on the river.

• Sapporo Beer Factory, Takase (高瀬) 6979, +81-973-25-110 (info@sapporobeer.jp) [1]. Open weekdays 9:45AM-5:15PM (closed Wednesdays) and public holidays 8:45AM-5:30PM. A must-visit attraction for fans of Japanese beer. Located on a hill offering great views of the city, the factory offers visitors a free guided tour of the facilities followed by a 20 minute free drinking session. Reservations advisable.

• Onta Pottery Village (小鹿田焼村). A small mountain village based around production of distinctive Onta-yaki style pottery. The pottery is still made via the traditional method, introduced to the area by Korean potters in the 16th Century. Water driven, see-saw pounders grind down the local clay for moulding into plates, pots, cups and other ceramics. The sound of the see-saws and running water combined with the scenic mountainside create a tranquil atmosphere.

• Amagase Spa Town, Amagase-machi (天ヶ瀬町). A popular hot-spring resort town about 30 minutes drive from Hita. There are many different types of hot spring overlooking the Mikuma river. These even include a rose petal bath!

[edit][add listing] Do

[edit][add listing] Buy

• Onta Pottery - Various types of ceramic produced in the distinctive Onta-yaki style can be purchased in Hita. Pottery can be purchased from the workshops in Onta village itself or from a number of shops in Mameda-machi.

• Woodcraft - Hita is famous for its quality bamboo and cedar timbers. Wood-carving has been ongoing since the Meiji period. Beautifully grained wooden clogs (下駄 geta) are the local speciality. Many products can be purchased in Mameda-machi.

[edit][add listing] Eat

• Ajito, near Hita station, opposite Daiei supermarket, +81-973-24-2880. One of the many Japanese pubs (居酒屋 izakaya) in Hita. Both Western and Japanese influenced food. Not traditional. English menus available.

• Ohara-ya, Tashima-2-chome (田島２丁目) (50m east of the city hall). This very small street-corner cafe type restaurant serving sandwiches, fried chicken and pasta. International menu. Not traditional. English menus available.

• Ichijiku, Honjo-machi （本庄町1-2） Traditional Japanese cabbage pancakes - okonomiyaki. It is called okonomiyaki. English menus available.

• Takashima, Sanbonmatsu, in the NT Building, across from the Meiji Pachinko Palour. This is one of Hita's best pubs "izakaya". Lunch is a bargin at about 700 yen for a set meal (rice, soup, various vegetable dishes and a main) Recommended dishes are Chicken Nanban and Tonkatsu, although all are very good. Great value for money. No English menu.

[edit][add listing] Drink

• Xi Amazing Bar, This is a sports bar/flare cocktail bar. The bar staff are very friendly and will put on a show of their cocktail spinning skills if you ask. Great drinks, great fun.

• If, This tiny cocktail bar with under ten seats but over 400 bottles of spirit lining the walls is run by the English-speaking Kohda-san. He was a former cocktail making champion and he will make you any cocktail you can name, or tailor one to your liking. Intimate and chilled.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

• Hotel Socia (ホテルソシア), Moto-machi (元町) 17-3 (100m south of Hita station), +81-973-24-6000 (Fax: +81-973-24-3020) [2]. Open 24/7. This is the largest hotel in Hita and conveniently located close to the station and centre of town. The manager Umeyama-san speaks good English and is very helpful. Rooms from ¥7500-¥20000. Ladies rooms and Japanese style also available. 20% discount if booked online.

• Plaza Hotel Fujinoi (プラザホテルフジノイ), Moto-machi (元町) 19-27 (behind Hita bus centre), +81-973-24-7000 (Fax: +81-973-22-1551) [3]. Open 24/7. A smaller and slightly cheaper hotel than the Socia, but just as conveniently located. The manager is the same helpful Umeyama-san who also manages the Socia. Single room ¥5000, Twin ¥9600. Small discount if booked online.

[edit] Get out

Kurume ←

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→ Yufu → Oita