Hita, Oita: Exploring the Birthplace of the Attack on Titan (Shingeki no Kyojin) – Part 1
Shingeki no Kyojin (進撃の巨人), known worldwide as Attack on Titan (AOT), is more than just a hit manga and anime series.
Even after the manga concluded in 2021, running for 11.5 years, and the final anime episode aired in 2023, fans worldwide continue to be drawn to its powerful story, unforgettable characters, and deep, thought-provoking themes.
But have you ever wondered where it all began?
How did the author, Hajime Isayama, weave such complex storylines—filled with brutal battles, emotional twists, and the hilarious antics of its characters—into a dark and gripping narrative? Let’s take a journey to where it all started: Hita City in Oita Prefecture, the hometown of the creator himself. This is where imagination met inspiration—and where Attack on Titan was born.
Where Fiction Became Reality
For fans of the Attack on Titan manga and anime, Hita offers more than just sightseeing — it’s a journey to the birthplace of a story that captured countless hearts. But even if you’re not a fan, Hita has a charm all its own. Located in the heart of northern Kyushu, this “city in the mountains” is known for its scenic rivers, nostalgic townscape, and relaxing onsen. For the city itself, Attack on Titan has become a symbol of cultural pride and a growing force for tourism, attracting visitors from Japan and beyond to discover the author’s roots and experience the peaceful, inspiring atmosphere that helped shape his imagination.
Isayama, born and raised in Hita City, Oita Prefecture, created the globally acclaimed Attack on Titan as a dark fantasy manga. Today, the city has embraced this legacy through dedicated Attack on Titan-related spots, region-exclusive collaboration goods, and bronze statues commemorating the series' beloved characters.
To reach Hita City, take a special express train from JR Hakata Station to JR Hita Station — the journey takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. As soon as you arrive at the platform, the scenery begins to shift — the ordinary view of houses, buildings, and greenery gives way to Attack on Titan-themed artworks and decorations, immediately immersing you in the world of the series.
If you want an easy way to explore the various sites — including rare character posters exclusive to Hita, statues, and locations tied to the series and its creator — head to the Hita Tourist Information Center located on the west side of the station. (Turn right after exiting the station.) The friendly staff will be more than happy to assist you.
Before setting out, we recommend downloading the Attack on Titan in HITA app. Along with an interactive mobile game based on the manga, the app uses augmented reality to merge the world of Attack on Titan with real locations in Hita.
A signboard outside JR Hita Station guides visitors to AR spots using the “Attack on Titan in HITA” app, turning your visit into an interactive adventure through the world of Titans.
The app includes:
- Stamp Rally: Scan QR codes at locations around the city. Collect three to join the Treasure Box Challenge and win a prize.
- Coupons: Access discounts at local shops and attractions.
- Tour Guide: Use the in-app map and descriptions to explore major spots at your own pace.
- AR Experience: Bring Titans and AOT characters into your phone screens, allowing you to take photos with special AR effects.
Throughout the city, you’ll also spot “Attack on Titan in HITA Concierge Spots” — clearly marked support points where staff offer travel tips, merchandise info, and multilingual assistance.
Major Attack on Titan Spots to Visit
JR Hita Station
Just a short walk south from JR Hita Station, in the Hita Station South Plaza, you'll be greeted by a striking bronze statue of Squad Captain Levi Ackerman. This statue, along with another featuring Eren, Mikasa, and Armin (see below), was created through a crowdfunding project led by local volunteers. The campaign gained widespread attention from fans around the world and raised more than its original goal—proving just how beloved the series is.
Address 11-1 Motomachi, Hita City, Oita Prefecture 877-0013
Official website https://shingeki-hita.com/spot/016.html
Oyama Dam
Another must-see location is Oyama Dam. Surrounded by lush greenery, the dam features a dramatic statue of Eren, Mikasa, and Armin, recreating the iconic scene where they first witnessed a Titan breaching Wall Maria. The dam itself doubles as the backdrop for this recreation, with its towering 94-meter wall evoking the manga’s Wall Maria.
With the app’s AR features, you can also add effects like the Colossal Titan looming overhead — making for unforgettable photos.
You can also go to the top of the dam and see the perspective of a Titan looking down at the three protagonists. The panoramic view of Ushuku Lake and the surrounding mountains provides a peaceful contrast to the intense energy of the statue’s narrative.
Address 2008-1 Nishi-Oyama, Oyamamachi, Nishioyama, Hita city, Oita, 877-0201
Official website https://shingeki-hita.com/spot/001.html
Attack on Titan in HITA Museum
The Attack on Titan in HITA Museum, located adjacent to the Mizube no Sato Oyama Rest Area, is a must-visit for fans and art enthusiasts alike. Inside, you’ll enter an exhibit space filled with original posters, character sketches, and behind-the-scenes materials from Isayama’s early career.
One of the most moving parts of the museum was seeing Isayama’s desk — complete with his tools and personal items. Sitting in the same chair where the world of Titans was born gave me goosebumps. Many of the works on display have never been shown to the public before, so viewing them for the first time left a deep and lasting impression.
Address 4106 Oyamamachi Nishioyama, Hita City, Oita Prefecture 877-0201
Official website https://shingeki-hita.com/spot/017.html
Attack on Titan in HITA Museum ANNEX
Meanwhile, the Attack on Titan in HITA Museum ANNEX allows you to dive even deeper into Isayama’s creative process and the emotional heart of the series. Located on the grounds of the Sapporo Beer Kyushu Hita Brewery, the ANNEX is a short 13-minute drive from Hita Station and features ample parking for visitors arriving by car.
Inside, the museum showcases hand-picked illustrations from Attack on Titan Volumes 1 to 34, each accompanied by personal commentary from Isayama himself. Reading his reflections while viewing the artwork offers a deeper understanding of the emotional layers behind each scene. You’ll find his regrets, dreams, and even some laugh-out-loud commentary — all of which make the exhibit feel very personal and human. The walls are adorned with comic collages, and the entire space feels like a living tribute to the manga’s legacy.
One of the most striking features is the Immersive Comic: a panoramic digital projection inside a three-screen box-shaped room that makes it feel like you’ve stepped straight into the pages of the manga.
You’ll also find childhood photos and early sketches from Isayama, displayed alongside yearly portraits, tracing his journey from childhood to high school and offering insight into the roots of his imagination.
Visitors can also admire the newly drawn ANNEX banner, featuring the Survey Corps in a playful scene behind a Titan-version of the author himself. Nearby, life-size character cutouts from the 10th anniversary of the TV anime also line the space, making for fun and nostalgic photo ops.
The venue also provides multilingual support, ensuring international visitors feel welcomed and informed throughout their experience. I left feeling not only inspired by the artistry, but also deeply moved by how thoughtfully the city honors the birthplace of such an incredibly powerful story.
Address 979 Oaza Takase, Hita City, Oita Prefecture, 877-0054 (On the premises of the Sapporo Beer Kyushu Hita Brewery)
Official website https://shingeki-hita.com/spot/022.html