Hita, Oita: Exploring the Birthplace of the Attack on Titan (Shingeki no Kyojin) – Part 2
Strolling Through History and Culture in Mamedamachi
While Attack on Titan has undoubtedly brought attention to Hita City, there's so much more to discover in this charming town beyond its connection to the famous manga. Let's explore some other captivating highlights that make Hita City a destination worth visiting in its own right.
Walking through Mamedamachi in Hita City felt like stepping into old Japan. Known for its well-preserved streets dating back to Japan’s Edo period (1603-1868), this historic district was once a prosperous Tenryō merchant town—land directly governed by the Tokugawa shogunate—and many buildings still reflect that Edoperiod aesthetic. It’s officially designated as a Preservation District for Groups of Historic Buildings.
Wander among roughly 100 shops, cafés, and restaurants housed in beautifully maintained merchant homes. For a memorable experience, rent a kimono to walk around or enjoy a leisurely ride on a rickshaw down the quiet lanes. It’s easy to spend a relaxed hour or two soaking in the atmosphere.
History lovers will find plenty to discover in museums and old sake breweries scattered around town. In spring, from mid-February to March, the streets brighten during the Tenryō Hita Ohina Matsuri (Doll Festival). Families display heirloom Hina dolls in their homes and storefronts. The festive displays create a joyful and colorful atmosphere. Meanwhile, in summer, the Hita Gion Festival takes center stage, as yamahoko floats—recognized on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list— brighten the town as they parade through the streets. This tradition, celebrated for over 300 years, is held to pray for safety and health. The elaborate floats feature life-sized dolls portraying famous kabuki scenes, accompanied by live Gion-bayashi festival music.
Notable Spots in Mamedamachi
Kuncho Sake Brewery Museum
Dive into Hita’s sake-making history at the Kuncho Sake Brewery Museum. Located inside a historic sake brewery dating back to 1826, the museum has an authentic atmosphere reflecting traditional brewing practices. Exhibits include fascinating equipment from the Edo through Showa periods, such as large wooden vats, steamers, and winches, creating an immersive experience. Entry is free, so you can easily drop by for a casual visit.
Besides exploring the exhibits, you can shop for limited-edition sake varieties at the liquor store and enjoy sake tastings.
The museum also features the café and gallery “Sakabayashi” that offers amazake soft serve, sake-infused sweets, and unique sake ware that make perfect souvenirs.
Address 6-31, Mamedamachi, Hita-shi, Oita 877-0005
Official website https://www.kuncho.net/company/
Tenryo Hina Goten Museum
If you can’t visit during the Doll Festival, don’t worry—you can still enjoy an impressive collection of Hina dolls year-round at the Hina Goten Museum. At first glance, you might not realize it’s a museum—its front shop sells high-quality miso, soy sauce, and other regional specialties.
Inside, you’ll find around 4,000 Hina dolls collected by the third-generation owner of Hita Shoyu, displayed across ten themed rooms, including precious antique dolls from the Edo period.
The museum also features one of Japan’s tallest Hina dolls, standing at 60cm. The intricate details and craftsmanship reflect the area’s cultural richness—especially vivid during festival season, when the displays seem to come to life.
In addition to the exhibits, you can shop for local miso, soy sauce, and regional goods — including a unique soy sauce-flavored soft-serve ice cream, available only at this location.
Admission is just 300 yen, and the museum is conveniently located near other historic buildings and quaint shops, making it a seamless addition to your sightseeing itinerary.
Address 13-6 Mameda-machi, Hita City, Oita Prefecture
Official website https://shop.hitasyouyu.com/html/page1.html#hinagoten
Kangien
Founded in 1805 by Neo-Confucian scholar Hirose Tansō, Kangien was a groundbreaking private school that welcomed students regardless of age, gender, or social status—a rare concept during the Edo period.
The name "Kangien" comes from a line in the Chinese classic Shi Jing, meaning roughly “everything is good,” reflecting a philosophy of respect for each student’s individuality.
At its peak, the school educated over 5,000 students and was one of the largest private academies in Japan. Kangien introduced innovative methods such as monthly merit-based progress reviews and emphasized personalized learning. Today, the site includes preserved buildings like Shūfūan and Enshirō, as well as a research center that introduces visitors to the educational ideals and legacy of Tansō.
Address 2 Chome-2-13 Tanso, Hita, Oita 877-0012
Official website https://www.city.hita.oita.jp/shisetsu/kangien/index.html
Special Event Highlight
Attack on Titan in HITA FEST
One of the most exciting events in Mameda-machi is the interactive puzzle game organized as part of the Attack on Titan in HITA FEST (Festival), held under the Japan Cultural Expo project. This town-wide mystery-solving game takes place across Hita’s historic Mameda-machi and Kangien blending the world of AOT with real-life local exploration.
One of the most exciting events in Mameda-machi is the interactive puzzle game organized as part of the Attack on Titan in HITA FEST (Festival), held under the Japan Cultural Expo project. This town-wide mystery-solving game takes place across Hita’s historic Mameda-machi and Kangien blending the world of AOT with real-life local exploration.
Other festival highlights include:
- A limited-time collaboration café produced by world-renowned chef Salvatore Cuomo
- A special exhibition showcasing rare Attack on Titan items and life-size figures
- A stage event featuring voice actors
- Tour programs with multilingual support
- Hands-on experiences combining traditional Japanese crafts with Attack on Titan themes
Attack on Titan in HITA FEST Overall Period: December 6, 2025 – March 1, 2026
Whether you're exploring with friends or venturing solo, this is a one-of-a-kind event offers an unforgettable cultural crossover experience that fans and newcomers alike can enjoy.