I guess Japanese cherry blossoms are famous worldwide. There are several kinds of cherry blossoms. This time I will introduce "Yaizakura". This type of cherry blossoms bloom about a week later than ordinary cherry blossoms. In addition, it is characterized by more petals than ordinary cherry blossoms. In Hita City, there is a place where this "Yazakura" tree-lined avenue is 1 kilometer. There are about 200 trees. When it is in full bloom it is very beautiful. I like this. In the evening, it will light up.

The other day, I introduced "Hita yakisoba" on this blog. Do you remember? Today I will introduce Hita's unique ceremony. For all high school students in Hita City, free tickets for "Hita Yakisoba" will be distributed on the day of their graduation ceremonies. However, it is condition that they come to Hita station at the specified time. They can receive "Hita Yakisoba" and "Congratulations congratulations" ale.

There are abundant delicious groundwater in Hita City. For that reason, we have a national maker brewery , a “Shochu” maker brewery and a rock ice maker factory. There is also a famous brand of mineral water factory, brewery of sake. In addition, there is also a plum liqueur brewery. So, I also enjoy drinking happily.

This picture is one of ramen. However, it is different from ordinary Japanese noodles. The soup of that ramen is soy sauce taste. This is normal.
The characteristic is that tomatoes and celery are frying in it. In addition, when ordering very hot, there are plenty of chili and I love it. However, even if I introduce it to a Thai friend, "It is normal," the friend says. Certainly, there are many hot and delicious dishes in Thailand.

Tansosan

In Japan, funny characters like this picture are popular in recent years. In particular, it is often used as a method to introduce local areas. Characters of local food, things that designed the regional landscape etc ... There are so many such characters in Japan. The character of Hita City is the character on the right of the photo. We say “Tansosan". "Tansosan" is a character of a famous scholar in Hita city of the Edo period. Hita people respect "Tansosan".

Kuncho Brewery

We also visited the Kuncho Brewery Museum. There were so many types of alcohol in the museum! Each alcohol had a different way it had to be served and there were many flavors too. The museum also had amasake which was great to drink in the chilly weather (amasake has no alcohol).
The Kuncho Brewery was one of the places we could receive a stamp for the stamp rally so we got our second stamp from here.

Mameda is not only full of history and culture, but also has a lot of talent. Today we got our portraits done at a booth outside of Tenryo Hita Museum! She not not only drew portraits of us, but she also drew us inspired by Dragon Ball Z characters. When you visit Mameda, you should definitely get your portrait done by this caricature artist in this little shop!

lucky Yebisu Sama.

This is the lucky Yebisu Sama. As you can see, there are two fish next to Yebisu Sama. Normally there is only one fish but if you see two on your can, then you have the lucky Yebisu!

Hita’s traditional pottery called Ontayaki has been a tradition passed down for generations. There is a whole town in Hita where the people that live in it dedicate their lives to this type of pottery. 

In this town, we could experience the effort that is put into making these pots. After experiencing the history of Ontayaki, you can purchase the pots in Mamedamachi. Just seeing the process of making the pot, you cannot help but want to buy one of the beautiful pieces of pottery. Once you come to Hita, we definitely recommend to visit the Ontayaki town.

There are many activities you can enjoy during the summer in Hita. One of the main activities you can enjoy is fishing! You can fish by the river and you can take the fishes you caught home and cook it yourself. You can also eat the fish right after you are done! Even though the weather is very hot during the summer in Japan, the temperature of the rivers stays cool making it perfect to escape the hot and humid summer. I recommend you to come to Hita during the summer to enjoy the cool river and fish

Spring season in Hita is the best opportunity to enjoy Japan’s famous sakura.

Spring season in Hita is the best opportunity to enjoy Japan’s famous sakura. We took full advantage of the spring in Japan and saw many sakura trees today. 

One type of sakura that we saw today was the Shidare-zakura. In English, it can be translated to “weeping sakura”. The branches on this tree are droopy, hence the name ‘weeping’. The Shidare-zakura was beautiful. In order to enjoy a proper hanami, you should come to Hita and experience all the different types of flowers that bloom in the spring!

Ohara Ohshidare Sakura

Hita's famous cherry blossom  "Ohara Ohshidare Sakura".
It has estimated over 200 years, it is a very big cherry tree, so even one can be worth seeing. Cherry blossoms of the type "weeping cherry" bloom earlier about one week than ordinary cherry blossoms. The point of view is from the end of March to the beginning of April. Only about one week!
 The people of Hita are looking forward to seeing this “Sakura"  once a year. It is one of Hita's very important "treasure". I would like everyone to see it.

KIMONO

Hita City is called "Little Kyoto" and there are Japanese historical streets and cultures. Among them, I introduce the culture of kimono this time. If you wear kimono,you have to master skills. People who have learned that technique so much can wear clothes by themselves. However, most Japanese people today do not master the techniques, so have classrooms to master put on kimonos. Hita City also has several classrooms to master this technichs. There are about one teacher and about 10 to 20 students.We tend to look up to such people.

Sleeping train

About half a century ago from now, "sleeper train" was often used when traveling a long distance in Japan. Currently it is not used much because there are faster means of transport such as Shinkansen or airplane. However, there are people who like the shape and decoration of this old "sleeper train". It is a reason why it is liked also that the idea for relaxing even in a small space is also made in some places. Hita City has a spot the old "Sleeping train" which is not running to the place called “Tenryosui no sato genki no Eki”.It is free to enter inside.

HITA Yakisoba

In Hita City, there is "high-class" dish that only Hita wants to eat at once. I will introduce it furure in this blog. On the other hand, I will introduce the dishes that Hita’s people eat daily, not so expensive. The name is "Hita yakisoba". "Yakisoba" is a dish that flied noodles with vegetables and meat and sauce. It is popular food in Japan. Unlike ordinary yakisoba, Hita Yakisoba is crispy noodles. This feature is not in other areas. It is a menu provided at a ramen shop in Hita city. Many of Hita’s people love this.

In Hita City, there is "high-class" dish that only Hita wants to eat at once.

In Hita City, there is "high-class" dish that only Hita wants to eat at once. However, I will introduce future it in this blog. On the other hand, I will introduce the dishes that Hita’s people eats regularly, not so much expensive. That is "Katsudon". “Katusdon" is a very popular dish in Japan and you can eat it at many restaurants. It is a dish A bowl of rice topped with slices of deep-fried pork. Hita also has several shops delicious this dish.

Tenryo Hina Goten!

 As soon as we entered we were greeted with samples of miso soup. It was the best miso soup I have ever had! Even though it was just miso with no other ingredients, it was very flavorful.

It was great to experience the largest collection of Hina Ningyo. Each Hina Ningyo had a different facial expression and there was so much detail in each piece. It was fascinating to think that the dolls were over 200 years old. It was cool to see how they withstood the test of time.

Iwaoyakuho Nihongan House.

We visited the oldest pharmacy in Mameda which first opened in 1855. It is called the Iwaoyakuho Nihongan House.The shop specializes in medicine for stomach pain. The shop owner was very kind and welcoming. As soon as you walk into the store, you will notice a very strong medicinal aroma. The shop is full of old medicine and its history.
 

Do you know this big brown ball?

Do you know this big brown ball?
This is called Sugitama.
If you find this ball in front of the liquor shop, it means that shop made new Sake(Japanese liquor).
I really recommend you to drink Sake. It's soooo good!!

It was very good place. This place in the cafe shop.

It was very good place.
This place in the cafe shop.

The one of the event "SEN-NEN AKARI" citizen in beginning of autumn in Hita is a festival of made light.

The one of the event "SEN-NEN AKARI" citizen in beginning of autumn in Hita is a festival of made light.
This is the old temple in Mamedamachi. People wish peace and prosperity and light a garden lantern.

The one of the event "one thousand year light" citizen in beginning of autumn in Hita is 30,000 of made light.

The one of the event "one thousand year light" citizen in beginning of autumn in Hita is 30,000 of made light.
People wish peace and prosperity to KAGETU river, and light a garden lantern.

Takatsuka Atago Jizoson

Takatsuka atago jizoson in Amagase-machi, Hita City.
Locally called "Takatsuka-san" by nickname, Jizo has about 2000 bodies
Because the Jizo is in many places, let's go and talk with your hands together.
There are benefits for fulfillment of various wishes such as illness, academic, business.
Every year we attract a large number of worshipers, now more than 2 million visitors arrive.
Because it is far to walk, I recommend using a bus.
By all means, since it is Hita's power spot, how about visiting?

Matsuo Shrine

Matsuo Shrine in Uchikawa-machi, Hita City is a shrine built in 1769.
It is said that there are benefits for people who do not have marriage or those without children.
After worshiping, it is said that it is good to make one lap around the left.
Matsuo Shrine where a distinctive object is enshrined, but local people are called "kinousama" and they are popular.
On the second Sunday of April every year the "Festival yesterday festival" is held and crowded with local people.
By all means, it is a spot I would like you to visit for newlyweds

Sapporo Beer Factory

"Sapporo Beer Kyushu Hita Plant" founded in 2000 is a state of the art factory located in Takase-machi, Hita City.
At the beer factory tour you can see the history and manufacturing process of beer.
After visiting you can taste a fresh beer.
There are also places where you can buy souvenirs of Hita in the premises.
At the renewed restaurant you can eat delicious beer and cuisine while overlooking the city of Hita.
For beer lovers it is a sightseeing spot that you would like to visit.

Amagase Onsen

There is a lot of hot springs in Amagase-cho in Hita City.
About 20 inns are open around the Kusu river.
There are five joint open-air baths along the river, and you can easily enter the hot spring simply by placing 100 yen in the fee box
While feeling the wind, the hot spring that enters while watching the river spreading in front of you is perfectly comfortable.
Nearby there is footbath to enter for free and you can enjoy hot springs.
Towels and soap are not installed so let's take it as you will not forget.

During you are riding a sightseeing boat

During you are riding a sightseeing boat, you can know the history in Hita from the captain. It must be great tour!

Capture of freshwater fish starts at MIKUMA river in early morning in Hita.

Capture of freshwater fish starts at MIKUMA river in early morning in Hita.

There is a festival in May every year here.

I live in Hita city Oita Japan. My hometown Hita city is Basin. A river is flowing the center of the town."The MIKUMA river"
There is a festival in May every year here. Fireworks are set here.
This pictures The MIKUMA river.

Mango shaved ice

Mango shaved ice is a new tradition of Hita. There are in front of "Kangien" the private school which taught Confucianism 200 years ago, a small shop is always full of customers.

The ripe mango was from Miyazaki the special producing area in Japan. It was made by contracted farmers and It's on anywhere the fluffy shaved ice because they use it a whole one and even plate are made by ice, it is one of the most luxurious shaved ice in this country.

Japanese famous idol groups also came here. Please come Hita to visit "kangien" the Japan heritage and try it. Mango shaved ice is limited summer that is best season of mango but other shaved ice always you can eat.

Gion Festival!

Summertime in Hita is very hot and humid but there's something we always look forward to - the great Gion Festival! Gion is one of the oldest festivals in Hita.
It dates back to the 17th century when it was created to keep the Spirits happy and to prevent any plagues.
The highlights of the festival are the nine huge and colorful yamaboko floats that circulate around the city along with the beautiful sounds of Gion's festival music.
On the night before the parade we celebrate what is called "Shuudan Kao-mise". Illuminated yamaboko floats are arranged at Hita Station to mark the greeting and beginning of the festival.
The Yamaboko events of Gion Festival are recognized as a UNESCO cultural heritage.
Can't come in the summer heat? Don't worry. You can visit Hita Gion Kaikan where the Yamaboko floats are on display year-round.

Miso and soy sauce are famous for Japanese seasonings.

Miso and soy sauce are famous for Japanese seasonings.
There are many shops in Hita city, and there are shops where you can taste and sample.
Miso is a fermented food, made by fermenting soybeans into a paste.
Soy sauce is a sauce made from soybeans, fermented soybeans and wheat and made
Both are indispensable seasonings in Japan and are used for many dishes.
It is also popular for souvenirs and many tourists will buy it
As it is a unique seasoning in Japan, how about trying one?

In Hita, Hita Gion festival will be held in July.

In Hita, Hita Gion festival will be held in July.
The yamahoko used in the festival is more than 10 meters high and weighs more than 4 tons.
Men draw the yamahoko for three days
In the night the light of the lantern illuminates yamahoko and it is wrapped in a different atmosphere from daytime.
Yamahoko is decorated gorgeously, and the doll is made with kabuki as a motif.
It is a festival that is hard to see in Japan, so why do not you come and see it?

There are several rhododendrons in the mountain area of Hita City.

There are several rhododendrons in the mountain area of Hita City. Among them, Oyama Raku Rakuen Garden in Oyama Town is the largest in Western Japan, with 20,000 rhododendrons of 100 kinds blooming on the site of about 65000 m².
You can enjoy flowering sequentially from mid April until late May. There is another Kawazu Raku-ji Garden in Maizu-cho, there is a variant of Tsukushi Raku-nage called Himiko, which is certified as the first international registration of the Royal Horticultural Society of the UK

Tenryo Hita Hinamatsuri

In Hita City, the "Tenryo Hita Hinamatsuri" will be held from February 15th to March 31st.
At the doll festival we decorate dolls called hina dolls and pray for the health and happiness of girls.
Each hina doll is wearing a court costume in the Heian period.
Hina dolls and hina tools are exhibited and released all together at about 20 old houses and museums in the city, especially in Toyoda cho, there are lots of tourists crowded.
Why do not you try making a bird sightseeing during this time when spring is coming？

Speaking of famous sweets in Hita city, it is buckwheat buns.

Speaking of famous sweets in Hita city, it is buckwheat buns.
Buckwheat flour is used for buckwheat buns.
It is made by wrapping bean paste and steaming it on a dough made with buckwheat flour.
Outside skin is pretty, compatibility with bean paste is preeminent.
It is sold in a bite size, and you can buy it from about 100 yen per piece.
There are plenty of buckwheat noodle shops in Hita City, and some shops are open around 200 years ago.
Also, various kinds of buckwheat noodles are sold by each shop.
Why do not you try buying it as a souvenir?

Karaage

In Oita prefecture, foods using chicken such as "Toriten" and "Karaage" are famous.
Also in Hita City Karaage is famous, there are many fried shop in the city.
Karaage is the food fried chicken with flour and fried in oil.
Karaage is a delicious meat juice.
You can eat with a sense of snack when you are hungry or you can enjoy various tastes depending on your shop.
By all means, I would like to have you eat if you come to Hita City!

Ohara shrine, The Ambience

Ohara shrine is the largest shrine in Hita city where Hachimangu sits.
In the front yard, I feel a long history of this place being surrounded by beautiful nature and trees that are hundreds of years old.
At the end of September, the shrine faces the busiest'' season, as "Houjoue or hojoya festival" is held in the shrine.
It is a harvest festival where game and fish are released to the forest and the river in order to show respect and appreciation for all creatures including ones that were killed to feed people.
Also, people are reminded to prohibit unnecessary destruction of life in order to sustain Earth's Eco-system, as humans can only exist in this Eco-system.
I also love to spend very quite time on weekdays where hardly any visitors are enjoying the solemn, clean and transparent ambience of the shrine.