Hita prospered as Tenryo* during the Edo period, and still remaining old buildings and historical places. When you take a walk around Mameda area, you would feel like you’re in ancient Japanese town, hence sometimes Hita is called “little Kyoto.” Wear kimono and Hita geta (Japanese sandals), then go exploring Mameda street!
There are a lot of souvenir shops, and they sell a variety of goods, such as say sauce, sake, chopsticks… Also you’ll find good restaurants, cozy little cafes, and historic sites. No doubt you can enjoy spending time walking, taking picture, and find something new in Mameda!
*area where controlled directory under the Edo Shogunate.
JR Hita station has renovated in 2015 by a famous designer Eiji Mitooka who creates remarkable works especially in train designs. As forestry is the main industry in Hita, he made full use of cedar lumber in the construction. Inside the station is filled with pleasant smell of cedar,and the exterior is painted in dark grey to express the aspect of historical city. Now this station became one of the spots represents Hita,and quietly but warmly welcomes a lot of tourists. When you get off from the train, you’ll see a unique photo spotin front of the station. It’s the letter of Hita. Stand between “H” and “T”, then you’ll be a part of “HITA.”
