Kitsuki Oteguchi Street Guide
Oteguchi Street: Stepping Back in Time in Kitsuki's Merchant District Guide
Kitsuki Oteguchi Street is a beautifully preserved merchant district that transports visitors back to the Edo period. Lined with traditional samurai residences and merchant houses, the street offers a glimpse into the daily life of a bygone era. It's a perfect place to stroll, explore, and soak in the atmosphere of old Japan. Oteguchi Street served as the main approach to Kitsuki Castle during the Edo period (1603-1868). It was a bustling center of commerce, with merchants selling a variety of goods and services. The street's well-preserved buildings, with their distinctive white walls and tiled roofs, reflect the architectural style of the time. Many of the buildings have been carefully restored and are now home to shops, restaurants, and museums. Visitors can explore the various shops and galleries along Oteguchi Street, browse local crafts, and sample traditional Japanese sweets. Many of the former samurai residences are open to the public, offering a glimpse into the lives of the samurai class. You can also rent a kimono and stroll through the streets, adding to the immersive experience. Don't miss the chance to take photos of the picturesque streetscape. Kitsuki is known for its *Suya no Saka* (酢屋の坂) and *Shioya no Saka* (塩屋の坂), two sloping streets that offer unique perspectives of the area.
Transportation
From Kitsuki Station, take the Oita Kotsu bus bound for Kitsuki Bus Terminal (杵築バスターミナル). Get off at the 'Kitsuki Bus Terminal' (杵築バスターミナル) bus stop. Oteguchi Street is a short walk from the bus terminal.