A Roundtrip Journey from Fukuoka is Also Possible! From Historical Streets of the Samurai Era to a Popular Manga Museum and a Sanrio Character Theme Park!

This course that spans from the Samurai Era to modern times, letting you enjoy a wide range of Japanese culture. You will start by visiting the museum dedicated to the popular manga Attack on Titan, then stroll through the charming Mameda Machi Shopping Street, where you can enjoy local delicacies while soaking in the ambiance of the samurai era. Relax in the soothing hot springs of Beppu, famous for its picturesque steam rising into the night sky. At Harmonyland, the Sanrio character theme park, you can take commemorative photos with Hello Kitty and friends. Finally, you will conclude your journey with the nostalgic nightscape of the Mojiko Retro historical district.

* Please note that the text shown on this page includes machine translations.

  • Spring
  • Summer
  • Autumn
  • Winter
Days required
3 days / 2 nights
Transport Options
Public transportation
Usa & KunisakiArea Hita & YabaArea Yufu &KokonoeArea Beppu BayArea Taketa &Oku-BungoArea NippoCoastArea

Contents

Attack on Titan Museum
#116
Hita Mameda Machi Shopping Street (Lunch)
#118
Beppu Onsen (overnight stay)
#120
Beppu Tower
#123
Harmonyland
#125
Overnight Stay in Bungotakada City
#127
Showa Town
#130
Usa Jingu Shrine
#132
Nakatsu Castle (Lunch)
#134
Mojiko Retro
#136
Hakata Station
#138
Start
Day1
From Hakata Station to Hita Station: approx. 1 hour 40 minutes by train. Then, from Hita Station, take a bus bound for Tsuetate for approx. 35 minutes, get off at Mizube no Sato Oyama-mae, and then it's a short walk.
Note: As the number of bus services is limited, please check the schedule on the official website.

Attack on Titan Museum

A museum dedicated to the globally popular manga Attack on Titan

The creator of Attack on Titan, Hajime Isayama, hails from Hita City, where this museum is located. Adjacent to the Mizube no Sato Oyama Roadside Station, the museum features rare original artwork, pieces from Isayama’s childhood, and impressive large-scale exhibits. Visitors can also see Isayama's writing desk and enjoy descriptions of his work accompanied by his personal comments.

Hita City is also home to an annex for the museum, the Attack on Titan in HITA Museum ANNEX, which is located within the grounds of the Sapporo Beer Kyushu Hita Brewery. At the annex you can explore selected from the manga with Isayama's commentary, experience the massive "Immersive Comic" digital exhibition, and view rare exhibits, including childhood photos of Isayama and some of his early works. Exclusive Attack on Titan-themed "Attack on Hita" merchandise, available only in Hita City, is also on sale.

A shared admission ticket allows visitors to enjoy both facilities at a discounted price. Additionally, there are various Attack on Titan-themed spots scattered throughout Hita City, making it the perfect opportunity for a pilgrimage to the series' birthplace.

From Mizube no Sato Oyama-mae, take a bus bound for Hita for approx. 35 minutes, get off at Hita Station, then walk for approx. 15 minutes

Hita Mameda Machi Shopping Street (Lunch)

In Hita, journey back in time to the Edo period

Located in Hita City, this charming shopping street features an elegant and tasteful townscape lined with buildings that date back to the Edo period (1603 to 1868). The preserved atmosphere of old Japan creates scenes reminiscent of a bygone era. With around 100 shops, the street offers souvenir stores, cafés, and restaurants. For a special experience, you can stroll the streets in a rented kimono, or relax and take in the sights on a rickshaw ride. The area also includes museums and historic sake breweries, allowing visitors to casually explore Japanese history and culture. During the Hina Matsuri (Doll Festival) season, the street comes alive with splendid displays of traditional dolls, adding a festive and colorful touch to the entire town.
From Hita Station, take a train to Yufuin Station for approx. 1 hour 15 minutes. From Yufuin Station Bus Center, take a bus for approx. 50 minutes, get off at Beppu Station West Exit, then walk for approx. 5 minutes

Beppu Onsen (overnight stay)

Choose a Hot Spring Accommodation that Matches Your Mood and Purpose

The coastal area stretching from Beppu Station to National Route 10 is close to bustling city life and offers numerous ocean-view accommodations. In the Kannawa area, you can immerse yourself in the traditional hot spring atmosphere and enjoy the signature jigoku-mushi (""hell-steaming"") cuisine.

Why not pick a lodging that suits your travel style?

Day2
Approx. 15 minutes on foot from Beppu Onsen

Beppu Tower

Enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view from Beppu’s iconic landmark

Beppu Tower, a beloved symbol of Beppu City, stands 100 meters tall and was designated a Registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan in 2007. From its 55-meter-high observation deck, you can enjoy stunning 360-degree views of Beppu City, Beppu Bay, and even as far as Shikoku. At night, the tower is illuminated, displaying various colors and patterns that change with the seasons and events, offering a mesmerizing sight. In 2023, it was recognized as part of Japan’s Nightscape Heritage.
On the 5th floor, the Kitahama Deck, covered entirely in artificial turf, offers a thrilling perspective as you look straight up at the tower. At night, colorful lights on tables and chairs create an enchanting atmosphere. On the 2nd floor, the Beppu Art Museum showcases approximately 400 art pieces by renowned celebrities and artists, providing another dimension of cultural enjoyment.
Approx. 15 minutes on foot to Beppu Station, approx. 25 minutes by train from Beppu Station to JR Youkoku Station, approx. 15 minutes by bus from Youkoku Station to Harmonyland, then immediately on foot

Harmonyland

A charming theme park where you can meet adorable Sanrio characters

Harmonyland is a delightful theme park where Sanrio’s beloved characters take center stage in captivating shows, parades, and adorable attractions. One of only two such parks in Japan, it’s a must-visit for fans. With covered stages, the shows can even be enjoyed on rainy days.

The park hosts a variety of seasonal events, ensuring year-round fun for visitors of all ages, including cherry blossom viewing in spring, night shows with fireworks in summer, and Christmas festivities in winter. Spend a magical time meeting your favorite Sanrio friends and create unforgettable memories in this dreamlike wonderland.

Approx. 10 minutes by bus from Harmonyland, approx. 15 minutes by train from Kitsuki Station to Usa Station, then approx. 15 minutes by bus from Usa Station

Overnight Stay in Bungotakada City

Accommodations Surrounded by Nature, including the Sea and Mountains

Bungotakada City offers is dotted with unique and cozy inns. There are also lodging options near the nostalgic Showa Town shopping district. Why not take some time to relax and enjoy a leisurely stay in Bungotakada, tailored to your travel style?

Day3
A short walk

Showa Town

A heartwarming journey through the nostalgic streets of a bygone era

Bungo Takada Showa Town recreates the streetscape of a shopping district from Japan’s Showa period (1926 to 1989), specifically from around 1955 to 1964. The town's vintage architecture and atmosphere transport visitors back in time, offering a glimpse into daily life during this era. Exhibits featuring retro household appliances, everyday items, and movie posters provide a window into the past, making it a popular destination across generations.
The shopping district is lined with charming establishments such as traditional candy shops, general stores, and nostalgic cafés. Guided tours that share the history and stories of the area are available, and on weekends, visitors can enjoy free shuttle buses for added convenience.
The Showa Romangura themed park offers a variety of events and interactive programs. Guests can stroll the streets in kimono, play with nostalgic games and toys, or participate in engaging activities designed to entertain and delight visitors of all ages. Take a walk through the charming streets of Showa Town and enjoy a heartwarming experience steeped in nostalgia and fond memories.
Approx. 10 minutes on foot to Bungotakada Bus Terminal, then approx. 15 minutes by bus to Usa Hachiman bus stop, followed by a 10-minute walk

Usa Jingu Shrine

A captivating power spot where 1,300 years of history intertwine with natural beauty

With over 40,000 shrines in Japan bearing the name "Hachiman," Usa Jingu, founded in 725, serves as the head shrine for all Hachiman shrines and boasts a 1,300-year history as a renowned power spot. Surrounded by pristine forests, the serene grounds feature the Upper Shrine (Jogu) and Lower Shrine (Gegu), both dedicated to the same three deities. It is customary to pay respects at both. The main hall of the Upper Shrine, designated a National Treasure, is a stunning example of the unique Hachiman architectural style, with three beautiful structures featuring white walls and vermilion columns aligned in a row.

The site is home to other noteworthy structures, such as the lavishly roofed Kure Bridge and the Treasure Hall, which houses and displays significant cultural artifacts. Visitors can also enjoy a stroll to discover the Meoto Iwa (Husband-and-Wife Rocks), believed to bring happiness when stepped on, and the heart-shaped Inome carvings hidden throughout the grounds.

Seasonal highlights include cherry blossoms in spring, lotus flowers covering the "Hishigata Pond" in summer, and vibrant autumn foliage.


* A monorail is available near the Upper Shrine for those with disabilities, the elderly, wheelchair users, and strollers.

* The Upper Shrine's South Naka Sakura Gate is undergoing renovation until March 2025.

Approx. 10 minutes on foot to Usa Hachiman bus stop, then approx. 40 minutes by bus to Nakatsu Station, followed by a 20-minute walk

Nakatsu Castle (Lunch)

A beautiful waterside castle that cleverly utilizes the river

Nakatsu Castle, located near the border of Oita and Fukuoka Prefectures, is a beautiful water castle situated along the mouth of the Nakatsu River and is counted among Japan’s three great water castles.  

For lunch, why not take a trip to the castle town, where you can savor Nakatsu's local specialties, such as Nakatsu karaage fried chicken and hamo eel cuisine.

From Nakatsu Station, a 15-minute walk, followed by a train ride via Kokura Station to Mojiko Station, taking approximately 1 hour. Mojiko Station is then just a short walk away

Mojiko Retro

A Nostalgic Port Town with Rows of Historic Buildings

Mojiko Retro is a scenic tourist spot facing the Kanmon Strait, lined with retro-style buildings. Once counted alongside Yokohama and Kobe as one of Japan's three major ports, Mojiko was a bustling international trading port. Highlights include Mojiko Station, a beautifully preserved brick station building which offers a glimpse into the atmosphere of the past. At night, the entire area is illuminated, creating a fantastical ambiance different from that during the day. Don’t miss trying the local specialty, baked yaki curry – a must-try Mojiko Retro dish.

Approx. 5-minute walk to Mojiko Station, then take the train to Kokura Station (transfer) and continue to Hakata Station – approx. 1 hour 30 minutes by train

Hakata Station

Goal
  • Attack on Titan Museum
  • Hita Mameda Machi Shopping Street (Lunch)
  • Beppu Onsen (overnight stay)
  • Beppu Tower
  • Harmonyland
  • Overnight Stay in Bungotakada City
  • Showa Town
  • Usa Jingu Shrine
  • Nakatsu Castle (Lunch)
  • Mojiko Retro
  • Hakata Station

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