Kitsuki City Kita-Minami-Dai Traditional Buildings Preservation District

Overview

The Kitsuki City Kita-Minami-Dai Traditional Buildings Preservation District is an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings located in Kitsuki City, Oita Prefecture. Formerly the residential area of samurai in the Kitsuki clan's castle town, this area utilizes its uneven terrain with cleverly designed pathways, creating a unique townscape of stone walls and earthen fences. This district is situated on two plateaus, Kita-dai and Minami-dai, separated by a valley running north-south. Numerous pathways connect Kita-dai and Minami-dai, with stone steps and paved pathways such as Suya no Saka (Vinegar Shop Slope) and Shioya (Shibuya) no Saka defining the historical landscape. While the townspeople's area surrounding the two plateaus has seen road widening after the war, the samurai residences on Kita-dai and Minami-dai retain much of their original layout from the Edo period. Both Kita-dai and Minami-dai suffered several large fires during the Edo period, but were rebuilt each time, resulting in well-preserved samurai residences from the late Edo period. The district's "Kanteijo no Saka" (Accountant's Office Slope) received the 1990 Handmade Countryside Award (Hometown Slopes). This area is recommended not only for history buffs but also for photography enthusiasts and those who enjoy leisurely strolls. Take your time exploring and soak in the atmosphere of a bygone castle town.