'''Hita''' (___c_s ''Hita-shi'') is a small city located in the west of Oita prefecture, Japan.
Get in
By bus
Hita is linked with Oita and Fukuoka cities by regular highway bus services. Buses to and from Fukuoka run approximately every 20 minutes between 6AM and 12 midnight.
By train
By car
Get around
See
'''Gion Festival Centre''', Kuma-2-chome (_G2-____) 7-10, ''+81-973''-24-6453. 9AM-5PM, closed Wednesday. This small museum details the history and activities surrounding Hita's annual summer Gion festival, exhibiting six full sized floats. \310 entry.
'''Bamboo Fish Traps''', Takedashin-machi (_|_c_V__) (next to the Mikuma river), ''+81-973''-24-0420. End of July to the beginning of November, 10AM-9PM (10AM-5PM from mid-September). Bamboo fish traps (____ ''ayuyana'') are erected in the Mikuma river in late summer. Hapless sweetfish (__ ''ayu'') are captured, covered in salt and grilled and can be enjoyed with a cool beer, looking out on the river.
'''Sapporo Beer Factory''', Takase (____) 6979, ''+81-973''-25-110 (info@sapporobeer.jp) [http://www.sapporobeer.jp/english/guide/n_kyushu/]. Open weekdays 9:45AM-5:15PM (closed Wednesdays) and public holidays 8:45AM-5:30PM. A must-visit attraction for fans of Japanese beer. Located on a hill offering great views of the city, the factory offers visitors a free guided tour of the facilities followed by a 20 minute free drinking session. Reservations advisable.
'''Onta Pottery Village''' (_____c____). A small mountain village based around production of distinctive Onta-yaki style pottery. The pottery is still made via the traditional method, introduced to the area by Korean potters in the 16th Century. Water driven, see-saw pounders grind down the local clay for moulding into plates, pots, cups and other ceramics. The sound of the see-saws and running water combined with the scenic mountainside create a tranquil atmosphere.
'''Amagase Spa Town''', Amagase-machi (_V______). A popular hot-spring resort town about 30 minutes drive from Hita. There are many different types of hot spring overlooking the Mikuma river. These even include a rose petal bath!
Do
Buy
'''Onta Pottery''' - Various types of ceramic produced in the distinctive Onta-yaki style can be purchased in Hita. Pottery can be purchased from the workshops in Onta village itself or from a number of shops in Mameda-machi.
'''Woodcraft''' - Hita is famous for its quality bamboo and cedar timbers. Wood-carving has been ongoing since the Meiji period. Beautifully grained wooden clogs (____ ''geta'') are the local speciality. Many products can be purchased in Mameda-machi.
Eat
'''Ajito''', near Hita station, opposite Daiei supermarket, ''+81-973''-24-2880. One of the best Japanese pubs (______ ''izakaya'') in Hita. Takaki, the foreigner-friendly owner, is a great cook. Bibimba (Korean spicy rice, vegetables and egg) and the Goro-Goro salad come highly recommended. \500 draught beer.
'''Ohara-ya''', Tashima-2-chome (_c___Q____) (50m east of the city hall). This very small street-corner restaurant is run by husband and wife Luchi and Eriko. Luchi is a bit of a world traveller and speaks good English. Do try their fried chicken (___g__ ''kara-age'') which is the best in Hita.
'''Ichijiku''', Honjo-machi _i_{____1-2_j a little tricky to find, perhaps, but most definitely worth the explorative mission. Run by an incredibly excitable husband and wife duo serving bottled beer, wine, non-alcoholic drinks and traditional Japanese cabbage pancakes - ''okonomiyaki''. It is hard to explain exactly what ''okonomiyaki'' is, but it is not the explanation that you eat it for! Recommended is the cheese, garlic and tomato, or the hamburger and cheese ''okonomiyaki'' - very filling. Yaki-soba (fried noodles) is also good from the menu. English menus available.
Drink
'''Xi Amazing Bar''',
'''If''', This tiny cocktail bar with under ten seats but over 400 bottles of spirit lining the walls is run by the English-speaking Kohda-san. He was a former cocktail making champion and he will make you any cocktail you can name, or tailor one to your liking. Intimate and chilled.
Sleep
'''Hotel Socia''' (_z_e___\_V_A), Moto-machi (____) 17-3 (100m south of Hita station), ''+81-973''-24-6000 (Fax: ''+81-973''-24-3020) [http://www.hotel-socia.co.jp/]. Open 24/7. This is the largest hotel in Hita and conveniently located close to the station and centre of town. The manager Umeyama-san speaks good English and is very helpful. Rooms from \7500-\20000. Ladies rooms and Japanese style also available. 20% discount if booked online.
'''Plaza Hotel Fujinoi''' (_v___U_z_e___t_W_m_C), Moto-machi (____) 19-27 (behind Hita bus centre), ''+81-973''-24-7000 (Fax: ''+81-973''-22-1551) [http://www.fujinoi.jp/]. Open 24/7. A smaller and slightly cheaper hotel than the Socia, but just as conveniently located. The manager is the same helpful Umeyama-san who also manages the Socia. Single room \5000, Twin \9600. Small discount if booked online.
Get out