Mamedamachi Shopping Street in Hita City, Oita Prefecture, stands as one of Kyushu's most authentic preserved historical districts. This captivating shopping street features well-preserved wooden buildings dating back to the Edo period (1603-1868), creating an atmosphere that has earned it the nickname "Little Kyoto" of Kyushu. The area served as imperial lands under the Tokugawa Shogunate during the Edo Period, and has been designated an Important Preservation District of Historic Buildings.
The district's cultural significance extends beyond its architecture. Hita is renowned for the exceptional quality of its water, which is used to produce several types of local spirits. Visitors can experience traditional Japanese commerce in an authentic setting where the historic buildings and original town layout remain unchanged from centuries past. The preserved streetscape creates scenes reminiscent of bygone eras, offering an immersive journey through Japan's commercial heritage.
Key visitor experiences include exploring traditional shops selling wooden geta clog shoes and local delicacies such as the famous Sui cheesecake roll. Visitors can stroll through the traditional townscape wearing stylish Hita geta clogs and sample Ginjo ice cream made with Japanese sake at local sake breweries. The narrow streets require careful navigation due to both pedestrian traffic and vehicles, particularly during peak tourist periods when the area becomes crowded with international visitors.
Transportation to Mamedamachi is straightforward from major Kyushu cities. From Fukuoka, express buses reach Hita in approximately 1.5 hours, departing from both Hakata Station Bus Terminal and Tenjin Bus Terminal. Once in Hita, the shopping street is roughly a 15-minute walk from Hita train station. The area offers free access to visitors, with individual shops setting their own hours and prices. Tourist information is available upon arrival in Hita to assist with navigation and recommendations.
