Step back in time with us to Kitsuki, one of Japan’s most beautifully preserved castle towns. Often called a “Little Kyoto,” Kitsuki offers a unique “sandwich-shaped” landscape with samurai districts on high plateaus flanking a bustling merchant valley in the center. It’s a town built for strolling, a place where every stone-paved slope and white-walled lane tells a story of the past.
We will explore several magnificent samurai residences to see how feudal lords and their retainers once lived. After soaking in the historic atmosphere, you’ll experience a moment of tranquility with a simple tea ceremony at a local teahouse. The tour culminates with a visit to Japan’s smallest castle, perched beautifully against the sea. This is a chance to immerse yourself in the authentic culture and history of the samurai era.
Primary Area: JR Beppu Station or Beppu Cruise Port.
*Pick-up at your hotel or any preferred location available.
Also Available: We can also arrange pickup from Yufuin. Please inquire when booking.
Return to the same point that the tour starts.
Flexible (between 9:00 AM- 11:00 AM)
English, Japanese
Please note: This is a sample itinerary based on a 9:00 AM start time. As this is your private tour, the start time is fully flexible and we will adjust the schedule accordingly.
Your personal guide will meet you at your hotel lobby or designated pickup point in Beppu. After a friendly introduction, we’ll begin our adventure in a comfortable, private vehicle. *Hotel-pickup is available.
Our exploration begins in the northern samurai district. We will visit several historic residences, including the magnificent Ohara Residence, to admire the elegant tatami rooms and peaceful traditional gardens.
We’ll experience Kitsuki’s unique topography, walking down the famous Suya no Saka slope. In the merchant valley, we’ll visit a traditional teahouse for a simple and authentic tea ceremony experience, a perfect moment of tranquility.
We’ll take a relaxing break for lunch. We can recommend the best local spots to suit your taste. (Please note: The cost of the meal is not included in the tour price.)
Our final stop is the charming Kitsuki Castle. We’ll enjoy the intimate atmosphere and the wonderful panoramic view of the town and the Morie Bay.
After your historical journey, we will begin our relaxing drive back to Beppu.
Your tour concludes as we drop you off at your hotel or another preferred location in Beppu.
Also Available: We can also arrange pickup from Yufuin. Please inquire when booking.
We had a great day with Kei in Kitsuki and Beppu! We did everything we wanted to do and more. We experienced so much and felt immersed in the culture. We learned how to make a proper Matcha! Kei is a great guide and we highly recommend. Thank you!
We had a wonderful tour with Keita today! Got to see a beautiful samurai village and samurai homes, and a castle tour! He even an arranged a private tea experience at a 150 year-old tea house. Our guide brought us treats and local drinks, and was took pictures for us. Highly recommend if you are in the Beppu area. 😀