Meow! Hello, fellow travelers and "Attack on Titan" enthusiasts! I’m Matatabi Taro, your purr-fectly charming travel guide and insider cat mascot, here to whisker you away on an unforgettable journey to Hita City, nestled in the enchanting Oita Prefecture. This quaint city is not just a picturesque Japanese locale; it is the real-world birthplace of the legendary "Attack on Titan" creator, Hajime Isayama. So, buckle up and get ready to explore Hita City, where fantasy and reality harmoniously collide!
Location & Access to Hita (How to Get There)
Thinking of traveling from Tokyo to Hita? No problem! The journey begins with a flight from either Haneda or Narita Airport to Fukuoka Airport or Oita Airport. Once you land, the adventure truly begins!
From Fukuoka, make your way to Hakata Station, where you can hop aboard the charming "Yufuin no Mori" train — a limited express that offers an enchanting ride through Kyushu’s lush landscapes. Alternatively, you can catch a highway bus for a scenic trip.
Discovering Hita City: The Little Kyoto of Kyushu
Dubbed the "Little Kyoto of Kyushu," Hita City is a treasure trove of historical charm and natural beauty. Wander through the historic Mameda-machi district, where time seems to have stood still, and gaze upon the traditional wooden buildings that line the streets. The crystal-clear rivers and tranquil hot springs (onsen) promise relaxation and rejuvenation amidst picturesque surroundings. Even without its "Attack on Titan" fame, Hita City is a gem worth exploring!
AOT Pilgrimage Spot 1: Hita Station & Captain Levi
Your "Attack on Titan" journey kicks off at Hita Station, where you’re greeted by the formidable bronze statue of Captain Levi! This iconic figure stands proudly, reminding fans of his unyielding spirit and leadership.
AOT Pilgrimage Spot 2: The Day the Wall was Breached (Oyama Dam)
For a real-world encounter with the series’ pivotal moments, head to Oyama Dam, which bears an uncanny resemblance to "Wall Maria." Here, statues of Eren, Mikasa, and Armin gaze up at the dam wall, evoking the chilling scene where the Colossal Titan makes its first appearance.
To reach this awe-inspiring site from Hita Station, you can take a local bus towards Tsuetate Onsen or opt for a convenient taxi ride, which takes about 20 minutes.
And don’t miss the breathtaking panoramic view of the dam itself!
AOT Pilgrimage Spot 3: AOT in HITA Museum
Dive deeper into the creative genius of Hajime Isayama at the AOT in HITA Museum. Located at Michi-no-Eki Mizube no Sato OYAMA, this museum houses original sketches, exclusive items, and Isayama’s autographs — a sanctuary for any true fan.
Hita Gourmet: Devour the Hita Yakisoba!
After a day of exploration, treat your taste buds to Hita’s local soul food: Hita Yakisoba. This delectable dish features noodles grilled to crispy perfection on the outside while remaining soft and tender inside, complemented by crunchy bean sprouts. It’s a culinary delight you won’t want to miss!
Conclusion
From majestic landscapes to iconic anime pilgrimages, Hita City is the ultimate destination for any "Attack on Titan" fan or travel enthusiast. So why not pack your bags and embark on this unique adventure? You’ll leave with memories as epic as the series itself!
Until next time, stay curious and keep traveling! Paw-sitively yours, Matatabi Taro! 🐾
A Note from OHA: The Real Hita Experience
(A quick message from my human companion and photographer, OHA!)
“Seeing how the city utilized a massive, real-world structure like the Oyama Dam and likened it to the ‘Wall’ from the series was extremely unique and absolutely wonderful to witness in person. It’s a brilliant piece of environmental storytelling!
Also, I had a memorable encounter on my way back. When I boarded the Yufuin no Mori express train from Hita, I found a Taiwanese tourist occupying my reserved seat. When I gently spoke to her, she explained that if she moved back to her original assigned seat, she would be separated from her husband. Hearing this, I gladly exchanged seats with her so they could ride together. After all, if I hadn’t given up my seat right then and there, I would have ended up standing as a cruel ‘Wall’ separating the two of them!”