Hita, Oita
Encyclopedia
is a city
in Ōita Prefecture
, Japan
, that was founded on December 11, 1940. It is an agricultural and industrial centre that primarily produces lumber, furniture, and pottery. Its attractions and scenic beauty also make it a popular tourist destination.
On March 22, 2005 the towns of Amagase
and Ōyama
, and the villages of Kamitsue
, Maetsue
and Nakatsue
, all from Hita District
, were merged into Hita.
As of 2008, the city had an estimated population
of 72,024 and a density
of 108 persons per km². The total area of the city is 666.19 km².
, and borders the neighbouring
prefectures of Fukuoka
, and Kumamoto
.
Surrounding cities include Kurume to its west, Nakatsu
to the
north, and Kusu
to the east. Hita itself lies in a plain at the
confluence of several rivers that flow west, eventually becoming the Chikugo River
.
The surrounding landscape is mountainous, typical of Ōita Prefecture
.
Due to this connection, although Hita is placed within Ōita Prefecture, it shared a deeper historical connection with Fukuoka Prefecture. The dialect used in Hita has the same characteristic to the Hichiku dialect, used in Fukuoka, Nagasaki and Saga Prefecture.
Hita is a natural basin
surrounded by mountains, reaching 1000 meters
(3,281 ft
) above sea level, while some mountains around Nakatsue
, Maetsue
and Kamitsue
reach 1200 meters (3,937 ft)
above sea level. This causes the air to be very stagnant, causing summer to get very
hot, rising above 35 degrees often. While in winter, it gets notably cold. When it
snows, snow can accumulate up to 10 centimeters inside the city, while in the
mountain region, it accumulates more.
The numbers of Thunderstorms are also very prominent in Hita. The precipitation
rate is high, while it helps grow the Japanese Cedar
and the Lever trees
used in the forestry industry, it also causes landslides.
The rivers and the characteristics of the basin cause a deep fog during spring
and autumn, known as “Sokogiri” (Shallow ground fog)to appear in the morning.
“Sokogiri” is a very dark fog, where you can't see anything for miles.
Many rivers that run through Hita join up to the Mikuma River. This river
was used to distribute lumber to Kurume and Ōkawa
at the end of the Edo
Period but with the completion of the Yoake Dam, the use of this route stopped.
For the municipal timeline of Hita, see Hita District (Japanese). Hita has shared borders with the former Hita District
since 1889.
and became a ‘Tenryo’ town, where the town was under direct control from the Tokugawa Shogunate. After the Meiji period
it was known as Hita Prefecture, and after that, it was assimilated into Ōita Prefecture and remains like that today.
and its merchant culture, and even now, it is called ‘small Kyoto’. You will be able to see the trace of old Kyoto in streets of Mameda town inside Hita.
It also has the school built by Hirose Tansou, where students from all over Japan came to learn regardless of their gender or status.
due to its abundant supply in the surrounding mountains. The trees planted are also given the name Hita Cedar trees and from these trees,
Geta and Lacquerware
have also flourished.
Recently, companies such as TDK
, Kyushu Sumidenso, as well as brewery Sapporo beer and Sanwa Shurui have expanded in the area.
, Kyūdai Main Line
and Hitahikosan Line
gathers.
and Fukuoka city with Ōita Transportation Company. The Nishitetsu Bus Kurume Company operates bus routes within Fukuoka Prefecture
, Saga Prefecture
, to Hita.
The Bus information center is located across the road from the station, which handles tickets and timetables.
From July to November, fishermen erect bamboo fish traps (ayuyana) in the Mikuma river to capture Ayu
fish; which are covered in salt and grilled.
Hita also has the Sapporo Beer factory, located on a hill overlooking the city. There is a free guided tour for visitors that is followed by a free 20-minute tasting session.
The Kusano family Hina Dolls can be viewed at the oldest house in Hita during the tourist season. In the March Doll's Festival, up to 200 of the collection are on display at once.
Cities of Japan
||A is a local administrative unit in Japan. Cities are ranked on the same level as and , with the difference that they are not a component of...
in Ōita Prefecture
Oita Prefecture
is a prefecture of Japan on Kyūshū Island. The prefectural capital is the city of Ōita.- History :Around the 6th century Kyushu consisted of four regions: Tsukushi-no-kuni 筑紫国, Hi-no-kuni 肥国, and Toyo no kuni...
, Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
, that was founded on December 11, 1940. It is an agricultural and industrial centre that primarily produces lumber, furniture, and pottery. Its attractions and scenic beauty also make it a popular tourist destination.
On March 22, 2005 the towns of Amagase
Amagase, Oita
was a town located in Hita District, Ōita, Japan.On March 22, 2005 Amagase, along with the town of Ōyama, and the villages of Kamitsue, Maetsue and Nakatsue, all from Hita District, was merged into the expanded city of Hita....
and Ōyama
Oyama, Oita
was a town located in Hita District, Ōita, Japan.On March 22, 2005 Ōyama, along with the town of Amagase, and the villages of Kamitsue, Maetsue and Nakatsue, all from Hita District, was merged into the expanded city of Hita....
, and the villages of Kamitsue
Kamitsue, Oita
was a village located in Hita District, Ōita, Japan.On March 22, 2005 Kamitsue, along with the towns of Amagase and Ōyama, and the villages of Maetsue and Nakatsue, all from Hita District, was merged into the expanded city of Hita....
, Maetsue
Maetsue, Oita
was a village located in Hita District, Ōita, Japan.On March 22, 2005 Maetsue, along with the towns of Amagase and Ōyama, and the villages of Kamitsue and Nakatsue, all from Hita District, was merged into the expanded city of Hita....
and Nakatsue
Nakatsue, Oita
was a village located in Hita District, Ōita, Japan.On March 22, 2005 Nakatsue, along with the towns of Amagase and Ōyama, and the villages of Kamitsue and Maetsue, all from Hita District, was merged into the expanded city of Hita....
, all from Hita District
Hita District, Oita
was a district located in Ōita, Japan.In 2003, the district had an estimated population of 14,180 and the density of 35.72 persons per km². The total area was 396.98 km²....
, were merged into Hita.
As of 2008, the city had an estimated population
Population
A population is all the organisms that both belong to the same group or species and live in the same geographical area. The area that is used to define a sexual population is such that inter-breeding is possible between any pair within the area and more probable than cross-breeding with individuals...
of 72,024 and a density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
of 108 persons per km². The total area of the city is 666.19 km².
Geography
Hita is located in the far west of Ōita PrefectureOita Prefecture
is a prefecture of Japan on Kyūshū Island. The prefectural capital is the city of Ōita.- History :Around the 6th century Kyushu consisted of four regions: Tsukushi-no-kuni 筑紫国, Hi-no-kuni 肥国, and Toyo no kuni...
, and borders the neighbouring
prefectures of Fukuoka
Fukuoka Prefecture
is a prefecture of Japan located on Kyūshū Island. The capital is the city of Fukuoka.- History :Fukuoka Prefecture includes the former provinces of Chikugo, Chikuzen, and Buzen....
, and Kumamoto
Kumamoto Prefecture
is a prefecture of Japan located on Kyushu Island. The capital is the city of Kumamoto.- History :Historically the area was called Higo Province; and the province was renamed Kumamoto during the Meiji Restoration. The creation of prefectures was part of the abolition of the feudal system...
.
Surrounding cities include Kurume to its west, Nakatsu
Nakatsu, Oita
is a city located on the northern border of Ōita Prefecture in Kyūshū, Japan. The city is situated on the border with Fukuoka Prefecture.The city was founded on April 20, 1929. As of 2008, the city has an estimated population of 84,179, with a population density of 171 people per km²...
to the
north, and Kusu
Kusu, Oita
is a town located in Kusu District, Ōita, Japan.As of 2009, the town has an estimated population of 17,945. The total area is 286.44 km².-External links:* *...
to the east. Hita itself lies in a plain at the
confluence of several rivers that flow west, eventually becoming the Chikugo River
Chikugo River
The flows through Kumamoto, Ōita, Fukuoka and Saga prefectures in Japan. With a total length of , it is the longest river on Kyūshū. It flows from Mount Aso and empties into the Ariake Sea. It is also nicknamed "Chikushijirō"...
.
The surrounding landscape is mountainous, typical of Ōita Prefecture
Oita Prefecture
is a prefecture of Japan on Kyūshū Island. The prefectural capital is the city of Ōita.- History :Around the 6th century Kyushu consisted of four regions: Tsukushi-no-kuni 筑紫国, Hi-no-kuni 肥国, and Toyo no kuni...
.
Due to this connection, although Hita is placed within Ōita Prefecture, it shared a deeper historical connection with Fukuoka Prefecture. The dialect used in Hita has the same characteristic to the Hichiku dialect, used in Fukuoka, Nagasaki and Saga Prefecture.
Hita is a natural basin
Basin
Basin may refer to:* Basin , a poem about Charlemagne's childhood* basin , the area of a drydock which can be flooded and drained* basin of attraction , an area of a nonlinear system with an attractor...
surrounded by mountains, reaching 1000 meters
(3,281 ft
Ft
Ft or ft. may mean:* Foot , a unit of distance or length* Hungarian forint, the currency of Hungary* Fair Trade, the principle to give a fair price when trading* Fort, a fortified place, especially in place names...
) above sea level, while some mountains around Nakatsue
Nakatsue, Oita
was a village located in Hita District, Ōita, Japan.On March 22, 2005 Nakatsue, along with the towns of Amagase and Ōyama, and the villages of Kamitsue and Maetsue, all from Hita District, was merged into the expanded city of Hita....
, Maetsue
Maetsue, Oita
was a village located in Hita District, Ōita, Japan.On March 22, 2005 Maetsue, along with the towns of Amagase and Ōyama, and the villages of Kamitsue and Nakatsue, all from Hita District, was merged into the expanded city of Hita....
and Kamitsue
Kamitsue, Oita
was a village located in Hita District, Ōita, Japan.On March 22, 2005 Kamitsue, along with the towns of Amagase and Ōyama, and the villages of Maetsue and Nakatsue, all from Hita District, was merged into the expanded city of Hita....
reach 1200 meters (3,937 ft)
above sea level. This causes the air to be very stagnant, causing summer to get very
hot, rising above 35 degrees often. While in winter, it gets notably cold. When it
snows, snow can accumulate up to 10 centimeters inside the city, while in the
mountain region, it accumulates more.
The numbers of Thunderstorms are also very prominent in Hita. The precipitation
rate is high, while it helps grow the Japanese Cedar
Cryptomeria
Cryptomeria is a monotypic genus of conifer in the cypress family Cupressaceae formerly belonging to the family Taxodiaceae; it includes only one species, Cryptomeria japonica . It is endemic to Japan, where it is known as Sugi...
and the Lever trees
used in the forestry industry, it also causes landslides.
The rivers and the characteristics of the basin cause a deep fog during spring
and autumn, known as “Sokogiri” (Shallow ground fog)to appear in the morning.
“Sokogiri” is a very dark fog, where you can't see anything for miles.
Many rivers that run through Hita join up to the Mikuma River. This river
was used to distribute lumber to Kurume and Ōkawa
Okawa
Okawa or Ōkawa or Ohkawa can refer to several things:Places*Ōkawa, Fukuoka*Ōkawa, KochiPeople*Ageha Ohkawa, one of the members of Clamp, formerly Nanase Ohkawa*Hisayuki Okawa*Shūmei Ōkawa*Tōru Ōkawa*Ryuho Okawa...
at the end of the Edo
Period but with the completion of the Yoake Dam, the use of this route stopped.
Towns and villages
Towns and villages of note that lie within Hita's boundaries include:
|
For the municipal timeline of Hita, see Hita District (Japanese). Hita has shared borders with the former Hita District
Hita District, Oita
was a district located in Ōita, Japan.In 2003, the district had an estimated population of 14,180 and the density of 35.72 persons per km². The total area was 396.98 km²....
since 1889.
History
During 1593 Hita became an area of direct control from the Toyotomi Household as main city overseeing Kyushu. After the completion of the Hinokuma castle and after fortifying the Nagayama castle, Hita passed from Toyotomi household to the new Daimyo Tokugawa IeyasuTokugawa Ieyasu
was the founder and first shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate of Japan , which ruled from the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600 until the Meiji Restoration in 1868. Ieyasu seized power in 1600, received appointment as shogun in 1603, abdicated from office in 1605, but...
and became a ‘Tenryo’ town, where the town was under direct control from the Tokugawa Shogunate. After the Meiji period
Meiji period
The , also known as the Meiji era, is a Japanese era which extended from September 1868 through July 1912. This period represents the first half of the Empire of Japan.- Meiji Restoration and the emperor :...
it was known as Hita Prefecture, and after that, it was assimilated into Ōita Prefecture and remains like that today.
Culture
During the Edo period, Hita was modeled after KyotoKyoto
is a city in the central part of the island of Honshū, Japan. It has a population close to 1.5 million. Formerly the imperial capital of Japan, it is now the capital of Kyoto Prefecture, as well as a major part of the Osaka-Kobe-Kyoto metropolitan area.-History:...
and its merchant culture, and even now, it is called ‘small Kyoto’. You will be able to see the trace of old Kyoto in streets of Mameda town inside Hita.
It also has the school built by Hirose Tansou, where students from all over Japan came to learn regardless of their gender or status.
Traditional Crafts
- Wooden getaGeta (footwear)Geta are a form of traditional Japanese footwear that resemble both clogs and flip-flops. They are a kind of sandal with an elevated wooden base held onto the foot with a fabric thong to keep the foot well above the ground. They are worn with traditional Japanese clothing such as kimono or yukata,...
, made from the trees surrounding Hita. - Onta Pottery, created in the mountain village of Sarayama, the technique creating the Onta Pottery is listed as one of Living National Treasures of Japan.
Main Trade
Key industry in Hita have been forestryForestry
Forestry is the interdisciplinary profession embracing the science, art, and craft of creating, managing, using, and conserving forests and associated resources in a sustainable manner to meet desired goals, needs, and values for human benefit. Forestry is practiced in plantations and natural stands...
due to its abundant supply in the surrounding mountains. The trees planted are also given the name Hita Cedar trees and from these trees,
Geta and Lacquerware
Lacquerware
Lacquerware are objects decoratively covered with lacquer. The lacquer is sometimes inlaid or carved. Lacquerware includes boxes, tableware, buttons and even coffins painted with lacquer in cultures mostly in the Eastern Hemisphere.-History:...
have also flourished.
Recently, companies such as TDK
TDK
, formerly , is a Japanese company which manufactures electronic materials, electronic components, and recording and data-storage media, and markets them globally. Their motto is "Contribute to culture and industry through creativity"...
, Kyushu Sumidenso, as well as brewery Sapporo beer and Sanwa Shurui have expanded in the area.
Train
The principal railway station of the city is Hita Station, where JR KyushuKyushu Railway Company
The , also referred to as , is one of the constituent companies of Japan Railways Group . It operates intercity rail services in Kyushu, Japan and the JR Kyushu Jet Ferry Beetle hydrofoil service across the Tsushima Strait between Fukuoka and Busan, South Korea.When Japan Railways was divided in...
, Kyūdai Main Line
Kyudai Main Line
is a railway line in Kyūshū. It originates at Kurume Station, Kurume in Fukuoka Prefecture and ends at Ōita Station, Ōita in Ōita Prefecture. It is also known as the Yufu Kōgen Line....
and Hitahikosan Line
Hitahikosan Line
frame|Hitahikosan LineThe is a rail line in Japan. Part of JR Kyushu, it runs from Jōno Station in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture to Yoake Station in Hita, Ōita Prefecture.-Line data:*Company: JR Kyushu*Distance : 68.7km*Gauge: 1067mm*Stations: 23...
gathers.
Bus
There are three main bus service companies in Hita. The Hita Bus Company operates bus routes within the city and to other main cities in Kyushu, such as ŌitaOita, Oita
is the capital city of Ōita Prefecture located on the island of Kyushu, Japan.- Demographics and geography :Ōita is the most populous city in Ōita Prefecture...
and Fukuoka city with Ōita Transportation Company. The Nishitetsu Bus Kurume Company operates bus routes within Fukuoka Prefecture
Fukuoka Prefecture
is a prefecture of Japan located on Kyūshū Island. The capital is the city of Fukuoka.- History :Fukuoka Prefecture includes the former provinces of Chikugo, Chikuzen, and Buzen....
, Saga Prefecture
Saga Prefecture
is located in the northwest part of the island of Kyūshū, Japan. It touches both the Sea of Japan and the Ariake Sea. The western part of the prefecture is a region famous for producing ceramics and porcelain, particularly the towns of Karatsu, Imari, and Arita...
, to Hita.
The Bus information center is located across the road from the station, which handles tickets and timetables.
Sightseeing
Hita has many places of interest to visitors. The Gion Festival Centre in Kuma-machi provides information about the history and activities of Hita's annual summer festival, and exhibits six full-sized floats which are paraded around the city during the annual Gion Festival.From July to November, fishermen erect bamboo fish traps (ayuyana) in the Mikuma river to capture Ayu
Ayu
The or sweetfish, Plecoglossus altivelis, is an amphidromous fish, the only species in the genus Plecoglossus and in family Plecoglossidae. It is a relative of the smelts and is placed in the order Osmeriformes...
fish; which are covered in salt and grilled.
Hita also has the Sapporo Beer factory, located on a hill overlooking the city. There is a free guided tour for visitors that is followed by a free 20-minute tasting session.
The Kusano family Hina Dolls can be viewed at the oldest house in Hita during the tourist season. In the March Doll's Festival, up to 200 of the collection are on display at once.
Locations and Landmarks
- Mameda town (豆田町): The town preserved from the Tenryo period, where it was under the direct rule by the Tokugawa Shogunate.
- Hirose Museum (廣瀬資料館)
- Kusano House (草野本家)
- Nihongan Medicinal Museum
- Tenryo Hita Museum (天領日田資料館)
- Kuncho Sake Brewery Museum (クンチョウ酒蔵資料館)
- Shizantei Museum (市山亭懐古館)
- Kangien (咸宜園跡)
- Hita Gion Museum (日田祇園山鉾会館)
- Reimeikan (黎明館・押し花美術館)
- Yahata House(旧矢羽田家住宅)
- Gyotoku House (行徳家住居)
- Seikei Library (清渓文庫)
- Sara Mountain (皿山)
- Taioki gold mine (鯛生金山)
Hot Springs
- Hita Hot Springs (日田温泉)
- Tsugo Hot springs (津工温泉)
- Kazeno Hot Springs (風の湯)
- Umenokao Hot Springs (梅の香温泉)
- Amagae Hot Springs (天ヶ瀬温泉)
- Yunotsuru Hot Springs (湯ノ釣温泉)
Shrines and Temples
- Takatsukaatagojizouson (高塚愛宕地蔵尊)
- Hita Shrine (日田神社)
- Ōhara Hachimanku Temple(大原八幡宮)
- Ōno Noimatsu Tenmansha (大野老松天満社)
- Denraiji Temple (伝来寺)
- Gakurinji Temple (岳林寺)
- The Yokoji Temple (慈眼山永興寺)
Parks
- Tsukikuma Park (月隈公園)
- Kizan Park (亀山公園)
- Yokoji Park - Hita Castle (慈眼山公園)
- Tsubakinohana Highland Park (椿ヶ鼻ハイランドパーク)
- Kagamizaka Park (鏡坂)
- Hagio Park (萩尾公園)
Festivals
Hita has many festivals throughout the year that attract a steady stream of visitors. Some of the most popular festivals include:- Hina Dolls Festival (February/March): During the national Doll's Festival the museums and old houses of Mameda-machi and Kuma-machi open their doors to the public and display their collection of dolls.
- Cherry Blossom Festival (First Sunday in April): Kizan Park hosts Hita's Cherry BlossomSakuraA cherry blossom is the flower of any of several trees of genus Prunus, particularly the Japanese Cherry, Prunus serrulata, which is sometimes called sakura after the Japanese . Many of the varieties that have been cultivated for ornamental use do not produce fruit...
-viewing (HanamiHanamiis the Japanese traditional custom of enjoying the beauty of flowers, "flower" in this case almost always meaning cherry blossoms or ume blossoms. From the end of March to early May, sakura bloom all over Japan, and around the first of February on the island of Okinawa...
) event, during which people may enjoy a stroll by the river and drink under the blossom trees. - River Opening Festival (First weekend after May 20th): A two-day firework display that launches more than 10,000 fireworks over the Mikuma river. The display may be viewed from a riverboat.
- Gion Festival (First Sunday after July 20th): Huge wooden floats (up to 12m high) from different areas of the city are pushed around the streets by volunteers.
- Tenryo Festival (Third weekend in October): This festival celebrates Hita's Edo periodEdo periodThe , or , is a division of Japanese history which was ruled by the shoguns of the Tokugawa family, running from 1603 to 1868. The political entity of this period was the Tokugawa shogunate....
, when it was under direct Tokugawa supervision. The highlight is a procession of 200 people through the city in full Edo-period costume. The name of the festival comes from the phrase tenryō, used to describe such direct Tokugawa landholdings (Hita was part of the territory overseen by the saigoku gundai, the deputy of the western provinces).