Welcome to Kyushu and welcome to Kitsuki city !

Located on the south of Kunisaki Peninsula in Oita prefecture, Kitsuki is one of the few places called the Kyushu's little Kyoto because of its remarkably preserved historic center and its efforts to preserve Japanese traditionnal culture.
Because Oita prefecture is mostly well-known for its onsen culture so I was surprised to discover that there are places with some unique historic heritage too.

I love places where I can peacefully enjoy the old Japanese traditionnal atmosphere but more than the old stones (and the old wood), what attracted me to Kitsuki was its Kimono Appreciation Day (きもの感謝祭, Kimono Kansha-sai). Held on the third Saturday of every month, this event encourages tourists to discover the kimono culture by wearing one around the city.
As a kimono lover, I was thrilled to discover an event like that and decided to go in November to enjoy mapple trees too.

As soon as I arrived in Kitsuki, I went to the only rental shop of the city "Warakuan" to change into kimono. The set (kimono, underwear, obi belt and sandals) cost 2400 yens for the day and you can rent socks, hair accessories or umbrella for a small extra fee. Make sure to make a reservation few days prior your visit.

That day, I chose a dark blue with colorful floral patterns kimono and an orange obi with maple leaves, suitable for the season. For hair, I took example on the many Japanese kimono-loving girls I follow on the internet and choose to wear a hat instead of the traditionnal flowers hair arrangement. It was a risky choice but I like how it looked.

The shop ladies dressed me up quickly and gave me informations about the places to see.
My kimono on, I grabbed a pair of zori, Japanese traditionnal sandals, and began my walk around the city.

The historic district of Kitsuki is charming. It has two samurai districts separated by a road with many traditional houses and facing a beautiful castle overlooking the Beppu Bay.
Most samurai houses are open to the public, some are free, some are not, but all are fun to visit, walking in socks on the tatami mats. It is really pleasant to imagine living in one of these beautiful houses, wearing kimono making this dream even more realistic. I seemed to be a princess !
Visitors even can try to play the shamisen, a traditionnal Japanese stringed instrument... it is more difficult than it looks !

Wearing kimono in Kitsuki offers many advantages !
A lot of places become free to all kimono wearing people. Also, many cafe, restaurants and shops offer discounts. But the most enjoyable advantage is the free photo shooting by a pro cameraman. Don't be shy, he will show you how to pose in a perfect way and the picture will be handed to you at the end of the day. It is such a great and unique souvenir !
I was very happy to see the result : the orange light, the background and the kimono made me feel a really retro atmosphere.

After the picture, I visited the area of Kitsuki castle.
It can be reach by a few minutes walk from the samurai districts, perched on a small hill. Kitsuki castle is one of the tinest in Japan. The view on the Beppu bay is spectacular. The park around it is also pleasant to have a light walk there. The sundown light makes the area even more magic, making the sea to sparkle. I could have stayed here for hours.

Kitsuki is really the best place for trying a kimono for the first time and enjoy a an unique atmosphere.
The kimono is really suitable to the city and there are many people who wear it, women as men. Also, as the city is not too crowded, the most shy people won't be embarassed. The most tricky part was climbing the slopes : you have to do really small steps but who after all, you have all the time you want.

I want to try again the Kimono Appreciation Day and I also want to visit the other Kyushu's little Kyoto cities, around this beautiful island.