Photography in Kitsuki – Most Gorgeous Spots to Look Out For
Japan’s only sandwich castle town, Kitsuki (杵築) is certainly a hidden photography haven. Boasting samurai residences from the 17th century Edo period (Edo Jidai/江戸時代), it presents a wonderful spot for those wishing to dwell into the samurai (侍) world. Furthermore, its secluded location allows for a peaceful surrounding while presenting plenty of wonderful photo opportunities to discover. It is relatively easy to snap a photo without having other tourists photobombing your shots. Without reservation, here are my personal favourite photography spots (and selfies too) in this little castle town.
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Kitsuki Castle Grounds
What better way to start the list than to introduce Kitsuki’s mascot, Kitsuki Castle (Kitsuki-jō/杵築城). The castle holds the official title as the smallest in Japan, but don’t let its size fool you. Located on a hill cliff, it blends in naturally together with the surrounding trees. Its as if the trees are camouflaging the castle’s overall presence, serving as a metaphor of the castle’s hidden history.
Also, do you enjoy viewing cherry blossoms/sakura (桜)? Then, be sure to check out the castle grounds during early to mid-April when the blooming is at its peak. The scenery of the castle surrounded by cherry blossoms makes you feel like you are diving into a wonderland. If you are interested to learn more about the castle, check out my separate article to find out more about it as well as important travel tips.
Panorama Photography in Kitsuki
Located next to the Seto Inland Sea (瀬戸内海), Kitsuki is certainly no stranger when it comes to panoramic photography. In particular, the Kitsuki castle observatory (杵築城展望台) outside of the Kitsuki History Museum (きつき城下町資料館) is one such. It offers a spectacular view of both Kitsuki castle and town, nestled harmoniously along the Yasaka river (八坂川) while the river converges with the ocean.
Furthermore, the castle on top of the cliff from afar resembles a prostrating cow. This earned it a cute and unique nickname of ‘The Prostrating Cow Castle (Gagyū-jō/臥牛城)’. On a clear summer’s day, the clear blue sky and the ocean matches perfectly with the castle town to create a mesmerising panoramic scenery.
The Ōhara Residence
Formerly belonged to one of the richest families in Kitsuki, the Ōhara Residence (大原邸) remains one of the best surviving samurai residences in the town. Additionally, this lavish mansion is known for being the only residence containing a thatched roof, an extremely specialised and traditional roofing technique using plant resources. Maintaining a thatched roof is no joke as costs can reach up to USD 100k (a testament of the family’s wealth).
For the interior designers, don’t forget to check the inside of the residence. The high-quality straw-mat/tatami (畳) room has an amazing view of the residence’s private garden; giving you a sense of relaxation as you enter the room. Undoubtedly a spot not to miss for those seeking a traditional interior photography in Kitsuki.
Ocha No Tomaya
Located downtown of Kitsuki, this little cozy teahouse has a remarkable history of over 270 years in the tea business. Originated from the late 18th century, this teahouse was said to have been built out of wood with minimal nails. Amazingly, it remains sturdy until this day and eventually in 2018, the government declared it a Tangible Cultural Property (有形文化財建造物) for its refined architecture.
Ocha No Tomaya (お茶のとまや) is the epitome of a traditional teahouse in Japan. It features a traditional straw-mat/tatami (畳) room, with a lovely taste of being decorated by various traditional tea ceremony equipment. While sipping a relaxing hot green tea (matcha/抹茶), take your time to admire the interior as it will definitely captivate you with its authenticity.
The Nomi Residence
Do you enjoy café hopping? Then, check out the exclusive Dai no Chaya (台の茶屋) café inside the Nomi Samurai Residence (能見邸). Without a doubt, the ONLY café in Kitsuki to feature a unique samurai residence ambience. Those who admire the vintage should definitely check this one out for its traditional interior and atmosphere. One should also not miss out on the opportunity to order a cup of tea and traditional sweets/wagashi (和菓子), while checking out the residence’s serene garden. The soothing view of the garden, together with the traditional samurai residence setup and the graceful delicacies undoubtedly creates opportunities for a mesmerising Instagram picture.
Suya no Saka & Shioya no Saka
Kitsuki’s two poster boy slopes are no strangers when it comes to gorgeous photography spots. Suya no Saka (酢屋の坂) means Slope of the Vinegar Shop while Shioya no Saka (塩屋の坂) means Slope of the Salt Shop. Both names referenced to a former vinegar shop and salt shop that used to thrive commercially right next to the slopes.
Moreover, these slopes are located opposite of each other; serving to bridge the Northern District (北台) and the Southern District (南台) to the Commercial District (商人の町), In fact, one should admire how elegant these slopes are as compared to ballerinas. Looking for a take-home souvenir photo for your trip? Then, consider taking a photo while being dressed up in a kimono (着物),
Kanjōba no Saka
Photography in Kitsuki simply becomes more interesting with the town’s variety of slopes. One of the town’s lesser known slopes that connects the Northern Samurai District (北台) with Kitsuki castle (杵築城). Kanjōba no Saka (勘定場の坂) literally translates as the Slope of the Cash Register, it was here where the town’s former tax collection office was located. Despite being lesser known, it holds a unique charm among photography lovers in Kitsuki for its enchanting scenery. The scenery of a stone slope being surrounded by lush trees and traditional concrete walls will certainly transports you into a dreamy fairy tale.
Ameya no Saka
This town indeed has a variety of attractive slopes, but one particular stand out in design is none other than Ameya no Saka (飴屋の坂). Its name means the Slope of the Candy Shop because a former candy shop used to exist next to the slope. There is also a myth surrounding it however, where its original name was Ameya no Saka (雨夜の坂) meaning Slope of the Rainy Night. Noticed the pronunciation remains the same, but the Japanese characters are different.
The reasoning for this name is because the white cobblestones of the slope do shine during a dark rainy night, just like the glittering stars at night. Furthermore, it is also the only slope in town that curves 90 degrees midway, giving it an overall slender and graceful look. One should not miss this Instagrammable spot when visiting Kitsuki.
The Streets of the Southern District
Do you enjoy exploring the streets and the hidden corners? Look no further than the quiet Southern District (南台) of Kitsuki. While the Northern District (北台) is known as the rich man’s area, the Southern District is where the numerous middle and lower-class households used to reside. Today, only a few small residences from the past remains along with the presence of newer residences. Nevertheless, these residences have coexisted together harmoniously; while retaining the old street walls which blend naturally with the surroundings.
One can simply wander around aimlessly and yet, still discover many enchanting corners for some lovely shots. Also, look out for the Teramachi (寺町) area near the far end of the district. Literally means ‘town of temples’, this portion contains a series of little rustic Buddhist temples; once the place of worship for the samurais (侍). Be sure to take your time to explore the district, as it provides a glimpse of the castle town’s former glory and lifestyle.
Kitsuki Retro Museum/Kitsuki Retoro-kan
If you are into antiques, look no further than Kitsuki Retro Museum/Kitsuki Retoro-kan (杵築レトロ館). Formerly a rice granary nearby Kitsuki castle, the owner later converted it into a museum. It houses many antiques from the Shōwa (昭和) period, aka the post-World War 2 era (1950s to the 1980s). One cannot miss the sight of this eccentric museum, especially with its live-size Doraemon (ドラえもん) figure outside its entrance.
The astounding antiques display and unique ambience would undoubtedly trigger a sense of nostalgia, especially among the baby boomers and those who love the vintage. Also, take your time and look around for photo opportunities too, as the antiques here will certainly display a fresh perspective of beauty from the other attractions in the town.
Overall Thoughts
Kitsuki, the sandwich castle town truly presents a variety of photography spots especially for those willing to explore. If you want to know how to travel to this lovely town, then check out my Kitsuki travel guide on how to travel there.
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