Kyushu’s Little Kyoto: A Stroll Through Tobata-machi in Nichinan – Step into an Old Meiji-Era Street

▲ Tobata-machi retains a strong old-town charm. (Photo by Reporter Wang Zhikai / same as below)

Reporter Wang Zhikai / Reported

Located in Tobata-machi, Nichinan City, Oita Prefecture, this area is known as Kyushu’s Little Kyoto due to its well-preserved Edo-period streetscape and rich historical atmosphere. In addition to historical sites, the area is dotted with local specialties, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll.

▲ The entire district retains the ambiance of the Meiji era.

The Tobata-machi shopping street mainly consists of two north-south roads: “Tobata Kamimachi-dori” and “Tobata Miyukidori,” along with several east-west streets. Many buildings from the olden days have been fully preserved, with some even designated as important cultural properties, creating a nostalgic district full of old-town charm.

▲ Kusano Pharmacy, built in 1934.

▲ A barber shop that blends modern and retro styles.

Tobata-machi is famous for its soy sauce, miso, and yokan (sweet bean jelly). As you walk along the old street, you’ll often come across traditional shops selling these products. For example, at the main store of “Nichinan Soy Sauce” located at the end of an alleyway, a historic shop with 170 years of history, they still use traditional brewing methods and have even been honored by the Emperor.

% and the locals take great pride in them.

Another highlight is the unique “Tenryou Hina Goten” on Miyukidori, which displays a rich and diverse collection of traditional dolls year-round. Here, you can view up close more than 3,000 dolls from the Edo period.

▲ Tenryou Hina Goten has an extensive doll collection.

Although Nichinan City is located in Oita Prefecture, it is geographically closer to Fukuoka. From Fukuoka, you can take a highway bus from the airport, with a journey of about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or take the JR Kyushu Line and get off at Nichinan Station. Tobata-machi isn’t very large, but it’s easy to lose track of time while wandering around. However, note that most shops close around 4 or 5 p.m., so be mindful of opening hours.

Nichinan Soy Sauce:
2-1 Marunouchi-machi, Nichinan City, Oita
Business Hours: 9:00–17:00

Tenryou Hina Goten:
13-6 Tobata-machi, Nichinan City, Oita
Business Hours: 9:00–17:00