🗺️ Mameda Town

Mameda Town is located in the city of Hita, which borders Fukuoka Prefecture and Kumamoto Prefecture. During the Edo period, Hita was a commercial town that prospered as a "Tenryō" territory directly governed by the shogunate, earning it the nickname "Little Kyoto of Kyushu." Mameda Town is about a 15-minute walk from Hita Station, and the area still retains traditional buildings such as the residences of merchants who served the shogunate during the Tenryō period, making it a designated Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings in Japan due to its nostalgic street scenery. Among the ancient houses lining the streets, there are shops selling various traditional crafts from Hita City, including Usuki pottery, as well as long-established sake breweries, making it an ideal place to purchase local specialties and souvenirs from Hita. "Kusanohonke" is the oldest merchant residence in Oita Prefecture, which is usually open to the public during the Doll Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, Hita Gion Festival, and Hita Tenryō Festival. Every year, from mid-February to the end of March, the "Tenryō Hita Doll Festival" is held, showcasing hina dolls that have been passed down through generations from noble families of the past. Additionally, on the second Saturday and Sunday of November, the "Hita Tenryō Festival" is held, recreating the grand procession of the daimyō, featuring a parade of people dressed in Edo period clothing. Concurrently with the Tenryō Festival, the "Thousand-Year Lantern Festival" takes place starting on Friday, illuminating about 30,000 bamboo lanterns.

The traditional streetscape retains the residences of wealthy merchants from the Edo period, along with earthen wall warehouses and other historical buildings. The old houses have transformed into shops, cafes, and museums. During the "天領日田女兒節" (Tenryō Hita Hina Matsuri), hina dolls passed down through generations of noble families are displayed. The "日田天領祭" (Hita Tenryō Festival) is one of the most lively festival events in Mameda Town, with the highlight being the "西國筋郡代赴任隊伍" (Saigoku Suji Gundai Appointment Procession). In summer, the "日田祗園祭" (Hita Gion Matsuri) is held, showcasing a scene of magnificent large floats parading through the streets.