2025 Nakatsu Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

[Gallery Cafe Tsukikura] "Hamo rice bento" Only 1200 yen with one drink! ✨ The rice is dotted with conger eel meat, and the fried conger eel is also thick♪ We also ordered boiled conger eel as a side dish, so it was a mini conger eel feast♪ Nakatsu is famous for its delicious conger eels with soft bones that grow in the Buzen Sea⭐️ It is said that the conger eel bone-cutting technique was invented and spread in Nakatsu. Nakatsu, Oita Prefecture, has many restaurants where you can eat conger eel, and the conger eel dishes at the cafe were also excellent😊 It is located on the same premises as Takean Hanafuku, which is famous for its Hanamen noodles💡 There is also a raised area where you can relax👶 📍Address: 592-1 Kakise, Nakatsu City, Oita Prefecture 🕰️Business hours: 11:30-16:00 (until 15:00 on Sundays) Closed on Mondays #Nakatsu #Nakatsu trip #Nakatsu gourmet #0 yen trip November

Very popular 🤩 [Shu-chan Ramen] The char siu ramen is topped with plenty of char siu that has been drained of fat and properly seasoned ✨ Smooth, rich tonkotsu broth and smooth, thin noodles. The garlic is also irresistible ❤ The char siu ramen sells out quickly, so you have to line up before the store opens to get some, but it's worth it ⭐️ 💰Price per person: Ramen 750 yen Char siu ramen 950 yen Payment is cash only. 📍Location: 2107-2 Inumaru, Nakatsu City, Oita Prefecture 🕰️Business hours: 11:00-15:00, ends when soup runs out Closed on Tuesdays It's a place that's hard to get to without a car. There is a large parking lot. #Shu-chan Ramen #Nakatsu #Michelin Kumamoto Oita #Michelin Oita #Furitabi

Michelin-listed [Raw tuna boiled dumplings Inoue] "Raw tuna tekkadon" topped with a rich, smooth tuna that blends with your tongue The tsukune potato tororo sandwiched between the tuna and dashi rice is a nice accent😊 The chutoro in particular was so sweet that it melted in your mouth✨ The boiled dumplings are also rich and delicious😋 💰Price per person: Raw tuna tekkadon 2100 yen 📍Location: 8-7 Toyoda-cho, Nakatsu City, Oita Prefecture 🕰️Business hours: 11:00-13:45, reservations required for dinner Irregular holidays #Inoue #Michelin Oita #Michelin Kumamoto Oita #Nakatsu #0 yen trip

[Gochisouya Ichigo] This is a Michelin-listed izakaya✨ Large mountain vegetable tempura, beautifully prepared yakitori skewers, and richly flavored local chicken tataki are brought out at a good pace and the prices are reasonable😊 It was innovative to choose the finest ingredients on a touch panel in a well-partitioned semi-private room♪ 📍Location: 2-146-1 Kamimiyanaga, Nakatsu City, Oita Prefecture 🕰️Business hours: 5:30pm - 11pm Closed on Tuesdays #Ichigo #Nakatsu #MichelinOita #OitaTrip #MichelinKumamotoOita #0yenTrip

I stayed at Sardinas in Yabakei, a cute little mountain hut-style room😊 There is a pillow here so you can have a leisurely meal in the restaurant. The atmosphere is just like that. The restaurant has a stylish space. It's exactly like an auberge🍴 This time, the ingredients themselves are not unusual, such as bonito tataki, swordfish, and beef cutlet, but the excellent fresh vegetables, and the smell of the air around you when you eat and the sense of openness also help, and a single oil and seasoning give it a special dish feel. There is a wide variety of wines, and even if you drink alcohol, you'll be happy to be in bed in 5 steps⭐️ The breakfast, which can only be experienced by those who stay overnight, features Japanese honeybee honey and butter, and at first glance it looks high quality and simple✨ I was soothed by the fresh air of the countryside in the morning. Toothbrushes, towels, and washrooms are provided. Pajamas, no shower, so take a bath before heading out♨️ Dinner & breakfast included 12,000 yen + tax + service charge 1476 Oaza Oshima, Yabakei-cho, Nakatsu-shi, Oita Opening hours: Friday and Saturday 4pm-10:30pm, Sunday and Monday 11am-5pm Closed: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday #RestaurantSardinas #Yabakei #NakatsuGourmet #Nakatsu #0yenTrip

"Niwa Teahouse Cafe" ⁡ A cafe run by Niwa Teahouse, which was founded in 1893 (Meiji 26). The cafe was renovated from a former eye clinic. ⁡ Only open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. And lunch is only on Thursdays. It was hard to find a time to go, but I finally managed to go. ⁡ ◆Uji Kintoki Matcha (warm) or cold) +200yen ⁡ ◆Special Matcha Parfait Set White Peach Japanese Black Tea ⁡ Since it's a sweet from a tea shop, it's guaranteed to be delicious🍵 ⁡ The cute sweets made with wasanbon sugar that came with it melted in your mouth and were delicious ⁡ Nakatsu Castle is about a 15-minute walk away, so it's nice to take a leisurely stroll around the town of Nakatsu ⁡ ⁡ ⁡ [Niwa Tea Shop Cafe] 📍1-1533 Kyomachi, Nakatsu City, Oita Prefecture ☏ 0979-22-0123 📍11:00-16:00 Closed Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays 🅿️ None (1 hour free parking available nearby) ⁡ ⁡ #Niwa Tea Shop Cafe #Uji Kintoki #Matcha Parfait #Oita Cafe #Nakatsu Cafe #Oita Sightseeing #Oita Trip #Nakatsu Sightseeing ⁡

◡̈⃝♡ I went to Yabakei Dam Memorial Park [Keisekien], which is said to be one of the three most famous autumn foliage spots in Japan 🍁 A 20,000 square meter Japanese garden 🏯 built to commemorate the completion of Yabakei Dam It was just the best time to see the leaves, and it was crowded with many tourists ☺️ It was a weekday, so there was no traffic on the mountain road ⛰ There was a large parking lot, so I was able to park smoothly 🚙 The soba restaurant next door looked delicious too ☺️ The four seasons in Japan are wonderful 🍁 ✅2022.11.14 ✅All unprocessed ✅Admission fee: Free 📍2286-1 Ojima, Yabakei-cho, Nakatsu City, Oita Prefecture 🅿️Free #Autumn trip #Breathtaking view #Autumn leaves #Yabakei #Yabakei Dam #Kisekien #Oita trip #Oita sightseeing #Oita

This was my first time there, and it was a really big park. The cherry blossoms were blooming at this time of year and it was very beautiful, but there were also oak trees, so you can catch stag beetles and rhinoceros beetles in the summer, and you can enjoy collecting acorns in the fall. There is a wide variety of play equipment, so I think everyone from small children to adults can have a good time without getting bored. There are also many grassy areas, so it would be nice to bring a tent to make a rest area and bring a lunch box. There are toilets and vending machines, so we didn't feel inconvenienced. #breathtakingview #gourmettrip #luxuryhotel #coupletrip #gourmet

#Nakatsu Nakatsu City, Oita Prefecture. Right in front of Nakatsu Station, you will be greeted by the statue of Fukuzawa Yukichi. There are two famous great men in Nakatsu. The first is Fukuzawa Yukichi. He is a well-known figure and is the portrait on the current 10,000 yen bill. Fukuzawa was born in Nakatsu and grew up here. His former home is within walking distance from the station, and although it was difficult to photograph the former home itself, it is in a quiet residential area and has a calm atmosphere. The second is Kuroda Kanbei. Kuroda was born in Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture, but was given the Nakatsu territory by Toyotomi Hideyoshi and began living here partway through. Nakatsu Castle is close to a river and is said to have been a famous castle that was impregnable as a natural fortress in the past. It is also said that Kuroda Kanbei planned to unify Kyushu from Nakatsu around the time of the Battle of Sekigahara, and then unify the whole of Japan. This was also within walking distance from the station. Our total stay was about 3 hours, but it was a very meaningful experience! #summertrip

1st time traveling to Japan

Nakatsu Castle stands majestically along the coast of Oita Prefecture on Kyushu Island. It is one of Japan's unique castles built near the sea, earning it the nickname "Water Castle." Although the castle has been reconstructed in modern times, it retains the structure, design, and essence of the samurai era. Traveling to Nakatsu Castle is convenient from Fukuoka City. Take the JR Nippo Line to Nakatsu Station, which takes about 1.5–2 hours. From there, it's just a 10-minute walk to the castle, prominently located near the river and sea. The surrounding area features a Japanese-style garden, stone pathways, and wooden bridges that transport visitors back to the Edo period. Inside the castle, a museum showcases the history of the Okudaira Clan and samurai-era battles. Visitors can explore displays of armor, ancient weapons, maps, and detailed paintings. Additionally, the top floor of the tower offers panoramic views of Nakatsu City and the coastline, making it an ideal spot for photography.

Hachimenzan Kinjiki Onsen 584-1 Kinjiki, Sankotaguchi, Nakatsu City, Oita Prefecture Day trip bath 700 yen for adults, 350 yen for children Private family bath 2500 yen 10:00-22:00 There is an open-air bath, so you can relax. I didn't use it because I used the day trip hot spring, but it seems there are restaurants and accommodations. Right next to the parking lot is the Owl Shrine, and although there is no clear sign saying what the benefits are, I went to pray because owls are said to bring good luck. #absolutelyfreetrip #Oita #onsen

#AbsolutelyFreeTrip Shushu 3-3-11 Nakadono-cho, Nakatsu City, Oita Prefecture, 871-0030 This time, I will introduce a restaurant in Nakatsu that serves delicious parfaits. I ordered one parfait this time, and it looked very cute and tasted delicious. The seats are comfortable for one person to sit in and the atmosphere is very good, so I recommend it. There are also counter seats, so it is a recommended place for those who want to relax by themselves. The desserts are very delicious, so please go there once.

Gran Estado Oita Nakatsu Store Address: 3-23-7 Nakadonocho, Nakatsu City, Oita Prefecture, 871-0030 Today, I’d like to introduce a delightful pancake shop located in Nakatsu City. This shop has been around for quite some time and is known for its large pancakes. They serve soufflé pancakes, which are so generously portioned that it might be too much for one person to finish. During my visit for lunch, I opted for a meal instead of pancakes, but I’m looking forward to trying their pancakes next time. Definitely give it a visit!

#九州火车小学 Nakatsu Station Nakatsu Station, the northernmost station in Oita Prefecture, is located on the Nippo Main Line, which connects Kokura in Kitakyushu via Oita and Miyazaki to Kagoshima Chuo. It can be reached by ordinary and "SONIC" express trains, and the journey from Hakata Station takes about an hour and a half. On Sundays, the "36+3 Blue Route" running between Oita・Beppu and Kokura・Hakata will stop at Nakatsu Station for about 15 minutes, and passengers can get off the train to buy special products related to Nakatsu and Yabakei. - There is "Japan's longest snakehead chair" on the platform of Nakatsu Station, because Nakatsu is a famous snakehead cuisine place in Japan, with about 20 restaurants offering everything from shabu-shabu to sushi. It was set up in 1994 for publicity purposes. It is made of a tree trunk blown by the wind, with a total length of about ten meters and painted with snakehead patterns, which is one of the characteristics of Nakatsu Station. Nakatsu is also the hometown of Fukuzawa Yukichi, the creator of the old 10,000-yen banknote and an important figure in the Meiji Restoration. You can walk to his former residence and Nakatsu Castle from the station, where you can experience the atmosphere of a city street that is a mixture of history and modernity. You can also take a bus outside the station to the beautiful natural scenery of Yabakei, a great spot for viewing autumn leaves.

We discovered Ishiusutei, a charming and slightly hidden soba restaurant located on a small island right next to a rest stop in Nakatsu — and it turned out to be quite the gem. There was a queue when we arrived, but to our pleasant surprise, the line moved quickly and we were seated within 15–20 minutes. Ordering is done through a ticket machine at the entrance — very common in Japan — and adds to the casual charm of the place. The restaurant seemed to be a hit with locals, with mostly Japanese patrons dining there during our visit. Always a good sign. We had their soba noodles with tempura, and everything was delicious. The broth was light yet flavorful, and paired beautifully with the perfectly cooked soba. The tempura was crisp and not oily, showing the care in their preparation. After our meal, we explored the little souvenir and shopping area inside the restaurant, which added a nice touch to the overall experience. If you’re in the area and craving soba, Ishiusutei is a worthy stop — authentic, local, and heartwarming. #summervacay #Ishiusutei #NakatsuEats #SobaNoodles #HiddenGemsJapan #JapaneseFoodie #TempuraLovers #OitaGourmet #RestStopEats #LocalFavourites #NakatsuJapan #石臼亭 #japan #japantrip #kyushu #kyushutrip

Tucked away in the quiet town of Nakatsu—famously known as the birthplace of karaage—Karaage Moriyama - Manda is an unassuming gem that serves up some of the best fried chicken we’ve ever tasted. We stopped by thinking it was a dine-in spot, only to find out it was take-out only. But when the friendly staff learned we had come from out of town, they graciously made an exception and invited us to enjoy our meal inside. That thoughtful gesture alone made the experience feel extra special. Now, onto the star of the show—the karaage. Each piece was golden and crispy on the outside, incredibly juicy on the inside. You could tell there was serious skill involved. Curious, we later learned they’ve won multiple awards across Japan for their karaage—and it’s easy to see why. The flavor was rich and savory, with just the right seasoning and texture that keeps you reaching for another piece. What stood out even more was the pride and passion of the team. This wasn’t fast food—it was a craft, made with care in a small kitchen by people who clearly love what they do. If you’re ever near Nakatsu, Karaage Moriyama is a must-visit. It’s a true taste of local flavor, hospitality, and Japanese comfort food at its best. ⸻ 📍 Location: Nakatsu, Oita Prefecture 🍽️ Tip: Mostly takeout, so plan accordingly—but if you’re lucky, you might get to dine in too! 💸 Value: Great prices for the quality! #summervacay #KaraageMoriyama #NakatsuEats #HiddenGemJapan #BestKaraage #JapaneseFriedChicken #OitaFoodTrip #LocalDiningJapan #AuthenticKaraage #SupportLocalJapan #ChickenDoneRight #japan #japantrip #kyushu #kyushutrip

Perched gracefully beside the Oita countryside, Nakatsu Castle is a charming and modest samurai-era fortress steeped in history. First Impressions: The castle stands on a small hill next to a picturesque moat, surrounded by lush greenery—a perfect backdrop for calming strolls and reflective moments. It’s compact yet well-preserved, evoking a clear sense of Japan’s feudal past. Architecture & History: Built in the early 17th century by the Ogasawara clan, Nakatsu Castle is one of just a few surviving original wooden castles in Japan. Its elegant main keep (tenshu) rises three stories high, offering a quaint look into Edo-period design. Inside the Castle: The small museum inside provides fascinating insights into the castle’s legacy—displaying samurai armor, weapons, and historical documents. Though the exhibits are primarily in Japanese, foreign language pamphlets make it easy for visitors to grasp their significance. The View: Climbing to the top floor rewards you with a pleasant view of Nakatsu City, the serene moat, and surrounding forests. It’s a peaceful panorama that truly feels like a step back in time. Visitor Experience: The setting is laid-back, with few tourists, allowing for an intimate exploration. You can easily walk or cycle around the moat, enjoying both historical architecture and nature. Benches and shaded areas are scattered around—ideal for a quiet moment with a book or snack. Accessibility & Amenities: • Access: A short, scenic 15-minute walk from Nakatsu Station. • Facilities: Restrooms and a small souvenir shop on site; cafés and convenience stores are close by. • Fee: Very reasonable entrance fees, with discounts for children and seniors. Summary: Nakatsu Castle is a hidden gem—not grand, but full of character. It’s ideal for history enthusiasts, families, or anyone seeking a peaceful cultural experience. Whether you’re delving into samurai lore, admiring traditional architecture, or simply enjoying the tranquil surroundings, Nakatsu Castle offers a charming taste of old Japan. #summervacay #NakatsuCastle #HiddenCastlesJapan #SamuraiHistory #KyushuTravel #JapaneseCastles #FeudalJapan #OitaSightseeing #NakatsuCity #PeacefulJapan #日本の城 #japan #japantrip #kyushu #kyushutrip

We had a really pleasant visit to Komeda’s Coffee at Nakatsu, located right next to the Yamakuni River. Even before stepping inside, we were greeted with a beautiful riverside view from the parking area — a serene backdrop that set the tone for a relaxed meal. Inside, the cozy and warm interior immediately made us feel at home. Although we don’t speak Japanese, the staff were incredibly kind and patient, helping us navigate the menu and get our orders right despite the language barrier. Their genuine hospitality made a big difference to our experience. The food? Delicious and satisfying — classic Komeda-style comfort food at great value. From breakfast sets to their signature sandwiches and coffee, everything was well-prepared and enjoyable. We noticed a steady stream of local diners during our visit, which confirmed we’d chosen a popular and trusted spot. Before leaving, we took a few photos with the charming building and riverside view — a wonderful memory of our Nakatsu stop. ⸻ 📍 Highlights: • Gorgeous riverside view from the parking lot • Friendly and accommodating staff despite language differences • Tasty food at great value • Cozy wooden interiors, perfect for a relaxing meal • Popular with locals — a good sign! #summervacay #KomedasCoffee #NakatsuCafe #OitaEats #RiversideCafe #JapanTravel #KyushuCafe #JapaneseHospitality #KomedaExperience #CozyCafesJapan #YamakuniRiverView #japan #japantrip #kyushu #kyushutrip

We stayed one night at Toyoko Inn Oita Nakatsu Ekimae during our time in Nakatsu, and to be honest, it exceeded my expectations. Although this is a budget-friendly business hotel chain in Japan, it was our first time trying Toyoko Inn, and I was pleasantly surprised. Having stayed in APA and Dormy Inn hotels before, I found Toyoko Inn’s room size to be more spacious, which was a huge plus. The room was clean, well-lit, and efficiently designed for a fuss-free stay. It lacked an onsen like Dormy Inn, but that’s understandable considering the price point. On the ground floor, you’ll find helpful amenities like a microwave oven, washing machines, and water dispensers — all conveniently located. Breakfast is complimentary and served at the lobby each morning. While basic, it was good enough to start the day right. Overall, it was a comfortable and pleasant stay, and I would definitely consider staying with Toyoko Inn again for future short stays in regional Japan. ⸻ 🏨 Highlights: • Spacious room (larger than APA or Dormy Inn) • Clean, bright, and functional design • Free breakfast included • Self-service laundry and amenities on Level 1 • 1-minute walk from Nakatsu Station #summervacay #ToyokoInn #NakatsuStay #JapanBusinessHotel #BudgetStayJapan #ToyokoInnExperience #OitaTravel #CleanAndSimple #JapanHotelReview #NakatsuStationHotel #japan #japantrip #kyushu #kyushutrip

#AbsolutelyFreeTrip Murakami Shokudo 📍Address: 2040-6 Sogi, Hon'yabakei-cho, Nakatsu-shi, Oita-ken 871-0202 🕰️Business hours: 9:00-18:00 Closed on Mondays Murakami Shokudo, located in the mountains of Yabakei, Nakatsu-shi, Oita-ken This is a very popular fried chicken restaurant! You can eat a fried chicken set meal for 800 yen! The fried chicken is crispy, juicy, and delicious The miso soup was just the right seasoning and was delicious! If you come to Oita, please visit! Yabakei is very nice⭐️

This time, I will introduce a memorial museum in Nakatsu City, Oita Prefecture. This is Fukuzawa Yukichi's former home. It's great because you can see the house he used to live in. Please go and check it out! Fukuzawa Yukichi Former Home - Fukuzawa Memorial Museum 586 Rusui-cho, Nakatsu City, Oita Prefecture Opening hours: 9:00 to 17:00 #EnjoyJapan

This time, I will introduce a cafe in Nakatsu City, Oita Prefecture. When you enter this cafe, you will find a very stylish interior. This time, I ordered bread and coffee, and it was very delicious and I was impressed. It has a relaxing atmosphere, so I could stay there for hours. Please stop by when you go to Nakatsu! Gallery Kohiya 1-6-62 Chuo-cho, Nakatsu City, Oita Prefecture, 871-0024 Opening hours: 10:00-18:30 Closed every Tuesday #EnjoyJapan

This time, I’d like to introduce a spot in Nakatsu City, Oita Prefecture, where you can enjoy beautiful autumn foliage. In autumn, the park is illuminated at night, creating a stunning view. Located in the mountains, it offers a serene countryside atmosphere that is truly delightful. Be sure to visit! Yabakei Dam Memorial Park - Keisekien 2286-1 Oshima, Yabakei-machi, Nakatsu City, Oita Prefecture Open 24 hours