5 Photogenic Buildings and Townscapes in Oita | Recommended Instagrammable Retro Architecture and Castles

Oita Prefecture has many stunning buildings that make you want to grab your camera! From historic castles to Western-style buildings full of exotic charm, we have carefully selected and present some photogenic spots.

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01 | Funai Castle Ruins (Oita City)

A white castle ruin standing in the center of Oita City. The contrast of the castle walls and stone walls reflected in the moat is overwhelming, and a shot aiming for a water-surface reflection is sure to get "likes." Early morning when the morning mist hangs in the air is the best opportunity, when it is wrapped in a dreamlike atmosphere. Shooting with a frontal composition from the center of the bridge makes the symmetrical beauty stand out.

📍 Access: About 15 minutes on foot from JR Oita Station

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02 | Around the Taketa Castle Town and Castle Town Exchange Plaza (Taketa City)

Taketa's castle town, where white walls and cobblestones continue, is a townscape that feels as if you have time-slipped back to the Edo period. Especially at dusk in autumn, the moment when the slanting light dyes the white walls orange is the most photogenic. If you shoot the cobblestone road with a vertical composition that stretches it into the distance, you get a photo full of depth and travel sentiment. Walking in a rental kimono completes the perfect shot.

📍 Access: About 10 minutes on foot from JR Bungo-Taketa Station

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03 | Former Fujino Family Residence (Hita City)

A historic building in the Mameda-machi area of Hita City, where the merchant culture of the Edo period lives on. The atmosphere created by the plastered white walls and heavy lattice windows is irresistible for retro lovers. The morning on a cloudy day produces fewer shadows, so the building's details are captured beautifully. A "through-the-window composition" that treats the lattice window as a frame is recommended.

📍 Access: About 10 minutes by bus or taxi from JR Hita Station

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04 | The Old Townscape of Mameda-machi (Hita City)

Mameda-machi, called the "Little Kyoto of Kyushu," is a stunning area where townhouse architecture full of Edo atmosphere continues. During the cherry blossom season (March to April), the collaboration of old folk houses and pale pink cherry blossoms is realized, and Japanese beauty explodes. Shooting as if looking up at the street from a low angle captures the sky and the buildings together for a dynamic composition. With plenty of cafes and general goods shops, a casual stroll is also fun ♪

📍 Access: About 15 minutes on foot from JR Hita Station

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05 | The Cobblestone Area Around the Usuki Stone Buddhas (National Treasure) (Usuki City)

In Usuki City, known for the cliff-carved Buddhas designated as a National Treasure, the Nioza Historical Road, where cobblestone slopes and white walls continue, should not be missed either. A summer morning right after the end of the rainy season, when green moss seeps into the cobblestones, is dreamlike, and the damp cobblestones reflect the light and sparkle. Deliberately blurring the dappled sunlight falling on the cobblestones in the background while shooting the stone wall in the foreground sharply greatly increases that professional feel.

📍 Access: About 15 to 20 minutes on foot from JR Usuki Station

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The historic architecture of Oita shows a new expression each time you visit. By all means, search for your favorite angle and try to capture a shot that is uniquely yours! 🏯✨