【Attack on Titan】in HITA Museum, Hita City, Oita Prefecture
Hita City in Oita Prefecture is the hometown of Hajime Isayama, the creator of the globally popular manga “Attack on Titan,” and boasts numerous must-see pilgrimage spots for fans. This article comprehensively introduces all pilgrimage spots in Hita City, with a focus on the “Attack on Titan in HITA Museum” and “Attack on Titan in HITA Museum ANNEX.” We provide complete information needed for pilgrimage tourism, including access methods, admission fees, highlights, and nearby dining spots.
The Deep Connection Between “Attack on Titan” and Hita City, Oita Prefecture
“Attack on Titan” was serialized from 2009 to 2021 and became a massive hit manga, surpassing 140 million copies sold worldwide in cumulative series circulation. Creator Hajime Isayama was born in Oyama Town, Hita City, Oita Prefecture, and the rich nature and landscapes of Hita had a significant influence on the manga’s worldview.
Isayama spent his childhood in Hita City, and it is said that the massive wall of Oyama Dam and the mountains surrounding him influenced the formation of the image of the iconic “wall” in “Attack on Titan.” Hita City honors Isayama’s achievements and has launched the “Attack on Hita” project city-wide, welcoming many fans as a pilgrimage destination.
Attack on Titan in HITA Museum | Main Building’s Charm and Highlights
Facility Overview and Basic Information
The “Attack on Titan in HITA Museum” is an exhibition facility attached to the roadside station “Mizube no Sato Oyama.” Located at 4106 Nishi-Oyama, Oyama Town, Hita City, Oita Prefecture, it has become the central pilgrimage spot in Hita City.
Basic Information:
- Address: 4106 Nishi-Oyama, Oyama Town, Hita City, Oita Prefecture
- Hours: Weekdays 9:30-16:00 / Weekends and holidays 9:30-17:00
- Phone: 0973-52-3630
- Closed: Irregular
- Admission: Adults (18+) ¥500 / Children (under 18) Free
- Parking: Free (shared with roadside station)
The Overwhelming Power of the Colossal Titan Sculpture
Upon entering the museum, visitors are immediately struck by a several-meter-tall Colossal Titan sculpture. This three-dimensional recreation of the work’s iconic character instantly draws visitors into the world of “Attack on Titan.” The powerful design has become a popular spot for commemorative photographs, offering Instagram-worthy shots.
Precious Original Artwork Displays and Isayama’s Journey
The museum displays numerous precious original artworks by Hajime Isayama. Beyond manga serialization artwork, the museum also showcases works created during Isayama’s childhood and youth, allowing visitors to understand how a single manga artist grew to create a globally beloved work.
The exhibits include:
- Original artwork from iconic scenes in “Attack on Titan”
- Early concept sketches and rough drafts
- Isayama’s childhood works
- Character design evolution
- Video content introducing the creative process
Immersive Comic Experience
The “Immersive Comic” experience, utilizing cutting-edge digital technology, is one of the museum’s signature exhibits. Manga panels unfold in three dimensions with sound effects, allowing visitors to be immersed in the work’s world. The sensation of still-frame manga coming to life is a special experience for fans.
Original Merchandise Sales
The museum shop sells numerous Hita-exclusive original merchandise including T-shirts, keychains, clear files, and postcards—items available nowhere else, making them popular as pilgrimage souvenirs.
Attack on Titan in HITA Museum ANNEX | New Venue Inside Sapporo Beer Factory
ANNEX Facility Overview
The “Attack on Titan in HITA Museum ANNEX,” opened in 2021 within the Sapporo Beer Kyushu Hita Factory grounds, is a second exhibition venue. The contrast of the “Attack on Titan” world suddenly appearing amidst the factory’s lush natural environment leaves a special impression on visitors.
Basic Information:
- Address: 6979 Takase, Hita City, Oita Prefecture (Sapporo Beer Kyushu Hita Factory)
- Hours: 10:00-16:00 (final admission 15:30)
- Closed: Mondays (or following day if holiday), year-end/new year
- Admission: Adults (18+) ¥500 / Children (under 18) Free
- Parking: Free
ANNEX-Exclusive Exhibits
ANNEX features different exhibits from the main building, allowing visitors who explore both to enjoy the “Attack on Titan” world more deeply. Particularly noteworthy are the full-size model of the Omni-Directional Mobility Gear and dioramas recreating crucial scenes from the work.
ANNEX’s Distinctive Exhibits:
- Detailed reproduction model of the Omni-Directional Mobility Gear
- Survey Corps equipment display
- Character panel photo spots
- Work timeline and worldview explanation panels
- Limited video content screening
Combining ANNEX with Sapporo Beer Factory Tour
When visiting ANNEX, it is recommended to combine the visit with a tour of the Sapporo Beer Kyushu Hita Factory. After viewing the beer manufacturing process, visitors can sample freshly brewed beer in the tasting area (reservation required). This allows visitors to simultaneously experience the “Attack on Titan” world and Kyushu’s beer culture—a unique tourism plan only available in Hita.
Money-Saving Combined Tickets for Both Museums
For those planning to visit both the main building and ANNEX, discounted combination tickets are available. Instead of paying ¥500 at each venue, set pricing reduces the total cost, making pilgrimage more economical. Tickets are available at each facility’s counter.
Pilgrimage Spots Around Hita Station
Attack on Hita Café | A Gathering Place for Fans
The “Attack on Hita Café,” located within walking distance of Hita Station, is themed around “Attack on Titan” and serves as an ideal rest stop during pilgrimage. A second-floor expansion opened in 2023, making the facility even more enriching.
Basic Information:
- Address: 11-13 Motomachi, Hita City, Oita Prefecture
- Hours: 10:00-17:00
- Closed: Wednesdays
The café offers original menus inspired by the work, including “Wall Curry” imagining the walled world and character-themed drinks. Display cases feature artwork reproductions and life-size character panels, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the work’s world while dining. The second floor showcases Isayama’s original illustration, autographs, and rare merchandise—must-see spaces for fans. Limited merchandise unique to the café, such as coasters and stickers, are popular souvenirs.
Colossal Titan Statue in Hita Station South Plaza
The south plaza of Hita Station features character statues based on Isayama’s original designs. The statue project has been carried out multiple times, with principal characters including Eren, Mikasa, and Armin being erected sequentially.
Each statue is crafted at life-size or larger, precisely recreating characters’ distinctive poses and expressions. Nighttime illumination creates a different atmosphere from daytime. Fans constantly photograph themselves with the statues, generating numerous social media posts.
The statue bases carry Isayama’s handwritten messages and iconic lines from the work, creating moving experiences for fans.
Hita Station Tourist Information Center for Information Gathering
The tourist information center within Hita Station provides detailed information about “Attack on Hita.” Pilgrimage maps, latest facility information, and public transportation schedules are available to efficiently plan routes. Staff respond kindly; first-time visitors should gather information here first.
Pilgrimage Spots in the Oyama Area
Oyama Dam | The Origin of the Work’s Worldview
Oyama Dam is considered the origin of the image of the “wall,” the symbol of “Attack on Titan.” At 94 meters high and 370 meters long, this massive dam evokes the walls appearing in the manga with striking power.
Access Information:
- Address: Nishi-Oyama, Oyama Town, Hita City, Oita Prefecture
- Viewing: Free and open to public
- Parking: Available (free)
From the dam’s observation deck, expansive views of surrounding mountains unfold, allowing visitors to experience the landscape Isayama saw in childhood. Particularly during new greenery and autumn foliage seasons, the harmony of natural beauty and human engineering creates ideal photography conditions.
Walking paths around the dam lake are well-maintained, allowing leisurely strolls while contemplating the work’s worldview. The serene environment provides respite from urban noise.
Soufuren | A Gourmet Spot Connected to Isayama
“Soufuren,” a teppanyaki yakisoba restaurant in Oyama Town, is known as a Hita specialty beloved by Isayama since childhood. Visitors on pilgrimage should definitely stop by this gourmet spot.
Basic Information:
- Address: Nishi-Oyama, Oyama Town, Hita City (inside Roadside Station Mizube no Sato Oyama)
- Hours: 11:00-15:00 (closes when sold out)
- Closed: Irregular
Soufuren’s teppanyaki yakisoba is boldly cooked on hot iron plates, featuring crispy noodles and sweet-salty sauce. Hearty portions replenish energy for tourists tired from walking. The restaurant interior displays Isayama’s autograph and “Attack on Titan” exhibits, with fans often exchanging conversation while dining.
Roadside Station Mizube no Sato Oyama
The roadside station housing the “Attack on Titan in HITA Museum” serves as an ideal pilgrimage hub. Beyond the museum, it offers well-equipped facilities including farm product direct sales, restaurants, and rest areas.
The station’s specialty product section displays local pickled plums, yuzu products, and vegetables showcasing Oyama’s appeal. Limited-edition collaboration items with “Attack on Titan” are also available, making souvenir shopping enjoyable.
The facility features foot baths to soothe tourist fatigue, surrounded by a natural environment offering refreshment.
Access Methods and Efficient Pilgrimage Routes
Access by Public Transportation
From the Fukuoka area:
- JR Hakata Station to Hita Station via JR Kyudai Main Line: approximately 1.5-2 hours
- “Hita-go” express bus from Hakata Bus Terminal to Hita Bus Center: approximately 1.5 hours
From the Oita area:
- JR Oita Station to Hita Station via JR Kyudai Main Line: approximately 1.5 hours
From Hita Station to each spot:
- Attack on Hita Café: approximately 10-minute walk
- Attack on Titan in HITA Museum ANNEX: approximately 15 minutes by taxi, or by bus
- Attack on Titan in HITA Museum (main building): approximately 30 minutes by taxi, or by bus
Since bus service to the museum facilities is limited, taxi is convenient. Rental cars or rental bikes allow freer exploration of multiple spots.
Access by Car
From the Fukuoka area:
- Via Kyushu Expressway “Hita IC” to each spot
- Approximately 10 minutes from Hita IC to Attack on Titan in HITA Museum ANNEX
- Approximately 30 minutes from Hita IC to Attack on Titan in HITA Museum (main building)
From the Oita area:
- Via Oita Expressway “Hita IC”
Car access offers maximum flexibility, efficiently visiting multiple spots in one day. All facilities feature free parking.
Recommended Pilgrimage Routes
One-Day Course (by car):
- Morning: Hita Station South Plaza statue viewing (30 minutes)
- Morning: Rest and merchandise shopping at Attack on Hita Café (1 hour)
- Morning: Attack on Titan in HITA Museum ANNEX viewing (1 hour)
- Lunch: Sapporo Beer Factory or in-city dining
- Afternoon: Attack on Titan in HITA Museum (main building) viewing (1.5 hours)
- Afternoon: Light meal of teppanyaki yakisoba at Soufuren
- Afternoon: Oyama Dam viewing (1 hour)
Half-Day Course (by public transportation):
- Arrive at Hita Station → view South Plaza statues
- Rest and lunch at Attack on Hita Café
- Take taxi to Attack on Titan in HITA Museum ANNEX and view exhibits
- Take taxi back to Hita Station for departure
For those with ample time, a one- or two-night stay at Hita Hot Springs allows leisurely pilgrimage.
Surrounding Tourist Spots and Accommodation Information
Hita Hot Springs Area
Hita City is also known as a hot spring destination, allowing hot spring enjoyment alongside pilgrimage. Numerous hot spring inns line the Mikuma River, allowing relaxation to the sounds of flowing water.
Hita Hot Springs feature weakly alkaline mineral water said to benefit skin, ideal for relieving tourist fatigue. Summer visitors can watch cormorant fishing from participating inns, experiencing Hita’s traditional culture.
Mameda Town’s Historic Streetscape
Mameda Town in Hita City preserves Edo-period townscapes, designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Historic Buildings. White-walled storehouses and old merchant houses create picturesque streets pleasant to explore.
Mameda Town features traditional crafts shops, Japanese confectionery stores, and cafés, ideal for souvenir shopping. Combined with pilgrimage tourism, experiencing Hita’s historical culture creates a more enriching journey.
Hita Gion Festival (July)
The annual Hita Gion Festival, held each July with approximately 300 years of history, is registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. The sight of magnificent festival floats parading through streets is spectacular, allowing simultaneous enjoyment of pilgrimage and festival viewing when visiting during this season.
Pilgrimage Essentials and Precautions
Recommended Items to Bring
- Camera/smartphone: Essential for commemorative photographs
- Pilgrimage map: Available at Hita Station tourist information center
- Comfortable walking shoes: Necessary for traveling between facilities and exploring
- Beverages: Critical for heat stroke prevention, especially in summer
- Rain gear: Mountainous terrain experiences weather changes
- Portable battery: Photo-taking and information searches drain batteries quickly
Visitation Precautions
- Confirm operating hours and closures beforehand (particularly ANNEX’s Monday closure)
- Mountain terrain can experience road icing in winter
- Museum photography restrictions vary by area; follow signage
- Capacity limits may apply during peak times, especially weekends and holidays
- Remember local residents live in these areas; maintain proper etiquette
Latest Information and Events
Hita City regularly hosts “Attack on Titan”-related events including statue dedication ceremonies, limited-time special exhibits, and collaboration events, offering new discoveries with each visit.
Latest information updates appear on “Attack on Titan in HITA” official websites and social media. Pre-visit checking enables more enriching pilgrimage. Special programming frequently occurs around creator Isayama’s birthday (August 29) and work anniversaries.
Conclusion: Experience the World of “Attack on Titan” in Hita City, Oita Prefecture
Hita City holds special significance for “Attack on Titan” fans. As Hajime Isayama’s hometown and the origin of the work’s worldview, the area offers emotional experiences and realism unreachable through manga or anime alone.
At the “Attack on Titan in HITA Museum” main building and ANNEX, visitors enjoy precious artwork and exhibits. Around Hita Station, statues and cafés enable character photo opportunities. Oyama Dam allows contact with nature that inspired the work, while local cuisine showcases Hita’s charms—all these comprise Hita’s unique pilgrimage experience.
Accessible by public transportation or car, enjoyable as day trips or overnight visits, Hita City welcomes all. Deepen your understanding of “Attack on Titan” and touch Isayama’s roots through pilgrimage. An unforgettable lifetime memory awaits in Hita City, Oita Prefecture.
