【Attack on Titan】(Hita City, Oita Prefecture)
The worldwide popular manga and anime work “Attack on Titan” has a deep and inseparable connection with Hita City in Oita Prefecture. This article provides detailed information about the connection between Hita City, the hometown of author Hajime Isayama, and the work, as well as pilgrimage spots and regional revitalization efforts.
Hajime Isayama and Hita City: The Background of the Work’s Creation
Hajime Isayama, the author of “Attack on Titan,” is from Oyama Town, Hita City, Oita Prefecture. Born and raised in Hita City in 1986, Isayama has stated that the natural environment rich in this region and its closed-off geography greatly influenced the conception of the work’s world.
The Geographical Characteristics of Hita City and Its Influence on the Work
Hita City is located in a basin surrounded by mountains, and this geographical characteristic is said to have influenced the basic setting of “Attack on Titan” of a “world surrounded by walls.” Isayama himself has revealed that the closed-off geography of his hometown became a source of inspiration for the work.
In particular, Oyama Town is a quiet mountainous area where one easily feels a sense of isolation from the outside world. This sense of “longing for the outside world” overlaps with the main character Eren Yeager’s strong desire to “go beyond the walls.”
Attack on Titan-Related Spots in Hita City
Hita City Oyama Promotion Bureau (Attack on Titan Exhibition Corner)
The Hita City Oyama Promotion Bureau has an exhibition corner related to Hajime Isayama. Here you can see:
- Autographed items from Isayama
- Display panels related to the work
- Materials showing local connections
- Messages and well-wishes from fans
and other displays, making it a must-see spot for fans.
The Landscape of Oyama Town and the Work’s World View
The natural landscape of Oyama Town has influenced the work throughout. In particular:
Mountain ranges: A source of inspiration for the image of the giant forest spreading beyond the walls
Narrow valleys: Awareness of closed-off spaces
Rural landscape: The original scenery of peaceful daily scenes within the work
These elements played an important role in constructing the work’s world.
Places Associated with Isayama
Within Hita City, there are schools that Isayama actually attended and areas where he spent his childhood. While the specific addresses of these locations are not made public, they are known among local residents as “Isayama’s alma mater.”
When fans visit, it is important to be mindful of the privacy and daily lives of local residents.
Attack on Titan-Related Events and Initiatives in Hita City
Regional Revitalization Projects
Hita City is actively working on regional revitalization using “Attack on Titan.”
Tourism promotion activities: Tourism promotions targeting fans of the work
Specialty product development: Regional specialty products in collaboration with Attack on Titan
Event hosting: Implementation of memorial exhibitions and related events
Through these initiatives, Hita City has garnered attention from both domestic and international audiences as a “sacred pilgrimage site for Attack on Titan.”
Past Commemorative Events
At important milestones of the work, commemorative events have been held in Hita City.
- Exhibition commemorating the end of serialization
- Special events commemorating anime broadcasts
- Events commemorating work anniversaries
At these events, limited goods were sold and special exhibitions were held, attracting many fans from across the country.
A Practical Guide for Sacred Pilgrimage
How to Access
By train:
- Get off at “Hita Station” on the JR Kusu-Oita Line
- About 1 hour 30 minutes by express train from Hakata Station
- About 1 hour by express train from Oita Station
By car:
- About 10 minutes from “Hita IC” on the Oita Expressway to the city center
- About 1 hour 30 minutes from Fukuoka City
From Hita Station to Oyama Town:
- About 40 minutes by route bus
- Convenient to use a rental car (about 30 minutes)
Points to Note During Pilgrimage
When enjoying sacred pilgrimage, keep the following points in mind:
- Consideration for local residents: Avoid loud voices and prolonged stays in residential areas
- No entry to private property: Do not enter private property without permission
- Take trash with you: Always take out trash for environmental protection
- Photography etiquette: Take photos with consideration for others’ privacy
- Follow traffic rules: Avoid illegal parking and photography in dangerous locations
Recommended Pilgrimage Plans
Day trip plan:
- 10:00 Arrival at Hita Station
- 10:30 Stroll through the city center, Hita sightseeing
- 12:00 Lunch (local cuisine such as Hita yakisoba)
- 13:30 Visit to the Oyama Promotion Bureau
- 14:30 Stroll around Oyama Town
- 16:00 Move to Hita Station
- 17:00 Return journey
1-night 2-day plan:
A plan where you enjoy city sightseeing and hot springs on the first day and thoroughly explore Oyama Town on the second day is recommended. Hita City has many hot spring facilities, allowing you to enjoy a leisurely stay.
The Charm of Hita City: Sightseeing Spots Other Than Attack on Titan
The Historic Streetscape of Mameda Town
Mameda Town, which retains the atmosphere of the Edo period, has been designated as a National Important Preservation District for Historic Buildings. The picturesque streetscape lined with old townhouses is a spot you’ll want to visit along with your Attack on Titan pilgrimage.
Hita Hot Spring Area
Hita City has multiple hot spring areas where you can relax from travel fatigue. At hot spring inns along the Mikuma River, you can spend a leisurely time listening to the murmur of the river.
Local Cuisine
Hita yakisoba: Characterized by thick noodles and a chewy texture
Sweetfish dishes: Sweetfish raised in the clear waters of the Mikuma River
Hita Tenryo Water: Selected as one of Japan’s 100 Best Waters
Pears: A specialty of Oyama Town
These local delicacies are also one of the joys of visiting Hita.
Attack on Titan Goods and Hita Limited-Edition Products
Hita City Limited Goods
In Hita City, Attack on Titan-related goods exclusive to the region are sold from time to time. In the past:
- Hita City original design clear files
- Regional collaboration goods
- Commemorative postcards
and other items were sold. The latest information can be found on the Hita City Tourist Association’s website.
Recommended Souvenirs: Local Specialty Products
Local products from Hita are also recommended as souvenirs for Attack on Titan fans:
- Processed products made with pears from Oyama Town
- Hita Tenryo Water
- Local shochu
- Traditional crafts (Hita cedar products, etc.)
Hajime Isayama and the Local Community
Contributions to the Local Area
Hajime Isayama has maintained affection for his hometown after his success, contributing to the region in various ways. He provides messages for local events and promotes Hita City through his work, and his attitude of cherishing his hometown is loved by local residents.
Local Pride
For Hita citizens, Isayama’s success is a great source of pride. The fact that the author of a world-renowned work is from the local area has become part of the region’s identity, and for younger generations in particular, it symbolizes hope that “we too can pursue our dreams.”
The World View of Attack on Titan and Hita’s Nature
Work Themes and the Influence of Hometown
The themes of “Attack on Titan”—”craving for freedom” and “escape from a closed-off world”—are deeply connected to Isayama’s experience growing up surrounded by mountains in Hita.
The “longing for beyond the walls” that appears in the work may have originated from the simple wish of a boy raised in a mountain-surrounded environment to “see the outside world.”
The Influence on Nature Descriptions
The nature descriptions in the work, particularly scenes of forests and mountainous terrain, reflect Hita’s abundant nature. The deep forests and varied topography of Oyama Town are important elements supporting the reality of the work’s world.
Latest Information and Advice for Visiting Hita City
Information Gathering Before Your Visit
Before visiting Hita City, confirm the latest information from the following sources:
- Hita City Official Tourism Site
- Hita City Tourist Association
- SNS (official accounts)
- Attack on Titan-related event information
Best Seasons
Recommended times to visit Hita City:
Spring (March–May): Cherry blossom season, pleasant weather
Autumn (October–November): Beautiful fall foliage, pear harvest season
Summer (May–September): Sweetfish season, can also enjoy river play
Winter (December–February): Relatively warm, but take precautions against cold in mountainous areas
Lodging Facilities
Hita City has various types of lodging facilities:
- Hot spring inns (along the Mikuma River)
- Business hotels (around the station)
- Guesthouses and inns
- Campgrounds (around Oyama Town)
You can choose according to your budget and travel style.
Attack on Titan Fan Community and Hita City
Visitors from Japan and Abroad
Due to the worldwide popularity of “Attack on Titan,” many fans visit Hita City from not only Japan but also abroad. Particularly, the number of visitors from Asian countries has increased, and Hita City is preparing multilingual signage and other reception measures.
Information Sharing on SNS
On SNS such as Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok, many visit records are shared using hashtags such as “#AttackonTitanPilgrimage” and “#HitaCity.” These posts become valuable information sources for those planning to visit.
Future Outlook and Expectations
Continued Regional Revitalization
Although the serialization of “Attack on Titan” has concluded, the influence of the work is expected to continue in the future. Hita City is considering sustainable regional revitalization strategies using this work, with the policy of nurturing it as a long-term tourism resource.
Possibility of Memorial Facilities
In the future, the establishment of a more full-fledged memorial museum or exhibition facility is expected. If a facility that honors Isayama’s achievements and conveys the appeal of the work were to be created, Hita City would be firmly established as the “sacred site of Attack on Titan.”
Conclusion: Experiencing the Origins of Attack on Titan in Hita City
Hita City in Oita Prefecture is the land that nurtured Hajime Isayama, the author of the world-renowned masterpiece “Attack on Titan.” Mountains surrounding the area, abundant nature, and a warm community. All of these influenced the formation of the work’s world.
Visiting Hita City holds meaning beyond a simple pilgrimage site. It is a precious experience to understand the background of the work’s creation and touch the author’s origins. Beautiful nature, historically significant streetscapes, delicious local cuisine, and hot springs—Hita City is packed with charm to captivate not only Attack on Titan fans but all travelers.
For all fans of the work, visiting Hita City, the hometown of Isayama, should be a particularly meaningful journey. Please experience the place where the world of Attack on Titan was born, while not forgetting respect for the region and adhering to proper manners.
I hope this article helps make your visit to Hita City more fulfilling. Why not open the door to this new world of Hita City, just as Eren flew beyond the walls in pursuit of freedom?
