The globally popular manga and anime “Attack on Titan” has an inseparable deep connection with Hita City in Oita Prefecture. In this article, we will provide detailed information about the connection between Hita City, the hometown of author Hajime Isayama, and the work, pilgrimage spots, and regional revitalization efforts.
Hajime Isayama and Hita City: The Background Behind the Work’s Creation
Hajime Isayama, 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 and the closed-off geography of this region greatly influenced the conception of the work’s world.
The Geographic Characteristics of Hita City and Their Influence on the Work
Hita City is located in a basin surrounded by mountains, and this geographic feature is said to have influenced the fundamental setting of “Attack on Titan” of a “world surrounded by walls.” Isayama himself has revealed that his hometown’s isolated geography served as 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 protagonist Eren Yeager’s strong desire to “get outside 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 author Hajime Isayama. Here you can find:
- Autographed signatures by Isayama
- Work-related panel displays
- Materials showing local connections
- Messages and greetings from fans
and other exhibits, 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:
Ranges of mountains: Source of imagery for the giant forest spreading beyond the walls
Narrow valleys: Awareness of closed-off spaces
Rural scenery: The original landscape of peaceful daily scenes within the work
These elements played an important role in constructing the work’s world.
Places Related to Isayama
There are schools that Isayama actually attended and areas where he spent his childhood within Hita City. While the specific addresses of these places are not publicly disclosed, they are known among locals 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 engaged in regional revitalization using “Attack on Titan.”
Tourism promotion activities: Tourism promotions targeting work fans
Special product development: Regional specialty items collaborating with Attack on Titan
Event hosting: Implementation of commemorative exhibitions and related events
Through these efforts, Hita City has gained attention from both domestic and international audiences as a “pilgrimage site for Attack on Titan.”
Past Commemorative Events
At important milestones in the work, commemorative events have been held in Hita City.
- Serialization completion commemorative exhibition
- Anime broadcast commemorative projects
- Work anniversary events
At these events, limited merchandise was sold and special exhibitions were held, attracting many fans from across the country.
Practical Guide for Pilgrimage
Access Methods
By train:
- Get off at JR Kyudai Main Line “Hita Station”
- About 1 hour 30 minutes by express from Hakata Station
- About 1 hour by express 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
- More convenient with rental car (about 30 minutes)
Precautions During Pilgrimage
When enjoying pilgrimage sites, please note the following:
- Consideration for local residents: Avoid loud voices and prolonged stays in residential areas
- No trespassing on private property: Do not enter private property without permission
- Take trash with you: Always take it with you for environmental protection
- Photography manners: Take photos with consideration for others’ privacy
- Traffic rule compliance: Avoid illegal parking and dangerous photography locations
Recommended Pilgrimage Plans
Day trip plan:
- 10:00 Arrive at Hita Station
- 10:30 Explore the city center, Hita sightseeing
- 12:00 Lunch (local cuisine such as Hita yakisoba)
- 13:30 Visit the Oyama Promotion Bureau
- 14:30 Explore the Oyama Town area
- 16:00 Move toward Hita Station
- 17:00 Return home
One night, two days plan:
A plan combining city sightseeing and hot springs on the first day and leisurely exploring Oyama Town on the second day is recommended. There are many hot spring facilities in Hita City, allowing you to enjoy a relaxed stay.
The Charm of Hita City: Tourist Spots Beyond Attack on Titan
Historic Streetscape of Mameda Town
Mameda Town, which retains echoes of the Edo period, has been selected as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Historic Buildings. The atmospheric streetscape lined with old townhouses is a spot you’ll want to visit in combination with your Attack on Titan pilgrimage.
Hita Hot Spring Resorts
Hita City has multiple hot spring areas where you can relax from your travels. At hot spring inns along the Mikuma River, you can spend relaxing time while listening to the gentle babbling of the river.
Local Cuisine
Hita yakisoba: Characterized by unique thick noodles and 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 product of Oyama Town
These local delicacies are also part of the enjoyment of visiting Hita.
Attack on Titan Goods and Hita Limited Products
Hita City Limited Goods
Hita City sometimes sells Attack on Titan related goods exclusive to the region. In the past:
- Hita City original design clear files
- Regional collaboration goods
- Commemorative postcards
and others were sold. The latest information can be confirmed on the Hita City Tourism Association website.
Recommended Souvenirs of Local Specialty Products
Local specialty products from Hita are also recommended as souvenirs for Attack on Titan fans:
- Processed products using pears from Oyama Town
- Hita Tenryo Water
- Local shochu
- Traditional crafts (Hita cedar products, etc.)
Hajime Isayama and the Region’s Bond
Contributions to the Region
Author Hajime Isayama has continued to hold affection for his hometown even after his success, contributing to the region in various ways. From providing messages for local events to promoting Hita City through his work, his affection for his hometown is loved by local residents.
Local Pride
For Hita residents, Isayama’s success is a great source of pride. The fact that the author of a globally successful work is from the region has become part of the community’s identity, and for younger generations in particular, it has become a symbol of hope that says “we too can pursue our dreams.”
The World View of Attack on Titan and Hita’s Nature
Work Themes and the Influence of One’s Hometown
The themes of “Attack on Titan”—”thirst for freedom” and “escape from a closed-off world”—are deeply connected to Isayama’s experience of growing up in Hita, surrounded by mountains.
The “longing for the outside of the walls” depicted in the work may have its roots in the simple desire of a boy raised in a mountain-enclosed environment to “see the outside world.”
Influence on Natural Descriptions
The natural descriptions in the work, particularly scenes of forests and mountainous areas, reflect Hita’s rich nature. The deep forests and undulating terrain 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, check the latest information from the following sources:
- Hita City Official Tourism Site
- Hita City Tourism Association
- Social media (official accounts)
- Attack on Titan related event information
Best Seasons
Recommended times to visit Hita City:
Spring (March–May): Cherry blossom season, comfortable weather
Autumn (October–November): Beautiful autumn leaves, pear harvest season
Summer (May–September): Sweetfish cooking season, river activities available
Winter (December–February): Relatively mild, but prepare for cold in mountainous areas
Accommodations
There are various types of accommodations in Hita City:
- Hot spring inns (along the Mikuma River)
- Business hotels (around the station)
- Guesthouses and private inns
- Campgrounds (Oyama Town area)
You can choose based on your budget and travel style.
Attack on Titan Fan Community and Hita City
Visitors from Domestic and Abroad
Due to the global popularity of “Attack on Titan,” Hita City has been visited by many fans from not only domestic sources but also internationally. In particular, the number of tourists from Asia has increased, and Hita City is preparing to welcome visitors by installing multilingual information signs.
Information Sharing on SNS
On SNS such as Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok, many visit records are shared with hashtags such as “#AttackonTitanPilgrimage” and “#HitaCity.” These posts serve as valuable information sources for those planning to visit.
Future Prospects and Expectations
Continuous Regional Revitalization
Although the serialization of “Attack on Titan” has been completed, the work’s influence is expected to continue. Hita City is considering sustainable regional revitalization strategies utilizing this work, with the aim of developing it as a long-term tourism resource.
Possibility of Memorial Facilities
In the future, the establishment of more substantial memorial halls and exhibition facilities is anticipated. If a facility that honors Isayama’s achievements and communicates the charm of the work could be established, Hita City would be firmly established as the “pilgrimage site of Attack on Titan” in substance as well as name.
Conclusion: Experiencing the Origins of Attack on Titan in Hita City
Oita Prefecture’s Hita City is the land that nurtured Hajime Isayama, author of the world-renowned masterpiece “Attack on Titan.” The geography surrounded by mountains, the rich nature, and the warm regional community. All of these have influenced the formation of the work’s world.
Visiting Hita City has a meaning that goes beyond mere pilgrimage. It is a precious experience to understand the background to the work’s creation and touch the author’s origins. Beautiful nature, historic townscapes, delicious local cuisine, and hot springs. Hita City has charm that captivates not just Attack on Titan fans, but all travelers.
For all fans of the work, a visit to Hita City, the hometown of author Isayama, will undoubtedly be a special journey. Remembering to show respect for the region and following proper manners, experience the place where the world view of Attack on Titan was born.
I hope this article will help make your visit to Hita City more fulfilling. Just as Eren, seeking freedom, stepped outside the walls, why not open the door to a new world that is Hita City?
