Mameda Shopping Street: Hita City, Oita Prefecture

The Mameda Shopping Street is located in Hita City. This charming shopping street features an elegant and tasteful townscape lined with buildings that date back to the Edo period (1603 to 1868). The preserved atmosphere of old Japan creates scenes reminiscent of a bygone era. With around 100 shops, the street offers souvenir stores, cafés, and restaurants. In fact there is absolutely something here for everyone, with my favorite being the Local Sake Brewery selling incredible varieties of Japanese Sake and other types of alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages.

For a special experience, you can stroll the streets in a rented kimono, or relax and take in the sights on a rickshaw ride. The area also includes museums and a Soy Sauce factory allowing visitors to casually explore Japanese history and culture. During the Hina Matsuri (Doll Festival) season, the street comes alive with splendid displays of traditional dolls, adding a festive and colorful touch to the entire town. 

On weekends the crowds can get somewhat busy but in comparison to Gion in Kyoto you will not have to fight the crowds to get to your locations of choice. On a weekday you will basically have the whole street to yourself and of course the local shop keepers will work extremely hard for your benefit to show you incredible hospitality and their extensive selection of local hand made artisan products.

It's a hidden gem alright and you will not be disappointed to visit, in fact you will not need or want to go back to Kyoto as there will be everything you need here.

Please check out the map below to see more about the Mameda Shopping Street.

Please click on these photos below to enlarge:

This is Mameda Street

How old is this building?

Traditions are everywhere

Lots to see and do

Rice Crackers

Wide streets

Traditional gifts

Old paintings anyone?

Historical significance

Japanese Sake galore

Old authentic buildings

Giant Japanese traditional footwear

Hina Matsuri Dolls

Please watch this video below to learn more about the Maeda Shopping Street in Hita, Oita Prefecture: