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The white-walled Otemon gate of Obi Castle at the top of a stone-paved path among trees

Castle town

Obi Castle Town

Obi was the seat of the Ito clan, who ruled the area for almost 300 years until 1871. Its old streets, lined with stone walls, earthen walls and hedges, are one of Japan’s preserved historic districts, and the gate of Obi Castle has been rebuilt in its original style. It is sometimes called the little Kyoto of Kyushu.

Why visit

Obi is a rare survivor: a small castle town whose street plan, walls and many old houses have changed little since the days of the samurai. There are no crowds most days, the lanes are lined with moss-covered stone walls and hedges, and koi swim in the clear water of the canals. Add a few local snacks and it makes one of the most pleasant half days in Miyazaki.

What to see

  • Obi Castle: the main keep is gone, but the massive stone walls, the rebuilt Otemon gate and the reconstructed Matsuo-no-maru residence stand among tall cedar trees. A small museum shows the treasures of the Ito clan.
  • Yoshokan: the former residence of the Ito family, with a fine garden.
  • The samurai streets: walk Yokobaba and the lanes around it, lined with stone walls, gates and gardens.
  • The Komura Memorial Hall: a museum about Komura Jutaro, the diplomat from Obi who signed the treaty that ended the Russo-Japanese War in 1905.
  • The canals: look for big, colourful koi in the waterways along the main street.
Orange and white koi swimming in a clear canal in Obi
Koi in one of the canals of Obi.

The walking and eating map

At the tourist information office, you can buy a map with coupons for several sights and for snacks and souvenirs at shops around town. It is good value if you plan to visit the castle and the old houses. Look for Obi-ten, a slightly sweet fried fish cake made with tofu and brown sugar, and atsuyaki tamago, a thick, custard-like baked egg.

Tips

  • Obi Station on the JR Nichinan Line is about 15 minutes’ walk from the old town.
  • Many shops close at around 5 pm, and some are closed on certain weekdays.
  • Hire a kimono in town for a stroll and photos among the old walls.
  • Read our guide to a day in Obi, and combine it with Udo Jingu.

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