Exchange of contemporary culture(4)
A pilgrimage to an "Attack on Titan" Holy Site
The manga "Attack on Titan" has gained explosive popularity in Japan and abroad, mainly among young people, ever since it was made into an anime TV series in 2012. It has become a social phenomenon that includes novels, movies, video games and corporate collaborations, and it has drawn international attention.
Hajime Isayama, the creator of the original "Attack on Titan," is from Oyamamachi, Hita City, Oita Prefecture. The characteristics of his hometown greatly influenced the worldview of the manga in which people live in cities surrounded by walls. Many fans view Oyamamachi as a "holy site" of "Attack on Titan" and have visited it.
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Okuhita Onsen Umehibiki
This is a hot springs resort with a gallery called “Gallery Oyama” on its grounds. The gallery displays copies of original pictures, inked pictures of the characters and video of “Attack on Titan” being drawn.
It has free admission and things fans of “Attack on Titan” would definitely want to see, including a re-creation of the work space of Isayama Hajime. There are co-branded “Attack on Titan” plum liquor and plum juice available for sale as well.
Location: 4587 Nishioyama, Oyama-machi, Hita-shi, Oita
PH: 0973-52-3700 (Okuhita Onsen Umehibiki)
Website: Okuhita Onsen Umehibiki
https://www.umehibiki.jp/en/
Transportation: Approx. 25 min from Kyushu Odan Expressway Nagasaki-Oita Line Hita Interchange by car
25 min from JR Hita Station by car
Approx. 18 min from Hita Bus Center via National Route 212 by car
Parking: Available (free)