Saiki City, located in the south of Oita Prefecture, has many spectacular views, represented by Tsurumizaki, the easternmost point of Kyushu. There are also many World War II war ruins remaining, quietly telling the history of those days. Let's drive through Saiki City, now known as a fishing and shipbuilding town.

Saiki City, the easternmost city of Kyushu

It takes about one hour by car from Fujimax JDM Car Rental to the centre of Saiki City. From the Oita Mitsuyoshi IC, take the highway southwards and exit at the Saiki IC.

As Saiki City is a fishing town, there are many sushi restaurants and other restaurants where you can eat freshly caught fish. For more information, visit the Saiki City Tourist Information Website.

Giant mural: Saeki Suhama Ryuguzu

A huge mural is painted at the mouth of the Bansho River, which flows to the east of Saiki city centre. It was painted by the sole hand of the artist Hiroto Tanigawa. He wanted to make Saiki known to as many people as possible. He started painting the mural in 2018 and the mural now reaches a total length of 200 metres. The mural depicts a view of Ryugu castle in the fairy tale of Urashima Taro. The mural is scheduled for completion in 2026.

Rias coast road

The coastal area of Saiki City has a typical rias coastline. The roads, with their winding curves to the right and left, are ideal for enjoying the handling of the car. There is also the pleasure of discovering a new landscape with each corner. Enjoy the drive, feeling the sea so close that you can almost reach it.

Tanga Battery Park

The city of Saiki, located on the easternmost tip of Kyushu, saw the construction of a number of fortifications during the Second World War, including the Tanga Battery, completed in 1931. Two 30 cm “canon” guns, originally mounted on the cruiser Ibuki, were installed on the summit of this fortress. During a live-fire training exercise in 1943, the last of the guns exploded in the turret, killing 16 people. Even today, traces of the explosion can still be seen etched into the concrete wall, testifying to the intensity of the explosion.

Tsurumizaki Lighthouse

Tsurumizaki Lighthouse is located at Tsurumizaki, the easternmost point of Kyushu. The lighthouse, which stands on a cliff 200 m above sea level, is relatively new, having been completed in 1981. The lighthouse has a range of approximately 42 km, making it the farthest lighthouse in Oita Prefecture. The site was fortified during the war, and the remains of gun batteries and barracks can still be seen.

Tsurumizaki

The easternmost point of Kyushu is located 150 m from Tsurumizaki Lighthouse. The sea beyond Tsurumizaki is the Bungo Channel, beyond which lies Shikoku. If the air is clear, the mountains of Shikoku should be clearly visible. You can hear only the sound of the waves and the wind, an experience unique to the easternmost point of the island.

Bungo-Kuroshio Line

The Bungo-Kuroshio Line is one of the most pleasant roads in Saiki City, running along the quay at an altitude of about 250 m. Along the way, there is the Sky Observation Station and Sky Park, which was used as a location for the film "Tsuribaka Nikki"(Japanese famous movie), where you can look out over the Pacific Ocean below. You can enjoy the drive while gazing at the magnificent sea.

Kamae

Kamae is the most southerly town in Oita Prefecture and is a fishing town with a peaceful time.

Uzumaki, produced and sold by Shoeido, is a speciality confectionery of Kamae. These sweets are made from a soft dough and filled with a soft sweet red bean paste. You will feel happy when you eat it.

At the Kamae Interpark Umibe no ichi, visitors can buy seafood from the region and eat at the restaurant. Hiougi shellfish from Kamae are very meaty and tasty. You can also enjoy BBQ with fresh seafood purchased at the shop.