Saiki: Discover the History of Its Castle and Town

Saiki is particularly rewarding to explore through the history of its castle and town. Castle ruins, a path that preserves the appearance of an early modern castle town, several museum spaces, and an annual doll exhibition offer different ways to discover the area. The ruins, the exhibitions in specific buildings, and the seasonal event each have their own focus. When planning your trip, you can consider whether you are most interested in the history of the castle town, the different museum spaces, or a special doll exhibition.

The History of the Castle Town and the Historic and Literary Path

The ruins of Saiki Castle were designated a national historic site of Japan on March 20, 2023. Saiki City Historical Museum opened at the foot of Shiroyama in May 2015 and is located at the beginning of the Historic and Literary Path. This path preserves the appearance of an early modern castle town. Together, the museum and path offer a distinctive way to explore the town’s history: both the museum’s location and the image of the castle town conveyed by the path are among the things you can discover in Saiki.

Outside Saiki City Historical Museum, you can see Sanpu Gomon, which was used as the gate of the administrative office of the Saiki Domain. Also on display there is part of the Mori family residence: the Mori family living room. The two exhibits represent different functions of buildings. One was associated with an administrative office, the other with a residence. This contrast makes the exhibits interesting to visitors who are interested not only in the castle but also in the different aspects of life in the former domain.

Two Museums, Different Perspectives

The Kunikida Doppo Museum is arranged differently. Its exhibits are spread across the main house and the storehouse; in both buildings, you can visit the ground floor and the first floor. This gives the museum visit a clear spatial structure: you can experience the two buildings and their respective floors as parts of a shared exhibition. By contrast, at Saiki City Historical Museum, the exhibits displayed outdoors are among the most tangible impressions. Comparing the two helps you understand the different kinds of museum visits available in Saiki without reducing them to a single theme.

Saiki Hina-meguri Throughout the Year

At Saiki Hina-meguri, held annually from late February to early March, different kinds of dolls are displayed along the Historic and Literary Path. These include flower hina dolls made with flowers from Saiki, dolls associated with the former Mori ruling family, decorative dolls dating from the late Edo period to the present, and palace-style dolls. The exhibition thus brings together different themes and styles: local flowers, the former ruling family, a long history of decorative dolls, and the palace style. The event takes place annually from late February to early March.

Choose the Right Focus for Your Trip

When looking for a holiday rental in Saiki, you can consider your travel dates alongside your cultural interests. If you want to include Hina-meguri in your trip, plan around its stated annual period and the specific event dates. If the town’s history is your main interest, the designated castle ruins and varied museum offerings give you several topics to choose from. This distinction is useful for people travelling together: you can discuss whether a seasonal event or exploring the castle, townscape, and museum spaces better suits the stay you want. That way, choosing your accommodation starts with deciding which facet of Saiki you want to shape your trip.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Usuki, Kunisaki, Yufu, Tsukumi, Beppu, Bungo-Takada, Ōita, Usa.

For the main travel guide: Ōita Prefecture.