General Information
Obi is a historic town in Nichinan City that flourished as the castle town of the Obi Domain, ruled by the Itō clan. Often called the “Little Kyoto of Kyushu,” it evokes a nostalgic atmosphere with its stone walls and white-walled samurai residences. The area is designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.
Obi Castle Remains
These are the remains of Obi Castle, which served as the residence of the ruling Ito family for 280 years, from 1588 until the Meiji era. The site conveys the castle’s former dignity through its original stone walls and the reconstructed palace, ‘Matsu-no-Maru.’ Although the main keep is gone, the serene atmosphere among the many cedar trees evokes the feeling of the feudal era.
The central feature is ‘Matsu-no-Maru,’ rebuilt in 1978. It contains replicas of various rooms, including the living quarters, kitchen, and bathroom, offering a glimpse into the daily life of the lords who resided there.
Samurai Residence Streets
These streets are very beautiful, lined with stone walls and white plastered fences. It looks as if time stopped in the Edo period.
Yosho-Kan
The name Yosho-kan means “House of Camphor Wood.” It was built in 1869 as the residence for Yorisuke Ito, the former feudal lord who had become the regional governor. The property was constructed on the site where a retainer named Mond Ito had previously lived.
As a typical high-ranking samurai residence, it conveys a sense of prestige. To the south of the house lies a beautiful strolling pond garden, which features artfully arranged stone lanterns, ornamental rocks, and meticulously maintained plants.