40代独身無職のゆる生活 Yuru Life Journal 
Introduction
Kitsuki City in Oita Prefecture has gained attention as a top destination for FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) and semi-retirement, with rental prices starting as low as 10,000 yen per month. However, many people may have concerns such as, “Isn’t living in the countryside difficult?” or “Can I really enjoy a comfortable lifestyle there?”
In reality, Kitsuki City is not the inconvenient rural town one might imagine. It is a well-organized, compact city where essential facilities for daily life are conveniently located. You can maintain a similar lifestyle to what you had before moving, but at a significantly lower cost while enjoying a comfortable and relaxed life.
This blog provides real-life information about living in Kitsuki City!
Kitsuki City: A Compact and Livable Town
Easily Navigable on Foot or Bicycle
For a detailed guide about Kitsuki City, check out this article.
The Ultimate FIRE & Semi-Retirement Haven! Kitsuki City, Oita – Japan’s Most Affordable Rent & Best Cost-Performance
Where to Live in Kitsuki City
If you choose to live in one of these two main areas, you will have easy access to essential facilities within walking distance, ensuring a highly convenient lifestyle. Convenience stores are plentiful, so you won’t experience the common rural issue of needing to drive 30 minutes just to buy groceries.
Kitsuki City is a compact town primarily divided into two key areas: the Castle Town Area, which serves as the center for tourism and government services, and the Shopping Area, where large supermarkets and home improvement stores are concentrated. If you focus on these two areas, you can enjoy a comfortable and convenient life in Kitsuki.
Of course, owning a car expands your range of activities, but for daily life, walking or cycling is more than sufficient. One of Kitsuki City’s greatest advantages is that you can enjoy a relaxed and spacious lifestyle while maintaining the convenience of urban living.
Castle Town Area
The Castle Town Area of Kitsuki City is known for its beautifully preserved Edo-period streetscape, offering a unique blend of historical charm and modern convenience. This area is home to essential public facilities, including government offices, hospitals, banks, and post offices, making it easy to handle daily administrative tasks.
In addition to its practical benefits, the Castle Town Area boasts a serene atmosphere with well-maintained pedestrian paths, cozy cafés, and local shops. Residents can enjoy a relaxed lifestyle while taking in the historic surroundings, strolling through scenic streets, or indulging in local delicacies unique to this area.
Shopping Area
The Shopping Area of Kitsuki City is the ideal place to find daily necessities. It features large supermarkets, drugstores, and home improvement stores, all equipped with spacious parking lots, making shopping by car highly convenient.
Inside these stores, you’ll find a wide variety of products, from groceries and household goods to electronics and DIY supplies. This area is so well-equipped that it can cover all your shopping needs in one place. Additionally, many stores offer fresh, locally sourced ingredients from Oita Prefecture, allowing you to enjoy regional flavors while supporting the local economy.
Featured Stores
Sunlive Kitsuki Store
A popular local supermarket offering a wide selection of fresh food and daily necessities. The shopping complex also houses a 100-yen shop, Seria, and a drugstore, Matsumoto Kiyoshi, making it a convenient one-stop shopping destination.
Address: 665-618 Kitahama, Oji Kitsuki, Kitsuki City, Oita Prefecture
Business Hours: 9:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Direx Kitsuki Store
A discount store known for its low prices and wide selection. It offers groceries, daily necessities, and home appliances, making it a great choice for budget-conscious shoppers.
Address: 665-88 Kitahama, Oji Kitsuki, Kitsuki City, Oita Prefecture
Business Hours: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Home Wide Kitsuki Store
A home improvement store under the AEON Group, offering a vast range of DIY supplies, gardening tools, and household goods. Ideal for purchasing tools, furniture, and home essentials.
Address: 665-544 Kitahama, Oji Kitsuki, Kitsuki City, Oita Prefecture
Business Hours: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Yamada Denki Techland Kitsuki Store
A retail store specializing in electronics and home appliances. From large appliances like refrigerators and washing machines to smartphones and PC accessories, it offers a comprehensive selection.
Address: 665-873 Kitahama, Oji Kitsuki, Kitsuki City, Oita Prefecture
Business Hours: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Safe Areas Considering Disaster Risks
Since Kitsuki City is located near rivers and the sea, it is susceptible to heavy rain and typhoons, making it crucial to consider disaster risks when choosing a place to live. In recent years, experts have also pointed out the increasing risk of a potential Nankai Trough earthquake, emphasizing the need to select a safe residential area as a precaution.
While affordable rent is a major attraction, it is equally important to take disaster preparedness into account when deciding where to live. Kitsuki City’s Disaster Prevention Map allows you to check areas prone to landslides, tsunamis, floods, and storm surges in advance. Additionally, by referring to the Oita Prefecture Disaster Data Archive, you can learn about past disaster incidents in Kitsuki City.
https://gis.chklab.com/hazardkitsuki
https://archive.cerd-edison.com
Check the disaster prevention map and be prepared for emergencies!
Access to Stations and Airports
Kitsuki City is served by JR Kitsuki Station, though it is somewhat distant from the city center, making it difficult to access on foot. However, with a bicycle or bus, the station is still within a reasonable commuting range.
When using the bus, it is essential to check the timetable in advance, as the number of services is limited. This is especially important for commuting, school trips, or long-distance travel to ensure a smooth journey.
Additionally, Oita Airport is approximately 30 minutes away by bus, providing excellent accessibility. This makes air travel convenient and reduces the burden of traveling to other prefectures.
Can You Live in Kitsuki Without a Car? A Complete Guide to Public Transportation Access
Conclusion
Kitsuki City is an attractive relocation destination for those pursuing FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) or semi-retirement. With affordable rent, low living costs, a compact city layout suitable for walking and cycling, a well-equipped shopping environment, and good access to Oita Airport and major train stations, the city offers a comfortable and convenient lifestyle.
Furthermore, when choosing a residential area, considering disaster risks and selecting a safe location will contribute to a more secure and worry-free life.
For those interested in rural living but concerned about the practicalities, Kitsuki City provides a surprisingly comfortable and convenient environment. If you are considering relocation, Kitsuki City is definitely worth exploring!
