40代独身無職のゆる生活 Yuru Life Journal 
Kitsuki City is known as a haven for FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) and semi-retirement, and is often said to have the lowest rental prices in Japan. This quiet town retains the charm of a historic castle town and offers a relaxed lifestyle surrounded by beautiful nature. However, many people wonder, “Can you live in Kitsuki City without a car?” since rural areas in Japan are often considered car-dependent.
The short answer is: Yes, it is possible to live in Kitsuki City without a car if you reside in the central area. Buses and trains provide sufficient options for daily transportation. However, traveling early in the morning or late at night may require some planning.
In this guide, we’ll explore the available transportation options within Kitsuki City and public transit connections to major destinations such as Oita, Beppu, and Fukuoka. We’ll also share key tips on how to navigate life in Kitsuki City without a car.
Public Transportation in Kitsuki City
Buses
Oita Kotsu & Kunisaki Kanko
Oita Kotsu and its subsidiary, Kunisaki Kanko, operate bus routes mainly in the northern Oita region, including services to JR Kitsuki Station and Oita Airport.
Kitsuki Community Bus
Kitsuki City also offers a community bus service, which is outsourced by the city government. This bus circulates within the city and provides access to JR Kitsuki Station. It operates only on weekdays, with a total of four trips per day—two in the morning and two in the afternoon.
Trains
JR Kitsuki Station (JR Nippo Main Line)
Kitsuki City’s railway access is provided by the JR Nippo Main Line. JR Kitsuki Station is located about 10 minutes by bus from the city center. From here, you can travel to Beppu, Oita, and Saiki to the south, or to Yukuhashi, Kokura, and Mojiko to the north.
Taxi Services
This article does not include taxi transportation, but there are two taxi companies in Kitsuki City that operate 24/7. Having access to a taxi in case of emergency provides peace of mind. Taxis can also be a convenient option, especially during early mornings or late at night when buses are not running.
Kitsuki-Kunisaki GodoTaxi
Phone：0978－62－2220
Sanko Taxi
Phone：0978-62－2800
Access to Major Areas
Getting to JR Kitsuki Station
Kitsuki Bus Terminal serves as the starting point for accessing JR Kitsuki Station. Here’s an overview of available transportation options:
Oita Kotsu Bus (Operates on Weekdays, Weekends & Holidays)
Routes: “Shinmichi Route” (passes through the sightseeing area and in front of the city hall) or “Nakahira Route” (follows Prefectural Route 49)
Frequency: More buses run in the morning, while daytime service operates approximately 1–2 buses per hour.
Last Bus: Weekdays: Around 8:00 PM, Weekends & Holidays: Around 6:00 PM (Note: Be mindful of limited late-night transport options.)
Kitsuki Community Bus
The Kitsuki Community Bus runs on weekdays only, with a total of four trips per day.
Route: Circulates within the city
Frequency: 4 trips per day
Fare: Flat rate of 200 yen (slightly cheaper than Oita Kotsu buses)
Kitsuki Community Bus Timetable
Access from JR Kitsuki Station to Beppu & Oita
From JR Kitsuki Station, you can take a train to Beppu, Oita, or Saiki.
Local Train: 1–2 trains per hour
Limited Express Train: 1–2 trains per hour
Faster travel time. Fares vary between peak and off-peak seasons. Requires a limited express ticket
| Departure | Arrival | Travel Time | Base Fare | Non-Reserved Seat Fare | |
| Local Train | Kitsuki | Beppu | 23 min | ¥480 | |
| Oita | 35 min | ¥660 | |||
| Limited Express Train | Beppu | 14 min | ¥480 | ¥500 | |
| Oita | 23 min | ¥660 | ¥750 |
How to Catch the Last Bus from Kitsuki Station
If you’re returning to the city center by bus, you’ll need to catch a train between 6:00 and 7:00 PM. Since late-night transportation options are limited, it’s important to plan your schedule accordingly.
Alternatively, you can bike to Kitsuki Station instead of relying on the bus. While the distance is a bit longer, it offers the flexibility of traveling at your own pace without worrying about bus schedules.
Access to Oita Airport
By Bus (Oita Kotsu): Approx. 30 minutes from Kitsuki Bus Terminal
Fare: ¥720
Last Bus: Weekdays: Around 8:00 PM、Weekends & Holidays: Around 6:00 PM
Important: Early Morning Flights!
If you are taking the 7:40 AM flight from Oita Airport to Tokyo (Haneda), the first bus does not arrive in time, so you will need to take a taxi.
Travel to Fukuoka (Hakata)
To reach Hakata from JR Kitsuki Station, take a limited express train heading toward Yukuhashi, Kokura, or Mojiko.
Route ①: Direct Train (No Transfers Required)
Kitsuki → Hakata (Limited Express Train)
Fare: ¥3,300 (Base fare) + ¥2,200 (Limited Express ticket) = ¥5,500
Travel Time: Approx. 2 hours
Route ②: Transfer at Kokura (Faster & Slightly Cheaper)
Kitsuki → Kokura (Limited Express Train) → Hakata (Shinkansen)
Fare: ¥3,240 (Base fare) + ¥2,190 (Limited Express ticket) = ¥5,430
Travel Time: Approx. 1.5 hours
Challenges in Daily Life
Ease of Getting Around the City
If you live in central Kitsuki, access to essential facilities such as supermarkets, hospitals, and the city office is relatively convenient. With a bicycle, you can manage daily life without major issues, even without a car. Additionally, online shopping can reduce the need to travel to other areas for necessities.
Drawbacks of Not Having a Car
However, getting around early in the morning or late at night can be difficult. While public transportation is available during the day, bus frequency is lower compared to urban areas. Rainy days can also make travel more inconvenient.
If you commute to work or school via Kitsuki Station, it’s important to note that the last bus departs relatively early. You may need to rely on a bicycle or other transportation options to bridge the gap.
Bus Routes & Stop Considerations
The Oita Kotsu bus operates on two routes, the “Shinmichi Route,” which passes through the tourist area and city office, and the “Nakahira Route,” which follows Prefectural Route 49. Since the route changes depending on the time of day, your nearest bus stop may not always be available.
As the distance between stops is about a 5–10 minute walk, you might need to adjust your stop based on the schedule. Checking the route in advance will help ensure smooth travel.
Summary
Living in Kitsuki without a car is manageable, especially in the central area, but requires some planning. Bicycles and walking can cover most local trips, and buses and trains provide access to Beppu, Oita, and Fukuoka.
However, due to limited bus frequency, early morning and late-night travel can be challenging. Planning your trips in advance is essential.
Additionally, since Oita Kotsu buses operate on two different routes, your usual bus stop may not always be usable. Since nearby stops are within a 5–10 minute walking range, checking the schedule beforehand is recommended.
Overall, Kitsuki offers a livable environment even without a car, but understanding public transportation schedules and routes, along with utilizing bicycles and online shopping, will help ensure a more comfortable daily life.
