Attack on Titan (進撃の巨人), created by Hajime Isayama and adapted into anime by Wit Studio and MAPPA, is one of the most globally successful manga series of the 21st century. The series’ walled cityscapes draw on both Japanese castle town geography and European medieval architecture, creating a unique visual world with identifiable real-world inspirations.
Hita City, Oita
Hajime Isayama’s hometown of Hita City in Oita Prefecture is the most direct pilgrimage destination. The Mameda-machi merchant district’s river-enclosed geography echoes the walled districts of the manga. Official Attack on Titan collaboration displays and merchandise are available at the Hita station tourist information centre. The city celebrates its connection to the series with murals and signage.
Nobeoka and Oita
The Nobeoka area in Miyazaki Prefecture — close to the Oita border — also has associations with the series’ development. The mountainous Kyushu landscape between Oita and Miyazaki provides scenery matching the series’ Survey Corps expedition routes.
European Inspirations
The series’ castle and fortification imagery draws heavily on German and French medieval architecture — specifically, Nördlingen (a completely circular walled town in Bavaria) is frequently cited as a visual inspiration for the walled cities. Fans visiting Europe may find Nördlingen and the Rhine castles of particular resonance alongside the series.
Access
Hita City: JR Kyudai Main Line from Fukuoka (Hakata) to Hita (about 2 hours), or from Oita (about 75 minutes).
Best Time to Visit
The Hita Gion Festival in late July is one of Kyushu’s most spectacular traditional events, combining perfectly with an Attack on Titan pilgrimage visit to the city.
