Taketa like every other area in japan is both the name of an area and a city. A ‘city’ which comprises over 478km2 with the areas of Kuju, Naoiri and Ogi that help form it. Taketa lies in the southwestern corner of Oita Prefecture surrounded by the Kuju-Aso Mountain Range. To the east is Bungo Ono City and to the North lies Yufu city, to the west is Kumamoto Prefecture, and to the south is Miyazaki Prefecture. Taketa is most well known for the Kuju mountain range and the Oka Castle Ruins.
And the people of Taketa are happy... as you can see in the video below.
JET LIFE IN TAKETA
There are currently three JET's in Taketa. Two are based out of the Board of Education, as well as one prefectural JET. Subsidised housing is unfortunately not available, however new JET's normally take over their predecessor's apartment. Both city JET's teach at 6 elementary schools and 3 junior high schools as well as kindergartens that attached to their elementary schools. While the prefectural JET teaches at two high schools in the area.
Transport
While it is theoretically possible to not own a car in Taketa and use public transportation to commute to work - life, like in most places in Oita is infinitely easier when you have a car. Taketa is connected to Oita city via train. Trains are mostly once an hour but during busier times of the day it’s twice a day. There are local buses which run between the towns and the local area.
Eating, Shopping and Entertainment
レストラン石釜工房 is a Pizzeria in Kuju. It is set in picturesque mountains and has some awesome pizza. Definitely visit if you are in the area.
オステリア・エ・バール・リカド(Osteria・e・Bar・RecaD)is an Italian restaurant that has some really delicious food. It can be on the pricier side with some portions being small but the food has been great.
Bistro & Kutchina Shanpi (ビストロ&クッチーナ・シャンピ) is an Italian and French restaurant in Taketa. I can vouch for their pasta’s and salad which have been great. Try to visit during lunch as it’s cheaper and you can normally purchase a set.
Krone café’s sandwiches have to be some of the most delicious I have had. The cakes are great too. The café itself is really cute and very hipster.
Taketa is famous for its karaage (唐揚げ) and this is the restaurant to eat it at. It’s a very homely restaurant in that there is no fancy chairs etc. but the food is delicious.