Golden Route of Miyazaki Touring! 6 Nichinan Coastal Areas in Miyazaki Prefecture

The best touring spots in Kyushu (⑲)

Hello, I'm Tetsuma Photographer, a photographer who loves traveling in Kyushu! I am a photographer who loves to travel in Kyushu. I have started to introduce selected recommended touring spots in Kyushu area from the viewpoint of an Iron Horse photographer, using the know-how I have gained from my coverage of Kyushu in touring magazines since 2017! In this 19th issue, we introduce the Nichinan Coast area, a scenic road representing Miyazaki Prefecture! As you proceed from Miyazaki City toward the Nichinan Coast, you are suddenly greeted by a row of phoenix trees that symbolize tropical Miyazaki. In this issue, we will start from Miyazaki Jingu Shrine and head south on National Highway 10 and National Highway 220 to our goal, Cape Toimisaki.

1.Miyazaki Jingu Shrine, dedicated to Japan's first emperor, Emperor Jinmu

The shrine is dedicated to Emperor Jinmu, Japan's first emperor, and was founded by his grandson Takeiwatatsunomikoto (Takeiwatatsunomikoto: the deity of Aso Shrine) in honor of his relationship with the emperor. Many visitors come to the shrine to pray for family safety, conjugal harmony, easy childbirth, and the treasure of children, as well as for victory and success in the war against the enemy. The parking lot is located on the right after turning left at the front torii gate and right at the first traffic light.

The current shrine pavilion was erected in 1907 and is made of Sayano cedar, a famous Hyuga wood, which is rare in Japan.

The approach to the temple, lit by lanterns, has a mystical atmosphere, and just walking along the path feels like a purification of the body and soul.

2.Toll road that makes you feel like you are in the tropics: The Ichitsuba Toll Road

The Ichitsuba Toll Road is a major local toll road consisting of the north line (11.2 km) from Yoshimura-cho, Miyazaki City, Miyazaki Prefecture to Oaza Shimonaka, Sadohara-cho, Miyazaki City, and the south line (5 km) from Takasu-cho, Miyazaki City, Miyazaki Prefecture to Oaza Gunjibu, Miyazaki City. The north line (two lanes in each direction) was opened to traffic in 1974 and the south line (one lane in each direction) in 1981 to relieve traffic congestion in Miyazaki City as a bypass for National Route 10 and National Route 220 leading to Nichinan City. The median is lined with phoenix trees, and this is where you first get the sense that you have arrived in a tropical country!

What I especially want you to drive is the north line, where phoenix trees line the median strip forever, making you feel like you're in the tropics, whether you want to or not.

This parking area is located a little north of the middle of the north line of the Ichitsuba Toll Road. It is both northbound and southbound, and can be accessed via a pedestrian bridge.

3.Aoshima, the pride of Miyazaki Prefecture

Aoshima is an island located off the southeastern coast of Miyazaki City, connected to the Kyushu mainland by a bridge. The island is home to "Aoshima Shrine," which is famous for being visited by the Giants during their camps to pray for victory. Unlike the mainland, many subtropical plants can be seen on the island, and in particular, the "bilouge," a member of the palm family, has become Aoshima's symbolic tree. The Oni no Wasanban (devil's washboard) that surrounds the island was formed in the late Miocene period (about 7 million years ago) when hydroformed rocks in the sea were uplifted and washed by waves over a long period of time, leaving only hard sandstone layers piled up like a slab. There is a free parking lot nearby, so you can easily stop by on your way touring!

Looking at the island from Yayoi Bridge, which connects the mainland to Aoshima, you will see a symmetrical view of the island.

Aoshima Shrine, located in the center of the island, is widely known as a shrine of matchmaking, with Hiko Hohodeminomikoto, known in mythology as the god of the sea and the mountains, as its deity.

4.The best place to take a break on the Nichinan Coast is here! Roadside Station Phoenix

Michi-no-Eki Phoenix is located in the Horikiri Pass area in Nichinan Kaigan National Park, just south of the old National Route 220. From the observation deck, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the blue sea and the oddly shaped rocks known as the "devil's washboard." The area is surrounded by approximately 20 phoenixes, jacarandas, and bougainvillea, creating a tropical resort-like atmosphere. The mango soft serve on sale at the product center is especially recommended!

With many phoenix trees planted, this roadside station has a tropical feel!

At low tide, the devil's washboard is revealed, a sight that is irresistible to lovers of geological formations!

Sweet and sour? The mango soft serve is excellent, and I always get it whenever I visit Miyazaki

5.Udo Jingu Shrine, one of Japan's three largest descending shrines, sits on a precipitous cliff.

Located in the southern part of Miyazaki Prefecture facing the Sea of Hyuga, it is the representative shrine of Southern Kyushu. The main shrine, painted in brightly colored vermilion, sits in a cave on a promontory jutting out into the sea. The mysterious atmosphere of the cave is home to power spots known as "omami-iwa" (breast-feeding rocks) and "omamizu" (breast-feeding water), which are believed to bring blessings for safe childbirth, child-rearing, and marriage.

The shrine is a "descending shrine," which is rare in Japan, and is well-known locally for prayers for marital bliss and easy childbirth.

The main shrine, built in a cave, has a unique atmosphere.

It is believed that if a ball of luck is thrown from the approach to the temple with the left hand for men and the right hand for women, and the ball successfully enters the hollow, the wish will be granted!

6.Cape Toimisaki" known for its wild horses

Located at the southernmost tip of Nichinan Kaigan National Park, Cape Toimisaki is a well-known stopover spot for touring the Nichinan coast. Misaki-uma, a type of native Japanese horse, inhabits the area, and the white Cape Toimisaki Lighthouse, built at the tip of the cape, commands a panoramic view of the lush green mountains and the Sea of Hyuga! Cape Toimisaki Lighthouse is the only lighthouse in Kyushu that can be toured inside, and there is also an exhibition room where you can deepen your understanding of navigation beacons!

If you go early in the morning, you may run into wild horses on a walk, so be sure to slow down enough!

From Cape Toi, you can also see the sunset and have a great time with the distant roar of the sea.

The Cape Toimisaki Lighthouse was built on May 16, 1929, and completed and first lit on December 22, 1929, making it the only lighthouse in Kyushu that can be visited.

Cannot be missed when touring Miyazaki! 6 Nichinan Coastal Areas in Miyazaki Prefecture Go to Gallery (15)