The Takachiho, Nobeoka, and Hyuga areas offer tourist attractions such as Mt. Hiei, Takachiho Gorge, and Nachi Falls; sightseeing events such as the Golden Games in Nobeoka, Festival Nobeoka, and Takachiho Night Kagura; and local delicacies such as chicken nanban, cold soup, and Miyazaki ramen.
Here are some of Miyazaki Prefecture's attractive tourist spots: Takachiho, the home of the gods where the legend of the descent of the grandchildren still lives on, Nobeoka's sweetfish fishing, which boasts a tradition of more than 300 years, and Hyuga, famous for its beautiful handmade washi paper.
Takachiho, located in the mountains at the northern tip of Miyazaki Prefecture, is a mysterious town that is said to be the birthplace of Japan in Japanese mythology. The area is dotted with spots that evoke episodes from the myth, such as Ama-no-Iwato, where the mythological god Amaterasu Omikami hid himself, and Takamagahara Haruhosho, the hill where the eight million gods were born.
One place to keep an eye out for is Takachiho Shrine, which is said to have been founded as far back as 1,900 years ago. The shrine is the headquarters of 88 shrines in Takachiho and is a historic shrine dedicated to important deities that appear in the foundation myths, such as Niniginomikoto, the first god to descend from the heavens to help build the nation.
In addition, Ama-no-Iwato Shrine, which tells the aforementioned Ama-no-Iwato myth, allows visitors to view Ama-no-Iwato, the sacred body of the deity. Within walking distance of the shrine's west main shrine is the cave Ama-no-Angawara, where it is said that when Amaterasu Omikami hid in Ama-no-Iwato, the eight million gods gathered for a divine discussion.
As a mythical place, all of the tourist spots are famous as power spots, and there is no end to the number of visitors who come to experience the power of the gods.
To the northeast of Takachiho is Nobeoka. Ayu (sweetfish) is a typical autumnal delicacy in Nobeoka, and the ayu fish caught in the Gokase River, which begins in early October, is a specialty of the area. Ayu yaki, a local dish of grilled ayu fish, is the only one in Miyazaki Prefecture that has been selected as one of the 100 best ayu fish aroma sceneries.
In Hyuga City, there is the traditional craft of making Misuzu handmade Japanese paper, which has been passed down from generation to generation in the town of Misuzu. Blessed with a mild climate, the area is also blessed with native kouzo and mitsumata trees, the raw materials for paper, and has received generous protection from the prefecture as a representative industry.
Each sheet of washi is finished by hand and is filled with the warmth of handmade paper. During the Edo period (1603-1867), as many as 60 craftsmen competed with each other, but today there is only one person who has inherited this technique. In addition to washi, kaishi paper, business cards, Japanese-style notebooks, and noren (traditional Japanese curtains) are also made, and can be purchased at the workshop.
Every area is a unique spot with its own distinctive characteristics. We invite you to experience the charm that the people of Miyazaki Prefecture have carefully cultivated.
Takachiho Gorge is one of Miyazaki Prefecture’s most remarkable natural landmarks. Located in Mitai, Takachiho Town, Nishiusuki District, the gorge follows the Gokase River and is renowned for its towering cliffs, distinctive columnar rock formations, clear blue-green water, and beautiful waterfalls. The gorge lies approximately 25 kilometers southeast of Mount Aso. Its dramatic scenery combines ...»
Takachiho Shrine stands in Mitai, Takachiho Town, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture. With a history traditionally traced back approximately 1,900 years, it is one of the most important spiritual and cultural landmarks in the Takachiho region, an area closely associated with the myths surrounding the origins of Japan and the descent of the heavenly deities. The shrine is known for its ancie...»
Amano-Yasukawara is a sacred site in Takachiho Town, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture. Surrounded by a wooded gorge beside the Iwato River, it is famous for its large cave and the countless small stone piles that cover the cave floor and surrounding area. The site is closely associated with one of the most famous stories in Japanese mythology: the legend of Amaterasu, the sun goddess, hid...»
Amano-Iwato Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine in Iwato, Takachiho Town, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture. It is one of Japan's most important sacred sites associated with ancient mythology, particularly the legend of Amaterasu Omikami, the sun goddess who is said to have hidden herself inside a heavenly rock cave. The shrine stands beside the Iwato River and consists of two principal san...»
Chicken Nanban is one of Miyazaki Prefecture’s best-known local dishes and has become popular throughout Japan. It is made by coating chicken in batter, deep-frying it, and then tossing the freshly fried meat in a sweet-and-sour sauce while it is still hot. It is traditionally served with a generous topping of tartar sauce....»
Takenoko-zushi, or bamboo shoot sushi, is a traditional dish from Kitakata Town in Miyazaki Prefecture. It is made using black bamboo shoots, a variety of bamboo in the Henon bamboo group, which are harvested in spring, particularly from May to June. Because fresh bamboo shoots are difficult to preserve for long periods, people in the region developed traditional methods to keep them available be...»
Mehikari is a deep-sea fish that lives at depths of approximately 100 to 300 meters. Although eating deep-sea fish may sound unusual to some visitors, it has long been enjoyed as a traditional fishermen’s dish in Nobeoka City, Miyazaki Prefecture. The fish has delicate white flesh, soft bones, and a moderate amount of fat. Its flavor is mild and refined, with a pleasant richness that makes it sui...»
Miyazaki Shochu Moromi-zuke is a carefully prepared local seafood specialty made with mahi-mahi, a fish regarded as a high-quality delicacy in Hawaii. The fish is marinated in a fermented mixture made from shochu lees and koji, giving it a distinctive flavor and aroma....»
Takachiho Beef is a premium brand of Japanese Black beef raised by cattle-breeding farmers in the Nishiusuki District of Miyazaki Prefecture. The cattle are brought to the Takachiho Livestock Market, and the beef is graded A4 or higher. Miyazaki is one of Japan's major production areas for Japanese Black cattle. Calves raised in the prefecture are also supplied to other well-known beef-producing ...»
Himuka Hon Saba is a brand of farm-raised chub mackerel produced in Kitaura Town, Miyazaki Prefecture. It has earned a reputation for its excellent flavor, which is said to rival that of Seki Saba, one of Japan's best-known premium mackerel brands. Mackerel farming began as a response to declining catches of wild mackerel. The fish used for Himuka Hon Saba are raised from naturally collected juve...»
Kitaura Nada Aji is a premium brand of Japanese horse mackerel produced in the Kitaura area of Nobeoka City, Miyazaki Prefecture. The fish are caught in the Hyuga-nada Sea, an area long known for its strong ocean currents. Growing up in these challenging conditions, the horse mackerel are active migratory fish with firm, well-developed flesh....»
Kadokawa Town lies in the northern part of Miyazaki Prefecture, facing the Hyuga-nada Sea. Fishing is an important local industry, and the town is also known for its abundant catch of conger eel, or hamo. Although Kyoto is particularly famous for this fish, Kadokawa is another major fishing area for it. In the past, much of the conger eel caught in Kadokawa was shipped to the Kansai region. In re...»
Kanjuku Kinkan Tamatama is a locally recognized brand of fully ripened kumquats grown in the Kamikohara district of Hinokage Town. The area is known for its spectacular natural scenery, including the impressive Tensho Bridge and the surrounding valleys....»
A Brewery Inspired by the Natural Beauty of Miyazaki Hideji Beer was established in 1996 (Heisei 8). Its brewery stands at the foot of Mount Mukabaki, which rises to an elevation of 831 meters. Set against the mountain's rugged rocky summit, the brewery carries a strong sense of pride in continuing Japan's brewing traditions. Inspired by the natural environment of Miyazaki, Hideji Beer carefully...»
Made Entirely with Chestnuts from Hinokage Kurikuri is a traditional-style chestnut confection made with chestnuts from Takachiho and Hinokage in Miyazaki Prefecture, areas renowned for their chestnut production. The ingredients are remarkably simple: only chestnuts and sugar. By keeping the recipe uncomplicated, the confection allows the natural flavor and fragrant aroma of the chestnuts to tak...»
Nango Onsen is a hot spring destination surrounded by abundant natural beauty in Misato Town, Higashiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture. It is particularly well known as a “beauty-enhancing hot spring,” offering visitors a relaxing experience in a peaceful mountain setting. The area also has several attractions where visitors can discover the region’s history and culture, including the West Shos...»
Mikado Shrine is an ancient and solemn Shinto shrine in Misato Town, Higashiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture. It is closely associated with the history and legends of the ancient Kingdom of Baekje, on the Korean Peninsula. The deities enshrined here include Ōyamatsumi-no-Kami, King Jeongga of Baekje, Ukanomitama-no-Mikoto, and Hondawake-no-Mikoto (Emperor Ōjin). The main sanctuary is designated...»
West Shosoin is a museum located in Misato Town, Higashiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture. It is a faithful architectural reproduction of the Shosoin Repository in Nara. The facility serves as an important place for preserving and sharing the cultural heritage of the Nara period, introducing visitors to the history and cultural appeal of the region....»
Morotsuka Village is located in Higashiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture. Surrounded by abundant natural beauty and rich in historical and cultural traditions, this mountain village offers visitors a peaceful escape and opportunities to discover the distinctive character of rural Japan. Morotsuka is particularly notable for having the highest density of forest roads per unit of area in Japan. T...»
Kunimi-dake is a mountain with an elevation of 1,739 meters, located in the Mukiridate Mountain Range in the central part of the Kyushu Mountains. It is the highest mountain in Kumamoto Prefecture and one of the most prominent peaks on the main island of Kyushu, alongside Mount Sobo (1,756 meters) and Mount Ichifusa (1,721 meters). Despite its impressive height, Kunimi-dake is situated in a remot...»
The Nasu Family Residence, also known as Tsuru-tomi Yashiki, is a historic traditional house in Shiiba Village, Higashiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture. It is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan and is closely associated with the legends of the Heike clan, which have been passed down through generations in this remote mountain village. The residence is believed to have been b...»
Shiiba Village is located in Higashiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture, in the heart of the Kyushu Mountains. Its appeal lies in its magnificent natural surroundings and deep-rooted history, including the famous legends of the Heike refugees, descendants and followers of the defeated Taira clan who are said to have fled into this remote mountain region. With its dramatic mountain landscapes, tra...»
Mount Sobo (Sobo-san) is a 1,756-meter-high mountain located on the border between Oita and Miyazaki prefectures. It belongs to the Sobo-Katamuki mountain range, which forms a central part of the Kyushu Mountains. Selected as one of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains, it is also the highest peak in Miyazaki Prefecture and a popular destination for hikers. With its beautiful natural environment, magnifi...»
Located in northwestern Miyazaki Prefecture, Takachiho Town is a beautiful community nestled in the Kyushu Mountains. Known as one of the settings of Japanese mythology, the town attracts visitors with its mysterious atmosphere, spectacular natural scenery, and deep-rooted historical traditions. Famous attractions include Takachiho Gorge and numerous shrines associated with ancient Japanese myths,...»
Takachiho Onsen is a hot spring facility located in Takachiho Town, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture. Popular with both local residents and tourists, it offers a wide range of bathing facilities and hot spring benefits. More than simply a place to relax, it is a comprehensive health and wellness facility that focuses on improving visitors' health and well-being....»
Nobeoka Castle was a historic castle that once stood in Honkoji, Nobeoka City, Miyazaki Prefecture. It is also known as Kamei Castle. Originally called Agata Castle, it was later renamed Nobeoka Castle. The castle was built by Takahashi Mototane and subsequently served as the administrative center of Agata Domain and, later, Nobeoka Domain. Today, the castle no longer stands, but its stone walls ...»
Mount Mukabaki is a beautiful mountain located in Nobeoka City, Miyazaki Prefecture, in the eastern part of the Kyushu Mountains. It consists of two peaks: Mount Odake, which rises approximately 831 meters above sea level, and Mount Medake, at 809 meters. Known for its striking natural scenery and deep historical and religious associations, the mountain has long been cherished by local people and ...»
Mount Okue is the principal peak of the Mount Okue mountain group, which belongs to the Kyushu Mountains and is located in the northwestern part of Nobeoka City, Miyazaki Prefecture. Its rugged terrain and magnificent natural surroundings make it a particularly appealing destination for experienced mountain climbers....»
Minamikitaura Coast is a beautiful stretch of coastline in the northeastern part of Nobeoka City, Miyazaki Prefecture. It forms part of Nippo Kaigan Quasi-National Park and is one of Miyazaki's most scenic coastal destinations. Its distinctive ria coastline, with numerous inlets and headlands shaped by wave erosion, creates a spectacular landscape that leaves a lasting impression on visitors....»
Naito Memorial Museum is a historical museum in Nobeoka City, Miyazaki Prefecture. It preserves and exhibits cultural properties and historical materials associated with the Naito family, who served as lords of the Nobeoka Domain. The museum has a long history of introducing the region's heritage and is now known as Nobeoka Castle and Naito Memorial Museum....»
Nobeoka Botanical Garden is a municipal botanical garden in Nobeoka City, Miyazaki Prefecture. A popular place for local residents to relax and enjoy nature, it offers visitors the opportunity to appreciate a wide variety of plants and flowers throughout the year. With seasonal blooms and spacious green areas, the garden is also an appealing destination for tourists....»
Nobeoka City is located in the northern part of Miyazaki Prefecture and serves as the central city of the region. It has been one of Miyazaki's leading industrial cities since before World War II. As the birthplace of Asahi Kasei, the city developed as a company town and grew alongside the company. At the same time, Nobeoka is blessed with abundant natural beauty and numerous historical attraction...»
Sumie Family Travel Village is a comprehensive resort and leisure complex in Sumie-cho, Nobeoka City, Miyazaki Prefecture. Surrounded by the beautiful natural scenery of Nippo Kaigan Quasi-National Park, this seaside destination offers a wide range of activities and facilities. It is a popular place for families and groups of friends to enjoy an extended stay and spend quality time together in the...»
Cape Hyuga, also known as the Hososhima Peninsula, is a scenic coastal destination in Hyuga City, Miyazaki Prefecture. Located at the southern end of Nippo Coast Quasi-National Park, it is known for its beautiful ria coastline, dramatic cliffs and abundant natural scenery. The area attracts many visitors who come to admire its spectacular views of the sea....»
Umagase is a spectacular scenic spot at the tip of Cape Hyuga in Hososhima, Hyuga City, Miyazaki Prefecture. Located at the southern end of Nippo Kaigan Quasi-National Park, it is famous for its magnificent natural scenery and dramatic sheer cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The impressive landscape attracts many visitors throughout the year....»
Gokase Town is located in the northwestern part of Miyazaki Prefecture, in Nishiusuki District. Situated in the central part of the Kyushu Mountains, the town is surrounded by beautiful highlands and abundant natural scenery. Its elevated mountain landscape and diverse sightseeing attractions draw visitors throughout the year. In winter, the town is also home to a ski resort, an unusual attraction...»
The Fujita Family Residence is a historic traditional Japanese house located in Heguri Town, Ikoma District, Nara Prefecture. Designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan, this valuable residence preserves the traditional architectural style and way of life of the Edo period (1603–1868). Its historical and architectural significance has been highly recognized....»
Omi Shrine is located in Hichiya, Hyuga City, Miyazaki Prefecture. Widely known among local residents as the “Ise Shrine of Hyuga,” it is a sacred place with a long history and a mysterious atmosphere. The shrine grounds are home to one of the largest groups of sázare-ishi (small stones naturally cemented together) in Japan, while the shrine buildings are registered Tangible Cultural Properties of...»
Mimitsu is a historic port town in the southern part of Hyuga City, in north-central Miyazaki Prefecture. It is known for its atmospheric streets, traditional architecture and rich cultural heritage. Once a prosperous commercial port, Mimitsu has carefully preserved its historic townscape and local traditions, offering visitors a glimpse into the lives of people who lived and worked here in earlie...»
Myokokuji Temple Garden is a traditional Japanese landscape garden located in Hososhima, Hyuga City, Miyazaki Prefecture. Renowned for its beautiful use of borrowed scenery, it was designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty on April 13, 1933. The garden is a peaceful and atmospheric place where natural rock formations, woodland and carefully designed garden features come together. Please note t...»
Sea Cruz – Where Wishes Come True is a scenic coastal attraction in Hososhima, Hyuga City, Miyazaki Prefecture. Famous for its unusual cross-shaped rock formations and sea inlet, this spot is also known as a place where visitors can make wishes and hope for good fortune. The area was traditionally called “Jumonji,” meaning “cross-shaped,” because of the distinctive appearance of its coastline. As...»
Biro Island is an uninhabited island floating in the Hyuga-nada Sea off Kadogawa Town, Higashiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture. Its name comes from the birow palm trees that once grew abundantly on the island. According to an old legend, a beautiful woman once lived there, which is why local people also call it “Beautiful Woman Island” or “Bijoga-shima.” Rich in natural attractions, the island ...»
Kadogawa is a coastal town in Higashiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture, facing the Hyuga-nada Sea, part of the Pacific Ocean. Located between Nobeoka City and Hyuga City, it has developed as a residential community for people working in nearby urban areas since being designated as part of a New Industrial City. Fishing and seafood processing are important local industries, and the town is also w...»
Hyuga Myokokuji is a historic Nichiren Buddhist temple located in Hososhima, Hyuga City, Miyazaki Prefecture. Its mountain name is Kofukuzan, and it belongs to the Koto lineage of Nichiren Buddhism. With a long history, valuable cultural properties and many legends associated with it, the temple offers visitors an opportunity to discover Japan's religious and cultural heritage in a peaceful settin...»
Mount Atago is a 251.3-meter-high mountain in the southern part of Nobeoka City, Miyazaki Prefecture. It was once known as Kasasayama, and its name is also reflected in part of Nobeoka's place names. The mountain takes its present name from Atago Shrine, located at its foot. Mount Atago is a popular sightseeing destination offering panoramic views of the city and the coast. Its night scenery is p...»
Kunimigaoka is a hill with an elevation of 513 meters, located in Takachiho Town, Miyazaki Prefecture. Its name comes from a legend dating back to the age of the gods. According to the story, Tateiwatatsu-no-Mikoto, a grandson of Emperor Jimmu, stopped at this hill and looked out in all four directions while surveying the land he was to govern. It is said that the place consequently came to be kno...»
Located in southwestern Miyazaki Prefecture, Kobayashi City is a destination blessed with beautiful natural landscapes and a wealth of historical heritage. Its attractions range from the magnificent scenery of the Kirishima Mountains and Ikoma Plateau to historic castle ruins and ancient burial mounds. Festivals and events are held throughout the year, making the city an enjoyable destination in e...»
Takachiho Amaterasu Railway Co., Ltd. is located in northern Miyazaki Prefecture and operates a sightseeing railway using part of the former Takachiho Line, which was discontinued. As of 2018, the sightseeing railway operated along approximately 5.1 kilometers of track between Takachiho Station and Takachiho Bridge. The journey offers visitors an opportunity to experience the magnificent natural s...»
Kushifuru Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Takachiho Town, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture. It has long been revered as an important center of local religious faith. Its name and history reach back to the age of Japanese mythology, and the shrine is particularly closely associated with the legend of the Descent of the Heavenly Grandchild, known as Tenson Korin. The shrine fo...»
Hinokage Town is a nature-rich municipality in Nishiusuki District in northern Miyazaki Prefecture. More than 90 percent of the town's total area is covered by forests. The Gokase River and Hinokage River flow through the area, creating beautiful V-shaped valleys that form a dramatic landscape. The harmony between nature and history makes the town an appealing destination for visitors....»
Seiun Bridge is a bridge on National Route 218 that crosses the Hinokage River, a tributary of the Gokase River, in Hinokage Town, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture. Known for its impressive scale and beautiful setting, it is one of the town's best-loved sightseeing attractions. Its height and length rank among the largest in Japan, offering visitors a memorable view of the surrounding land...»
Tensho Bridge is a magnificent bridge crossing the Gokase River in the Iwaikawa area of Hinokage Town, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture. It is officially recognized as Japan's largest fixed reinforced-concrete arch bridge. Construction originally began under the name Takamatsu Bridge. After completion, however, the structure was named Tensho Bridge, inspired by its enormous scale and its ...»
Kami-Shiiba Dam is a hydroelectric dam built on the uppermost reaches of the Mimi River, a Class B river in Shiiba Village, Higashiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture. Managed by Kyushu Electric Power, it is an arch-shaped concrete dam standing 111.0 meters high. As Japan's first large-scale arch dam in the 100-meter class, it had a major influence on the development of civil engineering technolog...»
Lake Hyuga-Shiiba is a beautiful artificial lake located in the mountainous interior of Miyazaki Prefecture. It was created by the construction of Kami-Shiiba Dam and is situated within Kyushu Chuo Sanchi Quasi-National Park. The lake's name was given by the celebrated novelist Eiji Yoshikawa, who was known for historical works such as Romance of the Three Kingdoms and The New Tale of the Heike. ...»
Shiiba Itsukushima Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Shiiba Village, Higashiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture. It stands near Tsurutomi Residence, also known as the Nasu Family Residence, which is associated with the history of the Genpei War and the tragic love story between a surviving member of the Heike clan and a warrior of the Minamoto clan. The shrine is built on a small hill...»
Tonegawa is a beautiful mountain settlement in Shiiba Village, Higashiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture, where Japanese culture and nature exist in harmony. On December 25, 1998, the area was designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings by the Japanese government, and it continues to preserve its historic landscape. The district covers approximately 39.9 ...»
Mount Hiei is a 760-meter-high mountain located in Kitakata Town, Nobeoka City, Miyazaki Prefecture. The point generally regarded as its summit is the 760-meter elevation on the western side of the mountain, rather than the separate point at 918 meters where a triangulation station is located....»