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.
Umagase is an outstanding viewpoint offering sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and its distant horizon. A walking trail begins near the parking area beside the Cape Hyuga Umagase Tourist Information Center, also known as Umagase Chaya. From there, it takes approximately 6 to 7 minutes on foot to reach the tip of the cape. An alternative route from the Hososhima Lighthouse takes approximately 12 to 13 minutes.
Along the way to the cape’s tip, an observation point offers a close-up view of towering cliffs reaching approximately 70 meters in height. Their dramatic columnar joint formations create an impressive sight, allowing visitors to experience the immense scale of the natural landscape.
The cliffs at Umagase are believed to have formed approximately 15 million years ago as a result of submarine volcanic eruptions. Volcanic activity caused the land to rise, and lava that had flowed out subsequently cooled and solidified. Over a long period, waves gradually eroded the rock, shaping the cliffs into their present form.
The columnar joints are among the largest formations of their kind in Japan. The area also has considerable geological value because of its welded tuff formations.
On February 13, 2018, the columnar joints of Cape Hyuga were designated a National Natural Monument of Japan in recognition of their distinctive geological features and exceptional natural beauty.
Umagase is easily accessible from central Hyuga City and attracts many visitors, particularly on weekends and during the tourist season. Nearby attractions include Cruz Sea, where wishes are said to come true, and Hososhima Lighthouse. Visitors can combine these destinations into a sightseeing trip around Cape Hyuga.
Walking trails have also been developed around Umagase, allowing visitors to enjoy the scenery while taking a refreshing walk through the natural surroundings.
The name “Umagase” is said to come from the shape of the cliffs. The raised surface of the rocky outcrop resembles the back of a horse, and this distinctive appearance is believed to have inspired the name. The unusual rock formation has become one of the area’s defining features and is familiar to many visitors.
A wide variety of plants grow naturally around Umagase, adding to the area’s appeal as a destination for nature lovers. Among the notable trees are coconut palms, also known as Brazilian palms, as well as Japanese holly and Japanese stone oak.
Other plants found in the area include Japanese mock orange, Eurya emarginata and Kurogane holly. These plants contribute to the subtropical atmosphere of the coastal landscape and give the area a distinctly southern character.
Beautiful flowers bloom around Umagase throughout the year. In autumn, visitors can particularly enjoy clusters of leopard plants and Hama-kanzō daylilies.
These plants have adapted to the coastal environment and form part of the area’s diverse ecosystem. Their seasonal blooms add color to the rugged scenery and provide another reason to explore the walking trails.
From JR Hyugashi Station, take a Miyazaki Kotsu bus bound for Aeon Town Hyuga. The bus journey takes approximately 8 minutes. From the bus stop, the remaining journey to Umagase is approximately 50 minutes on foot.
Umagase is approximately 15 minutes by car from Hyuga Interchange on the Higashi-Kyushu Expressway. It is also about a 15-minute drive from JR Hyugashi Station.
Cruz Sea, another popular sightseeing destination nearby, is approximately 3 minutes away by car. This makes it easy to visit several attractions around Cape Hyuga in a single trip.
Several other appealing sightseeing destinations are located around Umagase. One of the best known is Cruz Sea, where a distinctive cross-shaped opening in the rocky coastline creates a striking view of the sea. According to local belief, wishes made at this scenic spot may come true.
Visitors can also stop by Hososhima Lighthouse and the Umagase Tourist Information Center, known as Umagase Chaya. Combining these places makes for a rewarding sightseeing visit to the Cape Hyuga area.
Umagase is one of the most impressive scenic destinations in Hyuga City, combining rich natural surroundings with outstanding geological features. Its towering columnar-jointed cliffs and expansive views of the Pacific Ocean create a landscape that leaves a lasting impression.
The convenient access, nearby attractions and well-maintained walking trails make it possible to enjoy the wider Cape Hyuga area at a leisurely pace. When visiting Miyazaki Prefecture, be sure to experience the spectacular natural beauty of Umagase.