Tag: japan

Nichinan Coast Kyushu

Published on by Walter

Nichinan Coast – A Scenic Gem of Southern Kyushu, Japan

Overview

The Nichinan Coast (日南海岸, Nichinan Kaigan) is a stunning stretch of coastline that runs along the southeastern edge of Miyazaki Prefecture on Kyushu, Japan’s southernmost main island. Known for its subtropical climate, dramatic ocean views, palm-lined roads, and cultural landmarks, this region is a favorite destination for both domestic and international travelers seeking a blend of natural beauty and traditional charm.

Geography & Climate

  • Location: Extends from Miyazaki City to Kushima City along Route 220.
  • Length: Approximately 80–100 kilometers of coastal scenery.
  • Climate: Warm and subtropical, with mild winters and hot, humid summers. Ideal for travel from spring to autumn.

Main Attractions

1. Aoshima Island & Shrine

  • A small island connected to the mainland by a bridge.
  • Famous for the “Devil’s Washboard” (Oni no Sentakuita): natural rock formations formed by erosion.
  • Home to Aoshima Shrine, dedicated to marriage and love.

2. Horikiri Pass

  • A popular scenic overlook on the coastal highway.
  • Offers panoramic views of the rugged coastline and Pacific Ocean.

3. Udo Shrine (Udo Jingū)

  • A dramatic and sacred Shinto shrine located in a cave on a seaside cliff.
  • Dedicated to Yamasachihiko, father of Japan’s first emperor.
  • Visitors throw clay balls toward a target rock for good luck.

4. Sun Messe Nichinan

  • A seaside park known for its full-size Moai statues (authorized replicas from Easter Island).
  • Combines panoramic views, modern art, and family-friendly attractions.

5. Obi Castle Town

  • A preserved samurai town in Nichinan City, often called “Little Kyoto of Kyushu.”
  • Features historical residences, a castle ruin, and a peaceful traditional atmosphere.

Activities

  • Scenic Drives: Route 220 is one of Japan’s most beautiful coastal highways.
  • Surfing & Swimming: Several beaches along the coast offer ocean activities.
  • Hiking & Photography: Rich with viewpoints, walking trails, and photo spots.
  • Cultural Exploration: Temples, shrines, festivals, and samurai-era architecture.

Local Cuisine

  • Seafood: Especially flying fish, horse mackerel, and lobster.
  • Mango & Tropical Fruits: The warm climate supports fruit farming.
  • Chicken Nanban: Miyazaki’s regional fried chicken dish with sweet vinegar sauce and tartar.

Getting There

  • By Car: The best way to explore the full coast is via rental car along National Route 220.
  • By Train: The JR Nichinan Line connects Miyazaki City to parts of the coast, but not all attractions are easily accessible by rail.
  • By Bus: Some major sites (like Udo Shrine and Sun Messe) are accessible by local bus.

When to Visit

  • Spring (March–May): Comfortable weather and blooming flowers.
  • Summer (June–August): Hot, great for beaches but can be humid.
  • Autumn (September–November): Ideal for sightseeing and local festivals.
  • Winter (December–February): Mild temperatures, less crowded.

Travel Tips

  • Rent a car for flexibility—public transport can be limited along the coast.
  • Bring sunscreen and water, especially in summer.
  • Weekdays are quieter at major spots like Udo Shrine and Aoshima.

Conclusion

The Nichinan Coast is a hidden gem that combines natural wonders, ancient mythology, and scenic drives—all in one destination. Whether you’re seeking spiritual experiences, ocean breezes, or historical charm, this coastal route in Kyushu offers a memorable journey off the typical tourist trail.

A scenic view of the Nichinan Coast in Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan, showcasing rocky shorelines, waves crashing onto the beach, and mountains in the background under a clear blue sky.
Miyazaki is famous for surfing on fantastic beaches. The subtropical climate is one of the warmest in Japan
This is a park symbolized by seven moai statues restored with permission from Easter Island - a unique sight in the world.

MOAI Statues: Discovering the Fascinating History of Easter Island

Published on by Walter1 Comment

What is MOAI? See here.

MOAI’s in Miyazaki Prefecture, details you will find here.

A group of seven Moai statues overlooking the ocean, with visitors walking and gathering around them on a grassy area.
Visitors admire the iconic Moai statues overlooking the ocean in Miyazaki Prefecture.
A panoramic view of six Moai statues overlooking the ocean, with visitors interacting nearby and palm trees in the background.
A row of Moai statues standing on a stone platform with grass and rocks in the foreground against a clear blue sky.
A plaque explaining the significance of Moai statues from Easter Island, discussing their historical and cultural context in relation to the people of Rapa-nui and Nichinan.

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One of the 7 hells of Beppu - There are Sea Hell (Umi Jigoku) - Shaven Head Monk’s Hell (Oniishi Bozu Jigoku) - White Hell (Shiraike Jigoku)- Cooking Pot Hell (Kamado Jigoku) - Crocodile Hell (Oniyama Jigoku) - Blood Hell (Chinoike Jigoku) - Tornado Hell (Tatsumaki Hell)

Beppu Jigoku: A Fascinating Journey through Japan’s Geothermal Wonders

Published on by Walter

A tour of the seven hells where fumaroles and hot water vigorously errupt from the ground. Details you will find here.

Steam rises from a geothermal area, surrounded by lush greenery and a reddish torii gate in the background.
A breathtaking view of the steaming waters and lush foliage at the Beppu Jigoku Hell Tour, showcasing the natural geothermal features.

A scenic view of a hot spring surrounded by steam and rocks, with a sign in the background.
A traditional Japanese building surrounded by steaming hot springs, with a vibrant red color of the water contrasting against the green landscape.
A colorful outdoor scene depicting a large statue of a demon-like figure holding a guitar, surrounded by lush greenery and small decorative elements. People are seen walking in the area.
A blue hot spring surrounded by rocks and greenery, with a dry tree in the foreground.
A steam-filled landscape near a hot spring with a fence in the foreground, showing a building partially obscured by mist.
A mineral-rich hot spring surrounded by stones, with steam rising from the surface.
A serene hot spring surrounded by rocks and greenery, showcasing bubbling mineral water in a peaceful setting.
A scenic view of a geothermal pool with steam rising from the water, surrounded by lush greenery and rock formations.
A rocky structure with hot spring water flowing from it, accompanied by an informational sign in Japanese.
Fumaroles and hot water erupting from a rocky landscape at Beppu Jigoku, with steam rising in the air.
Scenic view of a green pond surrounded by lush vegetation and trees, with steam rising from a fumarole in the background.
A geothermal site with steam venting from the ground, surrounded by rocks and vegetation, depicting a natural hot spring area.
Steam rising from rocks into the air near a hot spring surrounded by lush greenery.
BEPPUJIGOKU (The Hell Tour – Pdf)Download

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A visit to the Peace Park is an absolute must, it is more intensive than the site in Hiroshima. Once you are there, you are amazed at the size of this monument.

Nagasaki Peace Park: A Must-Visit Monument in Japan

Published on by Walter

Nagasaki is the capital and the largest city of Nagasaki Prefecture on the island of Kyushu in Japan. Details you will find here.

Peace Park

A visit to the Peace Park is an absolute must, it is more intensive than the site in Hiroshima. Once you are there, you are amazed at the size of this monument. The right arm points upwards: The misfortune came from there. The left arm is stretched out as a gesture of peace. The eyes are closed in prayer for the dead. It’s huge. Together with the Atomic Bomb Museum, you should plan half a day to visit this park

A large bronze statue of a figure seated with one arm raised and the other outstretched, surrounded by greenery and a peaceful atmosphere, symbolizing peace and remembrance at the Peace Park in Nagasaki, Japan.
A historic building with balconies and a traditional Japanese garden, featuring visitors walking along a stone path.
A bustling street in Nagasaki, Japan, adorned with vibrant yellow lanterns and lined with shops, showcasing a lively atmosphere as people walk through.
A historic building with a traditional Japanese roof surrounded by a colorful flower garden featuring various blooms in shades of pink, yellow, and blue.

“Fat Man” was the codename for the nuclear bomb that was detonated over the Japanese city of Nagasaki by the United States on 9 August 1945

A display of the 'Fat Man' nuclear bomb, showcased at the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum, highlighting its historical significance.

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Udo Jingu: Unique Cave Shrine on Nichinan Coast | Japan

Published on by Walter

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/5fPuTubBtWkRmtKD6

Udo Jingu Shinto shrine is dedicated to Yamasachihiko, the father of emperor Jimmu, the mythical first emperor of Japan. The shrine is famous for its unique construction. It is built inside a cave on a coastal cliff.

Traditional Shinto shrine built within a cave on a coastal cliff, featuring intricate red and gold decorations.
A pathway lined with traditional red torii gates leading up to Udo Jingu Shinto shrine.
Entrance gate of Udo Jingu Shinto shrine with traditional Japanese architectural features, located on a coastal cliff.

https://en.japantravel.com/miyazaki/udo-jingu/2745

A beautiful journey along the Nichinan Coast

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If you enjoy surfing, marine sports, biking, cafes and shrines you will love Aoshima

Surfers’ Paradise: Aoshima Island and Beachside Hotel

Published on by Walter

Aoshima Island is a small, beautiful island just off the coast south of Miyazaki City. Aoshima is connected to the mainland by a bridge.

All the details you will find here.

A sandy beach with calm waters and a small island in the distance, featuring a bridge connecting the mainland.

For surfers:

Aoshima Fisherman's Beachside Hotel & Spa, a modern facility ideal for surfers, located near a scenic beach.

AOSHIMA FISHERMAN’S BEACHSIDE HOTEL & SPA

Aoshima Fisherman's Beachside Hostel & Spa building surrounded by palm trees and grass, with mountains in the background.

Ideal for surfers, newly constructed. Have a look here. Reservations available on their homepage.

A person walking along a beach carrying a surfboard, with waves crashing in the background under a clear blue sky.
Kisaki Beach Aoshima
View of Aoshima Island connected to the mainland by a bridge, featuring a sandy beach and clear blue water.
Aoshima Island connected to the mainland by a bridge with visitors walking along a sandy beach and rocky shoreline.
Aoshima Island beach view featuring palm trees, blue sky, and calm waters.
A picturesque view of Aoshima Island's beach with people walking along the shore and a hotel in the background.
Aoshima Island coastal pathway with a red torii gate in the background, people walking along the sandy path lined with rocky shoreline and greenery.
Aoshima Shrine
Aoshima Island visitors crowding at a temple entrance, with palm trees and traditional buildings in the background.
A traditional Japanese shrine entrance with intricately designed wooden architecture and red pillars.
A pathway leading to the ocean, lined with traditional buildings on either side, showcasing a beautiful coastal view.
Aoshima Island shrine surrounded by lush trees, featuring a small red and black building with decorative roof and statues at the entrance.
Aoshima Botanic garden with vibrant flower beds featuring pink and red flowers, surrounded by tall palm trees and greenery.
Rock formations on Aoshima Island's coastline, featuring unique textures and pools of water.
Scenic view of Aoshima Island from the beach, featuring palm trees and a clear blue sky.
The small village of Aoshima, very crowded on weekends
Sign for Aoshima Botanic Garden surrounded by tropical plants and flowers.
View of Aoshima Island from the sandy beach, featuring a bridge connecting the island to the mainland.
Entrance to Aoshima Beach Park with a sign and palm trees in the background.
Pathway leading through a park with greenery and flowers, featuring buildings in the background under a clear blue sky.
Botanic Garden Aoshima
A scenic view of a landscaped park on Aoshima Island featuring vibrant red flowers, palm trees, and a clear blue sky with a bike in the foreground.
Aoshima Botanic Flower Park

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