The Takachiho Gorge of Japanese myth, the Nichinan coast with Aoshima and Udo Shrine, and the warm city of Miyazaki.
Miyazaki has a warm climate and a slower pace. Takachiho is in the north and far from the city, so it is often visited from Kumamoto.
JapaLens editorial guide · Read in about 5 minutesTakachiho Gorge has basalt cliffs and the Manai Falls, best seen from a rowing boat. Amano Iwato Shrine is linked to the myth of the sun goddess hiding in a cave. Yokagura dances are performed nightly at Takachiho Shrine.
Boat slots fill early; buses run from Kumamoto and Nobeoka.
Read this area guide →Aoshima is a small island surrounded by wave-washed rock ridges called the Devil’s Washboard. Further south, Udo Shrine is built inside a cave above the sea.
JR Nichinan Line trains and buses run from Miyazaki; a car makes the coast easier.
Read this area guide →Palm-lined avenues, Miyazaki Jingu shrine and lively dining in Nishitachibana. Miyazaki is famous for chicken nanban and mangoes.
Miyazaki Airport is 10 minutes from the city by train.
Read this area guide →An editorial route idea, not a timed tour. Adjust it for weather, opening days and your walking pace.
Aoshima island in the morning.
Chicken nanban lunch.
Udo Shrine on the Nichinan coast.
Grilled jidori chicken in Miyazaki City.
Try chicken nanban, grilled jidori, hiyajiru cold soup and mangoes.
Stay in Miyazaki City or by Aoshima for the coast; Takachiho has inns for the evening kagura.
Fly to Miyazaki Airport or take JR limited expresses from Oita and Kagoshima. Takachiho is reached by bus.
