Miyazaki Prefecture's Hidden Gems

Miyazaki City is the capital of Miyazaki Prefecture, located in central Miyazaki in eastern Kyushu, Japan. Miyazaki Prefecture is in southeastern Kyushu, bordering Kagoshima Prefecture to the west, the Osumi Strait to the south, Oita and Kumamoto Prefectures to the north, and featuring plains in the east and mountains in the west. Recommended Spots: 1. Takachiho Gorge ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The most iconic spot in northern Kyushu. Rent a rowboat (💰5100/boat) to admire the magnificent gorge and experience the millennia-old history of the land. You can also take the walking trail alongside the gorge to see the wondrous Manai Falls. 2. Amanoiwato Shrine/Amanoyasugawara ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Enshrined here is the sacred body of Amaterasu-no-omikami, the Japanese sun goddess 🌞, who hid in the Amanoiwato cave. This is also one of the settings of the "Takamagahara Myth," one of Japan's three ancient legends. A 10-minute walk from the shrine ⛩️ will take you to Amanoyasugawara, the legendary cave where Amaterasu hid. 3. Udo Shrine: A rare shrine built on a cliff facing the Nichinan Coast in Nichinan City. The vermilion main hall is inside a cave in the cliff face. It is known for its blessings for safe childbirth, child-rearing, and marriage. The unique "undama" wishing tradition is very popular. 4. Aoshima Shrine: Located on Aoshima Island in Miyazaki City, the island is surrounded by the "Oni-no-Sentakuita" (Devil's Washboard) rock formations. It attracts many visitors as a sacred place for marriage. There are many photo spots on the island. It's about a 10-minute walk from Aoshima Station on the JR Nichinan Line.