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Updated:December 6, 2011
Tourist Sites Recommended by Michelin Guide
Let us introduce you to the tourist sites that are recommended by the Michelin Guide. Following places have been visited and chosen by the Michelin inspectors, so please be sure to check them out!
Two-star
Aoshima Shrine
Located almost in the center of Aoshima district of Miyazaki City, the shrine regards the whole Aoshima Island of 1.5 km in circumference as its precincts. It enshrines Yamasachihiko who is known in the legend of Umisachi-Yamasachi, and his wife Princess Toyotama-hime, and is known as the shrine of marriage.
One-star
Udo-Jingu Shrine
Unusual shrine where the brightly vermillion-lacquered main shrine is sitting in a cave on the tip of Cape Udosaki facing the Pacific Ocean. One's wish is said to be granted if one can throw with one's wish an Ungyoku (lucky stone) into a dint of the rock below.
Panorama of Kunimigaoka
The place provides the best view among the other views in Takachiho Canyon. From here downwards you can enjoy a bird's eye view of Takachiho basin with Mt. Aso and Sobokatamuki mountainous area far away. Sea of clouds coming up from your foot are something special. The place gained one star Michelin for 2011.
Mentioned in the Michelin Guide but not rated
Takachiho Shrine
The shrine is familiar to people as alias God Jissha-daimyojin. During the period of Tengyo era ( 938 - 947 A.D.), it largely gained religious faith as a central shrine for 88 shrines in 18 districts in Takachiho. There is a 800 year-old Chichibu cedar standing in the grounds of the shrine, which has been manually planted by a person coming to pray for gods on behalf of Minamoto no Yoritomo, shogun who found the Kamakura Shogunate.
Takachiho Night Kagura
At Yokagura Night Dance of Takachiho region scheduled annually for late November to February next year, people from each community dance all night long, staying at a private house as an accommodation for a dancer. It is designated as a national important intangible folk cultural asset.
Tensho Embassy
The Tensho embassy (named after the Tensho Era in which the embassy took place) was an embassy sent to Europe in 1582 for the experience of Christianity. The embassy was led by Mansho Ito, who was born in Tonokori, Miyazaki and was actively engaged with missionary work after returning to Japan. There is a statue of Mansho Ito located within the Tonokori Castle grounds.
Takachiho Canyon
The canyon presents a cliff of columnar jointing measuring 80 - 100 m in height, which was formed by the erosion of lava from Mt. Aso. It provides a magnificent and refreshing view of eternal, mysterious chasm and spring water which are reflected in early summer greenery and in autumnal tints.
Amaiwato Shrine
The shrine is well-known for Japanese mythology, "Ama no Iwato Hiraki ( the opening of the gate of the celestial rock cave ) . The two shrines stand in the east and in the west each. In the neighborhood there is the place called "Amano yasugahara," where mythologically Yaoyorozu no kami ( eight million gods) gathered to discuss something.
Kirishima-Yaku National Park
You can observe the rich nature formed by volcanic activities, such as the gregariousness of Miyamakirishima azalea (Rhododendron kiusianum).