A two day trip that takes you to the popular tourist destinations of Aoshima and Nichinan using only public transportation

  • A two day trip that takes you to the popular tourist destinations of Aoshima and Nichinan using only public transportation-0

You don't need a car! This model course will take you to the key destinations in the ever popular tourist regions of Aoshima and Nichinan using only trains and buses.
Make sure to check for the latest info on train and bus schedules before leaving.

  • Required TimeOne night two days
  • Means of TransportationTrain, bus

START

Approximately 30 minutes by train from JR Miyazaki Station to JR Aoshima Station, or approximately 50 minutes by train from JR Miyazaki Airport Station to JR Aoshima Station.

Approximately 15 minutes walk from JR Aoshima Station.

[Day 1] Aoshima Shrine

A popular power spot known for offering blessings in marriage
 [Day 1] Aoshima Shrine

Aoshima Shrine is a popular tourist destination in Miyazaki. With the entire Aoshima island considered to be the shrine’s grounds, the main building of Aoshima Shrine is located at the center of the island, and worshippers can visit by traveling across Yayoi Bridge that stretches across to the island.
Aoshima shrine is the location for a famous myth and is said to offer blessings for marriage and matchmaking. If you visit, make sure to write down a wish on the heart shaped wooden plaque called the Ema and submit it as an offering, or pick a random Koi Mikuji that will offer love advice just for you. Another popular activity here among travelers is to seek out the many hidden heart shaped decorations.

Address 889-2162 宮崎県宮崎市青島2丁目13番1号
Telephone Number 0985-65-1262

Walk around Aoshima

[Day 1] Aoshima

A mystical island rich with subtropical flora
 [Day 1] Aoshima

Aoshima, a small island of 1.5 kilometers in circumference that is surrounded by the wavy rock formation known as the Devil’s Washboard, is itself a power spot. The abundant blessing of rich subtropical flora that grows throughout evokes an atmosphere of more southern climes. Meanwhile, the Aoshima Shrine located near the center of the island is popular for offering blessings for marriage and matchmaking. There are many other attractions around the island worth a visit as well, such as the Miyakoh Botanic Garden Aoshima where visitors can enjoy tropical flowers in bloom, and the Aoshima Beach Park that offers a selection of drinks and meals.

Address 宮崎県宮崎市青島
Telephone Number 0985-21-1791(Miyazaki City Tourism Division)

[Day 1]AOSHIMA BEACH PARK

Enjoy a resort mood while bathing in the comfortable tropical breeze
 [Day 1]AOSHIMA BEACH PARK

Close by to the approach to Aoshima Shrine is a place that almost looks like a beach straight out of a Hollywood movie or TV show where you’ll probably want to start taking pictures. This beach features parasols and benches for visitor use, and the uminoie cafe stand offers drinks such as coffee and smoothies, and light meals such as fish & chips, for your enjoyment. So why not relax on the beach while you take in the view of the ocean?

Approximately 35 minutes by bus from the Aoshima bus stop

[Day 1] Udo Jingu

One of the leading shrines in south Kyushu with the main shrine hidden in a cave
 [Day 1] Udo Jingu

Udo Jingu features a beautiful and colorful vermillion-lacquered main shrine building within a cave on the cape that juts into the sea. This is one of the main shrines of southern Kyushu, located on the Nichinan Seacoast in southern Miyazaki. The shrine has long been loved by the locals and is believed to offer blessings for safe childbirth, child rearing, and marriage. Worshippers here can try a famous challenge involving tossing an Undama, or luck ball, to make their wish come true. Men use their left hand and women their right to throw the ball towards a rock called Kameishi, or turtle rock. In this custom called “Undama-nage”, If the ball enters a depression on the rock, then your wish will come true. The approach to the main shrine offers a beautiful view of the Hyuga-nada Sea, while rocks of many forms surround the cape as they accept the powerful beating of the waves. 
 Meanwhile, if you walk for about 20 minutes out the shrine gate from Udo Jingu, you will arrive at Namikiri Shrine. This place is considered a power spot, where the torii gate and tiny shrine, located in a cave right up against the encroaching sea, evoke a fantastic and spiritual atmosphere. We recommend wearing shoes with good grip when visiting, as the rough path to the shrine weaves through rocky terrain and you can slip easily.

Address 887-0101 宮崎県日南市宮浦3232
Telephone Number 0987-29-1001
Business Hours Gate open
6:00-18:00

Approximately 45 minutes by bus from the Udo Jingu bus stop.

[Day 1] Stay in Nichinan City (near the Obi area)

 [Day 1] Stay in Nichinan City (near the Obi area)

- Day 2 - Approximately five minutes walk

[Day 2] Komura Memorial Hall

A memorial museum commemorating the great works of a diplomat from the Meiji period
 [Day 2] Komura Memorial Hall

Komura Jutaro, who served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs no less than two times, was a great diplomat from the Meiji period who built the foundation of modern diplomacy in Japan, and is known for working to end the Russo-Japanese War in 1905. The museum offers an easy to follow explanation of Komura’s life and achievements using illustrations and dramatized video. They also introduce the Obi Castle Town using a unique approach, such as touch panels that describe sightseeing routes.

Address 889-2535 宮崎県日南市飫肥4-2-20-1
Telephone Number 0987-25-1905

Approximately 5 minutes walk

[Day 2] Obi Castle History Museum

See displays of samurai armor and swords dating from the Obi domain
 [Day 2] Obi Castle History Museum

This museum offers a variety of historical exhibits related to the former Obi domain, such as traditional Japanese armor and swords.
The museum also uses projection mapping and computer graphics to offer an easy to understand introduction to the streets of Obi and their beautiful stone walls.

Address 889-2535 宮崎県日南市飫肥10-1-2
Telephone Number 0987-25-1905(小村寿太郎記念館 総合窓口)

Walk around Obi Castle Town on foot.

[Day 2] Obi Castle Town

An ancient castle town with beautiful stone walls and samurai homes
 [Day 2] Obi Castle Town

This place prospered as the castle town of the Obi domain for roughly 280 years beginning in 1588. Today, many stone walls made with Obi stone and samurai homes made with Obi cedar remain. The beautiful townscape with its historical flavor has been nicknamed the Little Kyoto of Kyushu, and many historical buildings have been preserved. Many samurai residences and shops are located in an area surrounding the Otemon Gate of Obi Castle. Some of them allow visitors inside, and the area is a great place to take walks around the castle town. Visitors can try their hand using the traditional mini archery of Obi, the Shihan-mato, and get a taste of the samurai life at the Shihan-mato archery range. Meanwhile, the Obi Castle History Museum is a must-see destination with displays of swords, armor, weapons, and clothing, and other military implements. There is also a spot known as Iyashi-no-Mori (healing forest) filled with moss and 140 year old Obi cedar at the site of the former Honmaru of Obi Castle. We recommend a visit as it is sure to be relaxing, and you can get some great pictures too.
If you want to dine and walk around the town of Obi, we recommend picking up a copy of the Ayumichan Map that includes tickets to various venues and five vouchers for special and famous local Obi gifts. Enjoy your walk around this historic castle town with echoes of the Edo period as you enjoy delicious local delicacies such as the Obi Senbei that melts in your mouth with elegant sweetness, Obi-Ten with its gentle sweetness of brown sugar, and the Atsuyaki-tamago fried egg that tastes like pudding.

  • Address 889-2535 宮崎県日南市飫肥9丁目1-14(飫肥城観光駐車場チケット販売所内)
    Telephone Number 0987-67-6029(Obi Castle Town Preservation Society)
  • Learn More
Address 889-2535 宮崎県日南市飫肥9丁目1-14(飫肥城観光駐車場チケット販売所内)
Telephone Number 0987-67-6029(Obi Castle Town Preservation Society)

Approximately 50 minutes by bus from the Obi Castle bus stop to the Sunmesse Nichinan bus stop

Approximately 15 minutes walk from the Sunmesse Nichinan bus stop

[Day 2] Sunmesse Nichinan

This park faces the vast ocean and features impressive Moai statue replicas
 [Day 2] Sunmesse Nichinan

Sunmesse Nichinan is symbolized by the seven replica Moai statues found here. These Moai statues are faithful replicas of those at Ahu Akivi, and the first to be officially approved by the elders of Rapa Nui (Easter Island). Visitors are allowed to touch them, so you can experience their impressive presence up close.
The spacious park occupying 20 hectares includes a world insect museum featuring displays of butterflies and insects from around the world, panels of world heritage sites approved by UNESCO, and ground murals of butterflies. Located on a small hill beside the Nichinan Seacoast, the park offers a panoramic view of the ocean, and every corner is a great spot for photos, so why not enjoy the many scenic spots as you walk throughout the park.  The many attractive photo spots include a swing set that swings toward the sea and the colorful “voyeurn” statues (a Japanese play on words based on the French word voyeur) of seated observers.

  • Address 887-0101 宮崎県日南市宮浦2650
    Telephone Number 0987-29-1900
    Business Hours 9:30-17:00
    Closed Days Wednesdays
    *Open normal hours during year end and New Year’s, Golden Week, Obon, and national holidays.
  • Learn More
Address 887-0101 宮崎県日南市宮浦2650
Telephone Number 0987-29-1900
Business Hours 9:30-17:00
Closed Days Wednesdays
*Open normal hours during year end and New Year’s, Golden Week, Obon, and national holidays.

Approximately 15 minutes walk from the Sunmesse Nichinan bus stop

Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes by bus to JR Miyazaki Station or 60 minutes by bus to Miyazaki Airport

GOAL

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If you plan on traveling in Miyazaki by bus, get the VISIT MIYAZAKI BUS PASS!

The Visit Miyazaki Bus Pass is a special bus pass for foreign tourists, offered by Miyazaki Kotsu, that lets you ride as much as you want for a whole day on any bus route serviced by the Miyazaki Kotsu company.
The pass can be purchased easily at hotels, the Miyazaki Airport, and the bus center at Miyazaki Station.

See here for fees and area coverage.

Other Sample Itineraries

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