Travel Guide of Scenic Byway Kyushu

Ｑ－❶ Nichinan Sparkling Coast

Cities of , Nichinan, and Kushima (Miyazaki Pref.) －Unique Coastline, Myth and Tropical Plant－ The scenic areas of Nichinan Coast are located in the Nichinan sandstone, and various rare rocks and cliffs are intricately formed Kaigan Quasi-Nationsl Park in the southern part of Miyazaki from Aoshima to the Nichinan coast (see Photo (2)). Prefecture. They are in a subtropical region and consisted of three The second is a subtropical plant colony, where you can enjoy a cities of Miyazaki, Nichinan and Kushima. tropical landscape with colorful flowers and trees. As heading south [Scenic Resources] The Nichinan Sparkling Coast has three main along the road with rows of Washington Palms, you will find the landscape resources. One of them is the spectacular terrain under the Aoshima Island covered with wild palm trees. After that, you arrive at tropical sun along the Nichinan coast. If you drive along the coastline Nichinan City, where cycads and cactuses grow, and you can enjoy from Miyazaki City to Kushima City, it changes greatly with Aoshima flowers such as jacaranda, and hibiscus under the dazzling sun. Island as the boundary. The northern part of the seashore from Myths written more than 1300 years ago are the third resource. Aoshima Island to the urban area in Miyazaki City is a plain with Japanese mythology is described in the Kojiki, the oldest historical sandy beachies. On the other hand, the southern part is saw-toothed book edited in the 8th century, and the region of this scenic road is said coastal topography with alternating layers of mudstone and to be one of the places corresponding to the mythological world. Niniginomikoto God descended from heaven to Takachihono-mine (Peak) on the border between Miyazaki and Kagoshima prefectures, and ruled the ground. Then, the descendant, Emperor Jimmu, left Miyazaki to unite the country and established the Yamato administration in Nara Basin. Along the glittering coastline of Nichinan, there are many places and shrines that tell the myths. [Access] Miyazaki Airport, and on the of JR Kyushu, are important access points to this scenic area. In addition, there is a high-speed transportation system called "B&S Miyazaki" between Fukuoka City and Miyazaki City, which is a transfer between the Shinkansen and the express bus at Shin-Yatsushiro Station. [Major Route] Each scenic spot is linked by two expressways in , but the main roads are National Roads 220 and 448 as shown in the map. To visit the inland scenic spots, you need to add prefectural road 28 and national road 222. The JR Kyushu Nichinan Line is available as a public transportation, and the limited express "Umisachi/Yamasachi" is popular.

The distance from Miyazaki City to Kushima City is about 200 km, and the main scenic zones are indicated by serial numbers (1) to (6) on the map. When introducing each scenic spot accordingly, it is as follows. Q-❶ Nichinan Sparkling Coast (NICHINAN) (1) Scenery spots of the urban area in Miyazaki City. Miyazaki is a city of sports. Due to the warm winter climate, various professional teams such as baseball, rugby and soccer are in camp during the off-season. Besides, in the northeastern part of Miyazaki City, there is the Hitotsuba Toll Road along the vast pine forest facing the Hyuga Sea, which leads to the largest Awakigahara Forest Park in Miyazaki City. In addition to walking, golfing, swimming and driving, you can enjoy public forests, resort facilities and a natural zoo. In other words, you can enjoy these sports, while visiting the world of mythology, and both children and adults can enjoy traveling together. As shown in photo (1), there is Eda Shrine in a corner of the park, and its main deities are two gods of Izanaginomikoto and (2) View from Horikiri Pass of Nichinan Coast Road.

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Izanaminomikoto. According to the myth of 's oldest history book, these two gods created many islands and gods in Japan. In particular, it is also talked that many new gods were born when Izanaginomikoto returned from Yominokuni (world where the dead live) and cleaned himself in a pond near the shrine. One of them is “ Okami”, the goddess of the sun and the founder of the Imperial Family. Miyazaki Shrine is located 7 km southwest of Eda Shrine and enshrines Emperor Jimmu, a descendant of Amaterasu-Omikami. As written in the book of Kojiki, the Japanese believe that he grew up in the Miyazaki region and became the first Emperor in Japan. Then, if heading south for a while, you can wander along Boulevard of Washington's Palm Trees (Tachibana Main Street) as shown in the photo (1). Takeing a walk along the Oyodo River for a rest is also recommended. (2) Aoshima Island surrounded with the Wavelike Rocks (Upper). Aoshima Shrine and Botanic Garden Aoshima (Lower) (2) Aoshima Island and Horikiri Pass in strange rock-shaped flat bedrock of seashore called the Devil's Miyazaki City. Washboard and the scenery of the Phoenix trees in harmony with the If you go south on National Road 220 from the center of Miyazaki blue sea and blue sky. In addition, colorful tropical flowers such as City for 16 kilometers, you will reach Aoshima Island. Large scale of hibiscus and jacaranda welcome all travelers. layers of sandstone and mudstone can be seen around the island, but (3) Areas of Udo -Jingu Shrine in Nichinan City the island’s nature remains untouched and covered with wild palm trees. Aoshima Shrine is in the center of the island and enshrines the grandfather of the first Emperor Jinmu. He was skilled at hunting in the mountains, so he is also called Yamasachi-Hiko, the god of mountain food. Paying attention to the branch point on the way and further going south along the seashore road (Prefecture Road 377), you’ll arrive at Horikiri Pass immediately. As shown in Photo (2), you can see the iconic and wonderful view of the route. You will be impressed by the

(1) Awakigahara Forest Park in Miyazaki City

(1) Tatibana Main Street in CBD, and Tachibana Parkway along the Oyodo River. (1) Eda Shrine (upper) and Pond (lower)

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If you follow the prefecture road while watching the strange rocks, you will enter National Road 220, and if you go further Prefectural Road 443, you will reach Udo-jingu Shrine. Many shrines are located at the top of stairs according to the legend that God came down from heaven. However, this shrine is a rare example to come down the stairs (See Photo (3)). The main god of the Udo-jingu shrine is "Hikonagisatake- Ugayafukiaezuno-Mikoto", and its name is long and difficult. For this reason, although not well known even in the Japanese, he is famous as the father of Emperor Jimmu and the son of Yamasachihiko. In short, the gods of the shrines of (1) to (3) in the Miyazaki region are described in Japan’s oldest historical record, "Kojiki". It is related to the creation of the ground and the descent of Amaterasu’s grandson to it. Arranged according to the flow of myth, the results are as shown in the table on page 4. In particular, three gods of Ninigino- Mikoto, (3) Cycads growing naturally in the rocky area of Nichinan Coast. Yamasachi-Hiko and Ugayafukiaezuno-Mikoto are said to be the three generations of Hyuga. If interesting in Japanese roots and There are also Arahiratsu Shrine and Ushiodake Shrine related to hoping to understand the Japanese spirit, we recommend visiting Hyuga myth. The former is near Aburatsu Port and is dedicated to the shrines listed in the table. empress of Emperor Jinmu. The latter is located about 17km inland (Note: “Himuka (or Hyuga)” is the old name of the Miyazaki region including the along Prefecture Road 27, and the main deity is Umisachihiko God. eastern part of .) According to myth, Umisachihiko was the older brother of Yamasachihiko and was good at sea fishing. But, brothers quarreled (4) Aburatsu Port and Horikawa Canal in Nichinan City. and Umisachihiko was defeated. After that, it is said that he moved to Returning to National Road 220 from the Udo-jingu and heading Ushiodake Shrine (Kitago-cho in Nichinan City), and became the south, you will find Aburatsu Port, which played important role in founder of the Hayato people in southern Kyushu. the trade with the Tang Dynasty in ancient China. In 17th to 19th centuries (Edo period), it prospered as a shipping port for timbers, and (5) Obi Castle and its castle town (Nichinan City) in the present age, fisheries of tuna and bonito are flourishing, and The Obi castle is located 9 km west of Aburatsu Port along National many fishing boats come in and out. At the same time, cruise ships Road 222 (See the map). from Asia have arrived several times a year. For about 100 years from the 15th to the 16th centuries, the battle Through these activities at the port, canals, stone bridges, and over the Obi territory continued between Ito in Miyazaki and Shimazu related buildings around the port have been built, and they are historic in Kagoshima. As a result, the rule of the Territory changed many heritages that remains today. While watching them, you can eat times between the Ito and Shimazu clans. In other words, this historic delicious fish dishes with a reasonable price at a restaurant.

(3) Udo Jingu Shrine (Nitinan City) (5) Rice Terrace in Sakata District

(4) Horikawa Canal and Ukiyoe of Aburatsu Port by Utagawa Hiroshige. (6) Ishinami Coast and Kojima Island.

3 events on this territory are similar to the British-French centennial war on the French territory, in the 14th to15th century . Eventually, as the winners in Sekigahara, the territory of Obi was placed under the control of Ito feudal clan from the Edo period, and the castle and its town were constructed. Some of them are now passed down as historical heritage. (5) Main Gate of Obi Castle (Nichinan City) (5) Obi Castle Town (Nichinan City) The stone stairs, moats, and samurai residences were left, and the main gate of the castle was also rebuilt. The area around the castle is registered as an important conservation district of the historic Building Group. As passing beyond the castle town, you can find rice terraced fields in Sakamoto area as shown in Photo (5). In (6) Misaki Horses of Cape Toi (Kushi-ma City) (6) Narrow Approach Path to Misaki Shrine general, rice terraces wind along the terrain, but Table. Shrines related to the myth in the Miyazaki area, and its principal gods. this rice field is a Event in myth Pedigree of GOD Related Shrine Lo catio n beautiful landscape Creation of Japan land & Misogi Pond (1)Awakigahara-cho, Miyazaki City with stone walls made Eda Shrine (1)Awakigahara-cho, Miyazaki City linearly for horses. It Ancestor that is Sun Godess Takachiho Town in Miyazaki Pref. worshiped as the god was selected as one of of the imperial (Amaterasu Omikami) Ise Shrine Ise City, Mie Pref. the top 100 rice terraces Heaven family in Japan. Advent to Takachiho Ninigino-Mikoto* Kirishima Shrine Kirishima City, Kagoshima Pref. Peak of Hyuga (Grandson of Amaterasu Omikami) (6) Ishinami-

Kaigan Coast and Good fisher in the sea Umisachihiko (Older bro.) Ushiodake Shrine (4)Kitagou-machi, Nitinan City

Cape Toi in Good hunter in the Yamasachihiko* (Younger Bro.) Aoshima Shrine (2)Aoshima, Miyazki City Ground Kushima City, mountain Miyazaki. Ugayafukiaezu-No-Mikoto* Udo Shrine (3)Miyaura, Nitinan City

Establish of Yamato Going further south Government First Emperor Jinmu Miyazaki Shrine (1)Jingu, Miyazaki City on National Road 488, * : Hyuga's three Gods (1)~(4) :Scenic point in this route. you will find the On the other hand, when you climb up the cliff (240 m above sea Ishinami Beach and Kojima Island in Kushima City at the south end level), you will reach a large white lighthouse (national important of Miyazaki Prefecture. As shown in Photo (6), the arched long coast is culture property). From there you can see a beautiful panorama at the a beautiful white beach and has been selected as one of 100 beaches in southernmost tip of the Nichinan Coast Quasi-National Park in the Japan. Over 250 species of subtropical plants fill the coast and are a Pacific Ocean. natural treasure of the country. Toi Cape is also known as a habitat for semi-wild horses that have Under the dazzling scenery of the south, there is an interesting been grazed for more than 300 years, and was designated as a special place called Kojima Island, in which many monkeys live on the island, natural monument for Misaki-uma horses and their breeding ground and a sandy beach (tombolo) appears at the low tide. You can walk (Misaki = cape). While looking at the lighthouse, a friendly horse may across to the island, but you will need to use a ferry to protect the wild come to there. It shall be also interesting to play with horses. monkeys. In short, a drive along the tropical coast of Miyazaki is highly This island became famous for the phenomenon of the 100th recommended to enjoy the mythical world of Japanese roots, the monkey. A study at Kyoto University revealed the monkey's culture townscape of Obi Castle, and the rare tropical nature. of washing and eating sweet potatoes. Cape Toi is located at the south end of National Road 448 and is on the cliffs of sandstone and mudstone. If you follow the narrow and Publishing and Copy right. Promotion Council of Scenic Byway Kyushu C○ steep path, you will see the sheer cliffs and Misakijinjya (Cape (Copy right 2021. All rights reserved) Shrine). Subtropical plants can also be seen, making it a natural botanical garden.

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