Top 12 Tourist Spots on the Nichinan Coast

The Nichinan Coast, stretching across southern Miyazaki Prefecture, is a popular tourist area featuring crystal-clear blue seas and skies with landscapes full of tropical atmosphere. Along this coastline perfect for driving, you’ll find diverse attractions including historic shrines, castle towns, scenic viewpoints, and roadside stations. The area is also rich in hands-on activities such as sea kayaking, SUP, and forest therapy walking, allowing visitors to fully experience nature with all five senses.

This article provides detailed information about the Nichinan Coast, from basic information and access details to 12 selected tourist spots and activity plans.

Located in southern Miyazaki Prefecture, the Nichinan Coast is a treasure trove of spectacular scenery where blue skies and seas stretch endlessly. Phoenix palm tree-lined roads and colorful subtropical plants decorate the roadsides, giving visitors a sense of openness like a tropical resort. The approximately 100-kilometer coastline spans three cities – Miyazaki City, Nichinan City, and Kushima City – and continues with varied landscapes, making it a popular driving course.

Particularly at scenic spots like Horikiri Pass and Aoshima, you can enjoy the magnificent panorama of the Pacific Ocean and the contrast between the lush green nature spread across the rocky reefs. The area features unique attractions including Udo Jingu with its main hall built inside a cave, underwater scenery where tropical fish gather in schools, and Cape Toi where wild horses live.

Known as one of Japan’s premier surfing spots, the beach culture that attracts surfers from around the world is also one of the Nichinan Coast’s charms. In recent years, glamping facilities and marine activity spots have increased, drawing attention as an area where you can enjoy both outdoor adventures and relaxation.

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Nichinan City is a historically significant land that was developed as a manor of the Fujiwara clan during the Heian period, and it is said that Obi Province, one of the “Eight Provinces of Hyuga,” was established here. During the Kamakura period, the Ito clan, descendants of Kudo Suketsune, were appointed to the position of Hyuga Governor, and from then through the Sengoku period, they engaged in fierce battles with the Shimazu clan over Obi Castle. In 1587, the Ito clan supported Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s Kyushu campaign and, in recognition of their service, came to govern the Obi Domain.

During the Edo period, they established the domain school “Shintokudo” and focused on education, producing excellent talents such as Komura Jutaro during the Meiji period. After World War II, the city was established in 1950, and through subsequent mergers with surrounding towns and villages, the current Nichinan City was born in 2009.

Today, agriculture centered on ultra-early rice and citrus fruits, forestry using Obi cedar, and fishing centered on bonito and tuna are the core industries. The city is also blessed with tourist resources such as Udo Jingu, Obi Castle Town, and Inohae Gorge, attracting many tourists from Japan and abroad. Nichinan City, while cherishing the harmony of history, industry, and nature, promotes sustainable town development under the banner of “Toward a town we can be prouder of than anywhere else NICHINAN PRIDE.”

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The Nichinan Coast is located in a relatively accessible position, about 20 minutes by car from Miyazaki Airport and about 35 minutes by car from JR Miyazaki Station. When using public transportation, you can take the Miyazaki Kotsu Bus bound for “Obi” from JR Miyazaki Station and reach “Horikiri Pass” in about 1 hour. National Route 220, which runs along the Nichinan Coast, is also popular as a driving course.

When using expressways, you can conveniently access downtown Nichinan City by taking the Kyushu Expressway or Higashi-Kyushu Expressway and exiting at “Nichinan Togo IC.” The journey takes about 3.5 hours from Fukuoka, about 3 hours from Oita, and 2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes from Kagoshima.

For air travel, regular flights operate to Miyazaki Airport from Haneda, Itami, Nagoya, Fukuoka, and Naha. After arrival, you can reach spots like Aoshima, Obi, and Horikiri Pass using rental cars, the JR Nichinan Line, or Miyazaki Kotsu buses.

You can also access Miyazaki Station from JR Kyushu’s limited express trains from Hakata, Kokura, Kumamoto, Oita, and Kagoshima-Chuo. Additionally, car ferries connecting Kobe Port and Miyazaki Port operate, providing a convenient route for travelers bringing their vehicles. With abundant transportation options, the Nichinan Coast offers an accessible environment suitable for both tourism and business.

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The Nichinan Coast features famous spots where you can experience both nature and history, such as Aoshima and Udo Jingu. Roadside stations and Obi Castle Town are also attractions, making it perfect for driving tourism.

“Aoshima,” one of Miyazaki’s representative tourist attractions, is a small island with a circumference of about 1.5km that charms visitors with its tropical scenery and unique topography. Subtropical plants grow luxuriantly, and the entire island is considered a power spot filled with natural energy. The wave-like rocks “Oni-no-Sentakuita” (Devil’s Washboard) surrounding the island create a unique landscape formed by wind and waves over countless years, captivating visitors.

The surrounding area includes “Aoshima Beach Park” and “Miyako Botanic Garden Aoshima,” where you can enjoy gourmet food and plant observation. Marine activities are also abundant, making it a recommended spot for active visitors.

Aoshima Shrine is known as a representative matchmaking shrine in Miyazaki and is a special power spot where the entire island is considered sacred ground. The shrine enshrines Hikohohodemi-no-Mikoto (also known as Yamasachihiko), his consort Toyotama-hime-no-Mikoto, and Shiozuchi-no-Okami, and is revered as a deity that grants all kinds of “harmony” wishes including matchmaking, safe childbirth, family safety, recovery from illness, and maritime safety.

This location, known as the stage of the myth “Umisachihiko and Yamasachihiko,” features many spots popular with worshippers seeking love fortune, including love fortunes, heart-shaped votive plaques, and the votive plaque tunnel “Path of Prayer.” You can also enjoy unique experiences such as the hidden heart-shaped “Inome,” the colorful paper cord tying called “Musubi-no-Kami-yori,” and “Ama-no-Hiraka-nage” where you throw earthenware dishes while making wishes. Surrounded by the sacred atmosphere of the forest of Birou trees, it’s a place where you can quietly deliver your prayers.

Horikiri Pass is a representative scenic spot of the Nichinan Coast where you can enjoy spectacular tropical views created by the blue sea and sky along with Phoenix palm-lined roads. When you travel south from Miyazaki city center on National Route 220, pass through mountain roads, and emerge along the coast, you’ll be captivated by the panorama that spreads before you. Below, you can enjoy the natural sculptural beauty of the strange rocks “Oni-no-Sentakuita” formed by waves.

Right next to the pass is “Roadside Station Phoenix,” where you can taste soft-serve ice cream and local dishes while enjoying spectacular views from the observation deck. Since the roadside station is accessible on foot, it’s perfect for stopping during a drive. The views on clear days are exceptional, making it popular as a photography spot. It can be said to be an excellent viewpoint where you can experience the charm of the Nichinan Coast.

“Roadside Station Phoenix” is located about 1km south of Horikiri Pass, the entrance to the Nichinan Coast, and is a spectacular spot where you can overlook the Pacific Ocean and the strange rocks “Oni-no-Sentakuita” below. The view from the observation deck is particularly magnificent, with the blues of sea and sky complemented by colorful tropical flowers, inviting visitors into an extraordinary landscape.

The grounds are filled with Phoenix palms, jacaranda, and bougainvillea, creating a resort-like atmosphere.At the souvenir shop, local soft-serve ice cream made with Miyazaki mango and Hyuganatsu is popular, perfect for a break during your journey. Unique flavors like “Shrimp” and “Ashitaba” are also available, making them great conversation starters. Nearby attractions include Aoshima Shrine and camping facilities, making it recommended as a tourism base.

“Sun Messe Nichinan,” symbolized by seven Moai statues standing on a hill along the Nichinan Coast, is a spot where you can see precious Moai statues up close – the world’s only reproductions officially authorized by the Easter Island Council of Elders.The sight of them standing against the backdrop of blue sky and sea is magnificent, and you can actually touch them to feel their power.

The vast grounds feature diverse attractions including an insect museum with insects from around the world, UNESCO World Heritage panel exhibitions, and butterfly ground art. Photo-worthy spots are abundant, including swings facing the sea and colorful Polynesian statues. Since the grounds have undulations, we recommend using rental carts (available for those with regular driver’s licenses) for easy movement. You can leisurely enjoy the spectacular views and tropical atmosphere.

Affectionately known as “Udo-san,” Udo Jingu is one of southern Kyushu’s premier shrines with its main hall built inside a cave on cliffs facing the Hyuga Sea.The contrast between the vivid vermilion shrine buildings and the seascape is beautiful, and it is known for bringing blessings for safe childbirth, child-rearing, and matchmaking. Inside the cave are mystical spots such as “Ochichi-iwa” (Breast Rock) and “Ochichi-mizu” (Breast Water), which are likened to mother’s milk.

The famous “Undama-nage” (Lucky Ball Throwing) involves men using their left hand and women using their right hand to throw clay balls toward the hollow of “Kame-ishi” (Turtle Rock), and it’s said that wishes come true if you successfully get them in. Rabbit-motif votive plaques are also popular.

From the approach, you can enjoy magnificent views of the Hyuga Sea’s vast ocean and strange rock formations. In 2017, “Udo” was designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty. Especially on New Year’s Day, many worshippers gather to see the first sunrise.

Obi in Nichinan City, Miyazaki Prefecture, flourished as a castle town of the Ito clan’s 51,000-koku domain for about 280 years from 1588. The townscape with remaining samurai residences and stone walls is called “Little Kyoto of Kyushu” and was selected as the first Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings in Kyushu in 1977.

Centered around the Otemon Gate, historical facilities are scattered throughout, including the Domain School Shintokudo, Obi Castle History Museum, Matsuo-no-Maru, Yoshokan, and Komura Memorial Hall. The moss-covered ruins of the former main keep, “Iyashi-no-Mori” (Healing Forest), and the traditional Shihan-mato (four-half archery) experience are also highlights.

Additionally, local specialties such as “Obi-ten” and “Obi senbei” that can be enjoyed while walking are abundant, and the “Ayumi-chan Map,” which is convenient for town walking combined with gourmet experiences, is also helpful for tourism. You can enjoy the atmospheric townscape where history, nature, and gourmet food are in harmony.

The Obi Castle History Museum is a facility that conveys the history of the prestigious Ito family, which continued for about 800 years.The Ito family are descendants of the Southern Fujiwara clan, with Kudo Suketsune, known for the Soga brothers’ revenge, as their ancestor. The 19th generation, Sukehei, received Obi Castle from Toyotomi Hideyoshi and thereafter governed the Obi Domain for 14 generations.

The museum displays about 220 historical materials from the Obi Domain, including armor, swords, weapons, ancient documents, and clothing belonging to Sukehei and his retainer Yamada Masatoku.The March 2022 renovation added video and CG presentations, making the history and townscape of Obi more accessible. This valuable museum allows you to deeply learn about Obi’s history, from Sengoku period battle culture to daily life during the domain period.

Komura Jutaro served as Foreign Minister twice during the Meiji period and concluded the Portsmouth Treaty, ending the Russo-Japanese War. This memorial hall was opened in 1993, marking 80 years after his death, and was renovated in 2022. The museum introduces Marquis Komura’s life from birth to his diplomatic career through videos and panels.The “Komura Jutaro History Collection” features drama-style videos with local citizens participating.

The “Welcome to Obi” area introduces Obi Castle Town through aerial photographs on the floor and touch panels. There’s also an exhibition of Obi’s local performing art “Taihei Odori.” It’s a memorial hall where you can learn about history while also experiencing local attractions.

Roadside Station Nango is located along National Route 448, almost in the center of Nichinan-Kaigan Quasi-National Park, and is a scenic spot.It’s the only roadside station in Japan located within a prefectural subtropical crop research station, where you can enjoy southern nature unique to the area, including jacaranda forests and Rock Mountain.

From the terrace, spectacular views of the Hyuga Sea and islands spread out, with doors reminiscent of the movie “Suzume no Tojimari” installed. The facility sells ripe mangoes, Hyuganatsu, and other local fruits, along with original sweets, while the restaurant offers fresh seafood bowls and mango soft-serve ice cream.

During the blooming season from late May to mid-June, the “Jacaranda Festival” is held, making it a popular spot highly rated on travel review sites.

Located at the southernmost tip of Nichinan-Kaigan Quasi-National Park, Cape Toi is a spot that charms visitors with spectacular foreign-like scenery and nature where wild horses live.“Cape Toi Lighthouse” at the tip of the cape is the only lighthouse in Kyushu where you can tour the inside, and from its observation deck, you can overlook the Hyuga Sea and green mountains.

Throughout the cape area, the national natural monument “Misaki Horses” are pastured, and the sight of them walking freely in nature is magnificent.

In spring, you might see foals called “Harukoma” (spring horses). Guided tours with wild horse guides are also recommended for observation.

In summer, the “Cape Toi Fire Festival” is held, featuring the brave spectacle of throwing torches at a 30-meter-high pole, coloring Kushima’s summer. Additionally, naturally growing cycads near the lighthouse are also designated as national natural monuments.

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“Roadside Station Kushima” is an unusual type of roadside station located in downtown Kushima City, the southernmost city in Miyazaki Prefecture. It serves as an access hub to tourist destinations such as Cape Toi with its wild horses, the famous surfing spot Koigaura, hot springs, and campgrounds, with many people stopping by.

Inside the facility, “Umiyama Marche” receives fresh seafood and vegetables daily, bustling as a marketplace where you can see the producers’ faces. “Umiyama Shokudo” offers set meals and bowls using Kushima ingredients. The event plaza hosts mini-concerts and family gatherings, with the dog run also being popular. It functions as both a community-rooted hub and a tourism and exchange center, like an oasis in the downtown area.

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The Nichinan Coast is a nature-rich area surrounded by beautiful seas and greenery. From marine activities to forest bathing, a diverse range of experiences are available to refresh both mind and body. Here we introduce five popular activities on the Nichinan Coast.

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For experiencing Nichinan’s crystal-clear sea up close, sea kayaking is recommended. The view from sea level offers a sensation of truly becoming one with the ocean. Starting from Eimatsu Beach and paddling freely through gentle waves begins your own ocean journey.

Tandem boats (for two people) are also available, making it easy for families and couples to enjoy. Navigating through shallow waters where you can see corals and tropical fish, and landing on small uninhabited islands gives you a taste of adventure. With diving and snorkeling spots scattered around the area, it’s a popular spot where you can enjoy the ocean’s attractions all day long.

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Nichinan City has multiple diving shops, with the waters around Nango Town being particularly popular for their high transparency and colorful tropical fish observation.

Among them, “SeaQueen Diver House” is based at Sotoura Port and equipped with hot water showers and changing rooms. They offer experience diving courses that even beginners can participate in with confidence. Course fees, capacity, and locations vary by operating company, so it’s important to carefully check the details of each shop in advance.

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SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboard) is a water activity where you stand on a board and paddle. It’s easy for beginners to maintain stability and offers the charm of feeling like you’re walking on the sea. Using your core muscles provides both refreshing and light exercise effects.

Nichinan’s sea has calm waves, making it an ideal environment for SUP experiences.Experience fees range roughly from 4,000 to 10,000 yen, varying by course content, duration, and equipment included. Before applying, it’s important to compare and examine each operator’s service content and support system.

The underwater sightseeing boat “Marine Viewer Nichinan” departing from Sotoura Port is a cruise where you can enjoy both underwater and land spectacular views at once. Through the observation windows on the boat’s bottom, you can closely observe the underwater world of red corals and colorful tropical fish. The immersive experience is like actually diving.From the boat, you can also see unique southern islands such as “Udeshima” with a large hole in the center, and “Kuroshima,” popular as a fishing spot.

Additionally, the kite feeding show offers the thrilling moment of kites diving down from coastal mountains.The journey takes about 45 minutes, with 6 daily operations (closed on Wednesdays, weather permitting). Prices are 2,400 yen for adults and 1,200 yen for children. For reservations and operation status, please inquire by phone in advance.

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“Iyashi-no-Mori” (Healing Forest) spreading through Kitagō Town in Nichinan City is a healing spot where you can experience forest therapy walking under the guidance of forest therapists. Here, you can expect effects such as stress reduction and immune system improvement by slowly walking through the forest while experiencing nature’s sounds, scents, and light with all five senses.

Humans have a history of living in nature through evolution, and in today’s artificial environments, our minds and bodies tend to become tired without us realizing it.The forests of Kitagō retain their natural state without human intervention, and their relaxing effects have been scientifically proven.

In forest therapy, you can also learn self-care methods that incorporate the power of the forest, spending time adjusting your mind and body to your own rhythm. Why not take some time to quietly face yourself while breathing deeply in nature?

The Nichinan Coast is a tourist area blessed with beautiful rias coastlines and a warm climate, overflowing with tropical atmosphere. From historic attractions like Aoshima and Udo Jingu to Roadside Station Nango where jacaranda blooms, and Cape Toi where wild horses live, rich nature and culture harmonize here.

Activities such as sea kayaking, diving, and SUP are also abundant, allowing you to fully enjoy both sea and mountains. The Nichinan Coast, where scenery, experiences, and healing all come together, is a luxurious travel destination that both adults and children can enjoy. Please spend some time refreshing your mind and body while experiencing the extraordinary.

※This article was created based on information as of August 2025.