Kirishima Onsen lodgings → Kirishima Onsen Station (about 20 min by taxi) → Take the Hisatsu Line and Limited Express Kirishima to Miyazaki Station (about 2.5 hrs) → Take the Nichinan Line to Aoshima Station (about 30 minutes) → Walk to Aoshima Shrine (about 20 min) → Walk and take the Nichinan Line to lodgings in Miyazaki City (about 1 hr total).

Take a taxi from Kirishima Onsen to Kirishima Onsen Station. From there, take the Hisatsu Line to Hayato Station, where you'll transfer to the Limited Express Kirishima and travel to Miyazaki Station. Since the Limited Express Kirishima runs a limited number of times throughout the day, we recommend taking the 9:52 a.m. train from Kirishima Onsen Station to catch the 10:32 a.m. Limited Express at Hayato Station.

This small,1.5-kilometer (0.9 mi) circumference island is surrounded by a sheet of rock marked by sharp, rigid lines. Due to their unique shape, these rocks are known as the "Devil's Washboard." One of the key tourist spots in Miyazaki, a bridge connects the island to the mainland, making it easy to come and go.

Many places is Miyazaki are related to the Myth of Hyuga, which describes the descent of Ninigi-no-Mikoto and the adventures of his offspring (where Hygua is the old name for Miyazaki). One part of the story explains how an old man built a boat for one of Ninigi's sons, allowing him to travel under the sea, where he fell in love with an undersea princess.

Located in the center of Aoshima Island, Aoshima Shrine is dedicated to the old man and the lovers, and is believed to be a power spot, with many people visiting for good fortune in marriage. While it's customary to pay respects at the shrine's main hall, true believers say it's best to pray at the Motomiya, a small shrine located at the back right of the main hall.

Address: Miyazaki Prefecture, Miyazaki City, Aoshima 2-13-1

Miyazaki Beef
Miyazaki beef is said to be the highest class of wagyu, and you'll want to taste it at least once! Known for its soft texture and fatty sweetness, it's sure to leave a lasting impression! You can order Miyazaki beef at most teppan-yaki (hot plate) restaurants in Miyazaki City.

Miyazaki City → Travel to Obi Station using regular JR lines (about 1.5 hrs), then meander the castle town → Take a taxi to Udo Shrine (about 30 min) → Take a taxi to Ibii Station (about 20 min) → Take the Nichinan Line to Tayoshi Station (about 30 min), then transfer to the Miyazaki Kuko Line and take it to Miyazaki Airport (3 min).

Obi is an old castle town in Nichinan City, Miyazaki, where you can still get a feeling of Japan's Edo Period (1603-1868). Known as "Kyushu's Little Kyoto," the area is often used as the setting for historical TV dramas and films. The main attraction is the remains of Obi Castle, the stately gate of which exudes a solemn presence over the surrounding area. You'll find a string of small museums, senbei (rice cracker) shops, cafés and traditional restaurants all side-by-side, making for a very pleasant stroll.

Address: Miyazaki Prefecture, Nichinan City, Obi 9-1-18

The main hall of Udo Shrine stands in a cave on the Udozaki headland. Affectionately known as "Udo-san," it's the most famous shrine in southern Miyazaki, known as a spot for praying for matrimonial bliss and safe childbirth. Set against the sheer cliffs of the Nichinan Coast, the contrast between the bright vermilion shrine and the beautiful blue sea draws numerous visitors to the area.

Address: Miyazaki Prefecture, Nichinan City, Oaza Miyaura 3232