Tag Miyazaki

Area Guides

Timeless Takachiho | Amano Iwato Shrine & Takachiho Gorge

The shrine where the Shinto Sun Goddess Amaterasu Omikami is said to have hid in a cave is located on the outskirts of the town of Takachiho. While she was in the cave, the entire nation was said to have suffered from a never-ending night.

When it comes to Miyazaki, few places are more iconic than Takachiho. Tucked away in the northernmost part of the prefecture, deep in the central mountains of Kyushu, this area is home to legendary sites like Takachiho Gorge and Amano…

Donny Kimball
July 20, 2025

Area Guides

Miyazaki’s Nichinan City | Obi Castle, Udo Jingu & More

In addition to Obi Castle and the preserved Obi town, the warm Nichinan City is also home to Udo Jingu, a shrine that is integrally tied to Japanese mythohistory. The shrine is built into the mouth of a cave and is definitely worth visiting while you’re in Nichinan City. There is a ritual whereby men throw an undama with their left hand and women throw with their right. People who can control the stone’s trajectory find their wishes to come true.

When it comes to Miyazaki, most people are only aware of the prefecture’s most iconic attractions, like Takachiho Gorge and Amano Iwato Shrine. Alas, there’s so much more to Miyazaki than just these well-known spots. For example, in the southern…

Donny Kimball
July 13, 2025

Area Guides

Miyazaki City | Aoshima, Miyazaki Shrine & Udo Jingu

The island of Aoshima, its Oni-no-Sentakuita and Aoshima Beach as seen from a drone shot taken over the Pacific Ocean. This is one of the most iconic spots in Kyushu’s city of Miyazaki.

Recently, I was down in Hitoyoshi City in Kumamoto’s Kuma Valley for a creator gig. Not wanting to waste an opportunity to explore more of Kyushu, I decided to extend my time in the area and cross Miyazaki Prefecture off…

Donny Kimball
July 7, 2024