One-Week Kyushu Camper Adventure also reached Miyazaki. In Miyazaki, I asked the team behind the local site “Miyazaki Tegetege News” for recommendations and drove south along the coast from Miyazaki City, visiting spots like the island shrine with unique terrain at Aoshima Shrine, the Easter Island–authorized moai at Sun Messe Nichinan, and the cave-bound Udo Shrine. Use this as your Miyazaki travel guide!
Aoshima Shrine: Island Sanctuary Amidst Tropical Flora
Aoshima Shrine sits on an island accessed by a bridge. The entire island is designated a Special Natural Monument for its tropical plant growth.
Location: southern Miyazaki City along the coast.
Side paths lined with ema plaques…
…and a small auxiliary shrine in the back.
Near the entrance: the “Devil’s Washboard,” natural rock grooves resembling washboards.
Sun Messe Nichinan: Official Moai from Easter Island
Forty minutes south along the coast lies Sun Messe Nichinan, a theme park in Nichinan City.
Strong winds and occasional rain didn’t deter visitors.
The park’s highlight: these moai statues, the only official replicas outside Easter Island.
Moai-themed souvenirs abound.
Udo Shrine: The Cave-Embedded Temple
Nearby is Udo Shrine, built into seaside cliffs.
After parking, descend the stairs to the grotto shrine—a deeply spiritual setting.
The “Petting Rabbit” statue, polished smooth by countless hands.
The “Milk Rock,” said to have been left by the goddess Tamayori-hime as a talisman for child-rearing.
At the “Turtle Rock,” toss a “fortune ball” (¥100 for 5) into the turtle’s back—men use their left hand, women their right—to have your wish granted. I scored one!
Toi Misaki: Grazing Wild Toi Horses
Finally, at the southern tip of Miyazaki Prefecture sits Toi Misaki. Beyond the gate, wild Toi horses roam freely right beside the road!
Afterword
I hadn’t explored much of Miyazaki before, but its variety of fascinating sites is amazing. Next time, I’ll prioritize sunshine for my drive!
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