When thinking of Miyazaki specialties, chicken dishes like charcoal-grilled chicken and chicken nanban immediately come to mind.

After researching, I discovered that Ogura Honten, the birthplace of tartar sauce chicken nanban, is located in Miyazaki City, where I planned to stop around evening.
(The original version without tartar sauce is apparently a shop called “Naokachan.” Chicken Nanban – Wikipedia)

I eat chicken nanban frequently in Fukuoka and love it dearly. This is the birthplace—I absolutely had to visit!

From JR Miyazaki Station, it’s about a 15-minute walk.
This must be it?

I apparently approached from the back—this is the proper front of the shop.
Large black characters reading “Chicken Nanban” on a red background.
Yet despite this bold signage, the shop has the atmosphere of a small neighborhood Western-style restaurant.

Menu posted outside.
(Naturally, it’s chicken nanban.)

Inside, it’s just as expected—a neighborhood Western-style restaurant.

Copper frying pans, red-and-white noren curtains, small paintings, and potted plants—everything contributes to the atmosphere.

Of course, I ordered chicken nanban with rice (¥980)!

After a short wait, a beautiful plated chicken nanban with rice arrived.
This looks absolutely delicious!

The tartar sauce I usually eat has acidity to it (mayo-based?), but Ogura’s sauce tastes like a sweet cream sauce with vegetables.

Separately, it’s topped with sweet vinegar, so when combined with the tender chicken, it creates the perfect balance.

It has the feel of a neighborhood favorite where locals casually drop in—simple yet delicious.

Since it’s easily accessible from the station and entertainment districts, if you visit Miyazaki City, definitely experience authentic local chicken nanban!

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!

Among all the must-see spots in Takachiho, Takachiho Gorge is absolutely essential.

A breathtaking canyon shaped by nature, with its flowing river, waterfalls, and uniquely shaped rocks—
one of the most stunning landscapes in all of Japan.

How to Access Takachiho Gorge

Takachiho Gorge is located in northern Miyazaki, close to the Kumamoto border. It takes about 2 hours to drive from either Kumamoto City or Miyazaki City, and roughly 3 hours from Fukuoka City.

There are buses from Kumamoto and Miyazaki, but they take time and aren’t very convenient once you arrive.

If possible, traveling by car is your best bet.
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Exploring the Natural Wonder of Takachiho Gorge

We arrived at Takachiho Gorge by camper van and parked near the boat rental area—one of several paid lots (500 yen/day).

Unfortunately, due to the day’s rain and rising water levels, boat rentals were suspended.

On good days, it looks like you can descend here to board. I really wanted to try it…

I pulled myself together and headed toward the gorge. On the way, we passed a charming local restaurant.
Many signs had Chinese translations, likely due to the number of tourists from overseas.

The greenery and stone bridge already looked like a postcard.

Looking down from the bridge, we could glimpse the gorge below.

Time to explore the Takachiho Gorge trail.

Descending a narrow path through dense trees toward the gorge.

Formed from volcanic tuff eroded by the Gokase River, this dramatic gorge features sharp rock formations and flowing waters.

Winding between steep cliffs, the river flows past the stunning Manai Falls in the distance—an unforgettable sight.

Due to the rain, the water was murky, but on sunny days, the water is clearer and even more beautiful. Boating adds a whole new layer to the experience. (Photos below from Flickr)

Autumn Colored Takachiho Gorge / cyber0515

CIMG0359 / senngokujidai4434

Along the way, there are uniquely shaped rocks with names and folklore.

Here’s “Oniyasha’s Strength Rock.”

And “The Hermit’s Folding Screen Rock.”

The trail runs through a gorge flanked by sheer cliffs on both sides.

More to See: The Rare Triple Arch Bridge Known as “Takachiho Sandanbashi”

About 10–15 minutes into the walk, I came upon the Takachiho Triple Bridge—
a unique spot in Japan where three different arched bridges span the same gorge.

Beside the bridges, the river still fiercely carves into the rocks.

Old and new bridges together in one frame.

There’s just something timeless and charming about old stone bridges.

A nearby teahouse and souvenir shop offer a nice rest stop after the walk.

We retraced our steps for a short stroll.

We found a quaint watermill with a thatched roof.

We grabbed some cold ramune soda and took a relaxing break.

Final Thoughts

Next time, I’d love to visit on a sunny day and experience the gorge from below on a boat, gazing up at the cliffs and Manai Falls.

Takachiho Gorge is a place of breathtaking, almost divine beauty.
If you’re in the area, it’s absolutely worth seeing for yourself.