A 5,000-year natural wonder — the "flying dragon" spectacle at Kumamoto’s Dragon Palace
▲ Daiyu Shrine is located by the sea, and although it was summer when I visited, the gentle sea breeze made it feel far from hot.
Text byPatrick Star
Not just in China, but the Japanese also revere the ancient creature "dragon" as a symbol of luck, leading to many dragon-themed tourist attractions across Japan. One such place is the Daiyu Shrine in Hiji City, Miyazaki Prefecture, where you can not only see dragon eggs but also witness the once-in-5,000-years spectacle of a "dragon flying in the sky."
%The shrine’s interior isn’t large, but despite the summer heat, the coastal breeze keeps it cool.
%After about ten minutes of walking, we arrived at the first attraction.Dragon Eggs！
Why are they called dragon eggs? Don't let the photos fool you — these stones may look small, but they are actually massive rocks, four meters high with a circumference of 30 meters. Naturally weathered and located in the center of a pool, their rounded shape makes them look just like eggs. Moreover, on the huge rock wall above the eggs, though now enclosed with ropes, you can still clearly make out the silhouette of a dragon.
%After taking some photos, we continued on.
%Just before arriving at the next spot, there's a slope known as the "Dragon Slope."
%Why does it look so golden?
%Ten more minutes of walking brought us to Udo Shrine — where the dragon is inside!
%Wait... Where’s the dragon?
Just as everyone was puzzled, the shrine staff called everyone over — it turns out you have to stand at a specific spot to take a photo in order to see the dragon. Looking through the crevice of the cave, the magical interplay of light and rock walls reveals an image resembling a "flying dragon" — this is what locals call the "Dragon God Legend."The shrine staff explained that this miraculous flying dragon rock formation took 5,000 years to form, a true masterpiece of nature that leaves you in awe.
%After seeing that, is there anything else nearby? It took about another five minutes to reach what locals call "Cross Sea," a must-visit spot for couples. Aside from a wishing bell and love locks,the most important thing is that when you turn the Cross Sea upside down, it looks like the Japanese character "叶う" — which means “to come true” (a wish).
%Whether you're traveling with friends or a partner, you definitely have to check this place out. Only those without companions can enter the cave, while couples can walk along the shoreline together.
Overall, the itinerary for Daiyu Shrine and Cross Sea can be completed in about half a morning. Since the shrine is located by the sea, it doesn’t feel hot at all during the visit. The refreshing sea breeze and the salty smell of the ocean truly give off a dreamy feeling, as if you’ve stepped into a Dragon Palace.
To learn more about sightseeing spots in Hiji City, please click this link.
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