Visit the land of myths and make a wish to the sea
Last updated 2026-09-24 — Besides Kagoshima, another must-visit destination in southern Kyushu is Miyazaki Prefecture. Aside from being the birthplace of Taiwan's beloved ripe mangoes and Miyazaki wagyu beef, it is also an ancient mystical land where numerous age-old myths originated. ...
Text / TRAVELER Luxe Traveler Apirl Report
The vermilion-colored Udo Shrine exudes a particularly solemn and majestic atmosphere. (Photography / TRAVELER Luxe Traveler Apirl)
As the only cave shrine in all of Japan, Udo Shrine features the vast Pacific Ocean, brown rocky outcrops, and a red shrine tucked within — the first sight alone inspires awe at the ingenuity of the ancients. Walking clockwise inside the shrine, you’ll indeed find the “Nursing Rock,” left behind by the mythological Toyotama-hime to feed her child. But the highlight of the visit comes at the very end.100Exchange yen for5clay-fired good-luck charms. If you can successfully toss one into the square hole on the back of the sacred turtle statue below the shrine, your wish may come true. Just remember, men should use their left hand and women their right when throwing. But looking at the surrounding reddish-brick area covered in discarded clay, you’ll quickly realize that divine blessings aren’t so easily earned. Walking along the endless, uniquely undulating "Devil’s Washing Rocks," you’ll arrive at Aoshima, an island covered in subtropical plants. The Aoshima Shrine on the island is not only dedicated to Yamato Takeru but is also a famous shrine for those seeking love. The “love-binding tree” is adorned with countless peach-pink love threads. More diligent visitors even wear55-yen coins, hoping the homophone will bring them good romantic fortune.
The Aoshima Shrine tree is indeed decorated with the most pink love threads. (Photography / TRAVELER Luxe Traveler Apirl)
The Obi Castle, seemingly transported back to the Edo period, retains its grand Omote-mon gate built from century-old cedar trees. You can also explore the castle town using a map. The most interesting part is this600-yen map that comes with five exchange vouchers, allowing you to redeem thickly fried eggs, ice cream, or pastries at 36 shops. It’s said that the most popular item among Taiwanese visitors is the wallet from Yoshida Futon Shop, sewn from leftover bedding fabric and perfect for use as a passport holder. Obi’s “one-line tuna fishing” is equally famous across Japan. At Gallery Kodama, the grilled tuna set includes raw slices with sesame sauce, pickled ginger and garlic soy sauce, lightly seared over a small stove, or poured over hot broth to make a tasty chazuke (tea-soaked rice), taking your taste buds through a delightful three-way tuna experience.
◎Obi Castle Town
Address: Nichinan City, Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan4-chome, 2-20-1 Obi
Phone:+81-(0)987-25-4533
Website:obiyo.com
◎Gallery Kodama
add:Nichinan City, Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan8-1-1 Obi
tel:+81-(0)987-25-0602
Even without cherry blossoms or red maples, the Omote-mon gate of Obi Castle remains charming amidst lush greenery. (Photography / TRAVELER Luxe Traveler Apirl)
Covering a total area of 700 hectares, with 11 kilometers of black pine forest stretching from north to south, the Phoenix Seagaia Resort is no stranger to golf enthusiasts. It houses the Phoenix Country Club, which hosts the Dow Jones Phoenix Tournament, as well as a golf course designed by world-renowned golf champion Tom Watson and named after him. This year-round golf haven, aiming to attract more female players and create a pink-sport craze akin to “yama-girl” and “mori-girl” trends, has introduced GPS-equipped golf carts. Through the touchscreen on the cart, you can easily learn about the characteristics of each hole and calculate distances to the greens, among other features. The restaurant also offers low-fat, low-calorie meals tailored for women, plus exquisite afternoon tea. Not to mention the Samantha Thavasa boutique that opened in the resort’s reception center this April — from colorful accessories like golf shirts, bags, and balls to the brand’s various leather goods and embellishments, everything is simply irresistible.
◎ Phoenix Seagaia Resort
Address: Hamanomine, Sakaigawa, Miyazaki City, Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan
Phone:+81-(0)985-21-1111
Website:www.seagaia.jp
From the windows of the Seagaia guest rooms, the breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean spreads out before you. (Photography / TRAVELER Luxe Traveler Apirl)
Want to make a wish in Miyazaki? You don’t necessarily have to visit a shrine. The Cape Hedo in Hyuga City, eroded by the sea over time, has split into a220-meter-long cross-shaped pattern, along with blocky rocks that together form the Japanese character for “leaf,” which symbolizes wish fulfillment. This attracts countless visitors who flock here to ring the bell at the observation deck and make a wish. Further north lies Umabushi, where a 70-meter-deep slab-like cliff makes your heart race with fear. Trembling as you step to the very edge of the railing, you suddenly notice that the horizon isn’t a straight line — its slight curvature reminds you that the Earth is indeed round.
The dramatic cliff at Cape Hedo’s Umabushi is a breathtaking 70-meter drop that’ll make your knees weak. (Photography / TRAVELER Luxe Traveler Apirl)
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