Nichinan coastal drive - Aoshima, Sun Messe Nichinan, Udo Jingu and Cape Toi

This is a very ambitious plan to visit all these places all in a day. So there is really a need to start the day early.

The Nichinan coastal drive is the my most anticipated place of interest. It started off well. Aoshima is very drafty. The spurt of wind will actually lift my bag off the shoulder. 

I came here as i wanted to see the geological formations along the beach. 

The Aoshima shrine next to it is just simple walk through for us. 

The pathway to Aoshima island and shrine where the strong winds blow.

Next stop is Sun Messe Nichinan housed the replicas of famous Moai figures from Easter Island carved by the Rapa Nui people. This is the only other place in the world with the statues. 

As time is of essence, we stayed an hour and left the place. We did not complete the entire park. The kids love the swings in the middle of the park. 

Udo Shrine (鵜戸神宮, Udo Jingū) is dedicated to Yamasachihiko, the father of Emperor Jimmu.

Its a steep and long walk to the temple especially if you are assigned to carparks 3 or 4. The nearest carpark is 1 about 5 minutes walk from the temple.

Here we are at the shrine entrance after 30 minutes of walking. 

To get to the temple, you need to walk steep slopes.

But the views are worth it.

The last part of the day is super rush for us. 

Cape Toi close at 6 pm. The way up is along cliffside roads with no lights. We arrived at 5 pm and most of the samurai horses are no longer grazing on the hill. 

 

Pretty views of the ocean near the lighthouse. We are lucky to see the setting sun. But we did not stay long.

This is the slope where the horses will usually graze. But the way up is quite challenging and you have to be able to climb up stairs with no support to make you way up. Its mainly slopes with indentations on the ground. 

First family dinner in Japan at みやざき晴マチ

 Address:  3-1 Chuodori, Miyazaki, 880-0002, Japan

Walked around Nishitachibana Street. Its friday night and everywhere is booked and crowded. The recommend haunts are all full or a long waitlist.  

Finally found a family friendly place, that will sit us immediately. Family friendly as in no need to order beer or sake for the meal.

Hubs and i shared a plate of fried rice and a platter of miyazaki beef.

The Miyazaki beef is soft and tender. Most importantly so value for money. They even showed the picture of the cow. 

Garlic Fried rice cooked in beef fat is so fragrant but a little greasy. 

Sashimi at あまべの郷 関あじ関さば館 Sekiajisekisabakan

 Address: 949 Shiraki, Oita, 879-2202, Japan

The restaurant is located on Level 2. Level 1 is somewhat like a small marketplace selling japanese products.

We choose the seat facing the seaview. 

A very affordable dining place. I came here specifically to try their horse mackerel which is unique to the area. But alas, the special set for the mackerel is sold out!. So i just choose randomly another seafood sashimi bento set. 

Pretty Sogi Falls - food and views

Sogi Falls 

Address: 628-41 Okuchimiyahito, Isa, Kagoshima 895-2526, Japan

This is an easy walk for all ages. 

The entire course can be completed in under an hour. 

I was able to capture the reflection of the sky and the clouds in the waters and its so beautiful. 

花むしろ Hana mushiru

Address: Japan, 〒895-2526 Kagoshima, Isa, Okuchimiyahito, 635 曽木 の 滝 公園 内

There is a long stretch of restaurants nearby Sogi Falls. We decided to drop by here for a late lunch. 

Its a shame that the 2nd level is not open that day. Else we be able to see the Sogi falls from Level 2 of the restaurant. 

Food wise its average japanese food that doesn't impress. But it really quite convenient to drop by after Sogi Falls. 

Value stay at Vessel Hotel Miyakonojo

Address: 5819-3 Tohokucho, Miyakonojo, Miyazaki 885-0004, Japan

 We arrived late to hotel and the fastest and quickest way is the McDonald's next to the hotel. 

The hotel is clean, neat and comfortable. Most importantly, its the cheapest hotel i booked for this trip for 3 persons. 

The reception area and beside it is a welcome area when we can help ourselves to drinks and snacks upon arrival. This is where we have our breakfast the next day too. 

Nice comfortable bed and its not too tight as well.

The breakfast is japanese and western style. What i love about breakfast is their food sourced from the region. And it tasted so fresh and delicious.

Instagram worthy shot at Tonari no Totoro Bus Stop 高原町のトトロ

 Address: 7538-6 Kamamuta, Takaharu, Nishimorokata District, Miyazaki 889-4414, Japan

A photo-stop on a picturesque with the Totoro. 

My mum made a face when she heard we came here for a photo. 

Yup those roll eyes 😜 moments makes the most impression.

Usuki Stone Buddhas - serene and tranquil

Address: 804-1 Fukata, Usuki, Oita 875-0064, Japan

The Usuki stone buddhas have been designated as a national treasure.

More than 60 figures were carved in rock face created by hardened volcanic ash and molten rock that erupted from Mt. Aso (Kumamoto Prefecture) approximately 90,000 years ago. 

It is believed they are created in Heian (794 -1185) and Kamakura (1185-1333) periods. 

We arrived here quite late and its an hour before closing time. 

This area has some easy walk that does not require any stair climbing. Just some gentle slopes. 

The area is divided into 11 zones with 1 to 4 being the main cluster (i think! 😅). 

Hoki 1st and 2nd cluster (Jizo and the ten kings, 3 kongokai dainichi, shaka nyorai and amida nyorai statues, 3 amida nyorai and shaka nyorai)

Sa no san sekibutsu (a large center statue with 2 attendants)

Furuzono sekibutsu (finest stone buddha statue in japan and famous worldwide - elegant face with prominent eyebrows, almond shaped eyes and light red mouth creating a impression of buddha warm heartedness)

We manage to see what we wanted (the 4 main cluster zones) and left for our hotel for the day. 

If you seek some quiet and tranquil moments. this is the place for you.