Nichinan

Understand

Tourist information site The local tourist association has a multilingual guide site.

Getting there

All of the stations in Nichinan are located along the Nichinan Line which runs from Miyazaki to Shibushi. If you are flying in from Miyazaki Airport, take the train to Tayoshi Station where you can transfer to the Nichinan Line. From Kagoshima (Kagoshima-Chuo Station), take the Nippo Line to Minamiyamazaki Station where you can transfer to the Nichinan Line. From Kitakyushu, there are Limited Express Trains to Miyazaki via Oita where you can transfer.

Getting around

The historic castle town and related sites are located within walking distance of Obi Station, but the city limits cover a wide area leaving most places, including the famous Udo Shrine, far from any stations. Buses can be used to access many of these locations, but a car will give you the greatest mobility.

See

1 Udo Jingu (鵜戸神宮). A unique shrine in a cave on a cliff face. This brightly colored shrine has become a popular tourist attraction. You can buy small clay pellets that you can attempt to throw into a hole at the top of one of the nearby boulders, women with their right hand and men with their left hand. If you get the pellet into the hole, they say your wish will be granted. (updated Jun 2016) 2 Obi Castle (飫肥城). While a fort stood here during the 14th century, it was not until the 15th century that the Shimazu clan built an actual castle on the site in order to defend against the Itoh clan. The castle was eventually decommissioned. Today there are some refurbished walls and gates and a history museum on the site. ¥600. (updated Sep 2016) 3 Yoshokan (豫章館). 09:30-16:30. Built in 1869, the Yoshokan was the home of an Ito Clan member. The garden has also been preserved. ¥200. (updated Sep 2016) 4 Denzaemon Ito Residence (旧伊東伝左衛門家). 09:30-16:30. Former home of the samurai, Denzaemon Ito. (updated Sep 2016) 5 Sun Messe Nichinan (サンメッセ日南), 2650 Miyaura, Nichinan City. Park with reproductions of Easter Island Moai statues. (updated May 2020) 6 Takahashi House (高橋家住宅). The house of Genjiro Takahashi, a former member of the House of Representatives and bank owner. (updated May 2020) 7 Merchant Museum (商家資料館). The museum displays artifacts from former local merchants. The museum building is the oldest structure in the historic area. (updated May 2020)

Eat

1 Aburatsu Coffee, 3-7-32 Iwasaki 1st Floor, ☏ +81 987-23-8844. 11:00-19:00, closed Wednesdays. A relatively new and cozy cafe at the end of the Aburatsu shopping arcade. (updated Jul 2016) Atsuyaki Tamago Aratake (厚焼たまご あらたけ). Serves atsuyaki tamago, a local specialty dish of thick eggs. (updated Mar 2024)

Sleep

Business Hotel Sunrise (ビジネスホテルサンライズ). Singles from ¥4900. (updated Mar 2024) Ryokan Yuri (旅館百合). Rooms from ¥5500. (updated Mar 2024)

Go next

Nango Kushima Miyazaki Kitago Kiyotake Mimata Miyakonojo Shibushi Soo