一個漸漸喜歡上慢旅的人's Reviews Page 28/32

Miyazaki City Phoenix Zoo is a small attraction beloved by locals and a great place to visit on the afternoon of your first day in Japan. The park has a relaxed, peaceful atmosphere with few visitors and none of the hustle and bustle of a big city. You can take a direct bus from Miyazaki Station.

The biggest draw here is the adorable red pandas. If you time your visit right, you can watch the keepers feed them up close. There's even a nostalgic carousel, making it a great place to slow down and take a leisurely stroll.

While waiting for the bus back at the stop next to the zoo, you can also visit a quiet little shrine tucked away nearby and pray for good fortune. If you visit in December, you may still see a few autumn maple leaves swaying in the wind, adding a touch of unexpected poetry to this soothing trip while you wait for the bus.

Located in the city, Miyazaki Jingu Shrine feels like a special place within a forest and is an irreplaceable center of faith for the people of Miyazaki. Towering old trees line both sides of the approach, creating a calm and solemn atmosphere. Walking through it feels spiritually cleansing. When visiting, be sure to stay quiet and take in its solemnity. Most distinctive is the special “Hikari-mamori” amulet, said to bring a cheerful spirit and bright fortune, allowing you to take peace and safety home with you.

On the day of my visit, I stepped out of the tranquil shrine and happened upon a marathon taking place over the weekend. Nearly the entire city came out onto the streets to cheer enthusiastically, creating a striking contrast with the shrine’s earlier stillness. Several maple trees along the road, their leaves still holding their color, swayed in the breeze. Amid the lively cheers and clear autumn sunshine, they revealed another side of Miyazaki, full of energy and warmth.

If you're like me and enjoy discovering less crowded small towns, Obi is definitely not to be missed. It's a hidden gem away from the hustle and bustle, filled with historic charm. I highly recommend taking the distinctive Umisachi Yamasachi sightseeing train, which is made with Obi cedar. Along the way, you can enjoy views of the tropical scenery along the Nichinan Coast.

Strolling through the castle town, you'll see low stone walls from the Edo period and clear waterways, with carp swimming freely in the water. As you walk, towering century-old Obi cedar trees rise all around, creating a tranquil, elegant atmosphere that makes you want to breathe in all the fresh forest air.

When you get tired from walking, don't miss Nedoko Coffee, tucked away in an alley. Order a cup of pour-over coffee, carefully ground and brewed fresh by the owner. Its smooth, rich aroma fills the rustic, elegant wooden space. The pure flavor, the warm hospitality, and the time spent chatting with the owner have stayed with me ever since.

Sun Messe Nichinan, located on the Nichinan Coast, can be visited together with Aoshima Shrine and Udo Shrine.

On a clear day, the deep blue sky meets the endless Pacific Ocean, while seven Moai statues stand in a row against the magnificent ocean backdrop. The sight is stunning and full of exotic charm. Each Moai statue has its own role, symbolizing career, health, love, world peace, marriage, financial fortune, and academic success from left to right. This is a great place to find a grassy spot facing the ocean, sit down, feel the sea breeze, and quietly gaze at the seamless blend of sea and sky and the giant stone statues while enjoying a relaxing and soothing time away from the hustle and bustle.

One of Miyazaki's most iconic mythological sites is Udo Shrine, built inside a natural sea cave. Although it's not easy to reach and you need to check the bus schedule carefully, this sacred place is well worth visiting.

On the way to the shrine, you pass through a quiet, deep tunnel reminiscent of Spirited Away, then follow a cliffside path along the ocean. The blue sky and vermilion railings create a magnificent and mysterious scene. The main shrine hidden inside the cave is even more remarkable. The experience you absolutely shouldn't miss is throwing “undama,” or lucky stones. Standing at the edge of the cliff, if you can successfully toss the five ceramic lucky stones into the hollow, it symbolizes that your wish will come true and good fortune will arrive.

After your visit, the distinctive shops along the cliff sell many Nichinan souvenirs. One item you should definitely buy is the “Undama Mini Manju,” baked to resemble the lucky stones. They're small and delicate and carry the auspicious meaning of good luck and blessings. Don't rush off after visiting the shrine—find a chair and quietly take in this spiritual place.

When visiting Miyazaki, the birthplace of Japanese mythology, you definitely shouldn't miss Aoshima Shrine. Floating on the deep blue sea, this shrine radiates a pure, spiritual energy. Along the way, you're surrounded by the spectacular natural sea-eroded rock formations known as the Devil's Washboard.

Inside the small Aoshima Shrine, the atmosphere is both solemn and playful. There are creative sea bream fishing fortunes and unique gyoza fortunes, making the process of drawing a fortune and praying quite fun. Follow the hidden path through the subtropical forest to the back, where a powerful sacred tree called the “Married Camphor Trees” stands tall. After praying, tie one of the five-colored strings representing your wish beside the tree, symbolizing a prayer for a good match and for your wish to come true.

If you're not driving, I recommend checking the bus schedule in advance so you can easily visit the nearby coastal attractions. Before going, I happened to eat at たまごのたまこ, and I still can't forget its signature chicken nanban—crispy outside, tender inside, and covered in sweet-and-sour tartar sauce. I never expected it to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It closed this year, which is such a shame!

Shisui Premium Outlets is only about a 15-minute drive from Narita Airport, and many nearby hotels offer direct shuttle service, making it very convenient. It's a good choice for one last shopping spree before heading home.

When you arrive, remember to scan the QR code at the mall to get an exclusive digital coupon for international visitors. Show it at checkout for an additional discount on top of tax-free shopping. Although there aren't as many luxury brands here, the mall is spacious and comfortable to walk around. When you need a break, you can stop by the popular matcha shop Maccha House and enjoy rich, smooth Uji matcha. It's a perfect way to end the trip after eating well and shopping to your heart's content.

When in Nagoya, you absolutely can't miss the city's iconic local specialty—the Maboroshi no Tebasaki from Sekai no Yamachan! The wings are fried until golden and crispy, coated in a rich secret sauce, then generously sprinkled with a special pepper salt. Fragrant and mildly spicy, they're finger-licking good and incredibly satisfying, whether paired with drinks or eaten on their own.

The Nayabashi location is always packed at mealtimes. If you don't want to wait in line too long, I highly recommend getting takeout and bringing it back to your hotel. Pair it with fresh strawberries and drinks from the nearby Don Quijote, and enjoy this authentic Nagoya specialty at your leisure in the air conditioning.

Naritasan Shinshoji Temple is about a 30-minute drive from Narita Airport, making it the perfect choice for wrapping up your trip the day before flying home. Many nearby hotels also offer shuttle service to JR Narita Station, so it's easy to get there.

The Omotesando leading from the station to Shinshoji Temple has a charming historic atmosphere, with shops selling ceramics, rice crackers, and handicrafts lining the way, so there's never a dull moment as you stroll and browse. Shinshoji Temple itself is expansive, with magnificent temple buildings. This thousand-year-old temple dedicated to Fudo Myoo is a famous Japanese “power spot,” and it's well worth setting aside plenty of time to walk around, clear your mind, and feel its powerful energy.

While strolling through the majestic grounds, you can also look up and occasionally see planes that have just taken off from or are landing at Narita Airport crossing the sky. The sight of a traditional temple and modern aircraft together is especially unique, adding an unforgettable touch of fun to the visit.

Kawatoyo, located on the approach to Naritasan, is a famous eel rice restaurant with over a century of history. The aroma of charcoal-grilled eel freshly prepared by skilled chefs at the entrance always draws a large crowd. To avoid a long wait, I recommend visiting outside peak hours, after a leisurely visit to the majestic Shinshoji Temple.

Inside the historic wooden building, I recommend ordering the signature eel rice and the delicate, silky chawanmushi. Fresh off the grill, the eel has lightly charred, crisp, fragrant skin and tender, rich meat. Coated in a robust sauce passed down for over a century, every bite offers the most authentic, irresistible Kanto-style charcoal-grilled flavor, bringing the perfect end to a temple visit. If you're traveling through Narita Airport, don't forget to visit this hidden gem. It's well worth the trip.