Miyazaki Jingu Shrine | Review by 一個漸漸喜歡上慢旅的人

Getting to Kirishima Jingu Shrine from Miyazaki by train and then transferring to a very infrequent bus is truly a challenge for travelers without a car. However, after the long, bumpy journey, the moment I stepped off the bus and saw the enormous torii gate standing at the entrance to the mountain forest, all the travel fatigue instantly faded away.

Walking along the approach surrounded by lush greenery and red maple leaves, Kirishima Jingu Shrine suddenly came into view, tucked away in the mountains. Its solemn, sacred atmosphere inspired a deep sense of reverence. Under the clear blue sky, the National Treasure main hall looked especially striking. From the observation deck in front, you can even admire the magnificent mountain scenery of Kagoshima in the distance.

If you have the chance to visit, don’t miss the hidden highlight beside the main hall: a towering sacred tree that has stood for nearly 1,000 years. Look carefully toward the top of the tree, and you’ll find a shape resembling a figure dressed in traditional Shinto priest attire, hands pressed together in prayer. This remarkable coincidence created by nature is worth stopping to observe quietly and closely.

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.

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.