Aoshima Shrine, located along Miyazaki Prefecture’s Nichinan Coast, uniquely sits on the small island of Aoshima, surrounded by the natural wonder known as the Devil’s Washboard! Inside the shrine, you can see the chozuya purification pavilion, which has a deeply sacred atmosphere and allows worshippers to wash their hands and purify themselves before entering the sacred grounds. The vivid vermilion main hall looks even more striking against the blue sky and surrounding tropical plants. Aoshima Shrine is famous for prayers for good relationships, matchmaking, and safe travel by land and sea. The grounds are also filled with prayer plaques and a variety of distinctive charms, making it an extremely popular matchmaking shrine and photo spot that you shouldn’t miss when visiting Miyazaki!
Aoshima Shrine | Review by Ming Yu
Other Reviews by Ming Yu
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Yufuin Floral Village
A compact theme park that recreates the streetscapes of the Cotswolds region in the UK, known as a filming location for the movie “Harry Potter,” with a magical, fairytale-like atmosphere that feels like you’ve stepped into a storybook. Inside the park, beautiful plants bloom throughout the seasons, and paths lined with stone cottages continue on, with plenty of photo spots scattered throughout.
Visiting Yufuin Floral Village in Yufuin, Oita Prefecture, you’ll find charming yellow cottages and a European fairytale-style countryside atmosphere!
The unique shops lining both sides of the street display all kinds of popular anime and picture-book merchandise, including beautifully made plush toys, bags, and keychains featuring classic Studio Ghibli characters from My Neighbor Totoro and Kiki’s Delivery Service. There’s also a dedicated Moomin shop selling a variety of cute bags, umbrellas, clothing, and accessories. Strolling and shopping through streets that feel like a fairytale world makes this an extremely popular photo and shopping spot that you definitely shouldn’t miss when visiting Yufuin!
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Takachiho Gorge
Takachiho Gorge is a narrow v-shaped chasm made over thousands of years by the Gokase River’s erosion of Mt. Aso’s volcanic rock. This spectacular place is surrounded by cliffs that average 80 meters in height (reaching up to 100 meters) and extend along for 7 kilometers. Takachiho Gorge has been designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty.
Visiting the famous natural wonder of Takachiho Gorge in Takachiho, Miyazaki Prefecture, you can witness the breathtaking columnar-jointed gorge and spectacular waterfalls in person!
The swift, clear Gokase River runs between towering volcanic lava cliffs, while the famous Manai Falls cascades from above directly into the emerald-green gorge. Walking along the trail beside the gorge, you can look down on the relaxing scene of small rowboats passing between the waterfall and cliffs. Renting a rowboat yourself is also highly recommended, letting you experience the spray from the waterfall up close and take in the grandeur of the V-shaped gorge. Filled with a mythical atmosphere and abundant negative ions, this nationally designated Place of Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument is something you absolutely shouldn’t miss when visiting Miyazaki in Kyushu!
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Aya Teruha Suspension Bridge
Aya Town was registered as a UNESCO Ecopark in 2012 for the large-scale preservation of laurel forest, many Japan’s native species, and for the nature-friendly regional development. Teruha Suspension Bridge, also included in the Kyushu Chuo Sanchi Quasi-National Park, is the longest pedestrian bridge in the world, where you can experience the nature of Aya River Gorge.
Visiting the Aya Teruha Suspension Bridge in Aya, Miyazaki Prefecture, you can see this magnificent bridge that was once hailed as the world’s No. 1 pedestrian suspension bridge and spans Japan’s largest evergreen broadleaf forest!
Standing at the entrance to the bridge, the monument and magnificent deep mountain gorge make any photo look impressive. As you walk across the suspension bridge, you can gaze out over layers of lush green mountains. The air is fresh and refreshing, leaving you feeling relaxed and invigorated. It’s a highly recommended must-visit spot in Miyazaki for enjoying nature, forest bathing, and spectacular photo opportunities!
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