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The Official Kyushu Travel Guide

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Seasons

Summer

Beach & Glamping

Feeling Nature’s Power Along Miyazaki’s Nichinan Coast

Kyushu’s Nichinan Coast stretches along the southern end of Miyazaki prefecture. It's known for its tropical palm-fringed shoreline, as well as a thriving beach culture replete with cafés, burger shacks and surfers. Its casually welcoming atmosphere and spectacular surfing scenes were also captured in the 2013 Canadian short film Good Morning Miyazaki. The region encompasses a section of the Nichinan Kaigan Quasi-National Park and continues through Aburatsu Port, a natural harbor that was built during the early Edo period.
Miyazaki’s Nichinan Coast | Fukue Island

Japan’s History Runs Deep at Udo Jingu Shrine

Miyazaki prefecture is steeped in spirituality, and one place to experience the region’s deep mythological history is Udo Jingu Shrine. The shrine is located inside a cave that hugs the coastline along Point Udozaki, with striking views of vermillion-red architecture set against the ocean backdrop. It's dedicated to the deity Ugayafukiaezu-no-Mikoto, who was born at the site. He is also the father of Emperor Jimmu, Japan’s first ruler, and legend holds it that the emperor suckled on the breast-shaped rocks here as a baby. The shrine is believed to have powers over fertility and safe childbirth, as well as harmonious love relations. In addition to traditional worshipping rituals, you can also purchase a handful of undama (clay balls for good luck) and toss them (using your non-dominant hand) down toward the rocks below. Remember to make a wish—if you succeed in landing your stones inside a circled-off area, your wish will be granted.
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Chill Glamping Vibes at Calm Lanai Harbor

Calm Lanai Harbor was once an active harbor where ships could dock, before being converted into a corporate retreat facility, and finally into its present incarnation as a stylish glamping site. You will be cheerfully greeted by surfer rock/reggae music dancing out of speakers as soon as you pull in. Each of the spacious tents set up along the waterfront deck is named after an international maritime locale: Fisherman’s Wharf, Ubud, Andalusia, Black Pearl. Chill out with a panoramic sunset view of the harbor as you feast on local seafood, meats and vegetables fresh off the grill of the guest barbecue.
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Exploring Miyazaki’s Coast by Tuk Tuk

In the morning, enjoy your Western-style breakfast and morning coffee either inside the restaurant, or out on the covered terrace enjoying more harbor views. Next, rent a Thai-style tuk tuk to go about exploring more of the surrounding wild ocean terrain at a leisurely pace, with little to no traffic on the road. Take your time to imagine fantastical shapes among basalt rock formations, some of which jut out from the sea offshore. Admire the interplay between the rays of sunlight and the crashing waves, which give an altogether different impression whether you view them in the morning or at dusk. Alternatively, you can also rent SUP or kayaks at Calm Lanai Harbor to enjoy the peaceful environment and contemplate the shoreline and surroundings directly on the water.
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Itinerary

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DAY 1
11:00 - 14:00
Drive down the Nichinan Coast, stopping for lunch along the way
14:00 - 15:30
Udo Jingu Shrine
15:30 - 17:00
Drive down to Abaratsu Port, visit the town
17:00 - 17:30
Check in to Calm Lanai Harbor
17:30 - 20:00
Barbecue dinner and glamping
DAY 2
9:00 - 12:00
Rent a tuk tuk to explore the coastline
13:00 - 14:00
Lunch at Calm Lanai Harbor
14:00 - 17:00
Rent a SUP or kayak
17:00 - 20:00
Dinner and drinks in Abaratsu town
Kimberly Hughes

Kimberly Hughes

I am a freelance writer, translator and editor originally from the southwestern U.S. desert who has been based in Tokyo since 2001. I cover human feature stories, social movements, arts/culture, and travel in Japan and beyond. I often work with photographer Solveig Boergen...our collaborative work to date may be seen here:

Kimberly Hughes
Photos by Solveig Boergen

Photos by Solveig Boergen

Solveig Boergen is a Tokyo-based photographer originally from Germany who has spent more than three decades living in Asia(Japan, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand and Nepal). Her work aims to share human stories, and to show realities that might otherwise remain unseen.Besides travel photography, she specializes in portraits that convey deep emotion, such as newborn babies with their families.

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