Japan Drive Route Guide

This day heads from Miyazaki city to Takachiho town and the recommended route depends on your choice. ①Traveler choosing a day trip from Miyazaki (Route4501) The driving distance is almost 300km and there are many sightseeing spots. It is recommended to depart as early as possible and better to fix the spots you will visit beforehand. First, let's take the highway and drive to the "Takachiho Gorge(高千穂峡)" directly. It is recommended to have lunch at either a soba or Miyazaki beef steak restaurant in Takachiho town. "Kunimigaoka observatory(国見ヶ丘展望台)" which is located 4km away from the gorge is also worth visiting. Then you can drive to "Umagase(馬ヶ背)", a beautiful cape where you can see a panoramic ocean view. If you still have time before heading to Miyazaki, you can stop by the "Mimitsu Town(美々津)". It is a not well-known small fisherman's village which is listed as a preserved district of traditional buildings. We recommend you to take the highway from Takachiho gorge to Umagase and Umagase to Miyazaki due to no sightseeing spots in between. ②Traveler who will stay at Takachiho town(Route4504): The driving distance is about 160km but there are many highlights. It is recommended to depart as early as possible and is better to fix the spots you will visit beforehand. The first destination is the "Omi Shrine(大御神社)". If you travel in June, it is highly recommended to visit the "Togenkyo Point(桃源郷岬)". You can find 2 million hydrangeas blooming. Then, let's head to Takachiho Town. It is recommended to have lunch at either a soba or Miyazaki beef steak restaurant there. If you have time, you can consider visiting the "Urokonotaki Falls(うろこの滝)". This hidden majestic fall is not famous and is located 15km away from Takachiho town but it is really worth visiting as it is a hidden gem. The last destination is the "Kunimigaoka observatory(国見ヶ丘展望台)". It is also not famous, but you will be amazed by the 360-degree mountain view there. At night, you should experience the "Takachiho Kagura(高千穂神楽)". It is a sacred music and dance which has continued in Takachiho area for many centuries. Only tourists staying at Takachiho town have the opportunity to watch it. Reservation is not required.

This day heads from Takachiho town to Miyazaki city. The driving distance is about 160km and there are many highlights. If you would like to visit as many spots as possible, it is recommended to depart early. If you travel in between middle of September and end of November, you have the chance to observe the sea of clouds at "Kunimigaoka observatory(国見ヶ丘展望台)". Please check possibility with staff members at your inn. The biggest highlight on this day is of course the famous "Takachiho Gorge(高千穂峡)". It is recommended to visit in the morning when it isn’t too crowded yet so that you can enjoy boating easily. It is better to have lunch in Takachiho town too. Then let's move to "Umagase(馬ヶ背)" a beautiful cape where you can see a panoramic ocean view. If you still have time before heading to Miyazaki, you can stop by the "Mimitsu Town(美々津)". It is a not well-known small fisherman's village which is listed as a preserved district of traditional buildings. We recommend you to take the highway from Takachiho gorge to Umagase and Umagase to Miyazaki due to no sightseeing spots in between. In addition, there are amazing cherry blossom places during spring. If you travel in that period, our daily driving map will guide you to these spots. It is really worth seeing so you should make it your priority.