Japan Drive Route Guide

This day heads from Miyazaki city to Nishimera village. The driving distance is about 130km only, but you will drive in a mountain area, so it is recommended to depart by 9:00. The first destination is the impressive "Ayano Teruha Suspension Bridge(綾の照葉大吊橋)". It is 250m suspension pedestrian bridge in the deep mountains. You can have lunch at the Soba restaurant near the bridge and then head to "Saitobaru Kofungun(西都原古墳群)". It is a sacred place where three hundred kofuns or tombs which were built around the 3-7 century are present. It is also a famous place to see the wonderful cherry blossoms which makes it highly recommended in spring. Then, you can drive more deeply into the mountain area. At "Ogawasakugoya Village(おがわ作小谷村)", you can enjoy local food and also observe more than 1000 old agricultural equipments and items displayed in the museum. Then, you can drive to the next destination: The Nishimera village. It is located deeply in the mountain. The road is very narrow and winding. To reach the Nishimera village before sunset, it is recommended to leave Ogawasakugoya village by 4 o'clock.

This day heads from Nishimera village to Shiiba village, known to be « the land of mystery ». The driving distance is only 70km so there is no need to rush. However, we, at Drive Japan, really need to inform you about the road condition. These locations are located the deepest mountain areas, so the roads are very narrow and winding for 55km. There are no sightseeing spots, restaurant, shops and even vending machines there. Please prepare drinks and snacks in Nishimera village before your departure. All the highlights for this day are in Shiiba village. First destination is the delightful "Large ginkgo observation deck(大イチョウ展望台)". You can look down at small rice terrace on the opposite side mountain from here and can understand why this village is called the land of mystery. After that, you can head to "Ten root river Traditional District(十根川伝建地区)" where are preserved traditional old houses. At last, you can visit both the "Tsurutomiyashiki House(鶴富屋敷)" and the "Shiiba Folk Entertainment Museum(椎葉民俗芸能博物館)" in order to learn the historical background about this hidden small village.

This day heads from Shiiba village to Takachiho town. The driving distance is only 70km but there are many highlights. The first half, you need to drive through a narrow mountain road for 35km. You should prepare some drinks and snacks in Shiiba village before your departure. First, you can drop by the "Relation tower Valley (Nakato Vallay)(仲塔渓谷)" and then heads to the "Urokonotaki Falls(うろこの滝)". The falls are not famous and most of Japanese people don't know about this place, but it is really worth visiting. After the waterfalls, you can reach Takachiho town. Both a Soba restaurant and a steak restaurant which serve the famous Miyazaki beef are recommended. Then, you can go to the "Amanoiwato Shrine(天岩戸神社)". You can visit not only a splendid shrine, but also a short walking pass beside the river called Amanoyasukawara(天安河原) and find a big cave with a unique Torii gate. 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 the 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.