🕓 2023/1/28
＃観光地
Miyazaki Prefecture is known for its mild climate, rich natural scenery, deep historical and cultural background, and unique food culture. Agriculture is flourishing here, and it is famous nationwide for its fruit production.
Places such as Takachiho Gorge, Aoshima, and Udo Shrine, where legends of the gods live, remind visitors of ancient times. These places are the setting for stories about Japan's origins and myths that tell of the exploits of the gods, influencing the very foundations of Japanese spirituality and culture.
Many of the food cultures make use of the region's rich natural resources. Miyazaki beef is highly praised for its tenderness and flavor, and there are many dishes made with local ingredients, such as charcoal-grilled Miyazaki chicken and the locally-loved cold soup. It is also known for its high quality fruit production, including mangoes, and mangoes, known as ``sun's eggs,'' are particularly popular for their sweetness and juiciness.
The tourist destination is known for its natural beauty and historical significance. Takachiho Gorge is known for its spectacular natural scenery, which leaves a deep impression on visitors. Seaside tourist destinations like Aoshima and Nichinan Coast are popular for their beautiful beaches and surfing spots. Additionally, historic shrines like Udo Shrine are popular tourist destinations as they tell stories from mythical times.
Amano Yasukawara is renowned for its breathtaking natural landscapes and rich historical background. Located in Takachiho town in Miyazaki Prefecture, this site is closely linked to the story of the sun goddess Amaterasu from Japanese mythology. Visitors can enjoy the serene atmosphere surrounded by lush nature and the gentle flow of the river, aside from its core significance in the Amano Iwato legend.
A unique cultural practice here is stone stacking, where visitors can partake by stacking their stones, embedding their wishes, which adds a mystical and participatory aspect to their experience. The spiritual aura of this land provides not just a visit to a sacred site but a participatory journey through history, leaving a lasting impression on all who visit.
The history of Amano Yasukawara dates back to the creation stories of Japan. The sun goddess Amaterasu, angered by the mischiefs of her brother Susanoo, hid herself in the Amano Iwato, plunging the world into darkness. This site is believed to be where the deities gathered to devise a plan to lure Amaterasu out of the cave, thereby returning light to the world. This legend is not only famous within Japanese mythology but also forms the core of faith and mythology in Japanese culture.
Alongside Amano Iwato Shrine, Amano Yasukawara stands as one of the few physical locations where one can feel the essence of these myths, making it a place of special significance for visitors through ages.
Udo Shrine, located on the scenic coast of Nichinan in Miyazaki Prefecture, is uniquely situated within a cave at the tip of the Udozaki cape, extending into the Pacific Ocean. This shrine is distinguished by its brightly colored vermilion main hall and is surrounded by peculiar rocks and reefs, with the rough waves of the Pacific Ocean crashing against them, creating a beautiful scenic spot.
One of the most famous traditions here involves men throwing "fortune balls" with their left hand and women with their right hand into a rock formation called the Turtle Rock; if the ball lands inside the formation, it's said that their wish will be granted. Additionally, the "Shanshan Horse Procession Song National Competition" is held every March, celebrating the unique culture and traditions that thrive here.
The history of Udo Shrine dates back to the Heian period, flourishing as a major site for Shugendo practice, known as the "Koya of the West" for its spiritual significance in Ryobu Shinto. Deeply revered by the Ito clan since the medieval period, the shrine saw the reconstruction of its hall by Ito Yoshiyasu in 1560, with several renovations and reconstructions carried out by the Ito family thereafter. Following the separation of Shinto and Buddhism in the first year of the Meiji era (1868), it was designated a Kanpei small shrine and later elevated to a Kanpei large shrine.
During the Meiji era's separation of Shinto and Buddhism, the shrine played a crucial role in religious restructuring. In 1965, Udo Shrine gained further fame as a honeymoon spot when Miyazaki was chosen as the setting for NHK's morning serial drama "Tamayura." Moreover, a fire in 1970 destroyed the thatched office built during the Bunsei era (1818-1830), losing most of its ancient documents. However, in 1997, the shrine underwent renovations, including a roof rethatching and lacquer repaint, leading to the current state of the shrine hall.
Takachiho Gorge is known for its magnificent natural beauty and mystical atmosphere. Formed millions of years ago by volcanic activity from Mount Aso, the cooling and subsequent erosion of pyroclastic flow material created a gorge that stretches approximately 7km, with cliffs reaching heights of 80 to 100 meters in places. The area overwhelms visitors with its grandeur and scenic views.
One of the gorge's highlights is the "Manai Waterfall," which drops about 17m into the river below, symbolizing the essence of Takachiho Gorge. Experiencing the gorge by rental boat allows visitors to immerse themselves in the emerald green waters against the backdrop of sheer cliffs, offering an unforgettable experience. The walking trail along the gorge offers beautiful views of fresh greenery or autumn leaves, making it ideal for nature walks.
The formation of Takachiho Gorge dates back millions of years. Over time, people have woven many myths around this area, worshipping it as a sacred place. Takachiho, considered the landing place of the heavenly descendant in Japanese mythology, regards the gorge and Manai Waterfall as where the worlds of gods and humans intersect.
The walking path was partially closed due to Typhoon 14 in 2022 but fully reopened on March 1, 2024, allowing visitors to once again enjoy its stunning views. The area also offers cultural and historical experiences, such as noodle flowing at the nearby "Chiho no Ie," and is dotted with shrines, making Takachiho Gorge not only a place of natural beauty but also a bearer of regional culture and history.
Takachiho Gorge is designated as a national scenic beauty and natural monument, representing one of Japan's most scenic locations visited by tourists throughout the year.