Enjoy the Tropical Vibe! A Stunning Seaside 1-Day Trip Along the Nichinan Phoenix Road
Endless blue seas, palm trees swaying in the breeze, local Japanese cuisine featuring an abundance of fresh seafood, and shrines steeped in traditional Japanese culture—to fully experience the charms of Miyazaki, Japan’s tropical paradise, a drive along the Nichinan Phoenix Road is highly recommended!
Here is a model 1-day itinerary starting from Miyazaki City and heading to Cape Toi, the southernmost tip of Miyazaki Prefecture. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking views created by Mother Nature while savoring Japan’s rich food and culture.
9:00 Horikiri Pass & Michi-no-Eki Phoenix
Located in the southern part of Miyazaki City, Horikiri Pass is one of the most beautiful scenic spots along the Nichinan Coast. The observation area offers a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean, filled with the refreshingly open atmosphere that defines Miyazaki.
Below, the wave-shaped rock formations known as the 'Devil’s Washboard' stretch across the coast, creating a magnificent harmony between natural artistry and the sparkling sea. Simply stepping out of your car to take in this view will instantly lift your spirit, making it the perfect start to your journey.
Right next to Horikiri Pass is Michi-no-Eki Phoenix (Roadside Station), where you can find mango soft-serve ice cream—a famous Miyazaki specialty—as well as seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.
📍Information
Name: Michi-no-Eki Phoenix
Address: 381-1 Uchiumi, Miyazaki City 889-2301
Phone: +81-985-65-2773
Parking: Available (Free)
9:30 OceansideRanch
Located on a hill with a sweeping ocean view, this café is the perfect spot to grab a delicious takeout coffee for your drive. Surrounded by vibrant tropical trees, the resort-like atmosphere will surely heighten your travel excitement, and the staff are friendly. From the terrace seating, you can admire the sparkling blue sea, a sight so breathtaking you will naturally want to stay a little longer.
📍Information
Name: OceansideRanch
Address: 7994-1 Uchiumi Oaza Ozono, Miyazaki City, Miyazaki Prefecture 889-2301
Phone: +81-70-2434-1173
Parking: Available (Free)
10:00 Futo no Totoro
This is a hidden gem where you can take a commemorative photo with a statue of Totoro, the iconic character from Japan's world-famous anime 'My Neighbor Totoro.' It is an absolute must-visit for lovers of Japanese anime and Studio Ghibli. It is said that this statue was lovingly created by a daughter for her mother, who was a huge Totoro fan.
*Note: As this is located on private property, please strictly observe proper etiquette by remaining quiet and respecting the property.
📍Information
Name: Futo no Totoro
Address: 3561 Futo, Nichinan City, Miyazaki Prefecture 887-0102
Phone: Not available
Parking: Available (Free)
11:00 Udo Shrine (Udo Jingu)
Located along the coast of Nichinan City, Udo Shrine is one of southern Kyushu's premier shrines. Its highlights include the powerful sight of Pacific waves crashing against the rocky shore and the brilliant vermilion main hall nestled inside a mystical ocean cave.
The shrine is famous for the 'Undama' (luck ball) throwing ritual. From the cliffside plaza outside the cave, visitors throw small clay balls—men with their left hand and women with their right. It is said that if your ball lands in the hollow of the 'Kameishi' (turtle rock) below, your wish will come true. Can you make the shot? Be sure to give it a try!
📍Information
Name: Udo Shrine (Udo Jingu)
Address: 3232 Miyaura, Nichinan City, Miyazaki Prefecture 887-0101
Phone: +81-987-29-1001
Parking: Available (Free)
13:00 Meitsu (Minato-no-Eki Meitsu)
It is a popular restaurant where you can savor freshly caught seafood from Nichinan's Meitsu Fishing Port while enjoying views of the harbor. Meitsu Fishing Port boasts the highest catch of coastal pole-and-line skipjack tuna in Japan. The restaurant’s signature dish, 'Nichinan Pole-and-Line Skipjack Tuna Aburi-ju'—where you sear the fresh skipjack tuna yourself over a desktop charcoal grill—is truly exquisite.
📍Information
Name: Minato-no-Eki Meitsu
Address: 4862-9 Nangocho Nakamuraotsu, Nichinan City, Miyazaki Prefecture 889-3204, Japan
Phone: +81-987-64-1581
Parking: Available (Free)
15:00 Cape Toi (Toi-misaki)
The ultimate destination of this journey, Cape Toi, located at the southernmost tip of Miyazaki Prefecture, is guaranteed to leave you in awe of its grand natural beauty. Here, endless blue oceans and lush green rolling hills form a sanctuary for wild horses. The golden hour at sunset is particularly magical, as the horses, grasslands, and ocean are bathed in the warm evening light—a scene so breathtaking it will stay with you forever.
📍Information
Name: Cape Toi (Toi-misaki)
Address: Ono, Kushima City, Miyazaki Prefecture 888-0221
Phone: +81-987-72-0479 (Kushima Tourism and Products Association)
Parking: Available (Free)
18:30 Miyazaki City Center
After a nearly two-hour drive back from Cape Toi, you arrive safely back in Miyazaki City.
Packed with stunning views, delicious local food, and rich Japanese culture, this 1-day trip captures the absolute best of tropical Miyazaki. Be sure to experience it for yourself!