Heal Your Mind and Body in Nichinan, an Inbound-Focused Area! Introducing a Serene Wellness Destination Where Sea and Forest Meet

Nichinan City, located in the southern part of Miyazaki Prefecture, is an area with diverse attractions where the blue sea of the Hyuganada stretching to the east, the mountains covered with evergreen broadleaf forests to the west, and the historic Obi Castle Town coexist. This geographical characteristic, where sea, forest, and historical culture are compactly gathered, is rare even within Japan, and has a high affinity with the globally growing trends of "wellness," "slow travel," and "local experiences" in recent years.

Under a warm climate, the ability to experience breathtaking cliff views, sacred sites where myths breathe, the tranquility of moss-covered forests, and the warm-hearted port town culture all in one stay is a major attraction for international travelers seeking an encounter with a "deeper Japan" different from urban tourism. Furthermore, the development of the Higashi-Kyushu Expressway has improved access, drawing attention as a new option for Kyushu tours and cruise port-of-call tourism.

Therefore, this time, with the theme of "A Journey to Harmonize Mind and Body," we will introduce the charms of Nichinan that we want to convey to international travelers from the perspective of "A Serene Wellness Area Where Sea and Forest Meet."

At Aburatsu Port in Nichinan City, cruise ship calls are increasing, welcoming many visitors from both Japan and abroad. Leveraging its excellent access to the city center and major tourist attractions, Nichinan is developing a reception system that allows visitors to experience the region's charms. This initiative aims to expand the exchange population and revitalize the region through cruise ship calls.

【Scheduled Cruise Ship Calls for FY2026 (Aburatsu Port)】

March 24, 2026 (Tuesday) Diamond Princess

April 7, 2026 (Tuesday) Nippon Maru

April 12, 2026 (Sunday) Seabourn Sojourn

May 31, 2026 (Sunday) Diamond Princess

June 7, 2026 (Sunday) Crystal Symphony

July 7, 2026 (Tuesday) MSC Bellissima

July 18, 2026 (Saturday) Asuka II

July 19, 2026 (Sunday) Mitsui Ocean Fuji

July 25, 2026 (Saturday) Villa Vie Odyssey

October 25, 2026 (Sunday) Diamond Princess

November 8, 2026 (Sunday) Diamond Princess

A Serene Wellness Area Where Sea and Forest Meet

Nichinan City is an area with a rare topography where the magnificent coastline of Hyuganada and mountains covered with evergreen broadleaf forests lie side by side. Under a warm climate, you can walk through the forest, gaze at the sea, and rest your body in hot springs. This allows for "slow travel" spent with nature, different from urban tourism. As interest in wellness and forest bathing grows, Nichinan is gaining attention as a place where you can experience unique Japanese nature all at once.

Inohae Valley

Inohae Valley, located in the Kitago area of Nichinan City, is a nature-rich valley covered with evergreen broadleaf forests, certified as a "Forest Therapy Base" by the NPO Forest Therapy Society. Walking along the well-maintained promenade, you can visit various waterfalls and clear streams, enjoying the different forest landscapes in each season. Approximately 300 species of moss have been identified in the valley, characterized by moss-covered rocks and trees nurtured by the humid environment.

The walking course is about 1 hour one way, with highlights such as the "Goju-no-Taki" (Five-tiered Waterfall) scattered along the way. In the space surrounded by trees, the sound of water and birdsong echo, creating a quiet time different from urban areas. As a place where you can experience "Forest Bathing," which has gained increasing interest overseas in recent years, it is a spot where you can feel the depth of Nichinan's nature, distinct from its coastal scenery.

URL：https://www.kankou-nichinan.jp/tourisms/720/

Kitago Onsen

At Kitago Onsen, located in the Kitago area, you can experience hot spring culture within Nichinan City. Multiple accommodation facilities and day-trip bathing facilities are scattered throughout, each offering a different atmosphere.

A stay style where you heal your body in a hot spring after a walk in a quiet, forest-surrounded environment is appealing to wellness-oriented travelers. The opportunity to experience Japan's unique bathing culture is also an attractive experience for tourists from East Asia.

Sakatani Area

Sakatani in Nichinan City is an area with charming idyllic original landscapes, where the "Sakamoto Terraced Rice Fields," selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Terraced Rice Fields, spread out. "Roadside Station Sakatani" along the national highway is a popular stop for local specialties and famous kusa-dango (mugwort dumplings). The surrounding area also features the calm lakeside scenery of Nichinan Dam, offering a refreshing experience in a quiet, forest-enclosed environment.

Its calm atmosphere, not overly commercialized, is ideal for international travelers who wish to experience the deeper essence of rural Japan.

URL：https://www.kankou-nichinan.jp/tourisms/242/

URL：https://www.kankou-nichinan.jp/tourisms/289/