Rejuvenate Mind and Body in Nichinan: An Inbound-Focused Area! Introducing 'Landscapes and Stories Woven by History'

Nichinan City, located in the southern part of Miyazaki Prefecture, is an area with diverse charms where the blue sea of Hyuga-nada to the east, the evergreen forests to the west, and the historic Obi Castle Town coexist. This geographical characteristic, where the sea, forests, and historical culture are compactly gathered, is rare in Japan and has a high affinity with the globally growing trends of 'wellness,' 'slow travel,' and 'local experiences.' Under the mild climate, visitors can experience everything from breathtaking cliffs and sacred sites where myths live, to the silence of moss-covered forests and the human-touch-filled port town culture in a single stay. This is a major attraction for overseas travelers seeking an encounter with a 'deep Japan' that differs from urban tourism. Furthermore, with the development of the Higashikyushu Expressway, access has improved, and it is attracting attention as a new option for touring Kyushu and cruise port tourism. Therefore, this time, under the theme of 'a journey to rejuvenate mind and body,' we introduce the charm of Nichinan that we want to deliver to overseas travelers from the perspective of 'coastal landscapes woven by history and superb views.' At Aburatsu Port in Nichinan City, cruise ship calls are increasing, and we are welcoming many visitors from both Japan and abroad. We have established a reception system that allows visitors to experience the charm of the region by taking advantage of the good access to the city center and major tourist spots. We are promoting the expansion of the exchange population and regional revitalization triggered by these port calls. [FY2026 Cruise Ship Port Call Schedule (Aburatsu Port)] March 24, 2026 (Tue) Diamond Princess, April 7, 2026 (Tue) Nippon Maru, April 12, 2026 (Sun) Seabourn Sojourn, May 31, 2026 (Sun) Diamond Princess, June 7, 2026 (Sun) Crystal Symphony, July 7, 2026 (Tue) MSC Bellissima, July 18, 2026 (Sat) Asuka II, July 19, 2026 (Sun) Mitsui Ocean Fuji, July 25, 2026 (Sat) Villa Vie Odyssey, October 25, 2026 (Sun) Diamond Princess, November 8, 2026 (Sun) Diamond Princess. [Landscapes and Stories Woven by History] Along the Nichinan coast, there are scattered spots where you can feel the narrative, such as shrines related to Japanese mythology, historical castle towns, and tourist facilities overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It is characterized by the coexistence of photogenic landscapes and places where you can learn about the background of Japanese culture. [Sun Messe Nichinan] Located on a small hill along the Nichinan coast, 'Sun Messe Nichinan' is a tourist facility built in an open location overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The 7 Moai statues installed in the park were completely reproduced with the official permission of the Elder Council of Easter Island, Chile, and are known as a unique existence in Japan. The sight of them lined up against the background of the blue sea and sky is one of the representative landscapes of Nichinan. [Obi Castle Town] A castle town formed around Obi Castle, built around 1588, where samurai residences, stone walls, and historical buildings remain. The surrounding area has been selected as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, and the town layout and landscape of the Edo period are preserved in good condition. [Udo Jingu Shrine] Located on the cliffs of the Nichinan coast, this is a rare shrine in Japan that has its main hall inside a cave. The main deity is Ugayafukiaezu-no-Mikoto, known as a figure appearing in Japanese mythology. The landscape woven by the vermilion shrine pavilion, the blue sea, and the cave terrain is one of the sceneries that symbolizes Japanese nature worship.