Divine Spectacle: Crimson Torii Gates Amidst the Greenery of the Chikugo Plain [Fukuoka Prefecture : Ukiha Inari Shrine]
The Ukiha Inari Shrine (浮羽稲荷神社) boasts 92 crimson torii (鳥居) gates lined up the steep slope of the Minou (耳納) Mountain Range, located in the central part of the prefecture. From the main shrine, reached after climbing approximately 300 steps, awaits a panoramic view of the linked torii, the roads stretching below them, and the entire Chikugo (筑後) Plain. In summer, the vibrant red gates contrasting with the lush green foliage create a truly magnificent sight.
Location : 1513-9 Nagarekawa, Ukiha-machi, Ukiha City, Fukuoka Prefecture
Contact : Ukiha Kanko Mirai-zukuri Kosha (うきは観光みらいづくり公社)
Website : ukihalove.jp/contents/ukihainarijinjya/
A More Mysterious Vista Under Cloudy Skies! [ Saga Prefecture : Underwater Torii Gates of Oouo Shrine]
Three underwater torii gates stand in the Ariake (有明) Sea along the southern coast of the prefecture, forming the approach to the Oouo (大魚) Shrine. While impressive on a clear day, the gates offer a more enigmatic scene on cloudy days, where the grey of the sea and sky merges, blurring the boundary and making the torii appear to float. Due to the significant difference between high and low tide, it is possible to walk under the gates when the tide is out.
Location : 1874-9 Tara, Tara-cho, Fujitsu-gun, Saga Prefecture (In front)
Contact : Tara Town Tourism Association
Website : tara-kankou.jp/spot/post-18.html
Perhaps the Largest Ocean View in Japan from Here?! [ Nagasaki Prefecture : Japan’s Smallest Park]
On Matsushima (松島) Island, which is said to be the inspiration for Fukuyama Masaharu (福山雅治)’s song ‘Sakurazaka (桜坂),’ you will find a tiny park with nothing more than a wooden bench and a single palm tree. However, it overlooks the magnificent expanse of the Goto-nada (五島灘) Sea. This location is perfect for appreciating the beauty of Nagasaki (長崎) ’s ocean, particularly when watching the sun sink below the horizon.
Location : Soto-go, Matsushima, Oseto-cho, Saikai City, Nagasaki Prefecture
Contact : Nagasaki Tabi Net
Website : nagasaki-tabinet.com/guide/60496
The Shiranui Sea and the Boats Themselves Make for a Stunning View! [ Kumamoto Prefecture : Sightseeing Utasebune Boat]
The Utasebune (うたせ船; a type of traditional sailing boat) fishing method was introduced to the Ashikita (芦北) area on the western coast of the prefecture from the Seto (瀬戸) Inland Sea in the early Meiji period. It was traditionally used to catch Japanese tiger prawns, crabs, and mantis shrimp. Since 1981, these boats have also operated as sightseeing cruises. Passengers can enjoy fishing from the boat during operation, and meals can be arranged upon request.
Location : Ashikita-machi, Ashikita-gun, Kumamoto Prefecture
Contact : Kumamoto Prefectural Official Tourism Website
Website : kumamoto.guide/spots/detail/2033
Witness a Truly Dramatic Scene [ Oita Prefecture Sunset at Matama Coast]
The Matama (真玉) Coast, selected as one of the ‘100 Best Sunsets in Japan,’ is the only place in the prefecture where you can see the sun setting over the horizon. On clear evenings, the entire area is dyed brilliant red, with the sunset reflecting on the water’s surface. As the sun sinks, the shifting, dreamlike scenery is utterly enchanting.
Location : Usuno, Bungo-Takada City, Oita Prefecture
Contact : Bungo-Takada City Official Tourism Website
Website : city.bungotakada.oita.jp/site/showanomachi/1278.html
A Headland Inhabited by Rare Native Horses [ Miyazaki Prefecture Toi Misaki (Cape Toi)]
Toi Misaki (都井岬) is a majestic cape that juts out from the southernmost tip of the Nichinan (日南) Coast, offering breathtaking views. It is home to the Misaki Horse (Misaki-uma, 御崎馬), a natural monument and one of Japan’s native horse breeds. Visitors can observe the hardiness and charm of these horses living in the wild up close. The second photo shows Hyuga Cape / Umagase in Hyuga City—a massive fissure in the rock formed by columnar joints, and its sheer scale is absolutely breathtaking.
Location : Ona, Kushima City, Miyazaki Prefecture
Contact : Toi Misaki Tourist Exchange Centre
Website : pakalapaka.jp/
A Renovated Station Extensively Using Kagoshima Cedar [ Kagoshima Prefecture : Kirishima Jingu Station]
Kirishima Jingu (霧島神宮) Station, the nearest station to the National Treasure Kirishima Jingu Shrine, reopened on 22nd March 2024 with a new station building. It features a sacred, four-metre-tall tree as its symbol and makes extensive use of cedar sourced from within the prefecture. This station, which offers a superb view, also houses restaurants and shops dedicated to Kagoshima’s food and artisans.
Location : Kirishima Okubo, Kirishima City, Kagoshima Prefecture
Contact : JR Kyushu
Website : jrkyushu.co.jp/railway/station/1191546_1601.html
Mysterious Ruins Viewable by Boat [ Okinawa Prefecture : Yonaguni Submarine Ruins]
Yonaguni (与那国) Island, located at the westernmost point of Japan, is home to a spectacular and unusual sight: the Yonaguni Submarine Ruins, discovered by a diver in 1986. This enormous monolithic rock formation, approximately 250m east-west and 150m north-south, remains a mystery—it is still unconfirmed whether it is a man-made structure or a natural formation. Sightseeing tours are available via semi-submersible boat.
Location : Yonaguni-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa Prefecture
Contact : Yonaguni Town Tourism Association
Website : welcome-yonaguni.jp/guide/1282/
This article is a reproduction from the August/September 2024 issue of WARAKU magazine.
This article is translated from https://intojapanwaraku.com/travel/247441/
