Sunmesse Nichinan and Cape Toi Southern Drive Course

Further south along the Nichinan Coast. From Sunmesse Nichinan, where seven Moai statues line a hill overlooking the sea, to Cape Toi at Miyazakis southern tip, home to wild horses. This is a slightly wild drive where you meet the ocean, grasslands, and living creatures. The distance is a bit long, but in return you get to savor a tropical sense of openness. Setting out with time to spare is recommended.

Course Route

9:30 Start at Sunmesse Nichinan Begin with the seven reproduction Moai standing on the hill. A photo with the sea behind you is the classic shot. Flower fields and lookout spots dot the grounds, and a slow tour makes for a pleasant time.

11:00 Drive along the coast Continue south while gazing at the Hyuga Sea. An open drive with wide sea and sky rolls on.

12:00 Lunch in a port town on the way Pause in a port town such as Nango or Kushima to enjoy local seafood.

13:30 Arrive at Cape Toi Reach Cape Toi at Miyazakis southern tip, greeted by broad grasslands, a lighthouse, and the endless sea.

14:00 Meet the Misaki horses Wild Misaki horses live on the grasslands. Keep your distance and quietly watch them graze at their leisure.

Highlights

The Moai at Sunmesse Nichinan are precious reproductions made with permission from Easter Island. The seven figures against the blue sea are a signature photo spot of Miyazaki. At Cape Toi, the Misaki horses, designated a natural monument, graze freely, and you can watch them relax on the grasslands up close. The view from the cape lighthouse is grand as well, wrapping you in the traveling mood unique to the southern tip.

Access and Tips

From the Miyazaki City direction it is about an hour by car to Sunmesse Nichinan, and Cape Toi lies further south from there. There are many coastal curves, so drive with room to spare. Cape Toi is a wild-horse area, so do not approach the horses carelessly and take care while driving. Admission procedures may be required at the entrance to the grounds.

A Quick Tip

The Misaki horses are wild animals. Do not feed or touch them, and watch from a little distance as good manners. With a gentle sense of distance, enjoy the nature at Miyazakis southern tip.