Sell the pumpkins you grew 🎃! Pumpkin contest participants wanted! 1 Application deadline: Friday, May 30, 2025 (Reiwa 7) 2 How to apply: Contact Takaharu Town Chamber of Commerce and Industry by phone or apply via Google Form. 3 Distribution dates: Monday, June 2 to Wednesday, June 4, 2025, 9:00–17:00 4 Distribution location: Takaharu Town Tourism Association (inside JR Takaharu Station) 5 Seedling pots to be distributed: four varieties • Atlantic Giant (for ornamental use) • Fukuebisu (for eating) ・ Korinqui (for eating) ・ Butternut (for eating) Details about the pumpkin contest • Pumpkin drop-off: Thursday, September 11 to Saturday, September 13, 2025. Drop-off from 9:00 until 12:00. • Exhibition and sale: Saturday, September 13 to Monday, September 15, 2025 (public holiday), 9:00–16:00 ※The contest venue and drop-off location is Koubashira Park Jinmu no Yakata. ※The exhibition and sale on Saturday, September 13th runs from 13:00–16:00. ※All pumpkin entrants will receive a participation prize. ※Winners will receive special prizes. (There are many categories, including most entries, weight, color, and shape.) Google Form to apply↓↓ https://docs.google.com/.../1nB.../edit... -- Inquiries -- Takaharu Town Tourism Association 0984-42-4560

Mountain Opening Climb ⛰️ Participants Wanted! We will hold the 2025 Mountain Opening Climb. *Participation in the ritual alone is free of charge* ⭐ Date: Saturday, April 12, 2025 ⭐ Participation fee: ¥1,000 (includes insurance and a protective charm) *No registration is required for participation in the ritual only.* ⭐ Course: Tenson Kourin Course ⭐ How to apply: Please apply by phone or via the application form below. ⭐ Application deadline: Monday, April 7 Our staff will lead a slow-paced climb, so beginners 🔰 can join with confidence! 🥳 Important Notes * The age limit is set at 70, but people who exercise regularly may participate even if they are older than 70. * Junior high school students and younger must be accompanied by a guardian. * Please bring your own lunch and emergency rations. * After the ritual, participants will return to the trailhead (the Fifth Sabo Dam) by their own cars. * The event will proceed in light rain, but the secretariat will notify you by the evening of Friday the 11th if it is canceled. The ritual will be held even if the event is canceled. Application Form https://docs.google.com/.../1ik84ozPLmto7PgPEXKrGsPI.../edit... For applications and inquiries Takaharacho Tourism Association 0984-42-4560

Today, Thursday the 13th, at 1:40 PM the Nanatsuboshi train 🚃 The Nanatsuboshi bus will also stop at Takahara Station 😝👌 Takaharacho tourist guides will lead a tour of the Oike and Kirishima Higashi Shrine course! Parking: Free

Takaharacho 90th Anniversary Branding Project Okukirishima Onsen-kyo—What a Nice Bath! Ground Golf Tournament ⛳️ Now Accepting Participants!! Date: Sunday, February 23, 2025 Time: Registration 8:00 AM—Opening Ceremony 8:30 AM—Competition Begins 9:00 AM Eligibility: Residents and non-residents (junior high school students and older) Participation Fee: 200 yen per person Capacity: 200 participants (All entrants receive a bathing voucher redeemable at local facilities) A free shuttle bus to the onsen will be available on the day. Application Deadline: Friday, January 31, 2025 Venue: Takaharu Town General Sports Park 709-9 Nishifumoto, Takaharu, Nishimorokata District, Miyazaki 889-4412 ————————About Applications———————— You may fill in the application section on the back of the flyer and submit it in person at the Takaharu Town Tourism Association (inside Takaharu Station). Applications are also accepted by fax, mail, or via the web form links below. [Flyer front] http://www.takaharu-tourism.jp/wp.../uploads/2025/01/1.jpg... [Flyer back] http://www.takaharu-tourism.jp/.../2025/01/image11.jpeg... [Google Application Form] https://docs.google.com/.../1jcXJI-P-N-niYcStgJ05N.../edi... ————————Application Details———————— Teams should consist mainly of 4 to 6 players. Three-player teams are allowed, but they may be combined with others to form mixed teams. Contact Information Organizer: Takaharu Town Tourism Association TEL: 0984-42-4560 Cooperative Organizer: Okukirishima Onsen-kyo Ryokan Association Managed by: Takaharu Town Ground Golf Association

Okukirishima Onsen-kyo Presents ♨️ The Birthplace of Japan Dash Through Takaharacho’s Sano Shrine! Recruiting Participants 🎉 This event, held as part of the town’s 90th anniversary celebrations, returns for its second year following last year’s event! This year, every participant receives a day-use bathing ticket redeemable at a local onsen facility as a gift 🎁 Limited to 300 people, with perks such as complimentary hot cocoa!! Who will claim the title of this year’s lucky man or lucky woman of fortune!? 🤩 We hope you’ll apply! ⭐︎Date: Tuesday, February 11, 2025 (National Holiday) ⭐︎Participation Fee: Free ⭐︎Venue: Sano Shrine ⛩️ (South Approach) Those who reserved should check in by 8:20 AM on the day ⭐︎Application Deadline: Thursday, February 6, 2025 ⭐︎How to Apply: Fill out the application form on the back of the flyer and send it by FAX or email (please include name, gender, and grade). Preschool children and elementary school students must be accompanied by a guardian. If applying online, please use the application form below. [Application Form] https://fsmk.co/t/HRngF4-syzaow?openExternalBrowser=1... [Divisions] ※Those who have previously won the same division may enter but are not eligible for the title of lucky man or lucky woman. Elementary School Grades 1–3 (Boys’ Division) (approx. 300 m) Elementary School Grades 1–3 (Girls’ Division) (approx. 300 m) Elementary School Grades 4–6 (Boys’ Division) (approx. 300 m) Elementary School Grades 4–6 (Girls’ Division) (approx. 300 m) Adult Division (Men’s) (approx. 300 m) Adult Division (Women’s) (approx. 300 m) A total of six divisions. [Elementary Divisions] 300 m 1st Prize: Bookstore Gift Card ¥5,000 2nd Prize: Bookstore Gift Card ¥3,000 3rd Prize: Bookstore Gift Card ¥1,000 [Adult Divisions] 300 m 1st Prize: Gift Certificate ¥30,000 2nd Prize: Gift Certificate ¥20,000 3rd Prize: Gift Certificate ¥10,000 For details, please see the website (flyer) ☺️✨ https://fsmk.co/t/XexOJk-syzaow?openExternalBrowser=1... ⭐︎On the day, the Kigensai ceremony for National Foundation Day will be held at Sano Shrine at 10:00 AM, with the formal ceremony scheduled to begin at 10:30 AM. Please join us 😊✨

Takaharu Town Tourism Association Year-End and New Year Business Hours! Takaharu Town Tourism Association – Ekisaiting City (Shop) From December 31 to January 3, Reiwa 7 We will be closed during this period; we apologize for any inconvenience.

Kita Kirishima Photo Contest Now Open‼️ Entry Period: 2024/12/11–2025/2/21 How to Enter: Instagram only. Please check the details for the entry procedure! [Grand Prize] 1 winner ◯ Assortment of Kita Kirishima local specialties (worth ¥20,000) ◯ Poster production [Excellence Awards] 3 winners ① Kobayashi Award (worth ¥10,000) ② Ebino City Award (worth ¥10,000) ③ Takahara Award (worth ¥10,000) ◯ Poster production [Honorable Mentions] 10 winners ◯ Poster production *Posters are scheduled to be displayed by the tourism association. For entry requirements and other details, please check the following website and sources. ◯ Website https://kobayashi-machi.com/16056... [Contact] Kita Kirishima Regional Tourism Promotion Council Kobayashi Community Development Co., Ltd. Tourist Information Center Phone: 0984-22-8684 #Photo Contest #Miyazaki Prefecture #Kobayashi City #Ebino City #Takaharacho #Kobayashi Community Development Co., Ltd. #Takahara Town Tourism Association #Photography #Miyakonojo City #Free Entry #Scenery #Landscape #Photos #Kita Kirishima Regional Tourism Promotion Council😁

Kit wishes come true — we have put up ema plaques 😍 A few years ago we collaborated with KitKat on the Kito Line and installed ema plaques then; we have installed those same ema again this year‼️ If you visit Takaharacho, please stop by Takahara Station and write your wish on one‼️😝 We will properly dedicate the ema at the shrine ⛩️! About ema — we looked into them a bit! ⭐︎Unlike omikuji, ema are things you “dedicate” ⭐︎You can write vertically or horizontally—either is fine ⭐︎Since you are asking the kami (gods), it’s good to write phrases like “May 〇〇 come true” or “I hope 〇〇 is granted.” ⭐︎You may sign with either your initials or your full name—both are OK! In fact, it used to be recommended to include your address and date of birth, but many people avoid that now to prevent personal information from leaking. ⭐︎You can write several wishes on a single ema, but it’s better to separate different prayers by using different ema. ⭐︎It seems acceptable to dedicate the same wish on ema at several different shrines or temples. This is what we found in our research, so we can’t say it’s definitive, but remembering these guidelines might help your wishes come true even more! 😍 Please drop by Takahara Station to write an ema — they are free of charge‼️🤩 Place: Takaharu Town Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Takahara Station) Address: 473-6 Nishifumoto, Takaharacho, Nishimorokata District, Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan Parking available (free)

Harai River Kagura 👹 Date: Saturday, December 14, 7:00 PM until around 7:00 AM the following morning Venue: Haraikawa Kagura Hall 6421 Gamuta, Takaharacho, Nishimorokata District, Miyazaki Prefecture 10 minutes by car from Takahara IC Parking 🅿️ is available but limited, so please arrive early. Haraikawa Kagura Its history has been passed down for about 500 years and it is designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property by the country! There are many breathtaking dances, including the sword dance “Twelve Swords,” performed with real blades. Another feature of Haraikawa Kagura is the abundance of kamiuta (sacred songs). When attending, please drive carefully and dress warmly 🙇‍♂️💦 #Miyazaki Prefecture #Miyazaki City #Miyakonojō #Kobayashi #Takaharacho #Haraikawa Kagura #Haraikawa Kagura Hall #Haraikawa Yusui Garden #Nationally Designated Intangible Folk Cultural Property #Nishimorokata District, Takaharacho #Takahara Divine Dances

Metasequoia Row This is the Metasequoia from yesterday, 12/9 🎄! The leaves were beautifully autumn-colored 🥰 Please post with the hashtag #Takaharacho Metasequoia 😁 Location: Just a short walk from Takaharu Seiryu Land parking lot! 31-2 Kamamuta, Takaharu, Nishimorokata District, Miyazaki 889-4414 Parking is free; please park neatly in the available open spaces.

Takaharacho, Miyazaki Prefecture Did you know that FIRST JAPAN Co., Ltd. is located here!? ◯ Domestic tours ◯ Overseas tours ◯ Group and individual travel ◯ Inbound tourism promotion ◯ A travel company that provides multilingual staff, guides, and other support✈️ First Japan Takaharacho Search for it and you’ll find a beautiful video🎥 on their website and YouTube! Be sure to check it out 🥰 Company name: First Japan Co., Ltd. Address: 788-2 Kamamuta, Takaharu Town, Nishimorokata District, Miyazaki Prefecture T E L: 0984-47-0340

Takaharu Yoku Shiyouya Association "Takaharu Station Illumination" Installed‼️ Lights will be on from Sunday, December 1, 2024 to Wednesday, January 15, 2025 They will be lit from 5:30 PM to 10:30 PM. Details of the Lighting Ceremony ✴︎Date: Sunday, December 1 ✴︎Time: From 5:30 PM ✳︎Venue: Around Takaharu Station (MASAHIRO Garden Square) ✳︎Address: 473-6 Nishifumoto, Takaharacho, Nishimorokata District, Miyazaki Prefecture ✳︎Parking: Several parking areas are available nearby, but please drive carefully as many pedestrians will be present. ❇︎On the day there will be the annual servings of delicious pork miso soup and sweet red bean soup (zenzai)‼️ Sponsored by: Kibou no Mise, MASAHIRO Garden, Nishimoro Saiten

“Takaharu Mystery Puzzle” —The Stolen Era and the Prince of Beginnings—” A puzzle-solving experience set in Ojibaru Park, Takaharamachi, starts next week on Saturday, October 5, 2024.♪ This content lets you immerse yourself in a story where Takaharamachi’s history and fantasy intersect.🙋‍♀️ People of all ages, from adults to children, can enjoy this experience! Take this chance to visit Takaharamachi! We look forward to welcoming many visitors! ーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーー Event Overview Event Title Takaharu Mystery Puzzle — The Stolen Era and the Prince of Beginnings Event Period: Saturday, October 5, 2024 – Participation Fee: 500 yen (tax included) Puzzle Kit Sales Location: Okukirishima Kojyoharakoen Campground Management Office Recommended Age: 9 years and older (no age limit when accompanied by a parent) Estimated Duration: Approximately 60–90 minutes

Event announcement‼️ Be sure to check it out👀‼️ "Mountain Day Event" ‘Oujinooniwa’ ◯ Event Dates Sunday, November 3 Monday, November 4 (substitute holiday) It runs for two days! Location: Koushiobaru Park, Takaharacho Okukirishima Koushiobaru Hutte (former rest house) *Vendor event only on the 3rd. *The 4th is a mountain tour. November 3 We invite mountain-related vendors for sales, workshops, and body maintenance services. Under the title “Connecting Kirishima’s Walking Trails,” we will hold a talk show about mountaineering centered on Takaharacho and the Kyushu Nature Trail. A pleasant-sounding DJ will also perform at the venue♪ November 4 A trekking tour along the “Tenson Kourin no Michi” (the Path of the Descent of the Heavenly Grandchild). Guided by Mr. Ishikawa from Kirishima Geopark, participants will hear valuable stories about Kirishima, and at the summit enjoy a tasting and lesson on mountain coffee. After descending, you can soothe your tired body at Takahara’s hot springs. Although not listed on the flyer, there will also be a display of Toyota custom cars and some extra surprises. We will post more detailed information little by little, so keep checking for updates(^^) On November 3 and 4, come and visit the event ‘Oujinooniwa’ at Koushiobaru Park☆

Japan Origin Site Festival‼️ About Matsuri Takahara 2024🎆 Date: 2024.10.20 (Sunday) Venue: Takaharacho General Sports Park ◎Japan Origin Site Festival 11:00–17:10 Stage Events 11:00–15:00 ⭐︎Shinonome Taiko Drums ⭐︎Karaoke Contest ⭐︎Preschoolers’ Stage Show ⭐︎Junior Chorus ⭐︎Speed Drinking Contest ⭐︎Raffle and more On-site Events 11:00–15:00 ⭐︎Calligraphy Performance ⭐︎Blood Donation ⭐︎New Sports Experience ⭐︎Inflatable Play Equipment ⭐︎Mobile Petting Zoo ⭐︎Working Vehicles Exhibition ⭐︎Miyazaki Beef Yakiniku ⭐︎Sports Corner ⚽️ In collaboration with Miyazaki Jingu Shrine 16:00–17:10 Matsuri Takahara 2024 Evening Stage Events 17:10–19:40 ⭐︎Junior High School Wind Ensemble ⭐︎Break Girls ⭐︎Hyuganokuni Eisa Drum Troupe Amaterasu Takahara’s Divine Dance (Sano Kagura) Fireworks Display 🎆 20:00–20:20 The exhibition of works will be displayed at the Town Gymnasium on the 19th and 20th, so please be sure to take a look‼️ The event is packed with activities! The program will be posted as soon as it is ready, so look forward to it♫ Also, there will be timed traffic restrictions around the venue; please check the flyer for event details and traffic regulation information‼️ #Miyazaki events #Miyazaki fireworks festival #Japan Origin Site Festival #Matsuri Takahara #Matsuri Takahara 2024 #Jimmu-sama #Jimmu-sama collaboration #Shishi-mai (lion dance) #Miko dance #Junior high collaboration #Fireworks Display🎆

Pumpkin Contest A pumpkin contest will be held at Koushiobaru Park (Jinmu no Yakata)! What is the Pumpkin Contest?? This year marks the 18th Pumpkin Contest! For those who remember, it used to take place around the same time as the Higanbana Festival! Around June, the Takaharu Town Chamber of Commerce and Industry distributes seedlings (four varieties) to people who will grow them! In September, pumpkins are delivered for inspection and judging (about 800 each year). From Sunday, September 22 to Monday, September 23 (a national holiday), a display and sale will be held at Koushiobaru Park! ---+---Admission to the pumpkin exhibition is free---+--- In the past, pumpkins over 80 kg have appeared, and we’re excited to see what kinds of pumpkins come this year! (*'▽') ---+---Edible pumpkins are available in addition to ornamental pumpkins---+--- We will also have edible varieties such as Fukuebisu, Butternut, and Colinky, so please buy them if you want to enjoy tasty pumpkins! ---+---Works by calligrapher Non-chan---+--- You can also purchase works by calligrapher Non-chan, known from Noyasobi Shima Shoya, on the day! They’re perfect as entrance decorations or gifts— you might find a wonderful piece!! Check the atmosphere in past photos! ---+---Contact---+--- Venue: Koushiobaru Park, 3-251 Kamamuta, Takaharacho, Nishimorokata District, Miyazaki Prefecture Display and sales: 9:00–16:00 Contact: Takaharu Town Chamber of Commerce and Industry 0984-42-4560

Ojibarako Park Spider Lilies in Bloom! There’s also an event announcement! (*'▽') At Ojibarako Park in Takaharacho, Miyazaki Prefecture, the spider lilies are now in bloom and at their best (*'▽') Legend says the first Emperor Jimmu was born and raised here, and the site is linked to the myths of Izanami and Izanagi and the story of the birth of the land. It’s about a 13-minute drive from Takahara IC and about a 10-minute drive from Takahara Station. The park has cottages on site! You can enjoy BBQs too! There are child-friendly facilities such as rainbow trout fishing, go-karts, and a wood-learning area, so kids can have fun❕ Besides the spider lilies, Ojibarako Park offers seasonal autumn foliage to enjoy throughout the year! Photos are from past seasons!! ★Event★ The 18th Pumpkin Contest will be held! Sunday–Monday, September 22–23, Reiwa 6 (2024), 9:00–16:00 Venue: Ojibarako Park (Jimmu no Yakata) Pumpkins will be available for purchase on site♪♪ Every year about 500–800 pumpkins are displayed at Ojibarako Park! You’ll see edible pumpkins and some unusually shaped varieties, and this year you might even spot a pumpkin over 100 kg!? Takaharacho’s calligrapher “Non-chan” will also sell cute brush-written pumpkins. They make nice decorations for entryways or gifts... Please come and join us (*'▽') You can find Non-chan the calligrapher’s homepage by searching online, so be sure to check it out❕

TAKAHARU360 The projection mapping “TAKAHARU 360” has been installed at the rest house in Koushiobaru Park!! You can take in a 360-degree view of the Takaharu highlands and experience the area no matter the weather! The show opens on Saturday, August 24th‼️ Which sights you’ll see is a surprise until you arrive♫ TAKAHARU360 (about 10 people per session, 15 minutes) Viewings are available on weekends and public holidays only‼️ ①10:00–11:00 ②15:00–16:00 #Miyazaki Prefecture #Takaharacho #Takaharu Town Chamber of Commerce and Industry #Koushiobaru Park #TAKAHARU360 #projection mapping #Takaharu town mythology #Takaharu tourism #Takaharu sightseeing spots #projectionmapping

Takaharu 0-Yen Market is happening!! We are recruiting sellers! 😆✨ Individuals and businesses are both welcome to participate!! Date: Sunday, September 15 Venue: Sanō Shrine ⛩️ grounds and surrounding area, 10:00–16:00 Items: food, uniforms, gym clothes, clothing that no longer fits, sealed food items within their best-before date only, toys, games, and more... Instead of throwing away things you no longer need, please pass usable items on to those who need them next! This initiative aims to promote sustainability!! 😊 We hope many sellers and visitors will join us on the day!! If you’d like to set up a stall, contact us DM the official account @miknsd1111

49th Term Go Best-of-Seven, Game 2 The "Meijin Title Match" will take place in Takaharacho! Venue Okukirishima Onsen-kyo, Gokuraku Onsen Takumi no Yado — September 4 (Wednesday) and September 5 (Thursday) *The playing venue is not open to the general public.* If you wish to watch, please attend the teaching games or the large-board commentary session below! Pre-match Eve Event Okukirishima Onsen-kyo, Yunomoto Onsen — September 3 (Tuesday) from 18:00 Teaching Games Okukirishima Onsen-kyo, Koushiobaru Onsen Kenko Mura — September 4 (Wednesday) from 10:00 Game fee: 3,000 yen. Observation is free. Large-board Commentary Session Okukirishima Onsen-kyo, Koushiobaru Onsen Kenko Mura — September 5 (Thursday) from 10:00 Participation and observation fee: 2,000 yen. Capacity: up to 80 people. Organizers: The Asahi Shimbun Company, Nihon Ki-in, Kansai Ki-in Cooperation: 49th Term Meijin Match Okukirishima Onsen-kyo Executive Committee (Takaharu Town Chamber of Commerce and Industry) TEL: 0984-42-1158 FAX: 0984-42-0207

Summer season has arrived!! Festivals are taking place, and it really feels like summer is here♪♪ We’ve already had inquiries about Matsuri Kogen, so here’s an early announcement! The 56th Matsuri Kogen will be held on Sunday, October 20th, 2024! As with last year, it is planned to be held jointly with the Japan Place of Origin Festival! The fireworks in Takaharu traditionally use music and lasers, and their main appeal is the dramatic impact from launching them close to the festival site! We don’t yet know the details of this year’s fireworks, but if they do go ahead, you won’t want to miss them *'▽' The fireworks in the photo are from Matsuri Kogen a few years ago!! We will report again as soon as more details become available!

Nanatsuboshi train 🚃 Today, Thursday, July 25th, from 1:40 PM for 8 minutes It will stop at takaharu station‼️ It will stop at takaharu station, so please do come by‼️😊 Admission to the station is free‼️‼️🚃

Ochayaba (also known as Oteranba Observatory) About 20,000 sunflowers planted across roughly 22 ares by members of the Kawayama District Scenic Beautification Council in Takaharamachi on June 1 are now in full bloom! You can enjoy them until early August, so please come visit 🥰🌻 Location: 4239-6 Nishifumoto, Takaharamachi, Nishimorokata District, Miyazaki Prefecture ※⚠️If you use a car navigation system, entering the above address will not take you directly to the site. When you get near the address, look for the signboards that have been put up and use them as your guide!

Takaharu Satisfaction Campaign♫‼️ Stay at participating accommodations in Takaharu and receive coupons usable at those facilities!! *Participating accommodations* 1. Gokuraku Onsen Takumi no Yado 2. Yunomoto Onsen 3. Oujibaru Onsen Kenkomura (Oujibaru Onsen Health Village) 4. Oike no Yu (tent stays) 5. Oujibaru Park (cottages and tent stays) 6. Oike Camp Village (cottages, bungalows, and tent stays) 7. Sennin no Mori Campground (tents only) *Coupon distribution period* From Monday, July 1, 2024, until checkout on Tuesday, December 31, 2024! *Coupon usage period* Until Friday, January 31, 2025! Coupons are distributed according to the lodging charge per person as follows. (1) ¥2,000 or more up to ¥5,000: ¥500 (one ¥500 coupon) (2) ¥5,000 or more up to ¥10,000: ¥1,000 (two ¥500 coupons) (3) ¥10,000 or more up to ¥15,000: ¥1,500 (three ¥500 coupons) (4) ¥15,000 or more: ¥2,000 (four ¥500 coupons) *Coupons will be distributed at the accommodation. (Distribution ends when the budget is exhausted.)* *Coupons cannot be reserved; they are available on a first-come, first-served basis.* For details, please check the Takaharu Town Tourism Association website below 😆✨

Hello to everyone watching Cool Japan Video! This is the Takaharu Town Tourism Association. Takaharu, Nishimorokata District, Miyazaki Prefecture, lies at the foot of MtTakachihonomine in the southwest of Kyushu. It is a town surrounded by beautiful nature. The town’s population is about 8,000 people (as of June 2024), and it is known for scenery that changes with the seasons. Takaharu in Miyazaki Prefecture charms visitors with its rich natural environment and historical background, offering heartwarming experiences. The name Takaharu is said to come from Takamagahara, the high plain where the gods dwell in Japanese mythology. Here is some recommended information about Takaharu, a town closely linked to Japanese mythology. ■■■Access to Takaharu, Miyazaki Prefecture ■Miyazaki Airport - Access to Takaharu You can reach Takaharu from Miyazaki Airport by the following means. By car: It takes about 45 minutes from Miyazaki Airport to Takaharu via the Miyazaki Expressway. By train: From Miyazaki Airport, transfer between the JR Miyazaki Airport Line, the JR Nippo Main Line, and the JR Kitto Line to reach takaharu station in about two hours. ■■■History, Legends, and Myths of Takaharu, Miyazaki Prefecture Takaharu has long been a region where myths and legends live on, and many stories have been passed down here. It is said to be the birthplace and childhood home of Emperor Jimmu, and many local place names around Takaharu relate to him. The Tenson Korin, the heavenly descent in Japanese myth, is said to have taken place at MtTakachihonomine in Takaharu. Legends about the birth of the land by Izanagi-no-Mikoto and Izanami-no-Mikoto and the Ama-no-Sakahoko stuck into the summit of MtTakachihonomine at the time of descent remain. ■■■Popular Sightseeing Spots in Takaharu, Miyazaki Prefecture ■Sayano Shrine Sayano Shrine is one of Takaharu’s representative shrines and is said to have been established on the site where Emperor Jimmu was born as recorded in the Kojiki and the Nihon Shoki. A grand avenue lined with cedar trees, said to be the longest shrine approach in Japan, covers the precincts, and its tranquil atmosphere moves visitors deeply. ■Kirishima Higashi Shrine Kirishima Higashi Shrine sits on the eastern foot of MtKirishimayama and is known as one of the Kirishima Rokusha Gongen. Kirishima Jingu in Kagoshima Prefecture prospered as “West Kirishima Shrine,” while Kirishima Higashi Shrine was known as “East Kirishima Shrine.” From the shrine you can enjoy grand views of MtKirishimayama, and the autumn colors particularly attract many visitors. ■Kasumi Shrine Kasumi Shrine is said to grant blessings for agriculture, livestock, health, matchmaking, good fortune, and business success. Legend says that worshiping the white snake that lives in a rock cave on the shrine grounds brings good luck. ■Oujibaru Park Oujibaru Park is a vast park representing Takaharu and a natural treasure to enjoy year-round. You can enjoy wood-themed play areas such as Oujibaru no Ki, where children play with wooden toys, and the roofed play equipment Moo-rii that lets you feel the warmth of wood. ■Okukirishima Oujibaru Park Campground Okukirishima Oujibaru Park Campground is an outdoor spot developed around Koushiobaru Shrine where visitors can enjoy camping in nature. Around the campground you can find burial mounds, walking trails, tennis courts, a fishing pond, and go-karts, making it enjoyable for both children and adults. The site offers facilities that make it easy for camping beginners to use, so anyone can enjoy an outdoor experience with confidence. ■Okukirishima Onsen-kyo Takaharu is also a rich hot-spring area spreading across the Kirishima range, and the town has four hot-spring facilities. This hot-spring village breathes history and tradition, with abundant springs offering various benefits. The spring types include sulfur springs, bicarbonate springs, and iron springs, which are said to improve skin and relieve fatigue. Facilities where you can enjoy high-concentration carbonated springs are also popular. From open-air baths and private baths you can enjoy beautiful seasonal natural scenery. Local cuisine made with regional ingredients is another major attraction. ■Totoro Statue A statue of Totoro, a character from the animated film My Neighbor Totoro, stands in a rural setting in Takaharu. Surrounded by lush natural scenery, the statue makes visitors feel as if they are inside the film. It is a popular photo spot and a memorable place for visitors. ■■■■Local Specialties of Takaharu, Miyazaki Prefecture ■Miyazaki Beef Takaharu is a region with thriving livestock farming, and Miyazaki Beef, representative of the town, is a highly regarded premium wagyu both in Japan and abroad, known for its quality. Its fine marbling and tender texture fill your mouth with rich flavor from the first bite. ■Aged Takaharu Ash-Dried Meat This is meat ash-dried using ash from eruptions of MtShinmoedake. Volcanic ash absorbs excess moisture and odors, enhancing umami and tenderizing the ingredient. These specialties are also popular return gifts for hometown tax donations. ■■■Tourist Information for Takaharu, Miyazaki Prefecture Takaharu offers abundant nature and a compelling historical backdrop. Visit Takaharu to encounter Japanese myths and legends. Cool Japan Video will continue to share recommended information about Takaharu, Miyazaki Prefecture, so please follow us.