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.