Your Guide to - Japan National Tourist Organization
Your Guide to - Japan National Tourist Organization
Your Guide to - Japan National Tourist Organization
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Miyazaki, 3 hrs. 20 min. by limited express train<br />
from Oita, is a favorite vacation spot. Nichinan<br />
Kaigan Quasi-<strong>National</strong> Park, extending for about<br />
100 km. along the seacoast south of Miyazaki, is the<br />
foremost <strong>to</strong>urist highlight. Its principal attraction is<br />
Aoshima Island, a tiny islet densely covered with<br />
biro or betel-nut palms.<br />
Takachiho Gorge, Miyazaki<br />
Kagoshima is 2 hrs. 20 min. by limited express<br />
train from Miyazaki. The city abounds in scenic<br />
attractions, his<strong>to</strong>ric sites, and hot springs and is<br />
dominated by Sakurajima, an active volcano.<br />
One hour by train from Nishi-Kagoshima Sta. is<br />
Ibusuki, one of the most celebrated hot-spring<br />
resorts in <strong>Japan</strong>. Located at the southernmost tip of<br />
the Satsuma Peninsula, it owes its popularity in part<br />
<strong>to</strong> its lovely white sandy beach and lush subtropical<br />
vegetation. A unique form of hot sand-bathing is<br />
offered here and is a great way <strong>to</strong> relax.<br />
Yakushima Island, 40 min. by air from Kagoshima<br />
Airport, is home <strong>to</strong> a primeval forest of "Yaku-sugi"<br />
cedars dating back thousands of years. Many<br />
outdoor activities can be enjoyed, including mountain<br />
climbing, valley trekking, canoeing and eco <strong>to</strong>urs<br />
among others.<br />
Hot Sand-bathing, Ibusuki<br />
Haniwa Park, Miyazaki<br />
Beautiful Sea, Okinawa<br />
The main island of Okinawa, the most popular of<br />
the Okinawan islands, is located 2 hrs. 30 min. by air<br />
from Tokyo, and 2 hrs. 15 min. from Osaka (Itami). It<br />
is a favorite visi<strong>to</strong>r destination owing <strong>to</strong> its his<strong>to</strong>rical<br />
past, its coral reefs, emerald seas, sunny skies, and<br />
subtropical vegetation. The islands reverted <strong>to</strong> <strong>Japan</strong><br />
in 1972 after being occupied by the United States<br />
from the end of World War II. <strong>Tourist</strong> sites in Naha,<br />
the prefectural seat, include Naminoue Shrine,<br />
dedicated <strong>to</strong> the three gods believed <strong>to</strong> be the<br />
ancestral deities of the Imperial family; Sogenji<br />
Temple which was originally erected more than 450<br />
years ago and is the mausoleum of the former kings<br />
of Okinawa during the Ryukyu Dynasty; and the<br />
Shurei-no-mon or Gate of Courtesy, the second gate<br />
of Shuri Castle built during the reign of King Shosei.<br />
Okinawa Senseki (Old Battlefields) Quasi-<strong>National</strong><br />
Park, consists of monuments dedicated <strong>to</strong> the spirits<br />
of the more than 200,000 World War II war dead.<br />
Smaller islands around the main island boast some<br />
of the world's most crystalline seawaters and finest<br />
coral reefs, providing a marine playground for divers<br />
and <strong>to</strong>urists.<br />
Local Dishes of Kumamo<strong>to</strong><br />
Market, Okinawa<br />
The World Heritage Sites designated by UNESCO<br />
•Yakushima Island [Kagoshima]<br />
•Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom<br />
of the Ryukyu [Okinawa]<br />
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