WATER TAXI CRUISE

We boarded the subway and headed to our first destination - the renowned Tsukiji Outer Market. It is said to be the largest market in the world for fish, fruits, and vegetables. Walking among the bustling crowds, we soaked up the unique atmosphere of this market. Visitors will probably be happily surprised by the dizzying array of fish, fruits and vegetables, as well as the virtually infinite range of sweets and tea on sale there.

After that, we walked to the Hama-rikyu Gardens. A large pond and quaint little teahouse standing right in the middle of the gardens welcomed us warmly. As we savored the tea, we enjoyed the views of the gardens from this wonderful teahouse. Staff from the teahouse also provided us with little pieces of Japanese sweets that go well with matcha (powdered tea), and explained to us about the history of the gardens. We were really surprised to find such a quiet spot right in the heart of Tokyo.

Within walking range from Hama-rikyu Gardens is the Restaurant HIBIKI, located on the 46th floor of the skyscraper Caretta Shiodome. The sashimi (raw fish) that we ordered was very fresh, and we just kept going until we had finished all of it. The excellent views from the restaurant as well as the top-quality cuisine it offers make it a wonderful place to dine. What makes it even more wonderful is the fact that the friendly staff maintain their excellent postures and attitudes at all times.

We boarded the water bus cruise. Partly because the winds were not too strong that day, we did not feel the boat rocking on the waves at all. From the boat, we caught the view of the sun setting beyond Rainbow Bridge. The skyscrapers moving by alongside the flowing river also created a wonderful picture.

We arrived at the lively and bustling Odaiba. Looking at it with fresh eyes from the pier, it became clear to us that the bridge had earned the name Rainbow Bridge because of how it shines in myriad colors. After strolling around in the commercial facilities that Odaiba is well-known for, we found ourselves standing in front of a large replica of the robot character, Gundam. This replica would be lit up at certain fixed times, and music from the Gundam anime would play alongside with the illumination at these times.

The check-in process for our JAL flight was smooth, and the staff was very friendly. At the airport, I bought a delicious bento lunchbox and a bottle of water for breakfast. The JAL flight was punctual and comfortable, and the flight attendants brought us as many drinks as we wanted while I ate the breakfast I had bought at the airport. During the flight,we can see the Japanese Alps on our right, and the Japanese coastline on our left.

The restaurant TAKACHIHOYA, which opened only this year, has a contemporary interior, and offers top-class Japanese cuisine using locally-sourced ingredients such as spinach, fruits, and fish. The wonderful atmosphere enhanced the flavors of the dishes. Diners here can ask for second helpings of rice for free.
We were especially charmed by the chairs used in the restaurant, which are made from tatami straw.

We arrived at Takachiho Gorge, and got into a boat. To keep the cameras from becoming wet, we had to constantly keep watch to avoid going near the waterfall. This is a sightseeing spot that has truly earned its title as a scenic spot of Miyazaki; the waterfall and rocks, as well as the river flowing between the rocks, made for a truly breathtaking sight! We stayed on the boat for a while, taking in the majestic views of nature.

We made a trip to Amanoiwato Shrine, famous for the legend of the goddess of the sun. The grotto itself was located behind the shrine and not open to visitors, but we were able to enter Amanoyasugawara, where visitors offer up their prayers to the gods. This place is characterized by its numerous stacks of rocks and the torii (gate leading to the entrance of the shrine). These stacks of rocks were built by visitors, and each stack represents a wish made by a visitor. We also made our wish as we built our own stack of rocks. Photo-taking is not permitted at some areas at the back of the shrine, but it is fine to take pictures of the torii and the rock stacks.

In the evening, we went to the famous Takachiho beef restaurant Nagomi, highly rated for its delicious steak. The dining room was very comfortable, and we wanted to stay there forever. The quality meat and locally-sourced vegetables melted on our tongues, and we were lost for words at the indescribable sense of bliss that enveloped us.

We visited Takachiho Shrine to watch a dance performance known as Kagura, which takes place at the shrine from 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. every evening. Kagura is a style of traditional dance that is closely linked to Japanese history and Shinto myths. Among the dances that we watched at Takachiho Shrine, there was one that told the story of Amaterasu and how she hid in the grotto. We were enchanted with the live performance and dancers, making the evening an unforgettable memory for us. Kagura may be very traditional, but it also has a pleasant and sensual aspect to it.

The next morning, we headed to Cape Hyuga with its impressive views of precipitous cliffs and beautiful coastlines. Although there is a path leading to the cliff walls, it is fortunately blocked up by a fence, so we did not have to go through any terrifying experiences. We explored the surroundings, and were so enraptured by the views that we were reluctant to leave. Along the coast, we also saw a rock carved out into the shape of a cross (Sea-cruz). It is said that this rock formation had been created through erosion by the waves.

Aoshima, where Aoshima Shrine is located, is connected to the Kyushu mainland by a long bridge. It also has white sandy beaches, and an attractive jungle in the center of the island. Many couples visit this island because the shrine is said to fulfill their wishes. For the same reason, one can find many lucky charms for couples on sale here. A rock formation known as the Ogre's Washboard is visible from the side of the bridge. Its name comes from its appearance, which bears a close resemblance to a washboard.

We were given a tour of Obi Castle by the guide from the castle. Obi Castle is said to have been built by around the mid-15th century. With the exception of one gate, little remains of the original building and external walls from the time it was built. An Obi cedar stands in the place where the main building used to be (ruins of the former inner citadel). Visitors can see armors and other items of historical interest at the Obi Castle History Museum and former samurai residence.

We stayed at Nango Prince Hotel that night, and it was one of our favorites on this trip. We enjoyed breathtaking views of the sea from our bedroom and the accompanying bathroom.

Cape Toi is famous for the wild horses that run around freely. According to the guard at the park, more than 100 wild horses live on the cape, and roam around the vast grounds in spring.

Udojingu Shrine is dedicated to the father of the Emperor Jimmu, regarded as the first emperor of Japan. The brilliantly colored shrine is located inside a cave, giving it a very unique atmosphere. According to an old legend, the father of the first emperor, Emperor Jimmu, was raised with water dripping from a rock shaped like a breast in the cave, and candy made from this water. Water continues to drip gently from that rock even to the present day. This shrine is said to grant blessings and good fortune to worshippers praying for conception, pregnancy, safe delivery, and childrearing.

This tour, which took us to Tokyo and Miyazaki, was a very interesting and wonderful trip for us. In Tokyo, we experienced the lively atmosphere of the market, and were excited by the views of the sunset that we saw from the boat. Shopping at the bustling Odaiba and the delicious sashimi cuisine at Restaurant HIBIKI rounded off our day to perfection. On the other hand, in Miyazaki, we set our eyes on the particularly beautiful Udojingu Shrine, and encountered superb cuisine at each restaurant. Aoshima, with its red shrine, as well as the collection of stacked rocks, also left a deep impression on us.
It was precisely this stark contrast between the mega city and the cozy streets of Miyazaki that made this tour an unforgettable one. If you want to enjoy Japan away from the hordes of tourists, we would definitely recommend that you explore Japan via this route.