Obi Castle Ruins

Obi Castle Ruins (Obi-jo Ato) was the core of the Obi Domain and prospered for about 280 years from the Edo period through the early Meiji era. The remaining stone walls and white plaster walls beautifully convey the atmosphere of the time, and the reconstructed main gate (Otemon) and the former lord’s residence are also impressive and well worth seeing. Within the grounds, four large Obi cedar trees known as the “Shiawase Sugi” (Happiness Cedars) are a famous power spot not to be missed. It’s recommended to visit together with the “Obi Castle History Museum,” which houses the history of the Obi Domain in depth. Access: by public transportation, take the JR Nichinan Line rapid “Nichinan Marine” (bound for Shibushi) from JR Miyazaki Station or Miyakoh City; travel time about 1 hour 9 minutes, get off at Obi Station. From Miyazaki Airport, about 1 hour by rental car, or about 80 minutes by bus. Alternatively, from JR Miyazaki Airport Station, ride the Miyazaki Airport Line (Miyazaki-bound) 3 minutes to JR Tano-yoshi Station, then transfer to the JR Nichinan Line rapid “Nichinan Marine” (bound for Shibushi), about 1 hour. By car, exit at Miyazaki Expressway “Tano IC” and take prefectural roads, or exit at “Miyazaki IC” and follow Route 220 toward the Nichinan Coast.