Obi Castle Town

Obi Castle Town is a historic district that flourished for about 280 years from the Edo period through the early Meiji era as the castle town of the Obi Domain. Samurai residences and merchant buildings from that era remain, preserved so visitors can feel the town’s atmosphere and history. Often called the “Little Kyoto of Kyushu,” Obi has scattered attractions. A recommended walking route is: the symbol “Obi Castle Otemon Gate” → “Obi Castle History Museum,” which covers the domain’s history → try shihanteki (traditional archery target practice) → enjoy local street foods while watching carp swim in the waterways. Fun shops such as soy sauce brewers and tea houses line the streets. 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.