Cape Toimisaki

Cape Toi is the southernmost cape in Miyazaki Prefecture and is famous for being home to wild horses. The horses living here are designated a Natural Monument and are called “Misaki-uma.” Their wild history is long: they are said to descend from horses that were pastured here by the Akizuki family of the Takanabe Domain during the Edo period, and today around 120 horses live in the area. They look powerful and impressive, but be careful not to approach them too closely. Cape Toi also has a lighthouse that you can enter and climb (paid). On clear days, the white lighthouse against the blue sea makes an excellent photo spot. Near the sea, there is also Misaki Shrine standing close to dramatic cliffs. Access: by car, from Miyazaki Expressway “Miyazaki IC,” head to the Nichinan Coast and drive south on Route 220 for about 85 km (about 2 hours). Along the way, you can stop at sights like Aoshima and Udo Shrine, and it’s recommended to take breaks at roadside stations and drive-ins. By public transportation, from JR Nichinan Line “Kushima Station,” take the community bus “Yoka Bus” on the “Cape Toi Line.” It runs 4 times/day on weekdays and 5 times/day on weekends, about one bus every two hours.