About Cape Hyuga

Cape Hyuga

Cape Hyuga is a part of the Nippo Coast Quasi-National Park, which extends from the Saganoseki Peninsula in northeast Kyushu to the Mimitsu Coast in southeast Kyushu. This natural park is made up of variously sized islands that have conformed into one.

At the southernmost point of the park, you can find Cape Hyuga. The cape is 5 kilometers long, and the rocks are formed in a columnar joint shape. The ria coast line is rocky and jagged and faces the Pacific Ocean. Within the Cape, there are many attractions, such as Sea-Cruz, Umagase, Hososhima Lighthouse, Isegahama Beach, and Cape Hyuga Green Park. The roadway that connects all these attractions has been used in commercials, and is perfect for those want to enjoy a nice bike ride along the coast with the best view of the Pacific Ocean.

Created 15 million years ago

The columnar joint rocks were created 15 million years ago due to a volcanic eruption. The lava flowed onto the coast, and the vertical cracks formed as the lava was cooling. Because of the unusual columnar joint formation, this cape was chosen as a National Natural Monument in February of 2018.

One area of the rocks measures 70 meters high, and is considered one of the tallest columnar joint formations in Japan. You can see the rocky cliffs from an observatory.

Introduction to the Sights to See at Cape Hyuga!

We will introduce 4 tourist spots on the cape.

“Sea-Cruz Where Wishes Come True”

Sea-Cruz

The “Sea-Cruz Where Wishes Come True” is one of the most popular sights at Cape Hyuga. There is a legend that visiting this spot will make your wishes come true.

“Cruz” comes from the Portuguese word for “cross”, and it is named so because of the shape of the rocks that form a cross in the sea. There is also a small rocky area next to the cross. From above, the rocks and the cross resemble the Chinese character “叶”, which means to come true or to be fulfilled.

Bell of Cruz

At the observatory, you can find the Bell of Cruz that can help you make your wishes come true. Why not try wishing for something important to you at the observatory?

Umagase

Umagase is the area on Cape Hyuga where the rocks are protruding out into the sea. It was named after the Chinese character for “horse” because the rocks have a brownish color to them. The rocks here measure up to 70 meters high, 10 meters wide and 200 meters deep. You can enjoy a relaxing stroll to the top on about a 10-minute walk from the parking lot.
At the tip of Umagase is an observatory space. From here, you can get a view of the Pacific Ocean. Watch your feet, since the observatory area gets rocky and narrow.

Hosojima Lighthouse

Hosojima Lighthouse

The Hosojima Lighthouse locates a bit in front of Umagase. The lighthouse is 11 meters tall, but the height of the light is about 101 meters high!
It was built in 1910 to help ships navigate through the Sea of Hyuga. Around the lighthouse is a park, so on a sunny day you can head on out for a picnic with an amazing view.

Isegahama Beach

Isegahama Beach locates by the beginning of Cape Hyuga. The waters of the ocean are extremely translucent. The beach was selected as one of the one hundred best beaches in Japan by the Ministry of Tourism. Along with a parking lot, rest rooms, dressing rooms, showers, and toilets are all available for use in the beach house.

The beach is surrounded by rocks, and creates the perfect waves for surfing. Also, the sand area spreads out to about 300 meters and has a shallow bottom, so families with small children can enjoy as well. Throughout the year, Isegahama Beach is a popular spot for surfers, couples, and families.

Access

Nearest station: Mihokogaura-koen 御鉾ヶ浦公園 (Bus stop)

From Miyazaki Station

【Miyazaki Sta.】JR Nippo Main Line / for Nobeoka
→【Nobeoka Sta.】Miyakoh Local Bus / for Miyanoue
→【Mihokogaura-koen Bus Stop】→ about a 10-minute walk

From Miyazaki Airport

【Miyazaki Airport Sta.】JR Miyazaki Airport Line / for Nobeoka
→【Nobeoka Sta.】Miyakoh Local Bus / for Miyanoue
→【Mihokogaura-koen Bus Stop】→ about a 10-minute walk

Explore Cape Hyuga on a bicycle!

Touring the Cape Hyuga area on a bicycle is a smart way to get to all the spots. You can rent our a bicycle at Hyuga Station. Busses are an option too, but they run very infrequently and the routes are limited, so you will not be able to enjoy the attractions at your own pace.

By walk, from the Sea of Cruz to Umagase is about a 30-minute walk, so a bicycle would make the journey a bit easier. The area is a bit hilly, but biking with the ocean breeze is sure to feel amazing. You can rent the bicycles at the Tourism Associations Office near Hyuga Station.

〈Bicycle rental info〉
・ Where: Hyuga City Tourism Incorporated-Association
　　(right by Hyuga Station)
・ Time: 9:00a.m. – 5:30p.m.
　　(cannot rent bicycles for over a day)
・ Fees:
　　- Less than 3 hours: ¥300
　　- More than 3 hours: ¥600

Surroundings Information