Kanegahama

Mimitsu was a major trade port until partway through the Meiji Period. Many of these Edo and Meiji era buildings are still standing and have been restored. It is designated as an "important preservation district for groups of historic buildings" by the Japanese Government. The traditional atmosphere and cute shops make this a wonderful side trip.

Okuragahama is also among Japan's 100 top beaches according to the Ministry of the Environment. It is almost 4 km (2.4 miles), long. It is a beautiful white sand beach and the home of several surfing competitions every year. Okuragahama is the only place in Japan that has Suwabute Clams, used to make Hyuga's famous Go stones.

This museum used to be the home of a wealthy merchant during the Edo Period. It does a good job showing life in the Edo Period, but has little in the way of English explainations.

A small but spectacular shrine perched on some rocks right at the edge of the ocean. The design is very similar to the Great Shrine of Ise, earning Omi Shrine the nickname, the Ise of Miyazaki. This shrine is just next to Isegahama, an easy walk. Omi Shrine is most noted for the saza-ishi (a huge boulder made of naturally fused stones), a dragon egg (huge round stone), and the nearby which contains a smaller shrine. Locals say if you stand in the right spot and look at the slit of the cave entrance, you can see a dragon. The stairs leading down to the cave are really steep. Heels and skirts are not recommended.

Isegahama was selected by the Japanese Ministry of the Environment as one of the top 100 swimming beaches in Japan. It is, however open to the ocean, thus gets both waves and riptides. There is a lifeguard stationed here during the summer.

The parking lot offers a great view of Hyuga and the surrounding area. Then, for a view of Cape Hyuga, follow the path to the 2-story concrete building and climb to the top. The building has seen better days, but the view it offers is fantastic.