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Kushima

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City
—°3
Kushima (Japan)
ℹ️

Practical info — Kushima

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Maintain a distance of at least 3 meters from the wild Misaki-uma horses at Cape Toi and never feed them.
  • Drive at a maximum speed of 30 km/h on the roads to Cape Toi, as horses have the right of way.
  • Take the ferry to Kojima Island in the morning to increase your chances of seeing monkeys washing sweet potatoes in the sea.
  • Avoid direct eye contact with the monkeys on the island, as they perceive it as a threat.
  • Rent a car for your visit, as local bus services to the cape and coast are infrequent.

🍽 Food

🍽
Miyazaki Wagyu

Try this award-winning beef at specialized yakiniku restaurants in central Kushima.

🍽
Imo (Japanese Sweet Potato)

Enjoy locally grown sweet potatoes, often served as tempura or in traditional sweets.

🍽
Tobiuo (Flying Fish)

Look for freshly caught flying fish served as sashimi or grilled in seafood spots near the harbor.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Roadside Station Kushima

This station provides a great selection of local agricultural products, including fresh citrus and sweet potatoes.

🛍
Horse-themed souvenirs

Find handcrafted wooden figures and memorabilia dedicated to the Misaki-uma at the small shops near Cape Toi.

🧘
Toimisaki Lighthouse

A quiet spot offering spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean; great for watching the sunset.

🧘
Ishinami Coast

A peaceful stretch of beach facing Kojima Island, handy for a relaxing walk away from the crowds.

Kushima is a paradise for nature lovers at the southernmost tip of Miyazaki Prefecture. Its most famous attraction is Cape Toi (Toi-misaki), where Misaki horses, a purebred Japanese wild horse breed, graze freely. The hilly landscape gives panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. Another highlight for beach lovers is Ichirizaki, a popular stretch of coastline known for its clear waters and excellent conditions for surfers. In addition to its untouched nature, Kushima has cultural insights. The shrine at Cape Toi and the historical lighthouse are landmarks of the region. Local gastronomy is enriched by fresh seafood and sweet Kushima sweet potatoes, which thrive in the fertile volcanic soil. Kojima Island, located just offshore, is world-famous for its macaque monkeys, which have learned to wash sweet potatoes in the seawater. Kushima is accessible via the JR Nichinan Line, which provides one of Japan's most scenic train routes along the coast. The journey from Miyazaki takes about two hours. The city is convenient for travelers seeking the authentic, original Japan and unique flora and fauna far from the big cities.

Geography

Population
22,102 (2017)
Coordinates
31.46498, 131.22826

Facts

  • Misaki wild horses
  • Cape Toi Lighthouse
  • Ichirizaki Beach
  • Kojima Island (monkeys)
  • JR Nichinan Line
  • Sub-tropical climate
  • Sweet potato farming
  • Ichirizaki surfing spot

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Kushima (3)

Chuan Jian Shi Wen Hua Hui Guan🎭 culture

A cultural center in Kushima used for theatrical performances and events.

Chuan Jian Shen She⛪ religious

A traditional Shinto shrine in Kushima serving as a local place of worship.

Frequently asked questions

What is the main attraction in Kushima?
Kushima is famous for Cape Toi, where wild Misaki horses roam and graze freely in nature.
How many days should you spend in Kushima?
One to two days are sufficient to visit Cape Toi and enjoy the coastal scenery.
When is the best time to visit Kushima?
Spring and autumn offer mild weather, well-suited for observing the horses outdoors.
Are there local specialties in Kushima?
Try fresh fish from the Hyuga Sea and local sweet potato dishes.
Is Kushima family-friendly?
Yes, children love seeing the wild horses up close in their natural habitat.
Kushima: where is it located?
Kushima is located in Japan.
Kushima: what is there to see?
Highlights include Chuan Jian Shi Wen Hua Hui Guan, Chuan Jian Shen She, Chuan Jian Shi Zong He Yun Dong Gong Yuan.
Kushima: why is it worth visiting?
Kushima is a paradise for nature lovers at the southernmost tip of Miyazaki Prefecture.
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