Nichinan Coastal Scenic Route & Palm Promenades, Nichinan, Miyazaki

Nichinan Coast Scenic Highway & Sun Messe Moai Panorama, Nichinan City, Miyazaki. Meandering alongside dramatic rocky headlands and azure ocean waters, the Nichinan Coast is the crown jewel of southern Kyushu's coastal touring. Lined with swaying Phoenix palm trees and unusual "Demon's Washboard" wave-cut rock formations, the route leads to sacred Udo Shrine built inside a seaside cliff cavern and Sun Messe Nichinan's towering Moai statues. Visitors queue for Obi-ten fried fish cakes at Obi Castle town, grilled Ise lobster at Iso Ryori Daimaru, and fluffy Atsuyaki-tamago. ✦ Must-Visit Highlights: ▸ Cliffside Cave Shrine (Udo Jingu): Throw lucky fortune stones into sacred turtles carved into ocean-beaten cliff caverns. ▸ Giant Pacific Moai Statues: Photograph seven towering Easter Island replica Moai statues standing against the turquoise sea. ▸ Golden Obi-ten Fish Cakes: Savor sweet, fluffy deep-fried fish cakes kneaded with tofu and brown sugar in historic Obi.