Aoshima Island

Kyūshū

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The first thing you'll notice as you cross the Yayoibashi bridge (120m) to the island of Aoshima is the unique geological feature surrounding it. Called the devil's washboard (oni no sentaku-ita; 鬼の洗濯板), the rows of rock formations look just like a washboard of centuries ago. They're best viewed at low tide. An estimated 200 plant and animal species (including some 5000 biro palm trees, up to 350 years old) can be found within the island's 1.6km circumference.

Besides its natural beauty, the island boasts the photogenic Shintō shrine Aoshima-jinja, reputedly good for matchmaking, and the Legend of Hyūga Hall, which relates myths of the origins of Japan.

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

  • Udo-jingū

    Udo-jingū

    10.67 MILES

    Reached via a coastal path, this brightly painted Shintō shrine occupies an open cavern overlooking unusual rock formations in the cove below. In 2017 the…

  • Obi-jō

    Obi-jō

    14.21 MILES

    Only the seriously imposing walls of the original Obi-jō are intact, but the grounds and surrounding area host several important buildings, including the…

  • Heiwadai-kōen

    Heiwadai-kōen

    10.56 MILES

    The park's centrepiece is the 37m-high Peace Tower monument constructed in 1940, a time when peace in Japan was about to disappear. Its timeless design…

  • Aoshima-jinja

    Aoshima-jinja

    0.06 MILES

    This colourful, photogenic shrine on the island of Aoshima is a favourite of visitors seeking luck in love. To the right of the main shrine, a path lined…

  • Kō-jima

    Kō-jima

    24.92 MILES

    Just off the coast from Ishinami-kaigan, the tiny island of Kō-jima is home to a group of monkeys that apparently rinse their food in the ocean before…

  • Kaeda Gorge

    Kaeda Gorge

    1.98 MILES

    West of town, an 8km-long, well-maintained hiking path winds through this forested gorge following the Kaeda-gawa, a refreshingly clear stream filled with…

  • Miyazaki-jingū

    Miyazaki-jingū

    9.68 MILES

    This shrine honours Emperor Jimmu, the semi-mythical first emperor of Japan and founder of the Yamato court. Spectacular centuries-old wisteria vines…

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Nearby Kyūshū attractions

1. Aoshima-jinja

0.06 MILES

This colourful, photogenic shrine on the island of Aoshima is a favourite of visitors seeking luck in love. To the right of the main shrine, a path lined…

2. Legend of Hyūga Hall

0.07 MILES

At Aoshima-jinja, this museum tells the story of sun goddess Amaterasu, Emperor Jimmu and the founding of Japan in wax-museum-style dioramas with English…

4. Kaeda Gorge

1.98 MILES

West of town, an 8km-long, well-maintained hiking path winds through this forested gorge following the Kaeda-gawa, a refreshingly clear stream filled with…

6. Miyazaki Science Centre

7.96 MILES

Steps away from Miyazaki Station, this family-friendly interactive science museum boasts one of the world's largest planetariums; some exhibits include…

7. Miyazaki-jingū

9.68 MILES

This shrine honours Emperor Jimmu, the semi-mythical first emperor of Japan and founder of the Yamato court. Spectacular centuries-old wisteria vines…

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