Top 5 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in Kawaminami Town, Miyazaki Prefecture!

Located about 35 kilometers northeast of Miyazaki City, Kawaminami Town is one of Japan’s three major postwar land development areas, known for being one of the most extensive and successful national development projects in the country. Each winter (from late November to early January), the town lights up with around 250,000 dazzling illuminations in front of the Toronto Dome Plaza, attracting nearly 100,000 visitors from across and outside Miyazaki Prefecture.

Although not yet widely known as a tourist destination, Kawaminami has hidden gems worth discovering. In this article, we’ll introduce 5 recommended tourist attractions you should definitely check out when visiting this unique town!

1. Kawaminami Wetland Plant Community

The Kawaminami Wetland Plant Community was designated as a National Natural Monument in 1974. Covering an area of approximately 33,000 square meters, the wetland features a well-maintained wooden walkway for visitors to explore. Around 300 species of plants thrive in this unique ecosystem.

From spring to summer, the wetland comes alive with colorful blooms. During this season, you can also spot the Hachōtombo, Japan’s smallest dragonfly, fluttering around. The area is also home to many rare and endangered plant species, including the critically endangered Hyūga Hoshikusa, which can only be found here in the world. This makes it a highly recommended destination for anyone interested in plants and biodiversity.

2. Ikurahama Nature Park

Ikurahama Nature Park is a town-operated seaside park spanning approximately 3 hectares. It offers excellent accessibility—just about a 5-minute walk from Kawaminami Station—and features a 2-kilometer walking trail, rest areas, clean toilets, and parking for 50 vehicles.

The nearby coastline is famous among surfers nationwide, making it a popular surfing destination. During peak season, many surf enthusiasts even stay overnight in their vehicles to enjoy the waves day after day.

Camping at the park is free of charge, and the water facilities are well-maintained, providing peace of mind for visitors. From a nearby hill, you can enjoy stunning views of the sunrise and sunset. The panoramic view of the ocean is truly breathtaking.

3. Kawanami Kofun Group (National Historic Site)

The Kawanami Kofun Group, officially designated as a National Historic Site, is a collection of ancient burial mounds located on the Kokomitsu Plateau in the Nishibeppu area of Miyazaki Prefecture. Spread across approximately 0.5 square kilometers at an elevation of about 60 meters, this site features 24 keyhole-shaped tumuli (zenpō-kōen-fun) constructed over a span of nearly 300 years—from the 4th to the 6th century. These massive ancient structures have stood the test of time and continue to impress visitors with their scale and historical significance.

The largest of these is Mound No. 39, which measures an impressive 110 meters and marks the earliest appearance in the area. Subsequent mounds become progressively smaller. Interestingly, there are even more burial mounds located a short distance away, scattered among tea fields—including both keyhole-shaped and round mounds.

One particularly notable feature is a large mound known as the “Mirror-Shaped Mound,” which exhibits a unique tumulus shape found only in Eastern Kyushu. Visit the Kawanami Kofun Group to step back in time and experience the deep history and cultural heritage of ancient Japan.

4. Kiribaru Dam

Kiribaru Dam was completed in 2012 with the primary purpose of securing irrigation water for farmland. This modern dam stands 61.3 meters tall, stretches 227 meters in length, and has an effective storage capacity of 1.9 million cubic meters. Being relatively new—completed just a few years ago—it remains a clean and well-maintained structure.

From the dam site, visitors can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the Hyūga-nada Sea beyond the mountains. The scenery from here is truly stunning. This is a must-visit spot for anyone who appreciates massive man-made structures like dams.

5. Sōrinbara Memorial Tower

The Sōrinbara Memorial Tower, affectionately known as the “Kankan Buddha”, was built in 1585 by Yamada Shinsuke Arinobu, a military commander of the Shimazu army and lord of Takajo Castle. This sacred memorial honors those who lost their lives in the fierce Battle of Takajo in 1578—a pivotal clash between the Shimazu clan of Satsuma (Kagoshima) and the Otomo clan of Bungo (Oita) during the struggle for dominance in Kyushu.

Standing at 3.5 meters tall, the tower is partially carved into a 24-meter square burial mound, though it was originally believed to have stood on the southern side of the mound.

Every year on November 12, the Sōrinbara Memorial Festival is held to pay tribute to the fallen. If you're visiting Kawaminami Town in Miyazaki Prefecture, consider making a meaningful stop at this historic site.

◎ Summary

Kawaminami Town, rich in nature, is a charming destination you can enjoy any time of the year. From the lively seaside areas bustling with surfers and young travelers during the summer season, to the peaceful mountain retreats just a short distance away—Kawaminami offers a wide range of experiences even within the same season. In addition to the attractions introduced here, there are still many must-visit spots waiting to be discovered. If you're looking for a destination that offers a refreshing alternative to city travel, Kawaminami Town—overflowing with natural beauty—is highly recommended. Be sure to visit and enjoy its scenic nature, delicious local food, and memorable sightseeing experiences.

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Top 5 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in Kawaminami Town, Miyazaki Prefecture!