Kobayashi City, Miyazaki Prefecture (North Kirishima Area)
Another option for visitors to southern Kyushu is a stay in Kobayashi City. Located southwest of Miyazaki City in the Kyushu highlands, Kobayashi is a wonderful place to relax and fall into rhythm with the seasonal cycles of Japanese rural life.
The town and the surrounding area are well known for grapes and pears, and in late summer many of the orchards offer visitors the chance to pick their own fruit at the very peak of ripeness, to be eaten on the spot or brought back to the inn or hotel.
Nature lovers are in luck here as well. Near the city, the Iwase River has carved the stunning Sannomiya Gorge into the mountains. A one kilometer walking path carries you through a series of old tunnels and along the river, past cliff faces, booming waterfalls and stones twisted into a fantastic variety of shapes. Another popular local sight is the Inyoseki Shrine, which enshrines the particularly evocative Inyoseki rock formation. Also called the Fuufuseki, or Couple Rock, the formation includes the 17.5 meter Male Stone rising rampant in the air directly next to the deeply cleft face of the Female Stone. Legend holds that the formation marks the spot where a dragon descended to earth and fell hopelessly in love with a human woman. True or not, the rocks are definitely worth a photograph.
The nearby Kirishima Mountains are favorites with hikers and hot spring enthusiasts. The mountains are volcanically active, and a number of trails will carry you close to steaming volcanic vents, always a dramatic sight. The same volcanic activity means that the area boasts several excellent hot springs. Among the best of these is the Shiratori Hot Spring in Ebino City, near Kobayashi. Here, bathers can luxuriate year round in beautiful outdoor mineral baths heated deep in the mountains. The bath is accentuated perfectly by the spectacular mountain views laid out in every direction.
As in Saito City, some of the local farmers have opened their homes to travelers. You’ll join the family for meals, friendly conversation and an interesting close-up look at farm life in action. If you’re interested in such accommodations, check in with the city’s Tourism Association before your arrival.
The town and the surrounding area are well known for grapes and pears, and in late summer many of the orchards offer visitors the chance to pick their own fruit at the very peak of ripeness, to be eaten on the spot or brought back to the inn or hotel.
Nature lovers are in luck here as well. Near the city, the Iwase River has carved the stunning Sannomiya Gorge into the mountains. A one kilometer walking path carries you through a series of old tunnels and along the river, past cliff faces, booming waterfalls and stones twisted into a fantastic variety of shapes. Another popular local sight is the Inyoseki Shrine, which enshrines the particularly evocative Inyoseki rock formation. Also called the Fuufuseki, or Couple Rock, the formation includes the 17.5 meter Male Stone rising rampant in the air directly next to the deeply cleft face of the Female Stone. Legend holds that the formation marks the spot where a dragon descended to earth and fell hopelessly in love with a human woman. True or not, the rocks are definitely worth a photograph.
The nearby Kirishima Mountains are favorites with hikers and hot spring enthusiasts. The mountains are volcanically active, and a number of trails will carry you close to steaming volcanic vents, always a dramatic sight. The same volcanic activity means that the area boasts several excellent hot springs. Among the best of these is the Shiratori Hot Spring in Ebino City, near Kobayashi. Here, bathers can luxuriate year round in beautiful outdoor mineral baths heated deep in the mountains. The bath is accentuated perfectly by the spectacular mountain views laid out in every direction.
As in Saito City, some of the local farmers have opened their homes to travelers. You’ll join the family for meals, friendly conversation and an interesting close-up look at farm life in action. If you’re interested in such accommodations, check in with the city’s Tourism Association before your arrival.
Miyazaki Airport===(20 min. by bus)===Miyazaki City===(1hour 20 min. by bus)===Kobayashi Bus Center
Miyazaki IC===(1 hour via Expressway)===Kobayashi IC
Miyazaki IC===(1 hour via Expressway)===Kobayashi IC
Kobayashi City (English)
http://www.city.kobayashi.lg.jp/index.jsp
Ebino City (Enlgish)
http://www.city.ebino.lg.jp/english/index.html
Miyazaki Prefecture (English, Korean, French, Spanish, Chinese)
http://www.kanko-miyazaki.jp/Language/english/index.htm
http://www.city.kobayashi.lg.jp/index.jsp
Ebino City (Enlgish)
http://www.city.ebino.lg.jp/english/index.html
Miyazaki Prefecture (English, Korean, French, Spanish, Chinese)
http://www.kanko-miyazaki.jp/Language/english/index.htm
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