Trip to Aoshima

Aoshima sits at the southern edge of Miyazaki City — not in Nichinan, though it
is where the Nichinan coast road begins, so the two are usually visited together.
It is about 15 km from the city centre, and easy to reach on the JR Nichinan line.
The island is covered with subtropical trees and plants, including palms said to
be over 300 years old.

The island’s plant community is designated a Special Natural Monument, the “Aoshima Subtropical Plant Community” - a natural-heritage designation, not to be confused with National Treasure status, which covers cultural property. This designation is a testament to the island’s unique and fragile ecosystem, which is home to many rare and endangered species.

One of the highlights of Aoshima is the Aoshima Shrine, located in the center of the island. This beautiful shrine is surrounded by lush greenery and is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life.

The other thing everyone photographs is the shoreline: rank after rank of parallel
rock ridges running out into the sea, called the Devil’s Washboard (oni no
sentakuita). They are tilted beds of sandstone and mudstone, laid down on the
sea floor and later pushed up at an angle. The softer mudstone wears away faster
than the sandstone, and what is left is the ribbed, scrubbing-board surface. It
is best seen at low tide, when you can walk out onto it.

Overall, Aoshima is a truly special place that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in nature, history, or just want to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery, Aoshima is well worth the trip.