Things To Do
in Kushima
Kushima is a coastal city on the Nichinan Coast of Miyazaki Prefecture, known for dramatic seaside cliffs, fishing villages and the wild horses of Cape Toi. The town combines quiet local life, fresh seafood markets and scenic drives along the Pacific shoreline. Visitors come for outdoor activities — beaches, coastal hikes and boat trips — and for an authentic, low‑tourist slice of rural Kyushu.
Kushima is best explored by car or bike, with small inns, izakayas and friendly local hospitality rounding out the experience.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a stroll along the picturesque Kushima coastline, where you can enjoy the serene views of the ocean and the gentle waves. The morning air is fresh, and the soft sounds of nature will invigorate your senses. Don't forget to stop by a local café for a traditional Japanese breakfast to fuel your adventure.
After exploring the coastline, make your way to Kushima's lush green hills for a hiking excursion. Discover beautiful trails that lead you to stunning vistas, where you can take in the breathtaking scenery of the surrounding landscape. Be sure to pack a picnic to enjoy amid the tranquil beauty of nature.
As the sun sets, head to a quaint seaside restaurant to savor fresh seafood and local delicacies. The ambiance is cozy, providing an ideal backdrop for reflection on the day's adventures. After dinner, take a leisurely walk along the beach, where the moonlight dances on the water, creating a magical atmosphere.
Begin your day by visiting the Kushima Shrine, a sacred site rich in history and spirituality. The peaceful environment and exquisite architecture set the tone for a day of cultural exploration. Spend time walking around the shrine grounds and witnessing the rituals performed by the locals.
Join a traditional pottery workshop in the heart of Kushima, where you can learn the art of crafting ceramics from skilled artisans. This hands-on experience not only allows you to unleash your creativity but also gives you insight into Japan's rich cultural heritage. You will leave with a unique souvenir that embodies your journey.
Complete your day with a visit to a local izakaya, where you can try various small dishes accompanied by refreshing sake. The lively atmosphere is perfect for meeting locals and fellow travelers alike, fostering a sense of community. Share stories and laughter, making the evening memorable.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $7-12 |
| ☕Coffee (cafe) | $3-5 |
| 🚖Short taxi ride (start/2–3 km) | $5-10 |
| 🏨Midrange hotel (per night) | $60-120 |
| 🎟️Local attraction/museum entry | $2-8 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Spectacular coastal scenery and photographic viewpoints
- Fresh local seafood and authentic, low‑tourist experiences
- Peaceful, slow pace ideal for relaxation and nature
- Easy access to Cape Toi and unique wildlife viewing
- Limited public transport — a car makes exploration far easier
- Fewer English services and signage than major tourist hubs
- Seasonal weather risks (typhoons, heavy rain) in summer/autumn
- Limited nightlife and evening dining options compared with cities
- "こんにちは (Konnichiwa)" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "ありがとうございます (Arigatou gozaimasu)" - Thank you (polite)
- "すみません (Sumimasen)" - Excuse me / Sorry / Thank you (to get attention)
- "英語を話せますか？ (Eigo o hanasemasu ka?)" - Do you speak English?
- "これは大丈夫ですか？ (Kore wa daijoubu desu ka?)" - Is this okay? / Is this safe?
- "海は危ないですか？ (Umi wa abunai desu ka?)" - Is the sea dangerous?
Places to Visit in Kushima
Visit one of these nice places.
A rugged cape with ocean vistas and the famous grazing semi‑wild horses; dramatic at sunrise and sunset with long coastal lines.
Cliffs, rock formations and clear tide pools make this stretch ideal for wide‑angle and detail photography of geology and sea textures.
Morning market scenes, colorful boats and seafood stalls offer lively street and food photography opportunities.
Quiet rural lanes, traditional houses and seasonal rice paddies provide classic rural Japanese landscapes, especially in golden hour light.
Small coastal shrines with torii against the sea, and mossy temple grounds, are peaceful subjects for cultural shots.
Food in Kushima
Kushima Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A bowl (kaisendon) or plate of locally caught sashimi — look for markets and harbor eateries that serve catch‑of‑the‑day rice bowls.
Must-Try!
Crispy fried chicken with a sweet‑tangy vinegar sauce and tartar — common across Miyazaki and found in local restaurants.
Whole or filleted local fish simply salted and grilled; easy to find at izakayas and seafood restaurants.
When in season (late spring–summer), try desserts or shaved ice topped with famed Miyazaki mango.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small markets by the port sell fresh fish, prepared seafood bowls and occasional takeaway snacks; ideal for breakfast sashimi or a quick seafood lunch.
During local festivals you’ll find yakitori, takoyaki and simple grilled seafood from street vendors — check local event calendars.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Bowing, polite language and a friendly 'arigatou gozaimasu' (thank you) are appreciated. A brief, respectful bow suffices in most casual encounters.
Remove shoes when entering homes, some ryokan, temples and older establishments; look for shoe racks or slippers. Keep voices low in public spaces and on trains.
Always ask before photographing people, especially inside small businesses or private property; be respectful at shrines and during ceremonies.
Take your trash with you where bins are scarce; respect protected areas and do not feed or approach wildlife (including the Cape Toi horses).
Safety
Tipping in Kushima
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Japan and can even cause confusion; exceptional service is best acknowledged with a polite thank you. Small gifts or handwritten notes are more meaningful than cash tips.
Cash (Japanese yen) remains king in rural Kushima — bring enough for markets, small restaurants and buses. Credit cards are accepted at some hotels and larger restaurants, but many local shops are cash‑only. ATMs at 7‑Eleven and post offices commonly accept international cards; IC transit cards (Suica/Pasmo) may have limited use in very rural areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
March–May brings mild temperatures and cherry blossoms in late March–April; a pleasant time for coastal walks. Spring festivals and fresh seafood make it lively; pack a light jacket for cool mornings.
June–August is hot and humid with a rainy season in early summer and potential typhoons late summer. Beaches and water activities are at their best, but check weather and surf conditions before heading out.
September–November offers comfortable temperatures, clearer skies and autumn foliage inland; late typhoons are still possible in early autumn. A great season for hiking, photography and seafood.
December–February is mild compared with northern Japan but can be cool and breezy; crowds are thin and accommodation prices lower. Expect temperatures around single digits to low teens (°C) and bring a warm coat for evenings.
Kushima at Night
Hiking in Kushima
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short trails around the cape provide sweeping ocean views, close encounters with grazing horses and several lookout points — suitable for most fitness levels.
Coastal paths along rugged cliffs and beaches featuring dramatic rock formations and tide pools; ideal for photographers and nature walkers.
Gentle rural walks through farmland and small villages offer insight into local life and seasonal landscapes, pleasant in spring and autumn.
Airports
How to reach Kushima by plane.
The closest major airport serving Miyazaki Prefecture with domestic flights and some seasonal routes; roughly 1.5–2 hours' drive from Kushima depending on route. From the airport you can rent a car, use express buses or take trains toward the Nichinan Coast.
A larger regional airport across the Satsuma peninsula offering domestic connections; about 2–3 hours by car from Kushima. It’s an option if flights or routes to Miyazaki are limited.
Fukuoka Airport and other Kyushu hubs are further away (several hours by train or car) and useful when combining a broader Kyushu trip; consider rail or highway connections for onward travel.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Longstanding local families engaged in fishing, agriculture and small businesses form the backbone of Kushima’s culture and economy.
Like many rural Japanese towns, Kushima has a higher proportion of older residents, with young people tending to move to larger cities for work.
Visitors tend to be domestic travelers, outdoor enthusiasts and photographers looking for scenic coastal experiences rather than mass tourism.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Baseball is hugely popular across Japan and local amateur and school teams draw community support and weekend crowds.
Recreational fishing and coastal water sports are common along the Nichinan Coast; local anglers and surfers take advantage of the varied beaches and coves.
Soccer is widely played at school and community levels, with local clubs and youth programs active in the area.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Kushima.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are limited in small coastal towns but available at some cafes and larger restaurants; ask for vegetable tempura, rice and pickles. Learn key phrases (e.g., 'watashi wa bejitarian desu') and carry a translated card explaining dietary restrictions to show staff.
Vegan and strict gluten‑free choices are sparse; supermarkets have fruit, rice and packaged snacks. For serious restrictions, plan ahead, bring snacks, and choose larger restaurants or hotels in Miyazaki city where special requests are easier to accommodate.
Seafood is central to local cuisine — always mention allergies clearly in Japanese ('kako no arerugi ga arimasu') and confirm dishes are safe.