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The footbridge to Aoshima Island across ridged rock shelves at low tide

Island

Aoshima Island & Shrine

Aoshima is a small island linked to the shore by a footbridge, about 30 minutes south of Miyazaki city. It is covered in a dense subtropical forest of palms, and Aoshima Shrine stands in the middle. At low tide, rows of rock ridges known as the Devil’s Washboard surround the island like ripples frozen in stone.

Why visit

Aoshima is the classic first stop on the Nichinan coast, and it is easy to reach from Miyazaki city. The island’s forest of Chinese fan palms and other subtropical plants is protected as a natural monument, and a stroll across the bridge, through the shrine and around the shore takes about an hour. The setting, with surfers on the beach and the rock ridges stretching out to sea, is unlike anywhere else in Japan.

What to see

  • The Devil’s Washboard: long, parallel ridges of hard sandstone and soft mudstone, worn by the waves into a pattern that really does look like an old washboard. They are best seen at low tide.
  • Aoshima Shrine: a vermilion shrine in the palm forest, linked to the myth of Yamasachihiko, who returned here from the palace of the sea god. People come to pray for a happy marriage.
  • The palm forest: a path through the shrine grounds leads into thick green forest in the middle of the island.
  • Aoshima Beach: a sandy beach beside the island, busy with swimmers in summer and surfers all year.
The long empty sandy beach at Aoshima stretching north along the Pacific
Aoshima Beach, beside the island, is popular with swimmers and surfers.

Getting there

Trains on the JR Nichinan Line run from Miyazaki Station to Aoshima Station in about 30 minutes, and it is a 10-minute walk from the station to the bridge. By car, follow Route 220 south. There are paid car parks near the bridge.

Tips

  • Check the tide times: the Devil’s Washboard is most impressive at low tide.
  • Do not climb on the rock ridges when the waves are high.
  • In summer, come early or late in the day to avoid the heat and the crowds.
  • Carry on south along the coast to Udo Jingu, about 40 minutes by car. See our guide to driving the Nichinan coast.

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