🌊 Where the Earth Curves and the Cliffs Stun: Discovering Umagase in Hyuga, Miyazaki

📍 Umagase, Hyuga City, Miyazaki Prefecture
🌐 Official Site (Hyuga Tourism)

Introduction

At the southern edge of the Nippō Kaigan Quasi-National Park lies one of Kyushu’s most spectacular coastal landscapes: Umagase, in Hyuga City.
Here, wind-swept cliffs, dramatic rock formations, and unbroken ocean horizons come together in a powerful and awe-inspiring harmony. It’s a place where nature shows both its force and its grace — and where visitors can truly sense the curve of the Earth.

🐎 The Horseback-Shaped Cape & Pillar Cliffs

The name Umagase (literally “horse’s back”) comes from the cape’s silhouette, which resembles a horse’s back when viewed from the sea.
What makes this area unique is the massive columnar joint formations that define the cliff faces. Rising 50 meters high and stretching 200 meters deep, these volcanic rock structures are designated as a national natural monument.

Each step along the coastal path brings new perspectives of this powerful natural architecture.

🌍 Ocean Views from Hyuga Cape Observatory

At the end of the walking trail, the Hyuga Cape Observatory opens to a sweeping view of the Pacific Ocean.
With no buildings or trees to interrupt the view, it’s easy to feel the Earth’s curvature as the horizon bends into the distance. On clear days, the effect is unforgettable — a feeling of standing on the edge of the planet.

🔍 Thrill Meets Design at “Sukeruccha!” Glass Deck

Just two minutes from the main viewpoint is a striking new addition: Sukeruccha!, a glass-floored observation deck opened in 2022.
Suspended above a sheer drop, this platform offers a thrilling view of the vertical cliffs and crashing waves below — not for the faint of heart, but unforgettable for everyone else.

✝ The “Sea of the Cross”: Spiritual & Scenic

About 1 km from the car park at Umagase lies the Sea of the Cross (Kurusunoumi), where coastal rock formations naturally form the shape of a Christian cross.
Often said to be a place where wishes come true, it pairs perfectly with Umagase for a scenic detour.
With its quiet charm and mysterious beauty, this spot is not only spiritually moving, but also highly photogenic — a moment to remember on any journey through Hyuga.

Final Thoughts

Umagase offers more than just photogenic cliffs — it offers a spiritual and sensory experience that reconnects you with the scale and force of nature.
For travelers in search of Japan’s wilder, lesser-known coastal wonders, Hyuga delivers a view that truly takes your breath away.