Nichinan Coast and Nearby

There is a stretch of coastline in the south east of the island of Kyushu called the Nichinan coast. We rode this south to north and it was beautiful. I had been there several times before with my family but never covered the whole thing. The coastline itself is lovely and the ride is super relaxing. Half way up there is a shrine called the Udo Jingo which is not only perched right on the cliff edge but even extends into the cliffs via a cave. Super cool. Most of us managed a bit of a paddle in the sea and some even had a full on swim.

Cutting inland from Nichinan you go up a mountain road, crossing a high pass and then drop down into Kirishima in the prefecture of Kagoshima. On the way is a cracking roadside farm shop and restaurant with stunning views.

The name Kirishima means Mist Island so we can't guarantee massive vistas but either way, it is a beautiful place. Kirishima is a popular holiday destination and just down from there is Kagoshima Bay. In Kagoshima Bay is Mount Sakurajima, a highly active volcano. Again, a site not to be missed - and we got some great views of it.