延岡市　Nobeoka-City

【Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (City Parks Act Enforcement Executive Committee of the 50th Anniversary Celebrations, October 2006)】

Shiroyama Park, chosen as one of
"Japan's Best 100 Historical Parks"

"Japan's Best 100 Historical Parks" were selected from parks all over Japan, based on such criteria as whether they symbolise the area in terms of historic sites and places of interest. Among these, Shiroyama Park was chosen. From Miyazaki Prefecture, Saitobaru Burial Mounds (Saito City) was also selected, and nationally, places such as Kairaku Park (Mito City), Kenroku Park (Kanazawa City), and Koraku Park (Okayama City), known as Japan's Top Three Gardens, are also in the Top 100.

The Killer of a Thousand People
Stone Wall, Shiroyama Park

Shiroyama Park contains the ruins of Nobeoka Castle, built by the first feudal lord of Nobeoka, Mototane Takahashi, in 1603 (Keicho Year 8). When you pass through the castle's main gate, you will see the towering "Killer of a Thousand People Stone Wall". The wall is called as such, because it is said that if a foundation stone is removed, the stone wall will come crumbling down, able to kill 1,000 enemies. Even now at the belfry which stands on the remains of the castle tower, time is still announced by the ringing of the bell.

Nobeoka Tengaichi Noh Theatre

The Killer of a Thousand People Stone Wall, Shiroyama Park

Each year in October, "Nobeoka Tengaichi Noh Theatre" is performed. The performers use Tengaichi Noh masks donated to Nobeoka City by the Naito Family, descendants of Nobeoka's feudal lords who ruled in the Edo Period. The scene is set upon a backdrop of the "Killer of a Thousand People Stone Wall", with many fans of Noh theatre from all over Japan visiting to see the live performance.

Japanese Camellia

Shiroyama Park is also noted for its cherry blossoms in spring, and in winter, Japanese camellias are in their full glory. The Japanese camellia at Shiroyama Park are one of the three largest populations of Japanese camellia in Japan (the largest three are namely situated at, Isumi City in Chiba Prefecture, Matsue City in Shimane Prefecture, and Shiroyama Park). From around December each year, you can see approximately 3, 300 Japanese camellias in bloom, each flower of slightly varying colour and shape.

【Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, March 2009】

The life of the residents on Japan's islands, who inherit industries and a culture which have been fostered by their connection to the sea, continues to flourish.

The "100 Scenes of Island Treasures" title was created so that those who reside on Japan's islands would once again come to appreciate their landscape, which reflects the nature, history, culture and life particular to Japan's islands and their peoples' connection to the sea. It was also created so that many people would know of these island landscapes as Japan's "treasures", and to bring about opportunities for even more people to visit Japan's island regions. Shimanoura Island's "The moment on the island which most overflows with vitality! The Shimanoura Shrine Grand Autumn Festival" was the only event within Miyazaki Prefecture chosen for the title by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.

The Shimanoura Shrine Grand Autumn Festival is held each year in November, and shows the most lively moment on the island.

On the first day of the event (the night before the main festivities begin), eve festivities are held called "Yodon Night". An object of worship from the island’s Shinto Shrine is placed on a portable shrine (o-mikoshi) and is offered at the "sacred place" erected in the middle of the island. A night Kagura performance (sacred music and dancing) to pray for big catches of fish, and an ocean parade featuring fishing boats riding on the water with their lights above the boat and below the water beaming to the equivalent of 600,000 units of candlepower, are held.

【Asahi Shimbun; Forest Culture Association (Foundation), January 2009】

The activities of the fishing village, Kitaura, and its beautiful green tea plantations have been nationally recognised.

"Japan's Villages: Best 100" is a title that selects beautiful and wholesome villages throughout Japan that have developed out of people's way of life. From among 4,474 applications for the title within Japan, Kitaura Town was highly appraised. The activities of the region as a fishing village that abounds with vitality and boasts the largest fish hauls in the prefecture were praised, as well as its beautiful tea plantations in the Jige Area and the variety in appearance of the numerous inlets on the ria coastline that form part of the fishing village.

From here on the regions that were selected for the title will be promoted through such events as memorial symposiums and articles introducing Japan's villages which will be featured in the Asahi Newspaper.

【Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism ("Water Villages" Judging Committee) February, 1996】

Iwaguma Dam

The "Best 100 Water Villages in Japan", are selected with focus upon areas which are cultivating history and culture with regards to water, and regions where citizens are active in the environmental conservation of waterway banks. In the Nobeoka area, the long-standing preservation and utilisation of aquatic facilities, such as, the Gokase River Ayu fish traps, Iwaguma Dam, events such as river rafting, and traditional ceremonies like Nagare-kanjyou, a Buddhist ceremony which celebrates the spirit of those who have passed, were appraised. (In Buddhism it is believed that one's deceased family members return to be with them in their home on earth, once every year. During the ritual of Nagare-kanjyou, a lit candle is placed inside a lantern with a paper shade, and is set afloat on the river. The family members of those deceased send off the lantern, believing that the soul of their departed loved one will return at the same time safely again to the other world. They pray that the soul of their departed will be at peace and they will be happy in the afterlife).

The Gokase River "Iwaguma Dam" was constructed by the Nobeoka Domain Chief Retainer, Fujie Kenmotsu, and the District Shogunate Administrator, Ejiri Kitaemon, during the Kyouhou Era (1716-1736). The dam, as a cultural asset, not only tells of the history of Nobeoka's irrigation engineering and rural planning, but even today it supplies the city's farmers with water for agricultural use.

【Ministry of the Environment (The Best 100 Fragrant Scenes Selection Committee) November 2001】

Gokase River roasted
Ayu sweetfish

When autumn comes, "Ayu fish traps" are constructed across the Gokase and Ose Rivers. The fragrance of the Gokase River roasted Ayu sweetfish have become a signature autumn feature of Nobeoka. They have been chosen as one of the "Best 100 Fragrant Scenes" in Japan, for their "scent", which gives comfort and vitality to those who visit.

Nobeoka's rivers and sea, have remained a beautiful natural environment, inhabited by rare flora and fauna, due to the cleanup activities of regional residents and volunteers. Nobeoka's waterway banks also have become a place of relaxation for many citizens.

【Mainichi Newspaper November 2006】

The bridge that spans theShishigawa
Gorge in Kitakata-Machi

"Heritaging" is an activity which aims to promote the enjoyment and tourism of a modern Japanese historical heritage site (a public works structure or building which was constructed in the Meiji, Taisho or prewar Showa Periods). Sites in this heritage category were selected from a "nostalgic", "rare" and "beautiful" viewpoint.

In Nobeoka, the large bridge spanning the Shishigawa Gorge in Kitakata Town, at the juncture of the Gokase River and Tsunanose River, and the chain of 42 consecutive arch bridges, were selected.

【Environment Agency, Forestry Agency (Japan Society for the Study of Green Civilizations, Green Renaissance, Protection of the Green Earth Foundation) April 1990】

Mukabaki Falls

"Japan's Best 100 Waterfalls" were chosen with the purpose of, through waterfalls, fostering an open mind to live symbiotically with nature, and protecting waterfalls which symbolize Japan's beautiful natural environment. Along with Mukabaki Falls, within Miyazaki Prefecture, Sekino Falls (Miyakonojo), Yatogi Falls (Tsuno Town), and Manai Falls (Takachiho), were chosen in the top 100.

Mount Mukabaki is formed by two ridges. The left peak is known as Odake (namely the "male peak", which is most commonly climbed and where the highest point of the mountain is), and Medake (the "female peak", which is not generally climbed). Mukabaki Waterfall flows down through these two peaks. The waterfall is approximately 77 metres high, and roughly 30 metres wide. The magnificent view of the waterfall, which can be seen from the mountain trail, is loved by many citizens and mountain climbers.

【Ministry of the Environment, October 2001】

The Eda Wetland and Kawasaka Wetland were chosen as one of "Japan's 500 Most Important Wetlands". The ranking selects important wetlands from the aspect of biodiversity conservation. The Eda and Kawasaka Wetlands were chosen for the reason that "they contain many rare and indigenous species of aquatic plants and new species have been discovered there".

Also selected, were wetlands famous on the national scale, such as the Kushiro Wetland and Oze Marshland.

【Ministry of the Environment, May 2006】

Sumie Beach

Shimo Aso Beach

"The Best 100 Swimming Spots" is a selection of 100 spots, chosen from swimming areas such as rivers, lakes and marshes, and coastal beaches, which satisfy such necessary conditions as safety and water quality. From Nobeoka City, Sumie Beach and Shimo Aso Beach were selected. Of these, Shimo Aso Beach was the only area chosen in Kyushu to receive a "Special Commendation in the Coastal Division", awarded to ten places in the nation of particular high appraisal.

In the environs of both swimming beaches, are maintained camp grounds and sports facilities. In the swimming season, both coastal spots are bustling with many people, visiting from within and around Nobeoka.

【Selection of 100 Night Views Executive Office, August 2004】

【Japan's Night View Heritage Sites Executive Office, July 2004】

Night View from MountAtago

"Japan's Best 100 Night Views" were selected upon surveys conducted on places around the nation where night views can be seen. The selection was based on such criteria as, "night scenes visitors will be moved by" and its "opening as an observation deck". In addition, of "Japan's Night View Heritage Sites", which were chosen as "night scene areas which anyone can enjoy", and "night views having outstanding universal value", the night view from Mount Atago was the only spot chosen from Miyazaki Prefecture.

【Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism; Nomination Meeting of Beautiful Paths in Japan one would want to walk down; (Association of the) Japan Walking Society, December 2004】

The path up Mount Atago

Mount Atago is 251 metres above sea level, and is thought to have been a cape that protruded into the sea in ancient times. Since then it had been called Mount Kasasano. The mountain is also the site of the legend where Ninigi no Mikoto, the grandchild of Amaterasu (a sun goddess in Japanese mythology, and an important Shinto deity), and Princess Kono-hana-sakuya, met.

The path up to the top of the mountain was also selected as one of the "Beautiful Japanese Paths One Would Want To Walk Down". It was chosen for its historical and natural regional charm, and for being a path that one can enjoyably walk along, whilst meeting with the smiles of those who live in the area. You can see a panoramic view of the city area and the Hyuga open sea from the observation deck atop the mountain, and on a fine day you can see as far as the island of Shikoku.

【Asahi Newspaper Company; Forest Culture Association (Foundation), January 1983】

Houri River Gorge

Houri River Gorge was chosen out of 45, 000 entries from around Japan, as one of Japan's nature spots that should be preserved for the 21st Century. The gorge was created from clear streams that run down from Mount Okue and have eroded the granite in the ravine. It was selected because of its abundant nature, including the surrounding mountains which are inhabited by antelopes, and the area which is known as "A specimen room for azaleas".

【Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, May 2006】

A map of the Kamae-Kitaura
Big Catch Coastal Road

The "Kamae-Kitaura Big Catch Coastal Road" (Nippou Coast Scenic Byway), which connects Kamae Town in Saiki City, Oita Prefecture, to Kitaura Town in Nobeoka City, was selected as one of "Japan's Scenic Highways (Scenic Byways Japan). The title was given to areas which support measures that aim to restore life to the local community via exchange between visitors and the region that welcomes them, and that show effective utilisation of resources such as nature and local scenic views.

Over 10, 000 people from around the country visit the local "Lobster Festival", which takes place from September to November.