Tono: Tono Shrine and Winery - A Blessed Drive Along the Hyuga Sea

A blessed driving course through Tono Town and Takahashi Town, facing the Hyuga-nada Sea in central Miyazaki Prefecture. Begin by gently touching the Nadeshiko Rabbit and Nadeshiko Daikoku at Tono Shrine (都農神社), the foremost shrine of Hyuga Province, to pray for good fortune. Next, enjoy a tour and tasting at Tono Winery (都農ワイナリー) on the hilltop, overlooking the blue Hyuga-nada Sea (those driving can enjoy Tono grape juice instead). For lunch, head to Michi-no-Eki Tuno, where you can enjoy specialty tomato dishes and local vegetable meals. In the afternoon, venture to neighboring Takahashi Town to be healed by the simple smiling faces of the approximately 700 stone statues of Takahashi Daishi (高鍋大師) standing on Hanamori Mountain, then finish with a leisurely stroll through Maizuru Park, admiring the stone walls and moat of the former Takahashi Castle. Spend a full day bathed in the light of the Hyuga-nada Sea, savoring the blessings of the gods, wine, and the land.