Saito: A Stroll Through Ancient Romance on the Saito Plateau – Saito Kofun Group and Toman Shrine

A history-themed walking tour centered on the Saito Kofun Group, which sprawls across a plateau overlooking the Hitotsuse River near the center of Miyazaki Prefecture, tracing the ancient romance of Hyuga. Begin your morning by immersing yourself in the ancient world at the free-admission Miyazaki Prefectural Saito Kofun Archaeological Museum, burn the full panorama of the kofun group into your memory from the observation deck, then venture onto the nationally designated special historic site plateau where more than 300 ancient mounds rest. Visit the Oninokutsu Kofun with its accessible stone chamber, walk through seasonal wildflower fields, and enjoy local vegetable cuisine at Konohanakan guidance center for lunch. In the afternoon, visit Toman Shrine (都萬神社) where Konohanasakuya-hime is enshrined and pay respects at the sacred old kusunoki tree. Cap off your journey at the Satsumajiro Castle ruins, which bears the legacy of the Shimazu family, retracing the vestiges of the castle town. Mythology, ancient mounds, and castles. Enjoy an intellectually enriching journey walking through Hyuga's history in a single day.