Miyazaki Aoshima Shrine Evening Tour, Kagura & Dining

An island shrine at the northern end of the Nichinan Coast just outside Miyazaki City, Aoshima Shrine is among the holiest and most scenic sites in the whole prefecture. Up until a few centuries ago, the island was deemed so sacred that only priests were permitted to visit it — interestingly, it’s surrounded by odd geologic formations known as the Devil’s Washboard. This has only added to the mystical quality of this famous landmark.

While visitors to the island are asked to leave by 5:30 pm, this experience gives you exclusive access to the shrine after dark. After making your way from Aoshima Beach Park to the shrine grounds, the evening kicks off with a kagura performance — a traditional ceremonial dance meant to summon the gods, often also re-enacting Japanese legends and folktales.

There’s no better guide to take you through the twilit shrine than Aoshima Shrine’s chief priest himself, Nagatomo Yasutaka. The priest will explain the mythos and history of the sacred site as you bow through torii gates and step over lacquered thresholds beneath the starlit sky. From holy ground, gaze up at the stars in the cool night breeze, lulled by the peaceful sounds of the rolling surf.

Miyazaki’s night breeze really whets the appetite, so you’ll be glad to find a gourmet meal waiting for you on return to the mainland, prepared by the Michelin-starred Chef Kashiwada Kojiro, owner-chef of the famed Kasane. Returning to his native Miyazaki only for this limited-time experience, Chef Kojiro blends his mastery of traditional Japanese technique with the freshness of Miyazaki produce, meat and seafood. The result has to be tasted to be believed.

Pair this plate with a cocktail made by the deft hands of Nagumo Shuzo, one of Japan’s leading mixologists, and the founder of Memento Mori, one of the World’s 50 Best Bars. Mr Nagumo and his shaker promise to overturn all conceptions of what a cocktail can be with a single drink that incorporates fresh Miyazaki fruit.