Hinokage: Nature in the Shadow of the Sun

Mitate Valley

見立渓谷

Mitate Valley extends 24 kilometers north along the Hinokage River from downtown Hinokage, and is known for the beauty of its many oddly shaped boulders, green forests, and colorful leaves in fall.

Village of Stone Walls

石垣の村

As the name suggests, Hinokage's Village of Stone Walls (‘Ishigaki Mura’) is home to numerious structures constructed from stone and rock. These structures include everything from the walls that support the arigricultural fields and farmhouses that run up the side of the valley to the walls of the farmhouses and barns themselves. The oldest wall is said to have been constructed in the mid-nineteenth century, and villagers claim that they were intended to prevent fires that could easily destroy an entire village of wood structures. Today the Village of Stone Walls is valued as an important cultural and artistic achievement, and continues to wear its name proudly.

Village of Stone Walls Tea House

石垣茶屋

Built along the road through the Village of Stone Walls, this tea house serves soba and udon noodles made with local ingredients. Open by request only, it can also be used as as a lodging area for small groups.

England House

英国館

England House, a recognized national cultural asset, was constructed in the final years of the Taisho Era (1912-1926) for the engineer Hans Hunter and his family, who owned and operated the former Mitate Tin Mine. The building was constructed with logs and included Western-style bathroom facilities and steam heating, giving in a Western feeling that was quite distinctive for the era. Today it remains an architecturally significant structure, and in recent years its ‘clubhouse’ feel has made it popular among young people. England House features a small museum on the history of the Mitate Tin Mine and Mr. Hunter's life in Mitate.

Mitate Cabin Village

ケビン村

Along Hinokage River and just below England House is the Mitate Cabin Village campsite. Each of the air-conditioned lodges can which can accommodate up to 10 people. Fees are very moderate, making it a popular location for families.

Izuruha Cave

出羽洞穴

Located 920 meters up the side of Mt. Hontani in the western part of Kamoshika Forest, artifacts from the Old Stone Age (some 15 000 years ago) have been found in this cave. These are the oldest artifacts to have been discovered in Miyazaki Prefecture, making the cave a unique location to visit.

‘Refresh House’ Izuruha

リフレッシュハウス出羽

Built on the site of the former Mitate Tin Mine, ‘Refresh House’ Izuruha can accomidate small groups for training seminars and school trips. It is equipped with a dining area, and traditional meals can be prepared from wild plants, deer, wild boar, and yamame trout procured in the area (reservations are required).

Fishing in Mitate Valley

見立渓谷釣り

Hinokage River, which runs along Mitate Valley, sports yamame trout and ayu sweetfish, and in season sport fishers come from inside and outside of Miyazaki Prefecture to engage in fly and lure fishing. Fishing between the mountains and cooking the catch outdoors are two of the particular attractions of Mitate Valley.