The Legendary First Emperor, Jimmu Embarked to Unify Japan from Here, Mimitsu in Hyuga, Miyazaki Prefecture

Known for its antiquated charm and the glimpse it gives you into pre-modern Japan, the old port town of Mimitsu, in the Hyuga region of northern Miyazaki, has been designated an officially important preservation district. Japanese historians say that Japan's first emperor, Emperor Jimmu, used Mimitsu as his port of embarkation when he set off for Nara, the ancient capital of Japan to unify the nation. Until the Taisho period in the early 1900s, when railways became the main form of transport, Mimitsu was a thriving, bustling port city. Mimitsu is a quaint old town that has preserved its original state, and in 2007 was voted in the Top 100 Japanese historical towns. Since then, the town has undergone a kind of renaissance. There are three main buildings you should see, the first being the Hyuga City History and Folk Museum, which used to be a shipping agency. The second is Mimitsuken, which used to be a local resident's home. The last is Mimitsu Machinami Center, which was once one of Japan's biggest vendors of kimono and kimono fabrics. The area of Hyuga is a hotbed of surf culture, with many domestic and international surf competitions held there each year. In particular, catch some surf action at Okuragahama and Kanegahama. Most breaks are sand bottom, and there are lots of surf schools in the area to rent boards or wetsuits. Most instructors speak basic English. As always, respect the locals and learn surf etiquette before you enter the water. If you go on a surf trip there , then stopping in at this old port town should definitely be on your itinerary.