Shiiba Machu Picchu, One of Japan's Top Three Unexplored Regions
The village of Shiiba in Miyazaki Prefecture is one of Japan's "top three unexplored regions." The view of the terraced fields in the Shitamatsuo region has been compared to the Incan ruins of Machu Picchu, so much so that it has become known in recent years as "Shiiba Machu Picchu" and has become a popular tourism spot. The view of the sunrise over the fields is particularly magical to behold.
Shiiba-son i.e. Shiiba Village is located in the northeastern part of Miyazaki Prefecture and surrounded by mountains such as Kunimidake (国見岳). Although the village boasts a land area that makes it the fifth-largest village in the country, its liveable area is only four percent and largely limited to places around the river or on terraced plains of the mountain. Due to its unique landscape, Shiiba-son also has the nickname of “Japan’s Machu Picchu.” This area is also the only place remaining in Japan where swidden agriculture is still practiced.
Much of Shiiba-son’s charm lies in its beautiful landscape of mountains, valleys, and waterfalls, along with its rich and long-standing culture. If you are looking for the nostalgic feel of old Japan, this is a place that you shouldn’t miss. While there, you can also take part in experience workshops (Japanese only) such as making soba, mochi, manju, konnyaku, or tofu.
In Tonegawa Important Traditional Buildings Preservation District, a private house with a unique architectural style called "Shiiba type", a stable and warehouse that is functionally adjacent to it, and a stone wall that builds a mansion are in harmony with the tree forest and maintain a historical landscape. Local community are actively working to preserve and utilize the historic townscape, a valuable cultural heritage of Japan.
Shiiba-son i.e. Shiiba Village is located in the northeastern part of Miyazaki Prefecture and surrounded by mountains such as Kunimidake (国見岳). Although the village boasts a land area that makes it the fifth-largest village in the country, its liveable area is only four percent and largely limited to places around the river or on terraced plains of the mountain. Due to its unique landscape, Shiiba-son also has the nickname of “Japan’s Machu Picchu.” This area is also the only place remaining in Japan where swidden agriculture is still practiced.
Much of Shiiba-son’s charm lies in its beautiful landscape of mountains, valleys, and waterfalls, along with its rich and long-standing culture. If you are looking for the nostalgic feel of old Japan, this is a place that you shouldn’t miss. While there, you can also take part in experience workshops (Japanese only) such as making soba, mochi, manju, konnyaku, or tofu.
In Tonegawa Important Traditional Buildings Preservation District, a private house with a unique architectural style called "Shiiba type", a stable and warehouse that is functionally adjacent to it, and a stone wall that builds a mansion are in harmony with the tree forest and maintain a historical landscape. Local community are actively working to preserve and utilize the historic townscape, a valuable cultural heritage of Japan.
