Shintomi, town in Koyu district, Miyazaki prefecture, Japan
Shintomi is a small town in Miyazaki Prefecture facing the Hyuganada coast, set among rolling hills and green fields. The landscape is shaped by rice paddies, tea fields on the Nyutabaru plateau, and regular crop plantings where vegetables like peppers and tomatoes grow.
The area has been inhabited since 12,000 years ago, as shown by archaeological finds of ancient relics. In more recent times, the two villages of Tonda and Nyuta merged in 1959 to form the town of Shintomi, after the region had been controlled by the Sadowara Domain during the Edo period.
The name Shintomi reflects the founders' hopes through characters meaning "new" and "prosperous." In daily life, you see traditional Japanese homes with sliding doors and tatami mats that fill spaces with calm and openness. The way people here live and use the landscape shows a deep connection to the seasons and local customs.
The town is easily accessible by rail and connected by roads to larger cities, making travel flexible for visitors. The best time to visit is from March to May or September to November, when the weather is mild and agricultural activity is visible.
The Nyutabaru Air Base at the edge of town is home to Japan's air defense system and shapes daily life and architecture, including sound-insulated schools. Visitors often notice the unusual mix of rural calm and military presence that gives this place its particular character.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
