What Is Cape Toi (Toi Misaki) in Miyazaki?
Cape Toi (Toi Misaki, 都井岬) in Kushima City, Miyazaki Prefecture, is a headland within the Nichinan Kaigan Quasi-National Park.
It is famous for wild horses known as Misaki-uma (御崎馬).
The Cape Toi area is described as covering about 550 ha, offering wide-open grassland where the horses live.
Vast grasslands set against the sea
Observe Misaki horses, a native Japanese breed
Panoramic views from Toi Misaki Lighthouse
It is a rare sightseeing spot where you can observe horses living alongside nature.
Top Things to Do at Cape Toi
1. Wild Misaki Horses: Horses Living on the Open Grasslands
The defining feature of Cape Toi is the horses called Misaki-uma.
The population is introduced as roughly around 90–110 horses.
They are designated as the National Natural Monument “Misaki Horses and Their Breeding Grounds” (岬馬およびその繁殖地).
About the Misaki horses
- Known as one of Japan’s native horse breeds.
- They are described as living without being fed by people, grazing on grasslands and similar areas.
- March to August is introduced as the foaling season.
You may be able to spot them resting and grazing in the fields.
2. Toi Misaki Lighthouse: Kyushu’s Only Lighthouse Open for Visitors
At the tip of Cape Toi stands Toi Misaki Lighthouse.
It is introduced as one of Japan’s 16 lighthouses open for interior visits, and the only one in Kyushu.
Lighthouse highlights
- Enjoy a 360° panoramic view from the lighthouse.
- On clear days, you may be able to see far into the distance.
- Visiting hours vary by season and day of the week.
The road to the lighthouse area is also popular as a scenic drive.
3. Toi Cape Visitor Center “Pakarapaka”: Learn About the Wild Horses
Cape Toi has a facility called Toi Cape Tourism Exchange Center Pakarapaka.
You can use its exhibits introducing the Misaki horses and get sightseeing information.
What to see at Pakarapaka
- Exhibits on the Misaki horses’ ecology and history
- Tourist maps and walking information
- Food and shopping corners
Guided tours may be offered at certain times.
4. Coastline: A Spectacular Scenic Drive
The area around Cape Toi is known for its scenery where sea and grasslands meet.
Horses may sometimes be near the road, so drive slowly and safely.
Recommended ways to enjoy Cape Toi
- Observe horses while driving through the area
- Take in the view from elevated points
- Stroll while feeling the ocean breeze
Bring a camera and capture Cape Toi’s unforgettable landscapes.
Wild Horse Viewing Etiquette and Safety
Misaki horses live in a wild state.
For safe and respectful observation, keep these points in mind.
- Do not touch the horses
- Do not get too close
- Do not feed them
- Drive slowly and safely
Practical Travel Info for Visitors
1. How to Get to Cape Toi
By car
- About 2 hours from Miyazaki City via National Route 220
- About 1 hour 30 minutes from Miyazaki Airport
- About 30 minutes from central Kushima City
By public transport
- From JR Nichinan Line Kushima Station, take a taxi (about 25–30 minutes)
Because public transportation can be limited depending on the time of day, visiting by car is convenient.
2. Fees and Opening Information
Admission fees
- Cape Toi (gate): wild horse conservation cooperation fee (500 yen per car, 200 yen per motorcycle)
- Toi Misaki Lighthouse: visiting donation (300 yen for junior high school age and above; free for elementary school age and below)
Gate hours
- April–September: 8:30–18:00
- October–March: 8:00–17:30
Lighthouse visiting hours
- March–October: weekends/holidays 9:00–17:00; weekdays 9:00–16:30
- November–February: 9:00–16:30
Facility hours
- Visitor center “Pakarapaka”: 9:00–17:00 (closed Tuesdays)
Notes
- In bad weather, lighthouse visits may not be available.
- Windy days are common—secure hats and loose items.
Summary
✅ Grasslands home to the Natural Monument Misaki horses
✅ Panoramic views from Kyushu’s only lighthouse open to visitors
✅ A scenic drive with sea-and-meadow landscapes
✅ Check fees, visiting hours, and gate times before you go
