日向往還とは

日向往還（ひゅうがおうかん）は、肥後の国（熊本）と日向の国（宮崎）を結ぶ約136㎞に及ぶ旧藩時代の古道で、現在の熊本市～御船町～山都町～五ヶ瀬町～高千穂町を通り、日之影町～延岡市へ至る旧藩時代の歴史街道です。また、鎌倉時代から肥後と日向を結び、多くの人々の暮らしを支える生活物資を運ぶための民の道として切り開かれた往時の暮らしぶりが色濃く残る景観と、九州島発祥の地として太古のエネルギーを秘めた自然、そして語り継がれる日本創世神話といった豊かな文化が息づいています。沿線には、心洗われる自然と往時の面影がいたるところに残っています。今、この古道は、九州中央自動車道として甦っています。

What is Hyuga Oukan ?

Hyuga Oukan is an old road from the feudal period that stretches for about 136 km between Higo Province (Kumamoto) and Hyuga Province (Miyazaki). It is a historic road from the feudal period that passes through present-day Kumamoto City, Mifune Town, Yamato Town, Gokase Town, Takachiho Town, Hinokage Town and Nobeoka City. It also connects Higo and Hyuga since the Kamakura period, and is home to a rich culture that still lingers, such as the landscapes that still vividly reflect the way of life of the past, which was opened as a road for the people to transport daily necessities that supported the lives of many people, nature that holds ancient energy as the birthplace of Kyushu Island, and the creation myths of Japan that are still passed down through the generations. Along the route, you can find refreshing nature and traces of the past everywhere.　This ancient road has now been revived as the Kyushu Chuo Expressway.