Kushima City, Miyazaki Prefecture
Toi Cape I Spotted a Horse and Foal at the Cape in Spring
I came across a horse and foal at Toi Cape. The little foal was just standing beside its parent, but I couldn't take my eyes off them. This is the story of an afternoon on the road leading to the sea and the lighthouse, when I was glad I'd come in spring.
Take a look at the late-April spring scenery and hear about the little detour I made.
SpringSpring, Late April
Tiny Hoofbeats of Spring Beyond the Steering Wheel
I was driving slowly along the road at Toi Cape when I spotted a horse near the grass. Beside it stood a smaller shadow. The moment I realized it was a foal, I couldn't help calling out. Keeping my eyes on the road, I readjusted my grip on the wheel and brought the car gently to a stop.
From inside the car, I could see the foal standing perfectly still beside its parent. It had such slender legs and a tiny face. A moment ago I'd been looking forward to the next view, but now I wanted to stay and watch the pair a little longer.
Before setting out, I'd read that Misaki horses live at Toi Cape. But seeing an adult and foal so close to the road suddenly made what I'd read feel real. This is where the horses live. I found myself sitting up a little straighter in the car.
The foal turned its head to face the same way as its parent. It was such a tiny movement, but I found myself looking that way too. I waited, thinking the foal might follow if its parent moved—but neither of them budged. I was the only one who'd settled in for a wait.
When I glanced up, I could see the lighthouse through the trees. The sea breeze reached me, and the feeling of being here at the cape in spring slowly sank in. I was so happy to have spotted the horses that I'd almost forgotten I was on my way to the lighthouse.
When it was time to move on, I faced forward again, but I couldn't quite leave the moment behind. I can still picture that foal. It had only been standing beside its parent for a little while, yet the moment has stayed with me so vividly. Whenever I think of Toi Cape in spring, I know that pair will come to mind first.
The story sections are fiction inspired by this location. For accurate information, please consult official tourism and information websites.
Local Specialties
Kushima Fresh Amberjack Rice Bowl
A local specialty from Kushima. At Umiyama Shokudo in Roadside Station Kushima, in central Kushima, you can also enjoy amberjack dishes such as amberjack katsu with a rare center. After getting completely absorbed in the horses at the cape, I start thinking about where to eat—and find myself craving a rice bowl.
Highlights
Home of the Misaki Horses
The Misaki horses that live across Toi Cape are a native Japanese breed. Seeing an adult and foal together, I felt my own trip to enjoy the scenery overlap with the lives of the horses who call this place home.
Toi Cape Lighthouse
Toi Cape Lighthouse overlooks the sea, and it's worth stopping by. When I caught a glimpse of it through the trees from the road, I wanted to keep going a little farther.
Getting There and the Drive
Drive to Toi Cape
- By car from JR Kushima Station
- About 30 minutes
- By car from Miyazaki Airport
- About 1 hour 30 minutes
The drive takes you to Toi Cape, where you can enjoy views of the sea and see Misaki horses along the way. I was looking forward to the views at the cape, but what I remember most is the horse and foal by the roadside.
The address is Ōnō, Kushima City, Miyazaki Prefecture. Make the cape's scenery and lighthouse part of your trip.
More Spot Guides
If you enjoyed this story, you might like these places too. I've gone back to each of them in different seasons, again and again.
