Cape Toi Wild Horses

Cape Toi marks the southern end of the Nichinan Coast drive and is home to the Misaki horses, a breed that has roamed these grassy headlands wild and unmanaged since at least the 17th century. Around 80–100 horses graze the cape, unfazed by visitors, creating an unusual scene of wild horses against a backdrop of ocean cliffs and subtropical vegetation. A toll road leads to the cape, and a lighthouse at the tip offers panoramic views south toward the Osumi Peninsula. The horses are a protected natural monument. The drive from Aburatsu is scenic but long (about 60 minutes each way), so Cape Toi is best suited to passengers with a full day in port and no interest in the closer coastal sights. The area is exposed and windy — bring a jacket.