Photo/Illutration An avatar rows a boat through the virtually re-created Takachiho Gorge. (Provided by Miyazaki prefectural government and Cluster Inc.)

MIYAZAKI—Famous sightseeing spots in Miyazaki Prefecture have entered the metaverse, allowing visitors to experience the sites around the clock from anywhere in the world.

“Virtual Miyazaki” consists of three cyberspaces, such as the Takachiho Gorge, Udo Jingu shrine and the Miyazaki prefectural office, which serves as the starting point for the entire metaverse.

Users can operate their avatars through personal computers and smartphones to explore the sightseeing spots in the virtual reality world and obtain tourist information at each destination.

In the Udo Jingu space, for example, users can try their luck by throwing “untama” (lucky stone) at a target. And they can play a boat game in the Takachiho Gorge space.

Started in late January, it is the Miyazaki prefectural government’s first metaverse project aimed at luring young people and other visitors.

The virtual world is free to explore but users must first download a metaverse platform app called “cluster.”

The Miyazaki prefectural government is planning to add more areas and host events in the metaverse.

“By re-creating the prefecture’s sightseeing spots in the metaverse and adding gaming elements to it, we want to entertain especially young people and attract them as tourists,” Miyazaki Governor Shunji Kono said at a news conference on Jan. 31.

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