Recently, I was down in Hitoyoshi City in Kumamoto’s Kuma Valley for a creator gig. Not wanting to waste an opportunity to explore more of Kyushu, I decided to extend my time in the area and cross Miyazaki Prefecture off my “to visit” list. You see, at least as of this writing, I have still not completed all 47 prefectures. Kumamoto was one of the three I had left, so I figured I might as well also tick off Miyazaki before heading back to Tokyo. While I still need to go back for the prefecture’s iconic spots like Amano Iwato Shrine and Takachiho Gorge, I was at least able to complete Miyazaki City during this trip.
The following is a two-and-a-half-day account of everything I did and saw while in Miyazaki City. To be honest, you really only need a day to see most of the main attractions in the area, but I was taking it slow, doing some work on the go, and enjoying the local Miyazaki beef and famous charcoal-grilled chicken (as well as some hilariously expensive grown-in-Japan lychee). Though these are all treats that I suggest you savor while in Miyazaki, you can probably cram it all into less time than I did.
All in all, I’d wager that Miyazaki City isn’t a place that, in and of itself, you should travel to Kyushu just to see. At the same time, though, it’s an excellent complement to the prefecture’s more well-known spots and can serve as a great home base for your travels. So, whether as a one-off addition to your next vacation to Japan or as a stop on an extended tour de Kyushu, consider checking out some or all of the following locales in Miyazaki City.
How to Get There
Before we get into what’s on offer in the city of Miyazaki, let’s first pause and cover some key logistics. At the risk of sounding like Captain Obvious, know first that the capital of Miyazaki Prefecture is located on the eastern coast of Kyushu, as can be seen on the map above. Like with most destinations on the island, you’re going to want to fly down to Kyushu unless you are traveling around to multiple prefectures in the region via train.
Luckily, Miyazaki Airport is located nearby the city center. Accessible via semi-frequent buses as well as the Miyazaki Kuko Line, getting to and from Miyazaki Airport is a lot easier than in some of the other prefectures in Kyushu that I’ve been to before. Just refer to a service like Jorudan to calculate which is the most expedient way of getting from the airport. In total, this leg of the journey really should only take around 30 minutes or so tops.
Miyazaki Station can also be reached via train if you’re doing what I did and traveling to a few prefectures in Kyushu. In my case, I was coming from the Kuma Valley, which is actually closest to Kagoshima Airport, so I had the driver drop me at the nearest station since I was opting to skip my flight. Depending on where you’re coming from, your route to Miyazaki Station may differ, but know that there are ample limited express trains to assist in carting you around Kyushu.
Buses & Miyazaki Station
Unlike some other cities, the area immediately around Miyazaki Station is surprisingly devoid of things to do. While you’ll find a few restaurants, business hotels, and the like, most of the action is found far away from Miyazaki Station. Though it is indeed a great hub for catching buses to all of the various points of interest in Miyazaki City, I would honestly suggest you look to stay in a hotel that is located closer to where most of the eateries are.
In my case, I opted to stay at my favorite hotel chain, Dormy Inn. Found right on Tachibana-dori, one of the main streets that runs through Miyazaki City, this choice of accommodations proved to be a wise one. In addition to having an onsen and sauna to relax in at night, the location is perfect for getting on one of the many buses you’ll need to take while exploring Miyazaki City. Most of these run down Tachibana-dori, meaning that this Dormy Inn is the perfect hotel!
Speaking of buses, I guess I need to mention the Visit Miyazaki Bus Pass. Available only to foreign tourists, this 2,000 yen ticket offers a day of unlimited bus rides. Seeing as you’ll need to make extensive use of buses if you don’t have a rental car, the Visit Miyazaki Bus Pass is a great way to save some coin while traversing the city of Miyazaki. Refer to this website for more information about where you can pick up the Visit Miyazaki Bus Pass!
Finally, I guess I should also mention Seagaia Resort here as it won’t fit anywhere else. Essentially an expansive leisure resort, this complex spans nearly ten kilometers of coastline north of central Miyazaki City. More than just a collection of hotels, Seagaia is a symbol of Miyazaki’s resort heritage and offers its guests a wealth of things to do on their holidays. Attractions at the resort include hot springs, spas, restaurants, beaches with great surfing, tennis facilities, and various outdoor activities.
Take the Bus to Udo Jingu
Looking to make the most of the buses, my first destination near Miyazaki City was Udo Jingu. Found far to the south of the city’s center along the Nichinan Coast, this ancient shrine is dedicated to the father of Emperor Jimmu, the mythical first emperor of Japan. A vibrant vermillion, Udo Jingu is famous for its main building set into a cave that overlooks the Pacific Ocean. As can be seen above, it’s a sight to behold when set against the beautiful coastline.
Now, there are a few legends about Emperor Jimmu’s involvement with Udo Jingu. Some say that he was actually born here at the shrine, whereas others say that he visited it when he was a baby. Which of these is true is likely lost to history, but one commonality among both stories is that the child emperor is said to have suckled from the breast-shaped rocks in the cave. Allegedly, these gave him the nourishment he needed to grow up to be a strong leader.
To this day, people in the local area purport that the water that drips from these rocks is thought to be beneficial for pregnancy and childbirth. As a result, Udo Jingu has become a very popular destination for Japanese couples and newlyweds. While at the shrine, visitors should also try their hand at throwing small ceramic Undama (lit. “Luck Balls”) into the opening marked by a sacred rope. Supposedly, if you can get the Undama to land in the hole, your wish will come true!
Just to the north of Udo Jingu, you’ll also find Sun Messe Nichinan, where you can see moai statues and beautiful ocean scenery. Furthermore, there is also a small space dedicated to My Neighbor Totoro for Ghibli fans right near Futo Beach, which is where I suggest you go if you’re taking the bus, as you’ll need to kill an hour and the Totoro attraction will only take a few minutes to see. There’s little to do here though so unless you have nothing else to do but head back to your hotel, it’s OK to skip it.
Swing by Lovely Aoshima
After exploring Udo Jingu, I headed on up to what is probably the most well-known attraction in Miyazaki City, Aoshima. Located just off the coast, this small island is famous all across the country for its unique rock formations. Known as the Oni-no-Sentakuita or the “Devil’s Washboard,” these perfectly straight rows of basalt rock look as if they were made for some unknown purpose. In actuality, they are a natural geological phenomenon, but it’s still quite the sight to behold.
The total area of Aoshima is quite small, but that doesn’t mean the island isn’t without ample points of appeal. In the center of the isle, you’ll find Aoshima Shrine. Surrounded on all sides by a tropical forest, this Shinto sanctuary is entirely impossible to see from Aoshima Beach. Thus, visitors to Aoshima Shrine’s main building will feel like they’ve been whisked away to a faraway tropical land when they enter into the tree canopy.
Due to its revered status as a spiritual site, general access to Aoshima was forbidden until 1737. This seclusion allowed over 5,000 wild fountain palm trees and other subtropical plants to flourish around the shrine, creating a lush, protected environment that adds to the island’s mystical charm. It is said to be the stage for the legend of Umisachihiko and Yamasachihiko, adding another layer of cultural significance to this enchanting location.
Be sure not to miss the areas off to the side of Aoshima Shrine’s main building. On the right-hand side, you’ll see a tunnel of small wooden ema plaques. This path will take you to the inner sanctum, deep within the lush forest. Here, you can try to strike it big and have your fortune granted by throwing a saucer made from local clay toward the sacred site beyond the fence by the inner shrine. You only get a few chances though so make sure your aim is on point.
Aoshima can only be accessed via a sole vermillion bridge that runs from the beach to the island. While Aoshima Shrine is the main point of interest, the Oni-no-Sentakuita and the lighthouse out to the east on the far side of Aoshima are quite photogenic. Back on the shore, you’ll find a number of restaurants, cafes, and vendors to check out too before taking the train back to the main areas of the city.
The Ichinomiya of Miyazaki Prefecture
While the sun was certainly out and shining on my first two days in Miyazaki City, my luck ran out on the third when the deluge came and ruined the fun. Left with little recourse, I needed to axe some of the hydrangea viewing and Miyazaki fruit picking that I had planned and come up with something that could be done indoors. After relaxing in Dormy Inn’s handy onsen on the morning of the third day, I decided to check out Miyazaki Jingu and the nearby Miyazaki Prefectural Museum.
Seeing as it was raining like it was the end of the world, I opted to go first to the Miyazaki Prefectural Museum. Located here in the same large park-like space as Miyazaki Jingu, this facility contains a number of comprehensive exhibits on both the natural and cultural history of Miyazaki Prefecture. Entirely free to the public, the Miyazaki Prefectural Museum is perfect both as a way to learn about the region and as something to do on a rainy day.
Out back of the museum, you’ll also find the Minka-en. This small open-air museum consists of four traditional farmhouses that were moved to the Miyazaki Prefectural Museum’s grounds for better preservation, with some being more than 200 years old. Seeing as the sun had forsaken me in favor of a torrential downpour, I only got quick glimpses of Minka-en before making a mad dash for Miyazaki Jingu. But if you are blessed with good weather, be sure not to miss it.
Despite the downpours, I ultimately decided to brave the rains and walk over to Miyazaki Jingu. Found just a stone’s throw away from the aforementioned museum complex, Miyazaki Jingu is the oldest and most important shrine in the city. Dedicated to Emperor Jimmu, Miyazaki Jingu allegedly was established over 2,600 years ago. Much like Ise Jingu in Mie Prefecture, Miyazaki Jingu has an austere vibe that is reminiscent of a design that predates Buddhism’s arrival in Japan.
At the end of the day, both of these attractions turned out to be great additions to my time in Miyazaki Prefecture. Even on a day when the sun is out and shining, I highly suggest considering the pair if you’re even remotely interested in Japanese history. Additionally, there is also the Miyazaki Prefectural Art Museum and the JRA Miyazaki Breeding Farm too if you need something extra to add on.
Dinner at Miyazaki Airport
After hiding from the rains under the Miyazaki Prefectural Museum’s concrete roof, I opted to head off to Miyazaki Airport early and get some grub before my flight home. Now, for people from the West who would be appalled by the notion of eating at an airport, know that, much like with the train stations in Japan, regional airport food is actually pretty top-tier. In fact, all across the country, you can savor one final sample of the prefecture’s specialties while waiting for your flight.
In my case, I was craving a bit more of the charcoal-grilled chicken that Miyazaki Prefecture is famous for. After devouring a few last dishes, I headed up to the departure observation deck, where I was able to relax while watching the planes coming and going through the large windows. Considering the weather conditions, I was filled with a sense of pride in the population of Japan for being able to operate an airline business despite the biblical downpour (yes, I am crazy in love with this country)
Other Nearby Attractions
While the theme of this article thus far has been Miyazaki City’s principle allures, there is a lot more to see and do down in this part of Japan. Before you head back east, I suggest you take some time to explore a little bit more of the region. The following is a list of random locations that I think would combine well with the spots in the city of Miyazaki that I’ve introduced thus far. I’ll include Google Maps so you can get a sense of where they are as well as a short description…
- Heiwadai Park
Situated to the northeast of the city’s center, Heiwadai Park was built in 1940 to commemorate the 2600th anniversary of Emperor Jimmu’s ascension. The park features a tower that was constructed from stones sent from all over Asia, symbolizing a united world with the phrase “Hakko Ichiu” inscribed on it. Heiwadai Park also has an acoustic trick where a clap at the base of the tower is magnified and reflected back. Additionally, the garden at the far end of the space showcases over 400 replica haniwa statues, depicting various figures and scenes from antiquity. - Amano Iwato Shrine
A visit to Miyazaki wouldn’t be complete without stopping by Amano Iwato Shrine, a site steeped in myth and legend. This shrine is famously associated with the tale of the sun goddess Amaterasu, who is said to have hidden in a cave here, plunging the world into darkness. The shrine’s serene and sacred atmosphere, nestled within lush greenery, offers a profound connection to Japan’s ancient spiritual traditions. Whether you’re a history buff or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, Amano Iwato Shrine is a must-see destination in Miyazaki that I unfortunately have yet to visit… - Takachiho Gorge
Carved by the Gokase River, this stunning natural wonder features sheer cliffs of volcanic basalt, lush greenery, and cascading waterfalls. Here, you can rent a boat to drift along the emerald waters, marvel at the iconic Manai Falls, and immerse yourself in the tranquil scenery. Rich in mythological significance, the gorge is also believed to be the hiding place of the sun goddess Amaterasu, making it a site of both natural splendor and cultural heritage. - Kirishima Onsen
Positioned to Miyazaki City’s southwest in Kagoshima Prefecture, Kirishima Onsen offers a rejuvenating escape with its hot spring baths set against the scenic backdrop of the Ebino Plateau. Known for its high-quality, mineral-rich waters, this onsen town provides a perfect blend of relaxation and nature. The surrounding area, with its volcanic landscapes and panoramic views, invites visitors to explore its hiking trails and scenic vistas. When visiting this part of Kagoshima Prefecture, be sure to also drop by Kirishima Jingu, one of Japan’s most important shrines!
Of course, this is really only scratching the surface when it comes to what is on offer in Miyazaki Prefecture, so I encourage you to do some further reading on your own if the places that I’ve outlined here strike a chord with you. After all, it’s Japan we are talking about, so even for one prefecture, you’ll need at least a lifetime or two!Until next time travelers…
Until next time travelers…
