Miyazaki Attractions
Miyazaki, located in the southeast of Kyushu, is renowned for being a coastal resort with scores of ancient shrines and pleasing climate all year round which fosters extensive areas of subtropical vegetation. At the same time, it’s believed that Miyazaki used to be the first Japanese emperor Jimmu’s residence and an array of Japanese myths derives from Miyazaki. Visitors usually spend 1-2 days exploring Miyazaki.What to See in Downtown Miyazaki
Miyazaki Shrine
Miyazaki Shrine worships and enshrines the first emperor of Japan, Emperor Jimmu (710 BC–584 BC). People come here to pray for passing exams and getting good grades. You can also ask for a happy family or a safe birth since the parents of Emperor Jimmu are also enshrined here. Except for the main building, Miyazaki Shrine, there are two other shrines in this complex for people to visit. More importantly, you can see different kinds of Japanese tori gates: a line of red torii gates and an unpainted giant torii gate in front of Miyazaki Shrine.Heiwadai Park
Heiwadai Park is a good place for families to spend quality time and find refreshment. Visitors can find the 37-meter-high (121 feet) Peace Monument and about 400 Hinawa, a kind of clay figure, excavated from an ancient Japanese graveyard. There is an observation deck in the park, from where one can have a bird’s eye view of Miyazaki City. Visitors can also enjoy recreation facilities in the park.
The Forest and Lake in Heiwadai Park
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Saitobaru Burial Mounds
There are over 300 tombs in Saitobaru Burial Mounds. Most of the tombs belong to ancient soldiers and clan leaders, but archaeologists still don’t know why they are buried here. Besides, the clay figures in Heiwadai Park were first excavated here. Interested in ancient tomb mysteries? You need to come here.Phoenix Seagaia Resort: As a modern luxury resort hotel in Miyazaki, it is renowned for wonderful golf courses and well-designed leisure areas.
Where to Go in Nichinan City, Miyazaki
You will never want to miss Nichinan when coming to Miyazaki. Located south of Miyazaki, Nichinan is a long coastal area dotted with lots of spots to visit.Aoshima Island
Aoshima is a landward island in the east of Miyazaki, where you can admire the grotesque strata called Devil’s Washboard and visit Aoshima Shrine, which dates back to 820 AD. You can pray for a lasting and healthy relationship in the shrine by tying “koyori”, a kind of paper strip, on the tree, and wander on the roads lined with dense subtropical plants.Aoshima is also a perfect place to go surfing, and there are lots of surfing schools providing training and equipment. Aoshima Beach Park on the opposite bank is there for you to have a sunbath and feel the sea breeze.
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Sun Messe Nichinan Park
Sun Messe Nichinan Park on Nichinan Beaches displays seven Moai statues and specimens of rare insects. It’s not common to see Moai statues outside the Easter Island and it’s said that touching different statues in Sun Messe Nichinan Park will bring you different kinds of luck.Udo Shrine
Udo Shrine is unique because of its spectacular seascape and bold cliffs. What makes it more special is that Udo Shrine is situated in a cave formed by seawater erosion. There are a few shrine buildings built in caves, and believers come here to pray for a safe birth and happy marriage. Visitors need to pass under a giant red torii to get into Udo Shrine.Obi Castle Town
Come here to admire well-preserved ancient Japanese buildings once belonged to the ancient Japanese upper class.
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People Walking on the Street of Obi Castle Town
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Horikiri Toge
The grand mountains observed from Horikiri Toge must be a feast for one’s eyes since this is the best spot to have a whole view of Nichinan Beaches. You can see Devil’s Washboard from a different perspective here.
Recommended Route
It is recommended to buy a one-day bus pass, at JPY2,000, to travel around Nichinan:
Aoshima - Sun Messe Nichinan Park - Udo Shrine - Horikiri Toge
Must-sees in Takachiho Area, Miyazaki
Takachiho Gorge
Takachiho Gorge is shaped by a volcano eruption and years’ water erosion. Cruising is the best way to go sightseeing in Takachiho Gorge. While enjoying the gorgeous view of brook and canyon on the boat, it’s hard to ignore the symbolic 17-meter-high (121 feet) Manai Waterfall here.Takachiho-jinja Shrine
If you plan to go to Takachiho Gorge, you should drop by Takachiho-jinja Shrine on the way. It is an important place in Japanese myths, built 1,900 years ago. It’s said that if a couple goes around the giant couple of cedar for 3 circles, they will live happily ever after. Additionally, from the middle of November to early February every year, Takachiho Evening Kagura, an all-night extravaganza of dancing, storytelling, drum beating, and masks is held in nearby villages. The shrine also hosts the extravaganza for one hour every night, which visitors need to book in advance for admission.Amano Iwato-jinja Shrine
The shrine, situated near the Takachiho-jinja Shrine, worships the Sun Goddess. It is famous for the hundreds of small-sized stone towers on the trail to the shrine. It’s believed that a pious praying here will heal one’s spirit.
Hyuga City
Situated in the north of Miyazaki, Hyuga is more secluded compared with other attractions in Miyazaki, which makes it quieter and less crowded. Hyuga is famous for its rugged coastline and steep cliffs besides volcanoes. You will also experience a unique trip by visiting the traditional building group in Mimitsu, and wandering around the Sea Cross in Cape Hyuga.|
A Snowy Night in Hyuga City
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