Miyazaki

Introduction

You will find Miyazaki serving as the capital city of Miyazaki Prefecture on the island of Kyushu in Japan.

Before you go

Before you arrive in this resort area of southern Kyushu, ensure you do not confuse the location with the famous Japanese animator and filmmaker who shares the same name.

You can consult the local tourist association's website to access a multilingual guide for your trip.

Getting there

You can reach the city by air via Miyazaki Airport, which hosts regular flights from major Japanese hubs like Tokyo Haneda and Osaka Itami, as well as international flights to Seoul and Taipei. From the airport, you can take a bus to the main Miyazaki station or ride the JR Miyazaki Airport Line to Minami-Miyazaki station.

Train travelers can reach the area via the Kirishima limited express from Kagoshima or by taking the Nichirin limited express from stations such as Kokura or Hakata. For those traveling from Shin-Yatsushiro, a combination of the Shinkansen and a highway bus offers a faster route to the city. Alternatively, you can choose a scenic train journey through Oita or Beppu, or opt for an overnight ferry from Kobe. Regional buses also provide connections from Fukuoka, Kumamoto, Kagoshima, Beppu, Oita, Nobeoka, and Nagasaki.

Getting around

You can navigate the spread-out attractions of Miyazaki using both trains and buses. Trains provide access to specific sites, such as Aoshima Shrine near Aoshima Station, while Miyazaki-Jingu Station serves as a convenient link to the Prefectural Museum of Nature and History, the Prefectural Art Museum, and Miyazaki Jingu. Be mindful that train timetables on the Nippo Line can be inconvenient, with some services running only once per hour at certain times.

Buses are often your most effective way to travel throughout the city. While many routes depart from Miyazaki Station, you might find it faster to walk a short distance down Route 25 to the intersection with Route 220, where more frequent bus lines operate. You can visit the Tourist Information Center inside Miyazaki Station to consult the timetables and speak with staff who can advise whether walking to an alternative stop will save you time.

Where to stay

You can choose between luxury accommodations and more modest options depending on your preference for comfort. For a high-end experience, stay at the Kanko Hotel in the city centre near the river or the Sheraton within the Seagaia complex, which is surrounded by a golf course. If you are looking for a resort atmosphere with amenities like a pool, golfing, and an onsen, the Phoenix Seagaia Resort offers a variety of events throughout the year.

For other comfortable stays, consider the Richmond Hotel, Comfort Inn Miyazaki, or the JR Kyushu Hotel Miyazaki located near the train station. Other options include Hotel Crane Tachibana and Air Line Hotel. If you prefer a budget-friendly alternative, you can find lodging in a manga coffee shop like Manga Kissa near the 7-Eleven by the train station, or at the Cybac internet cafe.

Food & drink

Savor the local flavors of Miyazaki by trying Chicken Nanban, a staple dish featuring fried chicken topped with tartar sauce or a white sauce base. You can also sample succulent Miyazaki beef and seasonal mangoes, which are served as fresh fruit at markets or transformed into decadent parfaits in local cafes. For those seeking variety, you can find Indian curry or a selection of local delicacies at nearby eateries.

Explore the region's rich drinking culture by sampling Kurokirishima, a renowned shochu. If you travel to the town of Aya, you can visit a complex featuring a winery and a brewery that produces high-quality German-style beers, including Bock, Koelsch, Altbier, and a blueberry-flavored lager. In the city, find your way to atmospheric bars where you can enjoy cocktails or mingle with locals and expats in a social setting.

What to see and do

Explore the spiritual and historical landmarks of the city, starting with Aoshima Shrine on an island accessible by bridge. You can admire unique rock layers rising from the sea near the torii gate at this site dedicated to wedded gods. Nearby, stroll through the Miyakoh Botanic Garden Aoshima, which features a greenhouse for your enjoyment. In the heart of the city, visit Miyazaki-jingū, a sacred site for Japan's first emperor, and walk the path between it and the smaller Miyazaki Gokoku Shrine to reach the Museum of Nature and History. This museum showcases local flora, fauna, and cultural history, with several preserved traditional buildings located just behind it.

Experience the local culture through diverse sites:

• View the European-style Miyazaki Prefectural Office, a local icon illuminated at night.
• Visit Heiwadai Park to see the Peace Tower and the Haniwa Garden, which features hundreds of ancient burial mound figures.
• Explore the Sadowara Castle site via walking trails or visit the nearby history and folk museum housed in a rebuilt palace building.
• See the reconstructed keep at Amaga Castle and its accompanying local history museum.
• Engage with interactive science exhibits and a planetarium at the Miyazaki Science Center.

Three days in Miyazaki

Day one, you arrive in Miyazaki and begin your journey by exploring the local area. You can visit the Aoshima Shrine to experience the spiritual atmosphere of the region.

Day two, you travel through the landscape of Miyazaki Prefecture. You can take a train to explore the surrounding nature or visit the Prefectural Museum to learn about the history of the land.

Day three, you enjoy your final day in the area before preparing for your departure from the region. You can spend your time taking in the local scenery and sights of Miyazaki.