Stand on the bridge that links the mainland to Aoshima and you will see the rock layers known as the "devil's washboard" tilting up out of the sea in long parallel ridges, with the torii gate of Aoshima Shrine standing against them. It is the single image most visitors carry away from Miyazaki, and it is a short walk from Aoshima Station.
Miyazaki suits travellers who want shrines, gardens and coastline in the same day, and who are happy to build a trip around a few stops rather than a long checklist. Surfers come for the beaches; others come for the shrines and the museums.
This guide covers the sights in and around Miyazaki that are worth your time, with practical notes on how to combine them.
Top things to do in Miyazaki
1. Aoshima Shrine
Aoshima Shrine sits on an island reached by bridge, a short walk from Aoshima Station on the JR Kyushu Nichinan Line, about 30 minutes by car from Miyazaki Station and 15 minutes by car from Miyazaki Airport. The island was once considered so sacred that people were forbidden to set foot on it, and it did not open to the public until 1737. The shrine is dedicated to wedded gods, so it is a place people visit for marriage.
The rock layers pointing up from the sea along the island beside the shrine's torii gate are an attraction in their own right. Combine the shrine with the garden and the beach nearby, and give yourself time to walk the island rather than just crossing the bridge.
2. Miyakoh Botanic Garden Aoshima
Also known as Aoshima Subtropical Botanical Garden, this is a pleasant garden that is free to enter and well suited to strolling and relaxing. There is a greenhouse within the garden that visitors may also enter.
It pairs naturally with Aoshima Shrine, since both are in the same Aoshima area. Because entry is free, it works well as a low-cost addition to a beach or shrine visit.
3. Miyazaki-jingū
Miyazaki-jingū is a shrine in the city's centre, sacred to Japan's first emperor, Jinmu. There are two shrines in the place: the main shrine on the east side, and the smaller Miyazaki Gokoku Shrine on the west side, which is sacred to soldiers who died in World War II.
A path between the two shrines can lead you to the Miyazaki Prefectural Museum of Nature and History, so the shrine and the museum make a natural pair for a half day.
4. Miyazaki Prefectural Museum of Nature and History
This museum features exhibits about the prefecture's flora and fauna along with historic and cultural exhibits. Behind the museum are a handful of preserved buildings moved here from villages in Miyazaki Prefecture's interior; locals call them minka-en.
Entry is free. The museum is reached by the path from Miyazaki-jingū, so visit the two together and allow time for the preserved buildings behind the main hall.
5. Heiwadai Park
Heiwadai Park is said to be the site where the capital of the legendary Emperor Jimmu used to stand. It is known for Heiwadai Tower, also called Peace Tower, built as a symbol of world peace, and it is home to the Haniwa Garden, where hundreds of haniwa once placed around ancient burial mounds are scattered around.
The haniwa are the reason to linger rather than just photograph the tower. Set aside time to walk the garden rather than treating the park as a single stop.
6. Miyazaki Prefectural Art Museum
The Miyazaki Prefectural Art Museum has a permanent collection but is best visited for its special exhibitions, so it is worth checking what will be featured during your visit before you go. It is open 10:00-18:00 and can be reached at +81 98-524-2071.
Because the programme changes, decide whether to include it once you know what is on. It fits well into a city-centre day alongside the prefectural office.
7. Miyazaki Prefectural Office
The Miyazaki Prefectural Office is a local icon built prior to World War II in a European style. It is lit up at night.
Go in the evening if you want to see the lighting, or stop by during a city-centre day and combine it with the art museum.
8. Sadowara Castle
It is not known when or who built the original castle, but it was expanded by Yoshisuke Ito and used as his residence. One of the palace buildings has been rebuilt as the Sadowara History and Folk Museum, which is also free, and the rest of the former castle can be seen via walking trails on and around the hill.
The site is open 09:00-16:30 and can be reached at +81 98-574-1518. Wear shoes suitable for the trails if you intend to walk the hill.
9. Amaga Castle
At Amaga Castle the keep has been rebuilt, and there is also a museum around the site about the castle and local history. It is open 09:00-16:30 and can be reached at +81 98-582-2950.
Like Sadowara Castle, this is a castle site with a museum attached, so it rewards a slower visit than a quick photo stop.
10. Miyazaki Science Center
The Miyazaki Science Center has a variety of interactive science exhibits and a planetarium. It is open 09:00-16:30 and admission is ¥540.
This is a straightforward option for a rainy stretch or for anyone travelling with children. Check the planetarium timing when you arrive so you do not miss a show.
11. Surfing at Kizakihama Beach, Aoshima Beach and Shirahama Beach
Miyazaki is one of the most famous places for surfing in Japan, and lots of foreigners visit during the summer. There are good waves, and the sunset is beautiful.
Kizakihama Beach, Aoshima Beach and Shirahama Beach are the popular surfing spots in Miyazaki city. If you are already visiting Aoshima Shrine and the garden, Aoshima Beach is the obvious one to add.
12. Miyazaki-city Phoenix Zoo
Miyazaki-city Phoenix Zoo is one of the city's visitor attractions, listed among the things to do in Miyazaki.
It is a good fit for families and can be worked into a day that also takes in the Aoshima area.
13. Tom Watson Golf Course
Tom Watson Golf Course was created by Tom Watson, an American professional golfer. It has become a famous golfing destination for Japanese golfers, and there are a lot of prominent golf events here. While the course is very good, it is more famous for the beautiful location than the course itself.
If you want to play, plan it as a half-day or full-day commitment rather than squeezing it between other stops.
If you only have one day
Morning: Start at Aoshima Shrine, walking over the bridge and taking in the rock layers beside the torii gate. Follow it with a stroll through Miyakoh Botanic Garden Aoshima, including the greenhouse, then walk onto Aoshima Beach.
Afternoon: Head into the city centre to Miyazaki-jingū, visiting both the main shrine on the east side and the smaller Miyazaki Gokoku Shrine on the west side. Take the path between the shrines to the Miyazaki Prefectural Museum of Nature and History, and look at the preserved minka-en buildings behind it.
Evening: Finish at the Miyazaki Prefectural Office to see the pre-World War II European-style building lit up at night.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Aoshima Shrine?
It is a short walk from Aoshima Station on the JR Kyushu Nichinan Line, about 30 minutes by car from Miyazaki Station and 15 minutes by car from Miyazaki Airport.
Which sights are free?
Miyakoh Botanic Garden Aoshima is free, as are the Miyazaki Prefectural Museum of Nature and History and the Sadowara History and Folk Museum at Sadowara Castle. The Miyazaki Science Center charges ¥540.
Where can I surf in Miyazaki?
Kizakihama Beach, Aoshima Beach and Shirahama Beach are the popular surfing spots in Miyazaki city. Miyazaki is one of the most famous places for surfing in Japan, and the sunset is beautiful.
What can I see in the city centre?
Miyazaki-jingū and the Miyazaki Prefectural Museum of Nature and History are linked by a path, and the Miyazaki Prefectural Art Museum and the Miyazaki Prefectural Office are also in the city centre.
Decide which of these fits your days, check the special exhibition programme at the art museum before you go, and start building your Miyazaki itinerary.