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Things to Do in Miyazaki, Japan
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Plan language: EnglishMost popular attractions in Miyazaki, Japan
Top things to do in Miyazaki, Japan include visiting the serene Aoshima Shrine surrounded by subtropical beaches, exploring the dramatic cliffs and waterfalls at Takachiho Gorge about 50 kilometers away, and experiencing the coastal Sun Messe Nichinan with its impressive Moai statues. These sites offer a rich blend of natural beauty and cultural history.
1. Aoshima Shrine
Explore mystical paths through sandstone corridors shaped by the sea. Experience a unique spiritual ritual tied to the ocean's bounty.
Quick facts: An island shrine embraced by subtropical vegetation, Aoshima draws visitors with its unique Devil's Washboard rock formations extending into the sea. Over 2 million people explore the shrine annually, captivated by its mythical ties to ancient Japanese legends.
Highlights: The shrine sits on a tiny island with paths carved through endemic sunken sandstone patterns known locally as the Devil's Washboard, creating surreal natural corridors. A lesser-known fact: the shrine's annual ceremony involves local fishermen blessing their nets, linking spiritual practice to daily life.
2. Udo Shrine
A stunning seaside cave shrine with a unique ritual that invites you to toss lucky stones. Experience the dramatic cliffs and ocean sounds while seeking blessings.
Quick facts: The shrine is carved into a cave along a cliffside facing the ocean, creating a striking natural altar. It attracts around 300,000 visitors annually who come to pray for safe childbirth and happy marriages.
Highlights: Visitors toss special lucky stones called 'undama' into a target area on the shore below, and hitting the mark is said to bring fulfillment of wishes. The vivid contrast of the orange shrine against the blue Pacific, with crashing waves below, adds to its dramatic allure.
3. Takachiho Gorge
Explore towering cliffs and serene waterfalls carved by volcanic forces. Experience peaceful boat rides on emerald waters under dramatic basalt columns.
Quick facts: The gorge stretches about 7 kilometers and features cliffs reaching up to 100 meters in height. A river called the Gokase quietly carves through the volcanic rock creating dramatic basalt columns.
Highlights: Spectacular waterfalls cascade into emerald pools, with Manai Falls dropping 17 meters in a breathtaking display. Visitors can also rent rowboats to glide alongside towering stone walls, soaking in the lush greenery and misty waterfall spray up close.
4. Miyazaki Shrine
Step into a living heritage site with impressive ancient trees and vibrant traditional celebrations. Experience tranquil gardens and lively cultural festivals all year round.
Quick facts: A serene spot favored for its massive ancient camphor tree, over 800 years old with a trunk spanning 20 meters in circumference. The shrine hosts a unique ritual where visitors tie paper fortunes to branches, believed to bring good luck.
Highlights: The shrine grounds feature a sacred pond where koi fish swim among water lilies, offering a peaceful retreat from city life. During the traditional autumn festival, locals dress in Heian period costumes, re-enacting scenes from an ancient legend tied to the shrine's origins.
5. Sun Messe Nichinan
Explore seven giant Moai sculptures by the sea for a surreal experience. Wander terraces with stunning Pacific views and mysterious stone figures.
Quick facts: Seven giant Moai statues stand here, replicas brought all the way from Easter Island, each about 10 meters tall. The statues face the ocean, creating a surreal sight against the Pacific coastline.
Highlights: The park aligns the seven Moai in a perfect row facing the sea, echoing the mysterious posture of their originals. Visitors can walk among these stone giants on spacious terraces framed by stunning ocean views.
6. Heiwadai Park
Explore a tranquil park featuring the 27-meter tall Peace Tower with 12,000 faces. Immerse yourself in vivid gardens and unexpected cultural artistry.
Quick facts: This park stretches over 3.3 hectares and hosts the giant Peace Tower, which is decorated with 12,000 tiles showing the faces of people from 24 countries. Surrounding the tower are beautifully manicured gardens that change color with the seasons, attracting locals and tourists alike.
Highlights: The Peace Tower stands 27 meters tall and is covered in tiles that symbolize human connection with faces from children to elders. The nearby botanical garden includes rare subtropical plants that bloom year-round, creating a lush, peaceful atmosphere.
7. Phoenix Seagaia Resort
Explore vast greens and sparkling waters at a resort offering everything from golf to tropical gardens. Experience live coral reef tanks and glowing nighttime landscapes.
Quick facts: Over 2 million visitors annually enjoy the sprawling resort that covers 1.5 million square meters with golf courses, a botanical garden, and hot springs. Its distinctive artificial beach uses seawater from an enormous underground reservoir beneath the site.
Highlights: A standout feature is the Phoenix Seagaia Resort’s live coral reef aquarium holding over 10,000 marine creatures, offering up-close encounters. Guests often rave about the night illumination of the resort’s tropical trees, creating a magical atmosphere for evening strolls.
Where to Stay in Miyazaki, Japan
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Traditional Sweet Dishes
Miyazaki Mango Pudding
Made from the region's famous Miyazaki mangoes, this pudding is prized for its rich tropical flavor and creamy texture.
Kojima Manju
These steamed buns are filled with sweet red bean paste and are a beloved souvenir from Miyazaki, often enjoyed with tea.
Hyuganatsu Jelly
This refreshing dessert uses Hyuganatsu citrus, a local specialty, giving it a unique sweet and tangy taste that's perfect for summer.
Traditional Savory Dishes
Miyazaki Beef Steak
Miyazaki is renowned for its premium wagyu beef, and the steak is celebrated for its marbled texture and melt-in-the-mouth flavor.
Chicken Nanban
A popular dish where fried chicken is marinated in a sweet and sour sauce, then topped with tartar sauce, reflecting local tastes.
Miyazaki Soba
The soba here is made from locally grown buckwheat, known for its earthy flavor and often served with a variety of fresh, local toppings.
Traditional Beverages
Mango Juice
Miyazaki's mango juice is beloved for its natural sweetness and is often enjoyed fresh or as a local specialty drink.
Shochu
This traditional distilled spirit from Miyazaki is made from sweet potatoes and is a staple in local drinking culture, known for its robust flavor.
Hyuganatsu Citrus Tea
This tea blends the zesty Hyuganatsu citrus with green tea for a refreshing and aromatic beverage loved in Miyazaki.
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Most popular day trips
Aoshima Island
A small island famous for its subtropical plants and shrine.
Getting there
Airports
Train stations
Nippō Main Line
Take the airport limousine bus or taxi from Miyazaki Airport to city center for convenience.
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Comments (10)
Catch the local bus to Aoshima early morning to avoid crowds at the beach and the shrine area, total hidden gem vibes.
If you want to dine on a budget, avoid restaurants near Miyazaki station. Try the tiny noodle shops two blocks away for authentic taste and lower prices.
The flower gardens close early around 5 pm, plan your day accordingly to not miss the main attractions.
The local mangoes are insanely sweet. Found the vibe super relaxed, not too touristy which was nice. Wish I had more time to explore.
Buy your train ticket from Miyazaki airport to the city beforehand online. It saved me a stressful line with no English info.