Introduction to Miyazaki Prefecture
Miyazaki Prefecture, located in the southeastern part of Kyushu, is blessed with a mild climate, beautiful coastline, and magnificent mountains. It is also known as the setting of the mythical “descent of the grandchildren,” and has long been a place of faith for people. It is also attractive for activities such as surfing and diving, as well as for its exquisite gourmet food such as Miyazaki beef and chicken nanban. Despite being an attractive tourist destination, Miyazaki is still a region with few foreign visitors because it is somewhat far from Tokyo and Osaka and inaccessible. Even I, a Japanese, can hardly visit there….Miyazaki Prefecture, located in the southeastern part of Kyushu, is blessed with a mild climate, beautiful coastline, and magnificent mountains. It is also known as the setting of the mythical “descent of the grandchildren,” and has long been a place of faith for people. It is also attractive for activities such as surfing and diving, as well as for its exquisite gourmet food such as Miyazaki beef and chicken nanban. Despite being an attractive tourist destination, Miyazaki is still a region with few foreign visitors because it is somewhat far from Tokyo and Osaka and inaccessible. Even I, a Japanese, can hardly visit there….
The shortest way to get there is to take a plane to Miyazaki Airport from Japan’s major airports such as Haneda, Central Japan International Airport, Kansai International Airport, Itami Airport, or Fukuoka Airport. Since there is no Shinkansen bullet train service, you will need to take a bus or train to get there, so flying is still the preferred way to go. Because of the inaccessibility of the area, there are relatively few tourists, so it is an attractive area for those who want to learn about an unknown part of Japan. Please consider it!
Geographic location
Miyazaki Prefecture is located in the southeastern part of Kyushu, bordering the Pacific Ocean to the east, Kagoshima Prefecture to the west, and Kumamoto Prefecture to the north. The center of the prefecture is Miyazaki City, where about a quarter of the prefecture’s population is concentrated.
History & Culture
- There are many spots related to the myth, such as Takachiho Gorge and Ama-no-Iwato Shrine, the stage of the legend of the descent of the grandchildren.
- Saitobaru Kofun Tumulus Group: One of the largest groups of ancient tombs in Japan, this group tells the story of the prosperity of ancient Hyuga Province.
- Nichinan Coast: A scenic area with a beautiful coastline and tourist attractions such as Udo Shrine and Sun Messe Nichinan.
- Aoshima Shrine: This shrine is famous as a god of marriage, and the oddly shaped rock called Oni-no-Washita (washing board of demons) is also a must-see.
Tourist attraction
Miyazaki Prefecture is full of tourist attractions to visit.
Takachiho Gorge
The photo above is exactly Takachiho Gorge. This gorge is designated as a special national scenic beauty spot, and visitors can enjoy the mysterious scenery by boat. However, the boat rental fee is very expensive because it is a famous sightseeing spot. Although the rental fee is expensive, you will definitely enjoy the special scenery. It is a question of whether to rent a boat or not.
Uto Shrine
It is a mysterious and unusual shrine built on a precipitous cliff. The luck ball throwing is popular.
Sun Messe Nichinan
This theme park is famous for its moai statues, and visitors can also enjoy interacting with animals.
Aoshima
The island is lined with strange rocks called “Oni no washboard,” and is home to Aoshima Shrine, famous as the god of marriage.
Kirishima mountain range
It is one of the most mountainous areas in Kyushu, where mountain climbing and hiking can be enjoyed.
Food culture
Local Chicken Cuisine
Miyazaki is well known for its jidori (local chicken), and you can enjoy the delicious taste of jidori chicken. Local specialties include Miyazaki gibier and hyuga-dori, which can be enjoyed in yakitori, fried chicken, and nabe dishes. Jidori dishes are served at many restaurants from urban areas of Miyazaki City to local restaurants.
Chicken nanban
Miyazaki’s famous sweet-and-sour sauce and tartar sauce make this chicken dish exquisite.
Miyazaki beef
Miyazaki beef is one of Japan’s three major beef varieties and is highly regarded for its meat quality and flavor. It can be enjoyed in a variety of styles, including yakiniku, shabu-shabu, sukiyaki, and steak. The rare Miyazaki beef tongue is especially exquisite.
Fresh seafoods
Miyazaki is surrounded by the sea and is rich in fresh seafood. Sashimi, sushi, seafood rice bowls, grilled fish, and other seafood can be enjoyed. In particular, you can taste fresh seafood at restaurants and markets in Miyazaki City.
local sake
Miyazaki is also home to delicious local sake. Sake breweries are scattered throughout Miyazaki and Nobeoka cities, and visitors can sample local sake. Miyazaki’s sake is characterized by its refreshing taste and goes well with local cuisine.
Hiya jiru
This cold miso soup with cucumber and tofu is perfect for hot summer days. I feel like I can eat as many cups of cold soup over rice as I want because it tastes so good. I like cold soup quite a bit, so I sometimes make it at home. The taste of this miso soup is refreshing and gentle.
Activities
Miyazaki Prefecture offers a wide variety of activities.
Surfing
Nichinan Coast is known as one of the best surfing spots in Japan, and there are many spots that can be enjoyed by both beginners and advanced surfers.
Diving
The waters around Aoshima and Udo Shrine offer a beautiful underwater world of coral reefs and tropical fish.
Boating
You can enjoy nature by kayaking on rivers and lakes in Takachiho Gorge and Kawanami Town.
Mountain climbing
Kirishima mountain range and Mt. Wanizuka, and there are many mountain climbing courses that can be enjoyed by both beginners and advanced climbers.
Seasonal Recommendations
Spring
- Cherry Blossoms: Cherry blossoms are in full bloom throughout the prefecture, including Takachiho Gorge and the Nichinan coast.
- Rape Blossoms: The rape blossom fields along the Kitagawa River in Nobeoka City are a spectacular spot in spring.
Summer
- Swimming: You can enjoy swimming at beautiful beaches such as Nichinan Beach and Aoshima Island.
- Festival: Summer festivals and music festivals are held throughout Miyazaki.
Autumn
- Autumn Foliage: There are many places famous for their autumn foliage, such as the Kirishima mountain range and Takachiho gorge.
- Gourmet: You can enjoy dishes using seasonal ingredients such as autumn fish and mushrooms.
Winter
- Onsen: You can warm yourself at numerous hot spring resorts such as Takachiho Gorge and Kirishima Onsenkyo.
- Illumination: Illumination events will be held at Aoshima Shrine and Sun Messe Nichinan.
Local Culture
Festival
- Takachiho Night Kagura: Designated as a national Important Intangible Folk Cultural Asset, this Kagura recreates the world of mythology.
- Metropolitan June Lantern Festival: With a history of over 200 years, this festival features a parade of gorgeous floats.
Traditional crafts
- Takachiho Gorge Woodwork: Woodwork made from a precious wood called Jindai cedar is one of Miyazaki’s representative traditional crafts.
- Woodworking in Kobayashi City: Woodwork made using techniques such as rokuro-hiki (turning on a wheel) and bent wood is both practical and artistic.
Transportation
Miyazaki Prefecture can be accessed from Tokyo by various means of transportation, including airplanes, bullet trains, trains, and highway buses.
Airplane
It takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes from Haneda Airport to Miyazaki Airport. From outside of Tokyo, flights arrive and depart from Central Japan International Airport, Kansai International Airport, Itami Airport, and Fukuoka Airport.
Shinkansen
It takes about 6 hours and 30 minutes from Tokyo Station to Kagoshima Chuo Station, then about 1 hour by express train. Since it takes more than half a day just to travel, flying is recommended.
Car ferry
You can take the Miyazaki Ferry from Kobe Port to Miyazaki Port. Departing around 6:00 or 7:00 p.m. and arriving around 8:20 a.m. the next morning, it is a time-efficient and elegant way to travel. Recommended for those who have plenty of time to spare.
Lastly
With its mild climate, beautiful nature, mythology, history, culture, and cuisine, Miyazaki Prefecture is a fascinating place to visit. From activities to traditional culture, Miyazaki Prefecture offers something for everyone on your trip.