One of the main reasons to come to Miyazaki is for the chance to see a more rural side of Japan and spend time enjoying the sand and surf. As well as the natural delights on offer, visitors will also find a clutch of other interesting attractions such as museums, temples, and dainty shrines located next to the water.
Getting to Miyazaki:
By plane:
The main airport in Miyazaki is Miyazaki Airport which is conveniently located close to the center of town. Many local carriers such as JAL and ANA fly to Miyazaki and there is a selection of flights from destinations around Japan such as Tokyo and Osaka. You can also fly internationally to Miyazaki from Seoul, Taipei, and Hong Kong.
By train:
One of the quickest ways to get to Miyazaki is to take the Kirishima Limited Express train from neighboring Kagoshima which takes around 2 hours at a cost of ¥4,100. You can also take the Shinkansen service to Kagoshima from Shin-Osaka and then travel on to Miyazaki which will take around 4-5 hours.
By bus:
Miyazaki has a good selection of bus links and you can take a bus from neighboring Fukuoka which will take just over 4 hours and cost ¥6,000. There are also buses from Kagoshima that take three hours and cost ¥2,700. Other choices include buses from Nagasaki which take 5 hours and cost ¥6,700 or you can take an overnight service from Osaka or Kyoto at a cost of ¥12,000.
By ferry:
You can also take a ferry from Kobe which is an overnight service and will take around 12 hours. Travelers can buy a ticket for ¥10,000 which includes a bunk space. If you buy a ticket online in advance then tickets can be as low as ¥6,000.
Tourist Attractions:
Aoshima Island:
Aoshima Island is one of the top attractions in the Miyazaki area and is a dainty island that sits just off the coast from Miyazaki City proper. To get to the island you can travel across a bridge that affords scenic views over the water and you will find long stretches of white sand that back on to azure waters. The center of the island is covered in lush jungles which make the perfect place for a hike. Alternatively, you can walk around the pretty beaches here and visit the main attraction on the island which is Aoshima Jinja, a vibrant shrine that many married couples come to in order to pray for good luck.
Miyazaki Shrine:
Miyazaki Shrine is famous for being one of the most significant shrines in Miyazaki and is dedicated to the Emperor Jimmu who was the first emperor of Japan. The shrine is also one of the oldest in the city and it is said to date back some 2,600 years. One of the reasons that the shrine is so special is that it is located in the middle of a lush forest and it is also next to the Miyazaki Prefectural Museum so you can visit both attractions at the same time.
Heiwadai Park:
Heiwadai Park is also known as Peace Tower Park and was constructed in 1940 in honor of the 2,600th anniversary of the reign of Emperor Jimmu. The park is located on the site of the capital city where Emperor Jimmu would have lived and the big draw here is the main Peace Tower which is made up of stones that were sourced from all over Asia. If you come to the tower then make sure to face the building from the front lawn and clap your hands. Due to the amazing acoustics here you will hear your clap echoing across the lawn. Other spots to look out for in the park include the Haniwa Garden which has some 400 models of haniwa which are traditional burial statues.
Shopping and Duty Free:
Miyazaki Products Shop Konne:
If you want to source some handicrafts in Miyazaki then you need to come to the Miyazaki products Shop Konne where you will find a huge range of goods on offer. These include wood carvings as well as haniwa which are traditional figures made of clay. You can also pick up some local snacks and some shochu liquors which are a signature tipple of the Miyazaki region.
Ichibangai Entertainment Area:
Locals will tell you that the best place to shop in Miyazaki is the Ichibangai Entertainment Area as well as the area around Miyazaki Station. Here you will find a selection of shops selling local souvenirs and this is a great place to hunt for traditional gifts from Miyazaki.
AEON Mall Miyazaki:
If you want to see a more modern shopping side of Miyazaki then head for AEON Mall. AEON malls are famous across Japan and you will find several floors of products here including men’s and women’s fashions with a mix of large international brands as well as typical Japanese designers and stores. Visitors can also expect a range of eateries here as well as scenic cafes.
Recommended times to visit:
Miyazaki is essentially a holiday destination so it is best to visit during the summer months. People usually come here for some of the best surfing opportunities in Japan and as such visitors can make the most of the warm weather and attractive surf from June to August. The sunsets at this time of year are also said to be spectacular.
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