Miyazaki Travel Guide

Quick Facts: Miyazaki, Japan

Destination Overview

Why Visit Miyazaki?

Miyazaki blends palm-fringed beaches, mythic shrines, and mountain gorges on Kyushu’s sunny southeast. Start at Aoshima, a tiny island shrine encircled by honeycomb rock shelves. Follow the Nichinan Coast to Udo Jingu, a vermilion sanctuary set in a cave above surf. Inland, row through Takachiho Gorge beneath sheer basalt cliffs and watch sacred kagura dances at night. The food is comfort-rich, from crispy chicken nanban to world-class Miyazaki wagyu.

Best Time to Visit Miyazaki

• Spring – Warm and bright. Flower parks and fresh greenery. Golden Week crowds late April to early May, prebook hotels and trains.
• Summer – Hot and humid, great for beaches and river activities. Expect afternoon showers and occasional typhoons, check JMA advisories.
• Autumn – Clear skies, lower humidity, coastal sunsets. Maple foliage in late Oct to Nov in higher elevations like Takachiho.
• Winter – Mild on the coast, crisp inland nights. Fewer crowds, good value, illuminations at parks and resorts.

Travel Difficulty & Ideal Duration

Difficulty: Easy if you focus on Miyazaki City and Aoshima. Moderate if you add Takachiho and Cape Toi, where buses are infrequent.

Recommended: 3 to 5 days for first timers, 6 to 8 days to include remote coast and mountain villages.

Essential Travel Information

Visa & Entry

Japan grants short-term visa-free entry to many nationalities. Always check current rules, eGates availability, and quarantine or health advisories before flying. See the official immigration and entry overview. Weather advisories and severe weather warnings are issued by the Japan Meteorological Agency here: JMA official site.

Money & Realistic Daily Costs

• Budget: ¥6,000–¥9,000 (hostel or business hotel, JR local trains or buses, casual meals)
• Mid-range: ¥12,000–¥20,000 (city hotel or ryokan plan, a taxi or activity, nicer dinners)
• Luxury: ¥28,000–¥60,000+ (resort or premium ryokan, wagyu dinner, private tours or golf)

Language & Communication

English is limited outside major hotels. Download Japanese offline in Google Translate. For data, buy an eSIM or SIM on arrival, then use free Wi-Fi at stations and attractions. Staff at visitor centers can call to confirm bus times or restaurant openings.

Getting There & Around

Air, Rail, Bus: Fly into Miyazaki Airport (KMI). JR trains run from the airport to Miyazaki Station in about 11–12 minutes and typically cost around ¥1,000–¥1,100 one way. Highway buses link Miyazaki to Takachiho, Kumamoto, and Fukuoka, with some services requiring reservations. For regional rail, consider the JR Kyushu Rail Pass, including the Southern Kyushu option that covers key lines serving Miyazaki.

Local transport: In Miyazaki City and along Route 220 to Nichinan, use Miyazaki Kotsu buses. The VISIT MIYAZAKI BUS PASS offers unlimited rides on designated routes for a day for foreign visitors. IC cards like nimoca and SUGOCA work on many local services. Taxis are easy to hail in the city. For Takachiho and Cape Toi, renting a car gives the most flexibility.

Top Things to Do in Miyazaki

Must-See Landmarks & Cultural Sites

• Aoshima Shrine
  Address: 2-13-1 Aoshima, Miyazaki 889-2162
  Admission and timing: Grounds open at all hours. Free entry. Shops typically 8:00–17:00.
  Best visiting time: Early morning low tide for the “Devil’s Washboard” views and soft light.
  A small island sanctuary linked by a pedestrian bridge, famed for matchmaking fortunes and subtropical plants. Official info: Visit Miyazaki City.
• Udo Jingu
  Address: 3232 Miyaura, Nichinan 887-0101
  Admission and timing: Free. Typically 6:00–18:00. Bus from Miyazaki Station about 90 minutes.
  Best visiting time: Morning before day tours arrive or near sunset on clear days.
  Vermilion-lacquered buildings and a main hall inside a sea cave above crashing surf. Toss undama clay balls for luck. Details: japan-guide overview and official tourism page.
• Takachiho Gorge
  Address: Near 5-2 Mitai, Takachiho-cho, Nishiusuki-gun, Miyazaki
  Admission and timing: Gorge paths free. Rowboat rentals typically ¥4,100 per boat for 30 minutes daytime, ¥5,100 during evening illumination when offered. Hours vary by season and water level.
  Best visiting time: 8:30–10:00 for fewer boats, or late afternoon for glow on basalt walls.
  Row beneath 80-meter cliffs and Manai Waterfall. Official price calendar and notices: Takachiho Tourism.
• Sun Messe Nichinan
  Address: 2650 Miyaura, Nichinan 887-0101
  Admission and timing: 9:30–17:00, closed Wed except peak periods. Adults ¥1,000, teens ¥700, ages 4+ ¥500.
  Best visiting time: Clear late morning for intense Pacific blues behind the Moai statues.
  Seven officially approved replica Moai statues stand against the ocean, a surreal photo stop on Route 220. Info: Visit Miyazaki.
• Miyazaki Jingu
  Address: 2-4-1 Jingu, Miyazaki 880-0053
  Admission and timing: Free. Typically 6:00–17:30. Open daily.
  Best visiting time: Late afternoon for warm light on cypress groves, October for “Jimmu-sama” festivities.
  A forested shrine linked to Japan’s first emperor, with a tranquil precinct and nearby museums. Details: Good Luck Trip listing.
• Heiwadai Park & Haniwa Garden
  Address: Heiwadai Park, Miyazaki City
  Admission and timing: Park free. Haniwa Garden sometimes charges a small fee during events. Daylight hours recommended.
  Best visiting time: Morning for quiet paths among 400 replica haniwa statues.
  Peace Tower lawn and a whimsical garden of clay figure replicas create a unique stroll. Overview: japan-guide.
• Miyazaki Prefectural Art Museum
  Address: 3-210 Funatsuka, Miyazaki City
  Admission and timing: 10:00–18:00, closed Mon. Permanent collection free, special exhibits priced individually.
  Best visiting time: Rainy afternoons or after Heiwadai and Miyazaki Jingu for a culture loop.
  A bright museum highlighting regional artists with rotating shows. Access and hours: official page.

Hidden Gems & Local Favorites

• Devil’s Washboard Coastal Walks – Track the exposed rock ridges around Aoshima at low tide. Check tide tables and keep to dry, non-slippery sections.
• Aya Teruha Suspension Bridge – One of Japan’s tallest pedestrian bridges, 142 meters above a forested valley, 250 meters long. Typical admission around ¥500. Great combined with short forest trails.
• Obi Castle Town, Nichinan – Samurai streets, museums, and cedar-shaded lanes. A calm half-day with local sweets and soy sauce shops.
• Cape Toi Wild Horses – See semi-wild Misaki-uma roaming grasslands by the lighthouse. Bring wind protection and keep respectful distance.
• Florante Miyazaki – Seasonal gardens and winter illuminations near Seagaia. Admission commonly around ¥600, check event times.
• Miyazaki City Phoenix Zoo – Family stop with animal talks and a small amusement area. Adult admission typically ¥840.

Unique Experiences You Can’t Miss

• Row a boat in Takachiho Gorge — ¥4,100 per boat for 30 minutes daytime, book on site and expect queues on weekends. Arrive at opening to secure a slot.
• Takachiho Night Kagura performance — short ritual dances at Takachiho Shrine most evenings in peak season, arrive early for seats and donate for upkeep.
• Sunrise at Aoshima — pre-dawn walk over the bridge to watch first light hit the torii. Free, unforgettable, and photogenic.
• Coastal drive Route 220 — rent a car and stop at viewpoints between Aoshima, Sun Messe Nichinan, and Udo Jingu. Budget ¥6,000–¥9,000 per day for a compact rental plus fuel and parking.
• Miyazaki wagyu teppanyaki — splurge dinner at a “Miyachiku” venue from about ¥4,000–¥12,000 per person depending on cuts and courses.
• Surf lesson at Aoshima Beach Park — board rental and beginner lessons commonly from ¥4,000–¥7,000, seasonal.

Best Photo Spots

• Aoshima bridge and first torii at sunrise, then circle the island path clockwise for backlit ridges.
• Takachiho Gorge boat shots from the upper path viewpoint near Manai Waterfall. Bring a fast lens and be mindful of mist.
• Udo Jingu cave altar framing ocean whitecaps. Avoid midday glare and salt spray on lenses.
• Sun Messe Nichinan’s Moai line with the Pacific horizon. Shoot low and include foreground grasses for depth.
• Heiwadai Peace Tower lawn reflection after rain, plus quirky haniwa close-ups.
• Cape Toi lighthouse cliffs during golden hour. Watch gusts and keep well behind barriers.

Where to Stay in Miyazaki

Best Areas or Neighborhoods

• Miyazaki Station & Downtown – Best for first timers without a car. Easy rail and bus access, business hotels, and dining streets.
• Aoshima – Resort vibe near the beach and shrine. Great for families, surfers, and sunrise chasers.
• Seagaia / Hitotsuba – Phoenix Seagaia resort zone with golf, spas, and wide beaches. Perfect for a pool day and easy zoo access.
• Nichinan – Slow-paced coastal town stays, handy for Udo Jingu and Sun Messe Nichinan.
• Takachiho – Overnight to catch night kagura and early rowing slots. Mountain air and starry skies.

What & Where to Eat in Miyazaki

Must-Try Dishes

• Chicken Nanban – Fried chicken dipped in sweet vinegar with tartar sauce. Try at Ogura. Typical set ¥1,000–¥1,400.
• Miyazaki Wagyu – Award-winning beef served as steak, yakiniku, or shabu-shabu. Courses ¥4,000–¥12,000+.
• Charcoal-Grilled Jidori – Local free-range chicken grilled smoky over binchotan. Sets ¥1,200–¥2,000.
• Hiyajiru – Refreshing cold miso-sesame soup poured over rice, a summer staple. Bowls ¥700–¥1,000.
• Mango Parfaits – In summer, cafés pile fragrant local mangoes over soft-serve. Parfaits ¥800–¥1,500.

Restaurants & Cafés

• Budget Eats – Miyazaki Jingu precinct cafés for quick noodles and sweets • ¥700–¥1,200
• Ogura Honten – Chicken nanban origin spot. Details & reviews. Address: 3-4-24 Tachibanadorihigashi, Miyazaki • Sets around ¥1,200.
• Ogura Segashira – Another beloved branch with long history. Address: 2-23 Segashira, Miyazaki • Sets around ¥1,100–¥1,400. Info: En Miyazaki feature.
• Miyachiku, Oyodo Riverside – Wagyu teppanyaki in the Miyazaki Kanko Hotel complex. Lunch from about ¥4,000. Restaurant page.
• Aoshima Beach Park – Seasonal food stands, pizza, burgers, coffee by the ocean. Official info. Typical meals ¥900–¥1,600.
• Nichinan Coast seafood – Family-run eateries near Sun Messe and Udo Jingu serve fresh sashimi sets • ¥1,200–¥2,200.
• Café near Miyazaki Prefectural Art Museum – Light lunches and desserts after exhibits • ¥800–¥1,200.

Street Food & Dietary Tips

• Summer stalls pop up at Aoshima and festivals. Look for mango soft-serve and yakitori skewers.
• For vegetarian travelers, hiyajiru minus fish topping and temple-area cafés can adapt dishes on request.
• Gluten-sensitive diners should confirm soy sauce use. Carry a Japanese allergy card to show staff.
• Tap water is potable citywide. Ask for “mizu” for water with meals. Ice is safe in restaurants.
• Reservations help for wagyu dinner spots Fri–Sun. Many small eateries are cash-preferred.

Local Culture & Etiquette

• Norms – Bow lightly when greeting at shrines, speak softly on trains and in sacred spaces, remove hats at altars.
• Do’s & Don’ts – Do step aside for worshippers, do not block shrine pathways for photos, do not touch wildlife like Cape Toi horses.
• Tipping – Not customary. A simple “arigatō” and a smile go a long way.
• Festivals & Events – Night kagura in Takachiho Nov–Feb weekends, seasonal illuminations at Florante in winter, local summer fireworks along the Oyodo River.

Practical Tips & Safety

• Health & Safety – Dial 110 for police, 119 for ambulance or fire. In summer, hydrate and use sunscreen. Watch coastal swell and slippery rocks.
• What to Pack – Compact umbrella, breathable layers, light rain jacket June–Sept, warm midlayer for Takachiho nights, waterproof sandals for tidepools.
• Money Saving – Use the VISIT MIYAZAKI BUS PASS for unlimited city and coastal routes in one day. Compare JR Kyushu passes for multi-day regional travel.
• Emergency Phrases – “Tasukete” (help), “Byōin wa doko desu ka?” (where is a hospital), “Kōban” (police box), “Eki” (station).

Miyazaki Itineraries

3-Day Express Itinerary

1. Day 1 – Aoshima sunrise, island loop, cafés at Aoshima Beach Park. Train to Miyazaki Jingu and Heiwadai Park. Dinner: chicken nanban at Ogura.
2. Day 2 – Coastal Route 220. Sun Messe Nichinan late morning, Udo Jingu early afternoon, sunset at Horikiri Pass. Return to Miyazaki City.
3. Day 3 – Takachiho day trip. Early JR to Nobeoka, bus to Takachiho. Row the gorge, shrine visit, return by evening. Wagyu dinner at Miyachiku.

7-Day Comprehensive Itinerary

1. Day 1 – Arrival. Downtown stroll, riverside sunset, casual izakaya.
2. Day 2 – Aoshima sunrise, shrine visit, surf lesson or tidepooling. Afternoon museum or zoo for families.
3. Day 3 – Nichinan full loop: Horikiri Pass, Sun Messe, Udo Jingu, Obi Castle Town. Overnight in Nichinan.
4. Day 4 – Aya Teruha Suspension Bridge and forest walk, local crafts, return to Miyazaki City.
5. Day 5 – Takachiho transfer, gorge boating and rural cafés. Night kagura performance if available.
6. Day 6 – Amanoiwato Shrine area, Kunimigaoka viewpoint at dawn if staying. Transfer back to Miyazaki.
7. Day 7 – Slow breakfast, souvenir run for mango sweets and local shochu, airport train.

Off the Beaten Path Route

Rent a compact car and follow a quiet loop: Miyazaki City to Aya Town for the Teruha bridge and laurel forest, continue to West Miyazaki farm stands, cut across to Saito’s kofun fields, then down to Obi Castle Town for samurai lanes and soy sauce tastings. Finish with sunset at Cape Toi and overnight in Kushima. Time it so that you hit the coast outside rush hours and enjoy empty viewpoints.

Frequently Asked Questions

Don’t Miss

• A quiet sunrise crossing to Aoshima Shrine, then a slow loop over the Devil’s Washboard ridges at low tide.
• Rowing beneath Manai Waterfall in Takachiho Gorge before the crowds, followed by countryside sweets.
• Tracing Route 220’s viewpoints from Horikiri Pass to Udo Jingu, with a photo stop at the Moai of Sun Messe Nichinan.
• A table-side sear of Miyazaki wagyu at Miyachiku, or crispy chicken nanban at a vintage Ogura dining room.
• Wind-swept grasslands and wild horses at Cape Toi, ending with a lighthouse sunset and a starry drive back.

Your Miyazaki Story Starts Here

Miyazaki rewards unhurried travelers. Wake to salt air at Aoshima, trace a coastline of cliffs and shrines, then slip inland to lantern-lit valleys and sacred dance. Eat well, from mango parfaits to sizzling wagyu, and let river spray cool your face in a basalt gorge. Choose a base near the station or by the beach, pencil in a sunrise, and leave room for a spontaneous detour. Pick your dates, book a night or two, and let Kyushu’s sunniest corner set your pace.

Useful Links / Official Sources

• Miyazaki City Official Travel Guide
• Miyazaki Prefecture Official Tourism
• JR Kyushu Rail Pass Options
• VISIT MIYAZAKI BUS PASS (Miyazaki Kotsu)
• Takachiho Gorge Boat Rental Info
• Sun Messe Nichinan Official
• Udo Jingu Visitor Details
• Prefectural Art Museum Hours
• Miyazaki City Phoenix Zoo Hours & Fees
• Japan Meteorological Agency Weather