Miyazaki Prefecture faces the Pacific Ocean on Kyushu's east coast — one of Japan's sunniest regions. The land of Japanese mythology, subtropical coastline, and award-winning wagyu beef, Miyazaki is largely undiscovered by international tourists despite offering some of Kyushu's most dramatic landscapes and richest food culture.
Top Attractions in Miyazaki
🚣 Takachiho Gorge
¥1,000 boatBasalt column gorge with 17m Manai Falls — rowing boats approach the waterfall (¥1,000/30 min)
🎭 Takachiho Shrine Kagura
¥1,000Ancient sacred dance performed nightly (20:00–21:00) — Shinto mythology brought to life
🌴 Aoshima Island
FreeSubtropical jungle island with washboard "devil's washboard" wave-eroded sandstone rocks
⛩️ Udo Jingu Shrine
FreeShrine built inside a Pacific Ocean sea cave — dramatic vermilion buildings and ocean views
🏯 Obi Castle Town
¥500Preserved feudal district called "Little Kyoto of Kyushu" — samurai residences and castle
🥩 Miyazaki Wagyu
From ¥3,000Multiple Japan Grand Championship winner — best wagyu in Kyushu, served as steak or yakiniku
Stay in Miyazaki City
Miyazaki city is the coastal base for day trips to Aoshima and the Nichinan Coast. For Takachiho Gorge, stay overnight in Takachiho town itself to experience the nightly Kagura performance — the 2h30 bus journey from Miyazaki makes a same-day return exhausting. Rent a car in Miyazaki for maximum flexibility along the coast.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Miyazaki from Tokyo or Fukuoka?
From Tokyo, fly to Miyazaki Airport (KMI) — about 1h40 by ANA/JAL, roughly ¥18,000–30,000 (advance purchase). From Fukuoka, the Nichirin limited express runs the coast in about 2h (¥5,930). From Kagoshima, the Kirishima limited express takes about 1h45. Miyazaki Airport is on the JR line — 10 minutes from central Miyazaki Station. A rental car is strongly recommended for visiting Takachiho and the Nichinan Coast; both are difficult by public transport.
What is Takachiho Gorge and how do I visit?
Takachiho Gorge (高千穂峡) is a 7km gorge carved by ancient volcanic lava flows, forming dramatic basalt columns and cliffs above the Gokase River. The most famous feature is Manai Falls (真名井の滝) — a 17m waterfall cascading into an emerald pool. Rowing boats can be rented for ¥1,000 per 30 minutes to approach the waterfall from the water (advance reservation recommended in peak seasons). The gorge walking path is free and takes 1 hour. Takachiho is 2h30 from Miyazaki city by bus (Miyakō Bus) or 1h30 by car.
What is Aoshima Island?
Aoshima Island (青島) is a tiny island 6km south of Miyazaki city, connected to shore by a short causeway. The island is covered in subtropical jungle and ringed by the famous "washboard rocks" (Oni-no-sentakuita) — wave-eroded sandstone shelves that look like giant corrugated ridges. A small shrine (Aoshima-jinja) sits at the center of the jungle. Free to visit; take the JR Nichinan Line to Aoshima Station (25 min from Miyazaki), then walk 10 minutes to the island.
What is Takachiho's mythological significance?
Takachiho (高千穂) is described in Japan's oldest chronicles (Kojiki and Nihon Shoki) as the place where Amaterasu, the sun goddess, hid in a cave (Ama-no-Iwato) and where the gods performed kagura dances to lure her out — restoring light to the world. Ama-no-Iwato Shrine marks the legendary cave site (the cave itself is not publicly accessible). The town hosts nightly Yokagura performances (20:00–21:00, ¥1,000) — ancient sacred dance and drama — at Takachiho Shrine year-round.
What is the Nichinan Coast?
The Nichinan Coast (日南海岸) stretches 60km south of Miyazaki city — subtropical Pacific coastline with palm trees, cliff formations, and small beach resorts. Key stops: Udo Jingu Shrine, dramatically set inside a sea cave with red vermilion buildings and ocean views (free); Obi Castle Town, a preserved feudal castle district called "the Little Kyoto of Kyushu" (¥500); and Kushima city at the southern tip. The scenic highway and JR Nichinan Line parallel the coast. Best done by rental car for flexibility.
What food is Miyazaki famous for?
Miyazaki is famous for: chicken nanban (チキン南蛮) — fried chicken in sweet vinegar sauce topped with tartar sauce, invented in Nobeoka in the 1960s and now a nationwide standard; Miyazaki wagyu beef (宮崎牛) — multiple-year Japan Grand Championship winner, served as steak or yakiniku; Miyazaki-style cold ramen (hiyashi chuka) served with local ingredients; mango — Miyazaki produces Japan's highest-grade mangoes (¥3,000–8,000 each) due to abundant sunshine; and shōchū (barley/sweet potato distilled spirit) produced in rural distilleries.