Miyazaki Travel Guide

Miyazaki
A mythical heartland of Japanese culture and sun-soaked coastal paradise rolled into one — Miyazaki has something for everyone.

Miyazaki Featured Food Experiences

Miyazaki Featured Restaurants

COURSE MENU
MIYAZAKI

Hasshu Miyazaki Tachibanadori-nishi

Dinner: ¥8,000-9,000
COURSE MENU
MIYAZAKI

Ayadori Miyazaki Tachibanadori-nishi

Dinner: ¥5,000-6,000
COURSE MENU
MIYAZAKI

Miyazaki no Daidokoro Akaneya

Dinner: ¥6,000-7,000
SEAT RESERVATION
MIYAZAKI

Isshinzushi Koyo

Lunch: ¥5,000-10,000
Dinner: ¥20,000-30,000

The southernmost of Japan’s main islands, Kyushu, enjoys a fantastic climate bordering on the subtropical. Miyazaki Prefecture lies on its southeast side, and so it benefits from the warmest weather anywhere in Japan besides Okinawa.

In vacation terms, this translates to excellent surf and reliable beachgoing weather. In food terms, it translates instead to fantastic citrus fruits, chilled soups, and unique local seafood. If you haven’t already started checking flight prices, I’m shocked.

Miyazaki City is the capital, and with about 365,000 people it’s on the smaller side as far as Japanese cities go. What it doesn’t lack, however, is history; this area is said to have housed the palace of the mythical first emperor of Japan. Although this is folklore rather than fact, the importance of the story to Miyazaki is huge. Here you can explore coastal cave shrines dedicated to the ancient emperor, and even participate in festivals that celebrate Japan’s mythical founding father.

It’s not all about the history though — modern Miyazaki has plenty more going for it, including one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country, and seaside resorts to give the Okinawans a run for their money.

We also can’t finish without mentioning Miyazaki beef: one of the top types of black wagyu in the country. If you, or anyone you love, is a steak lover, you owe it to yourself to head southward to try this incredible meat at its source.

Local Weather
DEC-FEB
-5
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/
 7
°
MAR-MAY
-2
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/
 23
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JUN-AUG
15
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/
 31
°
SEP-NOV
2
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 25
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Frequently Asked Questions

What to eat in Miyazaki?

Japan has some completely unique fruits. You’ve likely never tried Miyazaki’s signature citrus fruit: the juicy, sweet, orange-like hyuganatsu, which is sprinkled with sugar before eating. Another summer favorite is a kind of chilled miso and dashi soup called hiyajiru, often filled with cooling tofu and cucumbers.

What are the best things to do in Miyazaki?

Sun-seekers should head to Aoshima to enjoy the beach, and be sure to settle in at the seaside shrine to watch the sunset. For a culture fix, trace the history of mythological Japanese Emperor Jimmu by visiting Udo Jingu Shrine (technically dedicated to his divine dad).

How’s the weather in Miyazaki?

Temperatures in sun-soaked Miyazaki are so good that you can enjoy a visit here at any time of the year. In August, the usual high is 32°C, and even in January it reaches a comfortable 13°C.

What is Miyazaki famous for?

The folklore surrounding the birth of Japan was first written down in an ancient book called the Kojiki in 712 AD. Since then, Miyazaki has been linked with the founding of Japan and all of the associated mythology.

What to buy in Miyazaki?

If you enjoy a tipple in the evening, then grab a bottle or three of Miyazaki shochu: a diverse kind of alcohol not unlike Korean soju. Miyazaki is one of the best areas in the country to get some, with dozens of top distilleries creating varieties from sweet potato and malt rice.
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