Region
Kyushu
Island
Kyushu
Largest City
Miyazaki
Population
1,170,023

Miyazaki

Mountains and mangos in southeastern Kyushu

The mountains and coasts of Miyazaki are calling.

A consistently warm climate makes Miyazaki Prefecture a perfect year-round getaway. The prefecture also has its prefectural take on Japanese food, as well as locally grown mango. 

Drive down the Nichinan coastline for great sun, sea and surfing plus a few ancient shrines for good measure, or travel inland to the misty mountains of Takachiho to hear legends of the birth of Japan. Rent a car if you can, and don’t forget your appetite. 

Aoshima

Oni no Sentakuita Aka The Devil’s Washboard of Aoshima.

Known as the Sunshine Capital of Japan, the prefectural capital of Miyazaki City is packed with (slightly retro) resort facilities facing out onto some of the best surfing conditions in the country. 

Along the coast between Miyazaki and Nichinan are endless scenic vistas. Stop at palm-covered Aoshima island to visit Aoshima Jinja, a picturesque shrine that attracts couples looking for marriage blessings.

Udo Jingu

Udo Jingu

A breathtaking seafront temple

Udo Jingu is a colorful shrine set on a cliff overlooking the ocean. The shrine is dedicated to the legendary first Emperor Jimmu of Japan. Look out for the breast-shaped rocks which are supposed to have fed Jimmu at his birth. For a bit of luck in your love life, buy a few undama stones and try to throw them at a target in the rocks below the shrine.

Takachiho

Manai Falls in Takachiho Gorge.

Manai Falls in Takachiho Gorge.

Hidden away in the mountains inland, Takachiho is a region where ancient Japanese mythology comes alive. Legend has it that this is where the gods descended and made land on the top of Takachiho-yama—Japan’s beginnings. You can visit Takachiho Shrine to watch the traditional kagura dances during which masked locals perform Japan’s unruly gods’ stories.

Takachiho-kyo is a breathtaking V-shaped gorge lined with sheer cliffs formed by a double volcanic eruption at volatile Mount Aso. You can view the chasm and the spectacular Manai waterfall from either above, along the walking trail, or below in a traditional rowboat.

Plan your trip to Miyazaki with the links below!

Places to visit

Ebino Plateau

Regardless of the season, visitors will have plenty to enjoy as they trek through the volcanic terrain.

Umagase

Umagase

For nature lovers looking to feel the strength of a mighty ocean colliding with the rocky earth, look no further.


Miyako Botanic Garden

Miyako Botanic Garden

Immerse yourself in tropical flowers and fruit at Miyako Botanic Garden!

Mount Osuzu

Mount Osuzu

Known as one of Japan’s 200 most famous mountains, Osuzu is home to many stunning waterfalls and valleys.


Shimin no Mori (Country Forest)

Planned as part of the centennial celebrations of the Meiji Restoration and opened in October 1971, Miyazaki City’s Shimin no Mori covers almost thirty hectares of the Awakigahara Forest Park. Divided into...

Amano Yasugawara Power Spot

The secret gathering spot for gods where the sun once hid from the Earth.


Obi Castle in Kyushu

Obi Castle Town

Kysuhu's little Kyoto has a big history.

View of Takachiho Gorge

Takachiho Gorge

Row, row, row your boat gently down this magnificent gorge.


Aoshima

Aoshima

Eat. Pray. Love.

Amano Iwato Shrine

The cave of the sun goddess.


Takachiho Shrine

See the dance of the gods at this cedar-shrouded shrine.

Sun Messe Nichinan

Japan's own replica Easter Island.


Udo Jingu

A storybook shrine.

Other Destinations in Kyushu

Dazaifu shrine in Fukuoka prefecture

Fukuoka

Fukuoka Prefecture isn't just about partying, but it's a good place to start.

Kagoshima, Japan with Sakurajima Volcano.

Kagoshima

Traditional, tropical, mystical, and magical; Kagoshima is nothing short of extraordinary.

Mount Aso Kumamoto

Kumamoto

Between the smoking crater of Mount Aso in the east and the isolated islands of Amakusa in the west, Kumamoto has plenty to keep you enthralled.

Nagasaki

Looking out east, Nagasaki Prefecture has long been the gateway between the outside world and Japan.

Beppu, in Oita prefecture, Japan's onsen town

Oita

Bathe in hell (in a good way) in onsen-filled Oita.

Shisa and Okinawa

Okinawa

Discover white sandy beaches, crystal blue waters, wild jungles, and centuries of unique native traditions.

Saga

Kyushu's smallest prefecture is big on history, culture and natural beauty.

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Aichi

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Tokyo Skyline Japan Tokyo Tower

Tokyo

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Akihabara

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