So Many Mystical Places to Explore! 11 Must-Visit Spots in Miyazaki Prefecture

Miyazaki is enjoyable year-round, but the most recommended season is spring.
With its mild climate, spring arrives early in Miyazaki: plum blossoms bloom from early February, and by late March, cherry blossoms begin to open.
Many events are held across the region, including plum and cherry blossom festivals.
If you’re going all the way to Miyazaki, why not visit during the season when plum and cherry blossoms—often considered symbols of Japan—are in full bloom?

Miyazaki has Miyazaki Airport, so you can get there from Tokyo, Osaka, or Nagoya—also with airports—in Approx. 1 to 1.5 hours.
Miyazaki Airport also has international flights, making it easy to access from overseas.

A V-shaped gorge formed as the Gokase River eroded lava from eruptions of Mount Aso over tens of thousands of years.
With cliffs reaching 328 ft at their highest point and averaging 262 ft, the spectacular scenery stretches for 4.3 miles.
It’s designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty and a Natural Monument.

A rare shrine located inside a cave on seaside cliffs.
It’s said to bring blessings for safe childbirth, childrearing, matchmaking, fishing, and safe voyages.
The entire Udo area centered around Udo Jingu is designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty.

Aoshima is a small island with a 0.9-mile circumference, connected to the mainland by a bridge of around 492 ft.
The entire island is the shrine grounds of Aoshima Shrine, and in the past it was considered sacred and off-limits to the public.
Covered in tropical and subtropical plants such as Livistona chinensis, it offers scenery with a distinctly Miyazaki, tropical feel.

A botanical park where you can enjoy seasonal flowers and events held throughout the year.
The grounds are beautifully maintained with lawns, and you can admire flowers in many themed gardens.
Various plants are cultivated in the greenhouse, and gardening consultations are also offered.

In 2012, Aya Town was registered as a UNESCO Eco Park.
Reasons include the preservation of large-scale evergreen broadleaf forests, the abundance of species endemic to Japan, and local development policies that emphasize living in harmony with nature.
Located within the Kyushu Chuo Sanchi Quasi-National Park, Aya Teruha Suspension Bridge is one of the largest pedestrian suspension bridges in the world. You can fully take in the nature of the Aya River Valley.

In 1588, Ito Suketaka was granted a castle by Toyotomi Hideyoshi for his achievements in the unification of Kyushu, and he developed the area. For 280 years until the abolition of the feudal domains, it prospered as the castle town of the Obi Domain, ruled by the Ito clan with 51,000 koku. Centered around the Obi Castle ruins, it preserves samurai residences and old storehouses, and is designated as Kyushu’s first Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.

A leading shrine in Miyazaki that enshrines Emperor Jimmu, Japan’s first emperor.
Also enshrined are his parents, Ugayafukiaezu no Mikoto and Tamayorihime no Mikoto, and the shrine is well known for blessings related to marital harmony, safe childbirth, fertility, victory prayers, and success in exams.
Locals affectionately call it “Jinmu-sama,” especially around the grand festival in October, when it draws many worshippers.

Named for rocks split by wave erosion across 656 ft east–west and 722 ft north–south, forming a cross shape.
It’s also said that the cross and the horizontal rock shelf resemble the kanji character “叶” (wish granted), and that prayers offered here will “make wishes come true.”

Amano Iwato Shrine in Takachiho, Miyazaki, enshrines “Amano Iwato,” the sacred cave where the sun goddess Amaterasu is said to have hidden in Japanese mythology.
Amanoyasukawara, located about a 10-minute walk along the Iwato River from the shrine’s Nishi Hongu, is said to be the place where the eight million gods gathered to discuss how to lure Amaterasu out of the cave.

An ancient shrine said to have been founded around 1,900 years ago during the reign of Emperor Suinin.
It enshrines Takachiho Sumegami and Jissha Daimyojin.
During the Tenkei era (938–947), it drew widespread devotion as the head shrine of the “88 shrines of Takachiho-go.” It’s said to bring blessings for matchmaking, warding off misfortune, traffic safety, and agriculture.

An ancient shrine that preserves the “Amano Iwato myth” recorded in the Nihon Shoki and Kojiki.
It enshrines as its sacred object the large cave known as Amano Iwato, where Amaterasu Omikami is said to have hidden after becoming angry at the violent behavior of her younger brother, Susanoo no Mikoto.
Across the Iwato River are the Nishi Hongu and Higashi Hongu, and both enshrine Amaterasu Omikami as the deity.
Amaterasu is regarded as having diverse divine attributes, such as a sun deity and an agricultural deity, and is said to grant the fulfillment of various wishes.

Facing the Pacific Ocean, Phoenix Seagaia Resort features a full lineup of facilities, including hotels, condominiums, cottages, restaurants, a spa, a golf course, and lounges.
Sheraton Grande Ocean Resort rises 505 ft above ground, and every room has an ocean view.
With sweeping Pacific scenery, you can enjoy a truly luxurious stay.

A Japanese-style ryokan near Takachiho Shrine, where “Takachiho Kagura” is performed every night.
Set on expansive grounds with a Japanese garden, it has 15 guest rooms.
In Takachiho—known as the site of the heavenly descent—you can enjoy relaxing, Japanese-style comfort.
All rooms include an open-air bath and a fully cypress indoor bath with a refreshing aroma.
Whenever you feel like it, soak at your own pace and ease away travel fatigue.

A convenient hotel for sightseeing, located about an Approx. 8-minute walk from Takachiho Bus Center.
It offers travelers comfort through food and space, creating a grown-up escape with modern interiors.
Choose from four room types to match your travel style and group.
In addition to the “Special Japanese-Western Room” with Ryukyu tatami, a garden, and a bathtub in each room, it also offers “Standard Twin Rooms” and “Standard Double Rooms” for easy stays focused on sightseeing.