Explore Stunning Nature and Legendary Sites: A Miyazaki Travel Guide

Miyazaki, especially Takachiho Town, has deep ties to Japanese mythology and is known as the setting of the Amanoiwato myth and the Tenson Korin myth.
The Amanoiwato myth begins when Amaterasu Omikami, the sun goddess, hid herself inside a rock cave, plunging the world into darkness and causing many disasters.
The gods gathered in a large cave called Amanoyasukawara, discussed what to do, and held a feast in front of the cave.
With the help of Ame-no-Uzume-no-Mikoto, who was skilled at dancing, they lured Amaterasu Omikami out of the cave, and light returned to the world.
Amaterasu Omikami, who also appears in the Amanoiwato myth, saw that the earthly world had fallen into disorder and ordered her grandson Ninigi-no-Mikoto to descend and rule it.
This event, in which Ninigi-no-Mikoto descended to Takachiho, is called the Tenson Korin myth, and Kushifuru Shrine stands at the site of this heavenly descent.
Miyazaki has many sightseeing spots closely connected to mythology, so knowing Japanese myths in advance will make your trip to Miyazaki even more enjoyable.
If you want to learn more, look into the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, Japan’s oldest historical chronicles.

The VISIT MIYAZAKI BUS PASS is recommended for travelers who want to visit a variety of places around Miyazaki Prefecture.
It is a great-value pass for foreign visitors to Japan and international students, and comes with unlimited rides for one day on local buses in eight popular sightseeing areas centered around Miyazaki City, along with a dedicated pamphlet.
The price is 2,000 yen per pass.
With the VISIT MIYAZAKI BUS PASS, you can hop on and off freely within eligible routes without worrying about transportation costs.
It is especially recommended for those who want to enjoy each area to the fullest.

The Northern Area includes the mountainous Takachiho district in northern Miyazaki and the coastal Nobeoka and Hyuga district, and is filled with scenic spots surrounded by magnificent nature.
It is home to places such as the mystical scenic site Takachiho Gorge, Amanoiwato Shrine, famous as a power spot, and Omi Shrine, where you can overlook the vast ocean.
One of its main features is the abundance of scenic spots rich in nature where you can feel refreshed by the natural surroundings.
The area also has a wide range of hot spring facilities, including the popular Nango Onsen and Hourigawa Onsen at the foot of the famous Mt. Okue.
Soaking in a hot spring while admiring spectacular scenery is the perfect way to relax after a day of travel.
There is also local food, wine, and beer unique to the Northern Area, so after your bath, enjoy a meal and spend a blissful moment here.

The Central Area includes the Miyazaki district, home to Miyazaki City, the gateway to the prefecture, as well as the Saito and Takanabe district, where you can enjoy historical sites and nature.
Here, you can enjoy a wide range of experiences, from refreshing time in nature to food-hopping in Miyazaki’s largest downtown district.
There are also plenty of spots children can enjoy, such as Miyazaki City Phoenix Zoo, where you can meet Approx. 100 species of animals, and Kawahara Nature Park, where you can try various outdoor activities.
Among them, one spot you should not miss is the Saitobaru Burial Mounds, one of the largest groups of burial mounds in Japan.
These burial mounds were built during the Kofun period, from around 250 to 700, and let you feel the history of that era firsthand.
It is also recommended to spend the day exploring nature and historical sites, then enjoy Miyazaki’s famous downtown district Nishitachi at night for great local food.

The Western Area is home to the Miyakonojo district and the Kobayashi and Ebino district, where you can experience the changing seasons firsthand amid expansive natural surroundings.
Located at the foot of the Kirishima Mountains, the area has many nature-rich highlands such as Ebino Kogen and Ikoma Kogen.
Because you can enjoy beautiful nature throughout the year, trekking for nature observation is especially recommended.
At Takachiho Farm in the Kirishima foothills, you can also enjoy horseback riding and interacting with sheep and cows in the great outdoors.
Spending time with animals in nature is sure to leave you feeling refreshed in both body and mind.
In addition, the area is a treasure trove of nature, with places such as Miike, surrounded by virgin forest and home to many wild birds, and Sannomiya Gorge, a popular hiking course selected as one of Japan’s 100 best walking trails.

The Southern Area includes the Nichinan and Kushima district, where tropical-style scenery stretches out before you.
The Nichinan Coast is especially popular as a driving route, and its sunsets are not to be missed.
The evening sky changes moment by moment, creating a view that will stay with you.
At Cape Toi, facing the Pacific Ocean, you can not only take in sweeping views of grand mountains and the open sea, but also see Misaki horses, a native Japanese breed.
These horses live wild on Cape Toi and are designated as a National Natural Monument.
The area also has many places where you can interact with animals, such as Kojima, an island designated as a National Natural Monument as the Kojima Monkey Habitat and home to Approx. 90 Japanese macaques, and Shibushiwan Daikoku Dolphin Land, where you can enjoy dynamic dolphin performances.

The Takachiho area lies in the mountains of northern Miyazaki.
It is famous both for its scenic spots surrounded by magnificent nature and as a setting of Japanese mythology.
Visit beautiful sightseeing spots such as the mystical scenic site Takachiho Gorge and Amanoiwato Shrine, known as a power spot.

On day 2, visit sightseeing spots where you can feel the history of Miyazaki and Japan.
Experience the romance of the past through one of Japan’s largest burial mound groups and museums where you can learn about ancient life.

Chicken Nanban, now eaten across Japan, originated in Nobeoka City, Miyazaki Prefecture.
It is said to have started as a staff meal at a Western-style restaurant called London.
If you have had Chicken Nanban outside Miyazaki, you will probably be surprised by how different the authentic version is.
Outside Miyazaki, Chicken Nanban is often karaage topped with sweet vinegar sauce or tartar sauce.
However, the authentic version features chicken coated in egg before frying, thoroughly soaked in nanban vinegar, and topped with tartar sauce made to pair with Chicken Nanban.
This is a local dish especially worth trying for people who have already had Chicken Nanban elsewhere.

Another classic food that originated in Miyazaki is meat-wrapped rice balls, so popular that they are even sold as frozen food.
These delicious rice balls are made by wrapping rice in thin slices of pork thigh marinated in sauce and grilling them until nicely browned.
Depending on the shop, you can also find a variety of toppings and flavors such as salt, mentaiko mayonnaise, cheese, and sweet-savory sauce.
There are also shops selling meat-wrapped rice balls at Miyazaki Airport, which makes them easy to enjoy anytime.

Miyazaki beef, which won the Prime Minister’s Award at the National Wagyu Ability Expo for four competitions in a row, is one of Japan’s finest wagyu brands.
Its reputation is growing overseas as well.
Miyazaki beef is characterized by fine marbling spread evenly throughout the meat.
This marbling contains a large amount of oleic acid, giving it a smooth texture that melts in your mouth, along with delicate sweetness and a rich aroma.
There are many yakiniku restaurants and steakhouses in Miyazaki Prefecture where you can try Miyazaki beef, so treat yourself and give it a try.