⭐ HIGHLIGHTS
Miyazaki highlights
Experiences the Wherebest team recommends — don't miss these on a first trip
Takachiho Gorge, where a waterfall drops down sheer rock in the heartland of Japanese myth; Aoshima, an island ringed by the wave-cut Devil's Washboard; the vermilion Udo Shrine set in a sea cave; and a row of moai statues gazing out to sea at Sun Messe — Miyazaki is a warm coastal prefecture of Kyushu that brings together myth, sea and palm trees.
Miyazaki is a coastal prefecture on the eastern side of Kyushu, warm and sunny almost year-round, with palm trees lining the streets for an almost tropical feel. Few Thai travelers come here yet, but it is packed with good things. To the north is Takachiho Gorge, a chasm of sheer rock where the Manai waterfall drops into the canyon — you can row a boat through it — and the heartland of Japanese myth, with the Amano-Iwato Shrine and night kagura dances. To the south lies the Nichinan coast, with Aoshima island ringed by the wave-cut Devil's Washboard, the vermilion Udo Shrine hidden in a sea cave, and the moai statues at Sun Messe. Miyazaki City itself has Heiwadai Park and its Tower of Peace. To finish, there is famous food like chicken nanban, charcoal-grilled jidori chicken, Miyazaki mango and Miyazaki wagyu beef.
Experiences the Wherebest team recommends — don't miss these on a first trip
A narrow, deep gorge of hexagonal basalt columns carved by the Gokase River, with the roughly 17-meter Manai Falls dropping into the canyon; rent a rowboat to glide right up to it — the iconic image of Miyazaki and its land of myth.
🚣 Rowboat rentalA small island set with the Aoshima shrine among palm trees, ringed by long ridges of wave-cut rock known as the Devil's Washboard; walk across the bridge to reach it at low tide, with a thoroughly tropical feel.
🆓 FreeA vivid vermilion shrine tucked into a cave in the sea cliffs of Nichinan, said in legend to be a god's birthplace; try tossing undama clay balls onto the turtle rock for luck, with lovely deep-blue sea views.
🎫 Offerings welcomeA hillside park in Nichinan with seven moai statues modeled on Easter Island's — built with official permission from the Rapa Nui people — standing in a row gazing out to sea, wonderful for photos.
🎫 Entry feeA broad park in Miyazaki City whose symbol is the roughly 37-meter Tower of Peace, with a plaza of replica haniwa clay figures and pleasant gardens to stroll — a venue for New Year events and cherry blossoms.
🆓 FreeA myth shrine at Takachiho venerating the cave where the sun goddess Amaterasu hid and plunged the world into darkness; walk along the stream to the Amano-Yasukawara cave, piled high with stones stacked by visitors — solemn and shady.
🆓 FreeMain areas and cities that cover a trip — pick the base that fits your plan
Three sample stays · Luxury · Mid · Budget · compare 3 sites instantly
Miyazaki (宮崎) is a coastal prefecture on the eastern side of Kyushu, warm almost year-round and lined with palm trees for a tropical feel. Its capital is Miyazaki City, and it is known for the mythic Takachiho Gorge, Aoshima island with its Devil's Washboard, the cave-set Udo Shrine, the Sun Messe moai and food like chicken nanban and charcoal-grilled jidori chicken.
The easiest way in is to fly into Miyazaki Airport beside the city. The prefecture has no Shinkansen; the JR line serves the city and the Nichinan coast, but Takachiho in the north has no train and is reached by bus from Nobeoka or Kumamoto — or by rental car, which is handiest as the sights are spread along a long north-south axis.
This page gathers stays by area, standout food such as chicken nanban, charcoal jidori chicken, Miyazaki mango and Miyazaki wagyu, the main sights and a 3-day Miyazaki plan, with one-click hotel price comparisons across Agoda, Booking and Trip.com. Information is current for 2026, but please re-check prices, opening hours and seasons before you travel.
Find Miyazaki hotels in the right area · compare 3 sites instantly
Other prefectures in Kyushu · every prefecture in Japan with a full prep guide
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