Miyazaki Prefecture can be explored for trip planning through several specific interests: surfing along the coast, gorges and crater lakes, Kagura and shrines, and a distinctive food and drink culture. The themes you want to shape your stay are a useful starting point for choosing places and activities.
Coast and Surfing
The Nichinan Coast stretches for about 100 kilometers from the south of Miyazaki City to Cape Toi, passing through the cities of Miyazaki, Nichinan and Kushima. It is considered an important surfing area: its varied waves attract surfers from Japan and around the world. Sea conditions vary, so it is worth checking local conditions before going surfing.
Based in Aoshima, Miyazaki Surf Guide offers surfing experiences for beginners, intermediate lessons, private surf guides tailored to Miyazaki’s waves, and surfboard and wetsuit rentals. This gives you a range of ways to surf, from a beginner experience to private guidance. Offers and booking terms may change; check them in advance.
Gorge, Waterfall and Coastal Shrine
Takachiho Gorge stretches for around seven kilometers between sheer cliffs about 80 to 100 meters high. You can explore its emerald-green waters by boat; operations may change, so check current conditions before your trip. Manai Falls is one of Japan’s 100 most significant waterfalls. In Takachiho, the scale of the gorge combines with a notable natural landmark and the opportunity to experience the water from a boat.
In the south of Miyazaki Prefecture, Udo Shrine is located in a sea cave in a cliff that juts out into the ocean. Visitors can throw Undama stones toward a rock known as Kameishi; the distance is about twelve meters. The area, including the shrine, was designated a national scenic beauty spot under the name Udo in 2017. If you are interested in another cultural tradition, you can try Shihamato in Obi, a traditional shortbow archery technique. Check locally to see whether this experience is available.
Kagura and Hiking Trails
Takachiho Kagura is performed daily at 8 p.m. for one hour in the Kagura Hall on the grounds of Takachiho Shrine. The performance features four representative dances from the 33 Kagura pieces. The set time makes it easier to plan an evening with Kagura; as the program may change, check the current schedule before your trip.
On the Ebino Plateau, an approximately two-hour trekking route connects the three crater lakes of Shiromizuike, Rokukannonmiike and Fudōike. The estimated duration and named lakes give you concrete information for planning your time. Trail conditions may change. Another hiking experience is the path along Kaeida Gorge, where you can combine forest bathing with birdwatching. The route was once almost level, and a light railway used to run there. The trail’s past use and what it offers today give this outing different perspectives.
Regional Cuisine and Products
Miyazaki is one of Japan’s leading shochu-producing regions. Regional varieties include shochu made from sweet potatoes, koji rice and wheat. Miyazaki Beef, meanwhile, is distinguished by its origin and marbling: it comes from Japanese Black cattle raised in Miyazaki and is known for its rich flavor and pleasant aroma when grilled.
Mangos are also an important part of the region’s agriculture. The prefecture’s subtropical climate is well suited to growing them. As they ripen, the fruits are held in nets on the trees, which also protect them from bruising. Hiyajiru adds another local specialty to the mix: this cold soup, native to Miyazaki, is made with dried fish and miso, poured over cooked rice, and eaten with refreshing summer vegetables such as cucumber. The differences between shochu, beef, mangos and Hiyajiru show just how many ways there are to get to know Miyazaki through its products and dishes.
Plan Before Your Trip
For current travel information, Miyazaki Prefecture and the Miyazaki Prefecture Tourism Association jointly operate the official multilingual website VISIT MIYAZAKI. The website and its information structure may change, so check the current official portal before your trip. You can also use it to check time-sensitive details such as the Kagura program, surfing offers and conditions for boat excursions.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Miyazaki, Kobayashi, Sankasho, Ebino, Saito, Gokase, Nobeoka, Takachiho, Nichinan, Hyūga, Miyakonojo.
Go to the overarching travel overview: Japan.
