Miyazaki City
📍 Address: Miyazaki City, Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan
Miyazaki City, the prefectural capital of Miyazaki Prefecture, is a unique area where the ambiance of a southern resort intertwines with the whispers of ancient myths. Blessed with a warm climate influenced by the Kuroshio Current, it boasts diverse facets: coastlines where Livistona chinensis palm trees sway, and a deep, bustling gourmet district spreading through the city center. Its abundant sunshine and many clear days are also a welcome bonus for travelers.
One unmissable area in Miyazaki City is ‘Aoshima,’ located in the southeast. The entire island is considered a sacred power spot, home to Aoshima Shrine and the ‘Oni no Sentakuita’ (Ogre’s Washboard), rock formations sculpted by wave erosion, which boast a truly breathtaking landscape. The absolute best time to visit Aoshima is ‘early morning to late morning.’ As the sun rises, the soft light not only amplifies its photogenic atmosphere but also allows you to avoid daytime crowds and savor a quiet moment listening to the sound of the waves.
Furthermore, the ‘Miyazaki Prefectural Government Building Main Hall,’ accessible within walking distance from Miyazaki Station, is another hidden gem. Constructed in 1932 (Showa 7), it is the fourth oldest active prefectural government building in Japan and is designated as a National Registered Tangible Cultural Property. Its elegant modern architecture combined with a lush, tropical landscape makes it an excellent photo spot. A smart move is to pick up souvenirs at the adjacent ‘Miyazaki Products Hall KONNE’.
What’s more, as evening descends, head out to ‘NISHITACHI (Nishitachi-dori),’ Miyazaki City’s largest entertainment district. Its narrow alleyways, lit by red lanterns, are packed with beloved local spots serving charcoal-grilled Jidori chicken, Miyazaki gyoza, and famous Kamage Udon for a late-night meal. Popular places often fill up late in the evening, so the real local way to enjoy it is to start your first spot early, around 5 PM to 6 PM, and then hop between two or three establishments.
【Tips】Do You Need a Car? Realities of Transportation and Getting Around in Miyazaki
Miyazaki spans a vast area from north to south, leading many travelers to worry, ‘Isn’t it inconvenient without a car?’ The conclusion is, if you plan to compactly enjoy just the Miyazaki city center and the Aoshima area, public transportation (trains and buses) is perfectly sufficient. For example, Aoshima is about a 40-minute ride from Miyazaki Station on the JR Nichinan Line, allowing you to enjoy a leisurely local train journey.
However, if your itinerary includes venturing south along the Nichinan Coast to places like Sunmesse Nichinan and Udo Shrine, or if you also want to take in the spectacular views towards Takachiho, a rental car becomes essential. The most common mistake tourists make in Miyazaki is ‘misjudging travel distances and running out of time.’ Aim for an efficient route design, keeping ‘time performance’ in mind, such as renting a car near the airport, driving along the Nichinan Coast, and stopping for a scenic lunch at ‘Michi-no-Eki Phoenix’.
【Tips】Savor the Passion of Chicken Nanban and Local Gourmet Dishes
When visiting Miyazaki, ‘Chicken Nanban,’ the quintessential local gourmet dish, is an absolute must-try. Interestingly, there are two original styles of Chicken Nanban: one where it’s dipped in sweet vinegar and then topped with generous amounts of tartar sauce, and another where it’s enjoyed solely with sweet vinegar, without the tartar sauce.
If you’re staying in Miyazaki City, it’s highly recommended to first experience the classic flavor at a famous restaurant, considered a sacred spot for the tartar sauce faction. While long queues are inevitable at lunchtime, you’ll be overwhelmed by the passion and generous portions that make it well worth the wait. Enjoy Chicken Nanban for lunch, savor Jidori chicken with yuzu pepper in NISHITACHI for dinner, and finish with local spicy noodles. Make sure to plan your stomach’s capacity well as you take on Miyazaki, a treasure trove of food.
