There are places in Japan that feel carefully curated—cities shaped by centuries of refinement, polished for visitors, and framed through an approachable lens. And then there is Miyazaki.
Often described as a hidden gem, Miyazaki feels like an entirely different side of Japan—one defined not by neon skylines or crowded landmarks, but by vast coastlines, subtropical forests, and a slower, more introspective rhythm of life.
Tucked away on the southeastern coast of Kyushu, it has long been considered something of an isolated paradise, where nature, food, and mythology exist in quiet harmony.
Follow Japanese mythology into Miyazaki
This is a region often associated with Japanese mythology, where stories of gods and goddesses are not confined to books, but rooted in the land itself. Cliffs, caves, forests, and rivers all play a role in the myths that shaped Japan’s earliest identity.
In many ways, visiting Miyazaki feels like stepping into those stories—into a landscape where the line between the physical and the spiritual begins to blur.
At the same time, Miyazaki presents itself as a tropical ocean retreat. Palm-lined roads stretch along the coastline, the Pacific Ocean glows under vast open skies, and local cuisine—rich in fresh seafood, premium beef, and bold flavors—grounds the experience in something deeply satisfying and real.
What follows is not just a 4-day itinerary for Miyazaki but a gradual reset. One that mirrors the myths of Japan and the sun goddess of Amaterasu herself: retreat, reflection, and the quiet return to light.
Day 1: From Kumamoto to Miyazaki’s otherworldly scenes
Many visitors who base themselves in Kumamoto—especially those visiting Mount Aso or arriving via Kumamoto Airport—choose to extend their journey into Miyazaki.
This kind of multi-stop travel is most popular among repeat visitors to Japan, as Kyushu contains many of Japan’s least visited, yet most authentic, destinations, encouraging slower, more exploratory itineraries.
For travelers moving between Kumamoto and Miyazaki, renting a car is recommended. Public transport can be limited and indirect, while driving allows access to coastal routes, mountain areas, and many of the hidden gems that define Miyazaki’s growing appeal.
Takachiho Gorge
Located in northern Miyazaki, Takachiho Gorge is one of Japan’s most iconic natural landscapes. Sheer cliffs rise on either side of a narrow river, their surfaces shaped by ancient volcanic activity. At the center, Manainotaki Waterfall drops gracefully into the gorge below.
You can experience the gorge in two ways: from the water, by renting a rowboat and paddling beneath the waterfall, or from above, via a walking path offering panoramic views.
The scene feels almost otherworldly—lush, dramatic, and deeply serene.
Nearby, enjoy fresh dango, visit the Takachiho Gorge Freshwater Fish Aquarium, or go souvenir shopping.
Note: Our visit coincided with a recent typhoon, affecting the color of the water. Usually, you can expect calm, shimmering blue waters.
Try a local specialty: Chicken nanban
For lunch, stop by Café Takachiho Base and indulge in a local specialty in a serene, stylish space. The hearty serving of chicken nanban features a crispy, sweet-and-sour fried chicken topped with tartar sauce.
And for vegetarians, an equally delicious shiitake nanban option is available, allowing you to dive into the region’s beloved dishes alongside fellow travelers.
Kawanobori Rice Terraces
Looking out over the Kawanobori Rice Terraces feels like stepping into the world of a Studio Ghibli movie, where life slows down, aided by the swaying of growing rice fields and the distant cries of summer cicada.
Only about 15 minutes from the café, simply park on the side of the road and embrace this countryside escape for as long as you need.
Takachiho Shrine and Takachiho Kagura
Continue to Takachiho Shrine, a site deeply connected to Japanese mythology, and walk amongst centuries of tradition and spirituality. Founded approximately 1,900 years ago, Takachiho Shrine enshrines Takachiho Mikoto and Jusha-Daimyojin, widely worshipped as deities of agriculture, warding off evil spirits, and matchmaking. The shrine's modest, earthy tones, make it appear at one with the forest around it.
The shrine is known for the Meoto Sugi—two cedar trees that have grown together as one, symbolizing unity and partnership. It is said that walking around them three times with a loved one brings happiness and prosperity.
Takachiho Shrine is also the setting for Takachiho Kagura, a traditional performance based on the legend of the sun goddess. See the myth of Japan brought to life before your very eyes with an hour-long performance of dance, music, and comedy.
Locals and tourists of all ages gather to enjoy this colorful, energetic dance—though it is not simply entertainment. This is storytelling; myths passed down through countless generations.
Stay at a traditional ryokan inn: Ryokan Shinsen
At Ryokan Shinsen, luxury meets the warmth of true hospitality.
From checking into your lavish Japanese room, complete with a private rotenburo outdoor onsen and scenic Zen garden, expect only the best during your stay. Take your morning drink out onto the engawa veranda and ease into the day, and sink into plush Western beds or Japanese futons at night.
Every element of your stay is carefully curated, and nowhere is this quite as clear as the multi-course kaiseki dinner, consisting of the finest local ingredients. It is truly a journey for the taste buds across Mizayaki, featuring "Shinsen Caviar" from Shiiba, melt-in-your-mouth Takachiho beef, luxurious ise-ebi spiny lobster, and slices of juicy Miyazaki mango.
Discover your hideaway for a night in this sacred land.
Day 2: Mountain landscapes and hidden Miyazaki
Kunimigaoka
Watch the sun rise over the mountains at Kunimigaoka, where a sea of clouds float by and set the tone for another unforgettable day in Miyazaki. This unique sight typically appears from late September to early December, and only on days when the natural weather conditions are just right, so breathe deep and enjoy panoramic views of the Takachiho Basin.
Head back to the ryokan for a traditional Japanese breakfast, elevated by traditional tatami mats underfoot and Japanese garden views.
Pack an on-the-go lunch
We’ll be traveling around quite a bit today, so let’s pack an on-the-go lunch of Miyazaki specialties to enjoy on the way:
- Nikumaki onigiri: A new twist on the classic Japanese rice ball. Rice is rolled up, wrapped in thin strips of pork, brushed with a sweet soy sauce, and slow-roasted.
- Cheese manju: A small, dense bun, usually filled with red bean paste. In Miyazaki, however, the red bean paste is swapped out for cream cheese.
Amano Iwato Shrine and Amanoyasukawara
Continue on to Amano Iwato Shrine—one of Japan’s most important mythological sites.
This is the stage for one of Japan's most enduring myths: Amaterasu-Omikami, the sun goddess, hid in this cave, plunging the world into darkness. On the riverbank, the other gods gathered to find a solution, eventually bringing Amaterasu—and light—back to the world.
This sense of mystery and myth still seems to linger in this shrine, set back from the river in the cave of Amanoyasukawara. As the light catches the mist, it's not hard to imagine the story of Japan's mythology taking place here.
Originally, only the shrine stood here and was an object of worship. Over time, however, visitors who came to pray gradually began stacking stones. Now, it has become one of Miyazaki’s must-visit power spots.
On the way back through the shrine, take a break to enjoy Miyazaki mango ice cream, a local delicacy that’s effortlessly fruity and refreshing—made even more memorable by the sounds of the river rushing past below.
Unoko Falls
The Unoko Falls, or Unoko-no-Taki, represent the true meaning of a "Kyushu hidden gem." You'll need a car and a short hike to reach this breathtaking waterfall, but it is so worth it.
For memories (and photos) few who visit Miyazaki will have, this is the place to be.
Unoko Falls will take about an hour to reach from Amano Iwato Shrine, beginning your journey into the mythical mountains of Miyazaki.
Accommodation: Shiiba Village Tsurutomi Yashiki
After you’ve witnessed the majesty of this secluded waterfall, hop back into the car for another hour. You’re heading deep into the mountains for a night in Shiiba Village, one of Japan’s three most secluded regions, with only around 2,297 people inhabiting the area as of 2023 (Source: City Population). The landscapes are so untouched that only 4% of the region is inhabitable.
While this may sound lonely, it’s anything but. A stay in Shiiba Village Tsurutomi Yashiki blends the warmth and stories of locals with 300 years of tradition and history, all beginning with the doomed love story between the Heike clan's Princess Tsurutomi and Genji warrior Nasu Daihachiro.
After chasing the Heike clan into the mountains of Shiiba, the warrior and the princess found a forbidden love, one that would endure centuries. Even now, over 30 generations of ancestors later, a close-knit family runs the Shiiba Village Tsurutomi Yashiki inn and a preserved royal residence.
Hear local tales from the okami-san—the female owner of the inn—over an experiential dinner and breakfast of fresh, grilled fish, local vegetables, and so much more.
Day 3: Explore Miyazaki’s mountains and coastlines
Kamishiiba Dam
Constructed in 1955, Kamishiiba Dam was Japan's first full-scale arch concrete dam, gaining the nickname of "His Excellency" (kyakka). It reminds you of the sheer scale of mother nature, and the power of man to be able to build something equally impressive to contain it.
The views are best appreciated from the nearby park, looking over the still waters of the reservoir and the mountains on all sides.
Note: As our visit coincided with a typhoon, there was a collection of debris in the waters of the dam. Usually, this would not be present.
Traditional Shiiba village: Tonegawa Village
Deep into Shiiba Village is Tonegawa Village, a traditional folk village, as hard to reach as it is to leave.
Walk to the top of the rising village and rest on a bench for a while, appreciating the complete peace found here—both a sign of slower mountain life in Japan and the growing crisis around depopulated regions of the country. This is one spot that deserves your time and appreciation, while still possible.
At the bottom of the village is the Tonegawa Shrine, a historic shrine nestled into the forest. It is said that Nasu Daihachiro, a Genji warrior who fell in love with a Heike princess, founded the shrine out of compassion for the Heike clan, who were living in seclusion in the mountains of Shiiba. An approximately 800-year-old cedar tree stands tall on its grounds, planted by hand during a visit in the Genkyu period (1204-1206).
Long after the final villagers have moved on, this tree will tower over the landscape, retaining its deep roots into the area’s stories of love, loss, and slow-paced living.
Shiiba Village pack rafting
From here, take to the waters of Shiiba’s tranquil reservoir with a more hands-on experience that’s no less thoughtful: Shiiba Village pack rafting.
Guided by Tokyoite turned Miyazaki resident, Hiro, of Chenam—a local tour company crafted around small, private tours—drift along the waters of Shiiba in a pack raft. Whether paddling and chatting or lying back and gazing up at the blue skies above, expect this to be an impactful feel-good experience.
You'll soon find yourself wondering if it's time to leave modern life behind for a slower pace, spent floating on sparkling waters and hiking through deep mountain forests.
And you’ll have something to compare it to as we head towards Miyazaki City next via dramatic coastline roads.
Cape Hyuga and a return to modern Miyazaki
Before heading on to Miyazaki City, make a stop at Cape Hyuga Observation Deck, around 1.5 hours from the mountains of Shiiba.
The Cape Hyuga Observation Deck somehow even makes the sprawling, varied landscapes of Miyazaki feel dwarfed by the immense size of the Pacific Ocean. Take a breath of salty sea air and listen to the crashing of the waves against the unique rock formations below.
From here, continue the journey along the coastline and into Miyazaki City, just over an hour away.
Evening in Miyazaki City
End your day in Miyazaki City, known for its vibrant food scene and relaxed nightlife. This is where Miyazaki’s identity becomes most tangible through its flavors.
Try Miyazaki karamen, a bold, spicy noodle dish packed with garlic, chili, egg, and chives.
Or, in the Nishitachi nightlife district, raise a glass of crisp Japanese beer and cocktails at Torio—such as hebesu citrus and whiskey with soda—while digging into more of Miyazaki's local delights, from tender Miyazaki beef and charcoal-grilled sumibiyaki chicken to deep-fried tebasaki chicken wings.
This is a true taste of laid-back Miyazaki City living, revealing the duality of Miyazaki Prefecture—home to both peaceful mountain villages and god-driven myths alongside neon-lit nightlife scenes and modern-day delicacies.
Day 4: Lose yourself in Miyazaki’s coasts and castle towns
Aoshima: Coastal sunrises
Wake early and head to Aoshima, only 25 minutes from the city by car. Park up and cross the bridge to reach Aoshima Shrine. As the sun rises, the vermilion torii gates stand in striking contrast against the blue ocean beyond.
Aoshima Coast
This is not just a scenic stop—it is a place layered with geological wonder and mythological weight. The coastline is famous for its striking “Devil’s Washboard” rock formations, ridged patterns carved over countless millennia by the force of the ocean.
Standing at the edge, looking out across these formations as waves roll in, feels almost as though time itself has been etched into the earth.
Aoshima Island & Aoshima Shrine
Aoshima Island and its unique, seaside shrine, is wrapped in dense subtropical vegetation—something rarely seen elsewhere in Japan. The island carries a sense of quiet isolation, as though it exists slightly outside of the modern world.
It’s easy to see why this place is described as sacred. In a region so deeply connected to Japanese legends, landscapes like this feel less like coincidence and more like intention.
Nichinan Phoenix Road and Horikiri Pass
From Aoshima, continue south along one of Japan’s most scenic road trips: the coastal Nichinan Phoenix Road, passing through the lookout point and rest stop of the famous Horikiri Pass.
This is where Miyazaki’s slower, more meditative side reveals itself once more. This 37-mile road along National Route 220 winds gently along the coastline, framed by palm trees and endless ocean views. There is no rush here—just the rhythm of the waves and the feeling of distance from everything else.
Horikiri Pass offers one of the best viewpoints along this route. Looking out across the Pacific, the scale of the ocean feels almost overwhelming, yet grounding at the same time. It’s the kind of place that encourages you to pause, breathe deeply, and let go of whatever you carried with you into the journey.
Sunmesse Nichinan
Continue along the coast to Sunmesse Nichinan, a unique seaside park. The symbol of the site is its seven Moai statues, the only officially authorized replicas in the world, created with permission from Easter Island.
While unexpected, it adds a slightly surreal contrast to the otherwise natural landscapes—a reminder that Miyazaki blends global curiosity with local identity.
Udo Jingu Shrine
Set dramatically inside a cave along the cliffs, Udo Jingu Shrine is one of the most visually striking and spiritually significant locations in Miyazaki. According to legend, this is where the sea goddess Toyotamahime gave birth, built a birthing hut made from cormorant feathers.
Standing inside the cave, with the sound of waves echoing against the rock walls, it’s easy to feel the presence of something ancient—something that connects the natural world to the mythology it inspired.
The shrine is closely associated with love, relationships, and safe childbirth. Visitors often purchase small clay pebbles, known as an undama (luck ball), and attempt to throw them into a sacred rock formation below—said to bring good luck if successful.
Obi Castle Town
This beautifully preserved castle town offers a completely different atmosphere. White stone walls, samurai residences, and quiet canals lined with koi create a sense of stepping back in time.
Yet alongside this history, you’ll find modern touches—cafés serving freshly ground coffee, boutiques, and thoughtfully restored buildings.
Lunch in Obi: Itotei
Making time for lunch at Itotei is well worth it. Set in the spacious, calming environment of a samurai-residence-turned-restaurant, the menu showcases Miyazaki’s local ingredients at their best.
Opt for Miyazaki beef or tuna sashimi, then finish with dashi-chazuke—a comforting broth poured over your meal, subtly transforming its flavor and texture.
While you’re in the area, be sure to try local specialties such as obi-ten (fried fish cakes with brown sugar) and refreshing drinks made with Nichinan lemons.
Accommodation: Akanesasu Obi
Enjoy every second of your four days in Miyazaki without the need to rush off before the day is over—stay overnight in Obi to fully absorb its slower pace.
Carefully renovated properties like Akanesasu Obi offer a unique blend of traditional architecture and modern comfort within former samurai residences. Once owned by senior retainer Denzaemon Ito, expect modern luxuries set inside a beautiful home, featuring plenty of room for families, a semi-open-air bath, and local craft beer on tap.
If you’re all about choice, explore Sai—another of PAAK Design’s regal renovations—or Nazuna Obi Onsen Resort, offering a castle-view sauna.
Rest, relax, and recharge—in the morning, you’ll leave the myths and mysteries of Miyazaki behind once more.
How to get to Miyazaki
If you’re not already in, or flying to, Kumamoto, here’s how to get to Miyazaki from Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, or Kobe.
- By plane: Fly into Miyazaki Bougainvillea Airport (KMI) from Tokyo (1.5 hours) or Osaka (one hour).
- By train: You can travel to Miyazaki from Hakata Station using the Kyushu Shinkansen or conventional lines. Please check the specific trains and routes in advance, as transfers will be required.
- By highway bus: The "Phoenix" highway bus operates between Fukuoka (Tenjin/Hakata) and Miyazaki Station. The journey takes approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes. Please check the latest service information before traveling.
- By Shinkansen and highway bus: Though slightly more expensive, this shortens the journey by about an hour. Catch the Shinkansen from Hakata Station to Shin-Yatsushiro Station, and then catch the B&S Miyazaki highway bus to Miyazaki Station, totalling about three hours of travel.
- By boat: You can catch the Miyazaki Car Ferry from Kobe to Miyazaki, taking you overnight and arriving at around 9am the next morning.
Explore mountains and myths in Miyazaki
Miyazaki offers something increasingly rare: a place where coastlines stretch uninterrupted, where food reflects the land, and where mythology is not just remembered but felt.
It is tropical, yet spiritual; relaxed, yet deeply meaningful.
Miyazaki doesn’t just show you something new—it helps you return to something older, quieter, and perhaps forgotten. By remaining unchanged, Miyazaki may just change you.
Note: Please note that unless stated otherwise, all photography is by Leslie Taylor.
Miyazaki, Japan: FAQs
Approximately 900 km. By plane, it takes around 1.5 hours to reach.
The fastest way is by direct flight. Alternatively, take the Shinkansen to Kyushu and continue by train or bus.
Four days is ideal, allowing for a more relaxed pace—especially in the northern mountain regions.
Yes—especially if you’re looking for a quieter, nature-focused destination with deep cultural and mythological significance.
No. You’ll need to transfer to a limited express train or bus after reaching Kyushu via Shinkansen.
