Miyazaki Hidden Gems
A sunny Pacific coast of surf beaches and palm trees, backed by mythic gorges and shrines tied to Japan's founding legends.
6 spots
Climate & Best Season
Warm, sunny and typhoon-exposed, with the most sunshine hours in Japan and very mild winters. Good year-round.
Famous For (Food)
- Chicken nanban
- Miyazaki beef
- Hiyajiru
- Mango
Signature Sights
- Takachiho Gorge
- Udo Shrine
- Aoshima's 'devil's washboard'
- Nichinan coast
Udo Jingu Shrine — Cliffside Cave Sanctuary
Udo Jingu is one of Japan's most dramatically sited shrines — built inside a seaside cave carved into volcanic cliffs, w…
Takachiho Yokagura — All-Night Sacred Dance
Between mid-November and early February, 20 villages across Takachiho hold all-night kagura ceremonies in private homes…
Omi Shrine — Sunrise Power Spot
Omi Shrine (大御神社) is a coastal Shinto shrine perched on rocks directly facing the Pacific Ocean, famous as one of Japan'…
Aoshima Island — Tropical Island Shrine
Aoshima is a small island (1.5km circumference) connected to the mainland by a walking bridge, famous for two features:…
Miyazaki Jingu — Grand Shrine in the Forest
Miyazaki Jingu is one of Kyushu's most important shrines, dedicated to Emperor Jimmu — Japan's legendary first emperor w…
Amano Yasukawara Cave — Mythological Gathering Site
Amano Yasukawara (天安河原) is a large riverside cave along the Iwato River, believed to be the site where 8 million kami (g…