Takachiho Gorge

The pyroclastic flow from Aso volcanic activity flowed out in a band along the Gokase River and cooled rapidly, created the beautiful columnar cliff. There are many shrines enshrining the deities associated with Japanese mythology in the vicinity. Designated as a national scenic beauty and natural monument.

Sun Messe Nichinan

This is the only place in the world where seven fully restored moai statues have been specially authorized by the Presbytery of Easter Island. It is said that if you touch the second moai statue from the right, you will be blessed with money and the third one from the left will bring you luck in love!

Aoshima Shrine

A small island with a circumference of about 1.5 km. Blessed with a rich nature and an abundance of subtropical plants, the island has a tropical atmosphere. Aoshima Shrine, located in the center of the island, is popular for its ability to bring about love. The strangely shaped rock called ‘Oni-no-sentakuita'(demon’s washing board) is also a popular spot.

Udo Shrine

The main shrine is located in a natural cave. There is a turtle-shaped stone in front of the main shrine, and it is said that if a man throws a small ball called ‘Undama’ (fortune ball) with his left hand and a woman throws it with her right hand and the ball is placed in the hollow of the rock, their wish will come true. In 2017, the area around the Udo Shrine was designated as a national scenic spot.

Chicke-Nanban

This chicken-Nanban is a favorite of the locals who prefer sweet flavors. The sweet and sour chicken combined with the rich tartar sauce makes it hard to stop eating. It is a must-try dish as the soul food of Miyazaki.

Hiyajiru

Grilled and shredded horse mackerel or sardines are mixed with miso paste, and iced water is added to the mixture. Cucumber, tofu and sesame seeds are also added and served over rice. It is a local summer dish that has been eaten to get through the hot summer season.

Mango

Miyazaki produces many tropical fruits, but one of the most famous is the mango. In particular, the branded mangoes, named ‘Taiyo no Tamago’ (Eggs of the Sun), are known throughout the country as the highest quality and sweetest mangoes.

Nanjakora Daifuku

Daifuku is a Japanese sweet made of ‘Anko’ (sweet bean paste) wrapped in soft ‘mochi’ (rice cakes). You can find it all over Japan, but this ‘Nanjyakora Daifuku’ is a little different. It’s a large daifuku with a strawberry, a chestnut and cream cheese inside. It is made by ‘Hidaka-no-okashi’ and is still popular 30 years later. You can buy it at Miyazaki Station.

Ushikoshi festival

This festival has been held for more than 400 years to pray for good health for cows. It is designated as an intangible folk cultural asset of Miyazaki Prefecture. A log is placed at a height of about 50cm from the ground and the cows are made to jump over it.

Onda festival

A rice planting festival at the Tashiro Shrine in Saigo Ward, Misato Town, which has a history of 980 years. Cows and horses that enter the field with a ‘omikoshi’ (portable shrine) will prepare the field while becoming muddy. It is said that you will be blessed with health if you get this mud splash.