Miyasaki (宮崎), located in south eastern Kyushu, is a prefecture well known across the country for a stunning coastline and moderate climate. While it has seen better days in terms of tourist income, the prefecture is making a real effort to get visitors back, with generous discounts and transportation deals. The area has both great shrines and great beaches, unlike most of the main islands in Japan.
Budget travel tips
- Pick up a Miyazaki Bus Pass at the train station or other tourist information centers. If you show your passport, it becomes 1000 yen (half price!). Going down south to Udo-jingu Shrine gets very expensive, so this pass is definitely recommended.
- Heading south to Udo-jingu Shrine and Aoshima on the bus, there are lots of budget restaurants and malls. Just get off the bus with your pass if they take your fancy!
- Double check the last buses pack if you head out of the city, as there are often no evening buses and taxis will be difficult (and very expensive) to get a hold off.
Things to do
Aoshima (青島)
An interesting island, surrounding by beaches and connected to the mainland via thin stretch of sand. Makes for a gentle stroll, and the shrine and Shinto gate help to make this a rather unique travel spot. From Miyazaki station, take the bus to Aoshima bus stop (45 mins).
Udo-jingu Shrine (鵜戸神宮)
Further down the road from Aoshima, this is Miyazaki prefectures premier shrine and a must-see. Located under a huge cave, this stunning shrine is another stand out tourist spot. Buy some special orange stones, and if you can throw them into a hole in one of the rocks in the sea, you apparently get good luck!
Open: all day, every day
Price: FREE
Miyazaki Jingu Shrine (宮崎神宮)
The oldest and most important shrine in the city itself, Miyazaki Jingu is dedicated to a mystical emperor called Jimmu and is said to have been established over 2600 years ago. The simple, unpainted shrine is located in a pristine forest setting. Use the bus pass from Miyasaki station (15 minutes) or take the train to Miyazaki-jingo station (2 mins, 160 yen)
Open: all day, every day
Price: FREE
Heiwadai Park (平和台公園)
Some lovely park with seasonal flower displays. Filled with easy to walk forests and hills. There are buses from Miyazaki station, or you can walk from Miyazaki Jingu (to the north, 10 mins).
Open: all day, every day
Price: FREE
Recommended hostels and cheap hotels
Kominka Sharehouse Hooju
A bit tricky to find, but we really liked this guesthouse once we got checked in. Very comfy, old fashioned rooms and a well equipped kitchen for about the price you would normally pay for a cranky dorm bed. Check prices at Booking.com
Compare more at Booking.com
Booking.com
(function(d, sc, u) {
var s = d.createElement(sc), p = d.getElementsByTagName(sc)[0];
s.type = ‘text/javascript’;
s.async = true;
s.src = u + ‘?v=’ + (+new Date());
p.parentNode.insertBefore(s,p);
})(document, ‘script’, ‘//aff.bstatic.com/static/affiliate_base/js/flexiproduct.js’);
How to get there
With a Japan Rail Pass or Kyushu Rail Pass
From Kagoshima-chuo station in Kagoshima, take a Limited Express Kirishima to Miyazaki (2 hours).
From Fukuoka (Hakata station), first take the Shikansen to Kagoshima-chuo station (100 mins), then follow above.
From Beppu, take a Limited Express Sonic or Nichirin to Miyazaki (3 hours).
Without a rail pass
If you have a SUNQ pass, Miyazaki is accessible from every major city station, with many daily buses. Otherwise buses from Beppu (4 hours) or Kagoshima (3.5 hours) cost 3000-4000 yen.
Super Cheap Japan 
You must be logged in to post a comment.