Miyazaki City: Features, Popular Tourist Attractions, Gourmet

Miyazaki City, located in southeastern Kyushu, is a popular tourist destination known for its warm climate and lush nature. Blessed with sunshine throughout the year, it’s often called “Japan’s Sunlight Capital.” Facing the sparkling Pacific Ocean, the Nichinan Coast with its rows of phoenix trees is a beloved scenic drive, and the coastline is dotted with breathtaking spots such as Aoshima Shrine and Horikiri Pass.

In the city center, local gourmet delights abound. The Nishi-Tachibana Street area, known as “Nishitachi,” is the largest entertainment district in Miyazaki and serves as a hub for visitors. Many long-established restaurants serve regional dishes such as chicken nanban, chilled miso soup (hiyajiru), and charcoal-grilled free-range chicken, offering an authentic taste of Miyazaki’s food culture. The city is also home to historic sites like Miyazaki Jingu and Aoshima Shrine, renowned as the mythical heartland of Japan’s ancient legends.

Accessibility is another major appeal — Miyazaki Airport is only about 15 minutes from the city center by train, making it an easy and convenient destination for travelers.