Last updated：
Miyazaki Prefecture is often described as one of Japan’s tropical destinations.
Among its many attractions, Sunmesse Nichinan stands out as a highly popular sightseeing spot where scenic landscapes, unique art installations, and striking stone figures greet visitors.
This guide covers key highlights as well as useful tips for exploring the park comfortably and efficiently—ideal for planning your trip.
Sunmesse Nichinan is a theme-park-style attraction located in Nichinan City, Miyazaki Prefecture. The expansive grounds offer panoramic viewpoints and outdoor art pieces, making it enjoyable for visitors of all ages. It is especially well-known for its numerous Moai statues placed throughout the park.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Sunmesse Nichinan |
| Hours | 9:30 am - 5:00 pm |
| Closed | Wednesdays (open on national holidays) |
| Address | 2650 Miyaura, Nichinan City, Miyazaki Prefecture |
| Official Website | https://www.sanmesse.com/ |
One of the defining symbols of Sunmesse Nichinan is its set of seven Moai statues. These statues were officially permitted for reproduction and installation as a result of Japan’s support in the restoration project at Ahu Tongariki on Easter Island—the only place in the world where such authorization has been granted.
Each statue stands approximately 5.5 meters tall and weighs between 18 and 20 tons. Seeing them up close leaves a powerful impression.
Behind the seven Moai statues lies the vast Pacific Ocean, creating a dramatic and photogenic backdrop. These Moai statues are the park’s most iconic highlight and one of the most frequently photographed spots, always bustling with visitors.
Several elevated areas throughout Sunmesse Nichinan offer sweeping views of the ocean. Among them, the “Earth Appreciation Bell” and “Sun Deck” are especially popular for experiencing impressive open-air scenery overlooking the Pacific.
The Sun Deck sits in front of the Central Plaza and provides a spacious viewpoint where visitors can enjoy the wide sky, blue sea, and a full overview of the Sunmesse Nichinan grounds.
The Earth Appreciation Bell is located behind the Central Plaza at the park’s highest point. Thanks to its elevation, it offers an even more dynamic view of the Pacific Ocean than the Sun Deck.
Throughout the park, you’ll find seven colorful human-shaped sculptures known as “Voyants.”
The name comes from the French word meaning “those who see.” Rather than being statues that are watched by others, these figures themselves are observing the world around them—a unique artistic concept.
Voyants actually appear in various places across Japan, quietly “watching” whatever is in front of them. At Sunmesse Nichinan, their theme is “watching the Moai statues and the ocean.”
Sit beside one of the Voyants, and you become the eighth member—sharing the same view they gaze upon.
Each of the seven statues is painted in a different vibrant color, making them extremely photogenic. Families, couples, and friends often pose beside them in matching postures, making this one of the most beloved photo spots in the park.
The swing installed on one of the hills within the park is among the most popular attractions at Sunmesse Nichinan. Positioned on an open slope facing the ocean, it offers a sensation similar to soaring toward the sky.
With a vast green hillside, the endless ocean ahead, and a wide sky above, the swing creates a refreshing and uplifting experience. While children happily enjoy it as a playground feature, adults also appreciate the extraordinary feeling it provides.
When was the last time you rode a swing?
This swing is not just a typical playground piece—it feels more like an attraction that lets you glide out into the open sky.
With the right shooting angle, you can take photos like this.
It’s a popular spot among families, couples, and groups of friends. Enjoy the open breeze and the views as you swing.
The park covers an expansive 20 hectares, the equivalent of about 340 tennis courts. With many slopes and stairs across the hilly terrain, walking the entire area can be physically demanding.
This is where the round car—an electric cart that you can drive inside the park—becomes incredibly helpful.
Most major spots across the park are accessible via the paved internal road network. The round car is especially convenient for visitors traveling with small children, seniors, or anyone who wants to avoid long walks.
To use a round car, a standard Japanese driver’s license is required. Bring your license and rent a cart at the rental counter inside the Welcome Plaza.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Reception Hours | 9:30 am - 4:20 pm（Return by 4:50 pm） |
| Fee | ¥1,000 / 30 min（+¥500 per additional 30 min） |
| Payment | Cash only |
| Capacity | 5 people |
On rainy days, a free “Rainy Day Shuttle Bus” operates throughout the park. Unlike the round car, no license is required—simply board the bus at the Welcome Plaza and ride to major spots such as the restaurant and Moai Plaza.
The bus runs every 30 minutes on a loop around the park, making it an extremely helpful service for moving comfortably even in poor weather.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Fare | Free |
| Operation Hours | 9:30 am - 5:00 pm |
| Last Bus | Welcome Plaza Departure 4:00 pm |
| Frequency | Every 30 minutes |
| Boarding Point | Bus stop inside the Welcome Plaza |
There are two dining facilities inside the park. A café is located near the entrance at the Welcome Plaza, while a restaurant is situated on the hilltop at the Central Plaza. Both offer air-conditioned seating, making them comfortable options during hot summers or chilly winters.
The Fast Food Corner at the Welcome Plaza offers light meals and drinks. With terrace seating available, it’s an ideal place to relax before or after walking around the park. Soft-serve ice cream, hot dogs, and other quick bites are the main items.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Light Meals | 9:30 am - 4:00 pm |
| Soft - Serve Ice Cream & Drinks | 9:30 am - 4:00 pm |
| Menu Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Soft - Serve Ice Cream Vanilla, Mango, Strawberry, Vanilla & Chocolate, Vanilla & Strawberry, Vanilla & Matcha | ¥400 |
| Tropical Hot Dog | ¥650 |
| Chicken Tatsuta Karaage 200g (5–6 pieces) | ¥500 |
| Lemon Soda・Mango Juice・Guava Juice | ¥550 |
| French Fries | ¥450 |
“Noa Noa” is a restaurant inside the Central Plaza where guests can enjoy a tropical atmosphere. It features a wide selection of dishes, including local Miyazaki specialties and meals made with regional ingredients—popular among visitors of all ages.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Meals | 10:30 am - 4:00 pm |
| Desserts & Drinks | 9:30 am - 4:30 pm |
| Menu Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Kids’ Lunch (Elementary school children and younger) | ¥800 |
| Curry Rice | ¥1,000 |
| Baked Curry | ¥1,100 |
| Cutlet Curry | ¥1,400 |
| Sunmesse Lunch (with soup) | ¥1,400 |
| Chicken Nanban (with soup) | ¥1,400 |
| Fried Shrimp Lunch | ¥1,400 |
| Hamburg Steak Lunch | ¥1,400 |
| Warm Udon or Soba with Chicken Nanban | ¥1,400 |
| Tempura Udon or Soba | ¥1,400 |
| Tempura Soba (Cold) | ¥1,400 |
| Miyazaki Beef Steak Bowl (with soup & salad) | ¥2,000 |
| Cut Steak Bowl 100g | ¥2,700 |
| Cut Steak Bowl 120g | ¥2,900 |
Although the park is quite large, you can tour the main attractions in about 60 minutes. Adding time for meals, rest, and shopping will give you a clearer idea of your total stay.
For example:
In total, most visitors spend around 2–3 hours in the park.
If you use a round car, travel time within the park is significantly reduced, allowing you to tour the main areas in about 40 minutes.
Use these estimates to plan based on your own pace, family needs, and sightseeing schedule.
Sunmesse Nichinan is accessible mainly by car or local bus. Since there is no nearby railway line, buses are the primary option when using public transportation.
From central Miyazaki City, the common route is to drive south along National Route 220, which runs along the coastline. The drive offers continuous ocean views along the Nichinan Coast, making the journey scenic and pleasant.
When traveling by public transportation, take a local Miyazaki Kotsu bus. Buses depart from both Miyazaki Station and Miyazaki Airport. Get off at the “Sunmesse Nichinan Mae” bus stop. Bus frequency varies by day of the week, so checking the latest timetable beforehand is recommended.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Boarding Point | Miyazaki Station West Exit Bus Rotary, Platform 1 |
| Route | Miyazaki Kotsu Bus Route 965 (Obi Line) |
| Travel Time | Approx. 1 hour 20 minutes |
| Bus Stop | Sunmesse Nichinan |
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Boarding Point | Miyazaki Airport Bus Stop No. 2 |
| Route | Miyazaki Kotsu Bus Route 965 (Obi Line) |
| Travel Time | Approx. 1 hour |
| Bus Stop | Sunmesse Nichinan |
Sunmesse Nichinan features a rich variety of attractions—from the Moai statues to panoramic viewpoints and the uplifting hilltop swing. In addition to the sights introduced above, the park also offers Lovers’ Hill, Sun Hill, a world insect exhibition, and a butterfly garden, giving visitors plenty to explore.
The spacious grounds are filled with green hills, an expansive ocean beyond, and an open sky overhead. It’s a place where simply walking around brings a sense of calm and refreshment.
Each unique attraction adds to the experience, creating a destination that welcomes visitors with both relaxation and enjoyment. Sunmesse Nichinan is truly a scenic and inviting spot worth visiting.
Take your time and enjoy the wide-open scenery of the sea, sky, and greenery.
