Is Miyazaki good for surfing?

Yes, it's a famous domestic surf destination, with Aoshima and Kisakihama being popular spots, best from summer to autumn.

What is Miyazaki's most famous food?

Miyazaki is renowned for its high-quality chicken (Miyazaki Jidori), premium beef (Miyazaki-gyu), and sweet, luxurious mangoes (Mango).

How do I get to Takachiho Gorge from Miyazaki City?

It's about a 2-hour drive by rental car or expressway bus. Public transport options are limited, so planning is essential.

Are credit cards widely accepted?

Major hotels, department stores, and restaurants in cities accept them, but carry cash for smaller establishments, rural areas, and local markets.

What is a must-see festival in Miyazaki?

The Miyazaki Grand Sumo Tournament (held in November) is a major event, though tickets sell out quickly. Local summer festivals (matsuri) also feature vibrant parades and dancing.

Varies by nationality. Many countries get 90-day tourist visa-free. Check with Japanese embassy.

What currency is used?

Japanese Yen (JPY). Cash is still widely used; carry enough for rural areas.

Is English widely spoken?

Limited, especially in rural areas. Learn basic Japanese phrases or use translation apps.

What is the local cuisine?

Miyazaki is famous for Miyazaki Wagyu beef, chicken nanban, and citrus fruits like hebesu. Also try fresh seafood.

Can I use credit cards?

Major hotels and shops accept cards, but many small restaurants and attractions are cash-only.

Is it safe to drink tap water?

Yes, tap water is safe throughout Japan.

What is the tipping etiquette?

Tipping is not customary and can be considered rude. Service charges are included.

Are there onsen (hot springs) I can visit?

Yes, many onsen resorts like Kirishima and Aoshima. Tattoos may be restricted; cover with patches or seek tattoo-friendly places.

What is the best way to get from the airport?

Miyazaki Airport is connected by bus to the city center (about 15 min). Car rental is available.

Do I need an international driving permit?

Yes, to rent a car in Japan you need an IDP from your home country.

Comfortable walking shoes, light layers, rain gear (especially in summer), and a swimsuit for beaches.

Are there any cultural festivals?

Yes, Takachiho Yokagura (night dances) and Miyazaki Jingu's Autumn Festival are highlights.

Miyazaki

PrefectureJapan, Asia

Miyazaki is a STATE in Japan, Asia.

Miyazaki Prefecture, nestled on Japan's southeastern Kyushu island, offers travelers a captivating blend of mythical landscapes, subtropical warmth, and rich cultural heritage. Known as the 'Land of the Sun,' its coastline boasts dramatic cliffs at Cape Toi, home to wild horses, and the stunning Udo Shrine carved into a seaside cave. Inland, the lush Takachiho Gorge, with its volcanic basalt columns and misty waterfalls, is steeped in Shinto legend as the site where the sun goddess Amaterasu hid. Miyazaki's unique appeal lies in its relaxed pace, exceptional agriculture producing sweet mangoes and premium beef, and numerous onsen hot springs like those in Kirishima. The prefecture is a paradise for surfers, golfers, and hikers exploring its national parks. The vibrant capital, Miyazaki City, provides urban comforts alongside the serene Miyazaki Jingu shrine, making it an ideal base for discovering this region of natural wonders and ancient stories.

Best time to visit Miyazaki

April to May and October to November. Spring (April-May) offers mild weather, blooming flowers, and fewer crowds. Autumn (Oct-Nov) provides comfortable temperatures and vibrant foliage. Summer (Jun-Sep) is hot, humid, and ideal for beach activities but coincides with the rainy season (Jun-Jul) and typhoon risk. Winter is mild but cooler, with some attractions operating reduced hours.

October

Now

Right now

Condition: Rain
Temperature: 22°
Feels like: 25°
Humidity: 96%
Wind: 4 km/h
Precipitation: 0.4 mm

Typical for October

Weather: Mild 18-26°C, pleasant

Travel notes

Crowds: Moderate
Prices: Moderate

Best weather, autumn colors begin

Weather from Open-Meteo

Know before you go

Getting there

KMI

Miyazaki Airport

Domestic/International

5 km away

KOJ

Kagoshima Airport

Domestic/International

90 km away

FUK

Fukuoka Airport

International

250 km away

OIT

Oita Airport

Domestic

120 km away

Getting around

"Rental cars are highly recommended for exploring rural areas and coastal sights efficiently. The JR Nippo Line runs north-south along the coast, connecting major towns. Local buses serve cities and some tourist spots (like Takachiho) but can have infrequent schedules. Taxis are available in urban centers. Popular navigation apps include Google Maps and JapanTravel by Navitime. Bicycles are a pleasant way to explore smaller towns and coastal paths."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

30 Mbps

Mobile data

Excellent

WiFi

Widely available in cities, limited in rural areas

Local SIM

Local SIM available at airport from $5 for data-only

Calling code

+81

Stay safe

Overall

8/10

Scams are rare but be cautious of overpriced taxis or unofficial tour guides.

Night safety

7/10

Scams are rare but be cautious of overpriced taxis or unofficial tour guides.

Transport

9/10

Scam risk

6/10

"Miyazaki is generally very safe with low crime rates. Standard precautions for personal belongings are advised. Be cautious when driving on narrow mountain roads or rural routes, especially at night. Heed warning signs at beaches (strong currents) and hiking trails. No specific areas are widely considered dangerous to avoid. Scams targeting tourists are rare. In the rare event of a typhoon (mainly July-October), follow local advisories and instructions."

Police

110

Ambulance

119

Fire

119

Tourist Police

Entry and health

Health information

"Miyazaki has modern medical facilities, including the Miyazaki University Hospital and numerous clinics. No specific vaccinations are required beyond routine travel vaccines. Tap water is safe to drink. Be aware of ticks in rural/forested areas (risk of Japanese Spotted Fever). Sun protection is essential due to the subtropical climate. Travelers with prescriptions should carry medications in original containers. Japan has a national health insurance system for residents; tourists should have comprehensive travel health insurance as medical costs can be high."

Culture

Local customs

"Standard Japanese etiquette applies. Remove shoes when entering homes, traditional inns (ryokan), and some restaurants. Be quiet and respectful at shrines and temples. Tipping is not customary and can cause confusion. Public baths (onsen) require washing thoroughly before entering the communal bath, and tattoos may be prohibited at some facilities. It is polite to say 'itadakimasu' before eating and 'gochisosama deshita' after."

Japanese

Costs and practicals

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY) · ¥

Cost level

Mid-range

Meals

$5-15 | a cheap local meal costs around $5-10, mid-range $15-25

Hotels

$40-80 | budget hotels range $40-80/night, mid-range $80-150

Local transport

$1-2 | local bus ride ~$1-2, train from Miyazaki to Aoshima ~$3

Cost notes

Car rental adds $50-80/day. Onsen entry $5-15.

Timezone

Asia/Tokyo +09:00 (GMT)

More facts

Population

1,070,000

Area

7,735.31 km²

Government

Prefectural government with a Governor and Prefectural Assembly

ISO code

JP-25

Type

Prefecture

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: みやざきけん, Maoracht Miyazaki, Prefeitura de Miyazaki, მიაძაკის პრეფექტურა, 450006, Prefectura de Miyazaki, Miyazaki Prefecture, Prefektur Miyazaki, Miyazaki-ken, Mijazako, Миядзаки, Mijazaki prefektúra, Префектура Міядзакі, Präfektur Miyazaki, Préfecture de Miyazaki, 미야자키현, 宮崎縣, ميازاكي, 宮崎県, Gōngqí Xiàn, Prefettura di Miyazaki, মিয়াযাকি প্রশাসনিক অঞ্চল, មីយ៉ាហ្សាគី, JP-45, prefektura Mijazaki, Prefektura Miyazaki, மியாசாக்கி மாகாணம், Miyazaki, 宫崎县, จังหวัดมิยาซากิ, Nobeoka, Nobeoka-chhi, Nobeoka-chhī, nobe-oka si, nwbywka, yan gang, yan gang shi, Нобеока, نوبه‌اوکا، میازاکی, نوبيوكا, 延岡, 延岡市, 노베오카 시

Major HubBeachHistoric CityFamily-FriendlyHikingOnsenNatureSurfingCultural