Exploring Miyazaki & Surrounds

#Miyazaki.

With plenty of sightseeing opportunities on offer, the city of Miyazaki is a great spot to base oneself for a few days.

Highlights - Miyazaki Station: Alight at Miyazaki Station for Miyazaki Hachimangu, Miyazaki Central Park, and Miyazaki Science Centre.
Highlights - Miyazaki-jingu Station: Alight at Miyazaki-jingu Station for Miyazaki Prefecture Gokoku Shrine, Miyazaki Jingu, Miyazaki Prefectural Museum of Nature and History, Heiwadai Park (for Peace Tower and replicas of the historic Haniwa Sculptures - pictured).

#Day Trips from Miyazaki.

For those wanting to head further afield for the day, the following options make for ideal day trips.

1. Aoshima Island.

With its laid-back vibes and quaint Shinto Shrine, Aoshima is the perfect place to chill for the day.

Journey Duration: From Miyazaki Station to Aoshima Station a train will take about 30 minutes.
Highlights: Aoshima Beach and Aoshima Beach Village, Miyako Botanic Garden, and Aoshima Island (pictured - for Aoshima Shrine).
Rail Pass: A JR Pass can be used for train travel between Miyazaki Station and Aoshima Station.
Bonus Tip: For a budget-friendly lunch option head to Uminoie Coffee Stand, which offers both Western and Japanese meal options.

2. Nichinan.

The city of Nichinan can be reached in about 90 minutes from Miyazaki City and is packed with things to see and do, making it ideal for a full-day trip.

Journey Duration: From Miyazaki Station to Obi Station a train will take about 1 hour and 20 minutes with a train onto Aburatsu taking around a further 10 minutes.
Highlights - Obi Station: Alight at Obi Station for Obi Castle Ruins, Yuzhang Pavillion, Tagamihachiman Shrine, and Iwasaki Inari Shrine.
Highlights - Aburatsu Station: Alight at Aburatsu Station for Aburatsu Shopping Street, Horikawa Canal, Aburatsu Red Brick House, Aburatsu Port, Gion Shrine, and buses for Udo-jingu.
Rail Pass: A JR Rail Pass is valid on train travel between Miyazaki, Obi, and Aburatsu Stations.
Bonus Tip: To get to Udo-jingu take bus 965 from Aburatsu Station and alight at the Fukei bus stop (ride time approximately 22 min), from here a walk up to Udo-jingu will take about 25 to 30 minutes. The 965 Bus will also head on to Ibii Station where one can board a train back to Miyazaki.