Miyazaki's development followed the Meiji Restoration, when the city was chosen as the capital of Miyazaki Prefecture. Miyazaki, the "Land of Myths and Legends," is bathed by the brilliant rays of the southern sun. This subtropical ambiance is what makes Miyazaki Prefecture so attractive to visitors. Extending inland from Kyushu's southeastern Pacific coast, the prefecture encompasses one national park and four quasi-national parks. Miyazaki now has a population of 287,000. Palm trees line the city's major streets, and Miyazaki has a pleasant subtropical atmosphere. Miyazaki is a good base of operations for exploring Aoshima, Obi and other destinations south of the city.

Tourist Information:
Miyazakiken Kanko Kyokai (Prefectural Tourist Association): Tel. (0985) 25-4676

Places of Interest in Miyazaki Prefecture

Miyazaki City

With a population of 288,000, is one of the centers of politics, economy and culture of Southern Kyushu. This prefectural capital attracts some five million visitors annually. City streets are lined with lush palms and Phoenix trees which enhance its subtropical ambiance. Many sites of mythological interest are associated with the foundation of Japan, including the Miyazaki Jingu Shrine dedicated to the first emperor, Jimmu. The climate is subtropical all the year round, and palm and phoenix trees can be seen along the streets. The main street of the city is Tachibana-dori, with department stores, souvenir shops and fancy restaurants. The weather is mild, and there is abundant greenery. Miyazaki is one of the most popular cities for sightseeing in Japan.

Tourist Information
Miyazaki City Tourist Information Center: Tel. (0985) 22-6469

Sightseeing in Miyazaki

• Aoshima Islet: This tiny islet, connected with the mainland by a bridge, is a 10 min. walk from Aoshima Sta. It is covered with "biro" (bete]-nut) palms and 200 species of subtropical plants. The coastal rocks here have been eroded by the waves in a unique pattern called locally the "devil's washboard." The Prefectural Subtropical Plant Garden and the Cactus Park are nearby. The latter is renowned for its various species of cacti, numbering some 1.6 million. Aoshima Jinja Shrine, an impressive vermilion structure, is located in the center of the islet. (30 min. on JR's Nichinan Line from Miyazaki Sta., or 40 min. by bus.)

• Aoshima Botanical Gardens: Is planted with 400 species of subtropical plants. Open daily 9:00-5:00. Admission free except admission to the big hothouse (¥100).

• Haniwa (clay figures) Garden: 25 min. by bus from Miyazaki Kotsu Sta., located in the north corner of the hill in Heiwadai Park, is modeled after the ancient mounds scattered throughout the district, and some 400 replicas of ancient clay figures and earthen vessels are scattered about the place. Some materials for Haniwa are exhibited at Haniwa Museum Garden. Haniwa Museum: Open daily from 8:30-17:00.

• Heiwadai-Koen Park: A 15- minute walk from Miyazaki Jingu Shrine. This spacious garden was constructed in 1940 to celebrate the 2,600th anniversary of the mythological foundation of the nation of Japan. The neatly maintained gardens feature ancient clay images (haniwa). "Tower of Peace" in the park was constructed with stones from many countries of the world.

• Horikiri Pass: 40 min. by bus from Miyazaki Kotsu Eigyosho, commands the best view of Aoshima Island and unique coastal beauty of the area. The spot is decorated with colorful flowers throughout the year. 33 min. by bus

• Kodomo-no-Kuni (Children's Land): A seaside park with a natural hill and river, containing various amusement facilities. Admission: ¥500. Open daily from 8:00-17:00.

• Miyazaki Science Center: A 3 min. walk from Miyazaki Sta., JR Nippo Line. Various materials and technology are fully displayed in the center. The main feature is a planetarium, the largest dome in the world (27 meters in diameter). Admission: ¥510 for display room; ¥710 for display and planetarium. Open 9:00 to 4:30. Closed on Mondays, the next day of holidays & Dec. 28 to Jan. 1.

• Miyazaki Jingu Shrine: Miyazaki Jingu Shrine is just a 15 minute walk from JR Miyazaki Jingu Station. The Shrine was dedicated to Emperor Jimmu, a rather mythological figure who established the Yamato imperial court. Miyazaki Prefectural Museum is located in the clear, wide grounds of the Shrine. The museum displays historic and archeological objects of the area. Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Closed on Mondays. Admission: ¥200.

• Nichinan Kaigan Road Park: Extending for 100 km (62 mi.) between Kodomo-no-kuni Sta. and Nango Sta., is a seaside road decorated with grass, colorful flowers and subtropical plants.

• Phoenix Resort Seagaia: 15 min. by bus from Miyazaki Sta., is a very big indoor water park. This resort for extended stays lies along the Hitotsuba ocean coast. Its facilities include a golf course, tennis club, hotel and the Ocean Dome, the world's largest all-weather water park whose roof can be opened or closed. Open daily 9:00-22:00 (May-Oct.), 9:30-21:00 (Nov.-Apr.) except once a month. Admission: ¥4,200; ¥2,800 (after 16:00), ¥1,300 (3rd floor only).

• Saboten (Cactus) Park: About I hr. by bus from Miyazaki Kotsu Eigyosho, is planted with more than 130,000 cactuses. Open daily 7:45-17:30. Admission: ¥500.

• Tachibana Park: 10 min. by bus from Miyazaki Sta., is a riverside park remindful of Southern Europe, and is the location of several first class hotels.
  
• Udo Shrine: I hr 20 min. by bus from Miyazaki Kotsu Eigyosho, is located in a grotto made by ware action. It is dedicated to the father of the legendary first Emperor of Japan.

Kirishima

Ebino-Kogen Plateau is located on the border between Miyazaki and Kagoshima Prefectures.

• Mt. Kirishima: This is the generic name for a group of 23 volcanoes spanning Miyazaki and Kagoshima prefectures. Embracing ten crater lakes and numerous hot springs, Mt. Kirishima is a highlight of Kirishima-Yaku National Park. The range extends almost 16 km (9.9 mi.) between the two outstanding peaks: Mt. Takachiho-no-mine, alt. 1,574 m (5,163 ft.) and Mt. Karakunidake, alt. 1,700 m (5,576 ft.). Located near Mt. Karakunidake, the plateau is dotted with beautiful lakes and hot springs. Mt. Takachiho-no-mine is the spot where, as legend would have it, a grandson of the Sun Goddess descended from the High Plain of Heaven to found Japan. Ebino Plateau is Kyushu's highest hot-spring resort and an ideal summer vacation spot. In spring, the Miyama-Kirishima, a species of azalea, and wild aronias come into full bloom; summer is camping time, in autumn the foliage turns color; and in winter ice skating is a main attraction. (1 hr. 20 min. by limited express on JR's Nippo Honsen Line from Miyazaki to Kirishima Jingu Sta.)

• Ebino-Kogen Plateau Local Transportation Ebino-Kogen Plateau is about one hour from JR Kobayashi Station by bus. The buses leave from Miyazaki Kotsu Bus Center. Fare: ¥1,200.

• Ebino-Kogen Natural Trail: A carefree stroll along this circular path will take less than 2 hours. You'll see three beautiful crater lakes on this walk, and the path is dotted with observatory platforms. When the path goes uphill, there are steps to case the way. The first of the three ponds is Byakushi-lke. The second, Rokkannon-miike, the largest of the three, is famous for its magnificent cobalt blue color. The third pond, a twenty-minute hike from Rokkannon-miike, is Fudoike. On your way back to the Visitors' Center and Bus Center, you'll pass sulphurous hot springs that are a constant reminder of the volcanic origins of the topography of this plateau. You'll also pass a field of susuki pampas grass that, thanks to the mineral content of the groundwater, takes on an orange-red tint in the fall.

• Kirishima Jingo Shrine: Set among Japanese cedars, this lavish shrine is dedicated to Ninigi-no-Mikoto, grandson of the Japanese sun goddess Amaterasu-Omikami. In addition to the fantastic carvings of flowers and animals on the main building, the Shrine also features a magnificent view of Sakurajima. The maple leaves in the fall are absolutely breathtaking.

Places of Interest Around Miyazaki Prefecture

• Miyakonojo City: This serene town is surrounded by the Kirishima mountains, and has an attractive prefectural park stretching to the west. Among nearby places to see are Sekino-o Falls, noted for natural potholes and crimson fall foliage, and Mochio Park, crowded in springtime in its flowering groves of 3,000 cherry trees. (50 min. by limited express from Miyazaki on JR's Nippo Honsen Line.)

• Obi (Nichinan City): Obi is a castle town which flourished from the 16th to 19th centuries as a stronghold of the Ito Clan. The Obi castle site and old houses of samurai warriors and merchants exude the nostalgic mood of the Edo Period, (1 hr. 15 min. by train fr