Here is the good food to eat that we would like to introduce in Miyazaki food guide. Don’t forget to sample any of must eat food when visiting Miyazaki.
Similar to other regions in Japan, Miyazaki offers a wide variety of wonderful food to eat. Boasted with mild temperature and tropical atmosphere, Miyazaki food has its vibe and taste. There are a lot of local specialties such as Jidori no Sumibiyaki (charcoal grill chicken), Namban chicken, Miyazaki beef and various of Miyazaki gourmet that worth to try on. Each restaurant has their version, please find one to taste on it when visiting here.
Below are some of the best food that we ate during our visit to Miyazaki. Of course, there are many more local specialties and a wide variety of Miyazaki cuisines. But if you only have limited time, take a look at our Miyazaki food guide, includes with what to eat and where to find the best food in Miyazaki.
Charcoal Grill Chicken
Miyazaki must eat: Charcoal Grill Chicken
Miyazaki is known as the birthplace of the charcoal-grilled chicken thigh, also called jidori no sumibiyaki in Japanese. Bitch size chunks of top quality domestic chicken are seasoned with salt and pepper, then grilled on the high heat charcoal to perfection. The dark charcoaled skin has a smoky and flavorful aroma, resulted from high heat charcoal grill. Perfectly match with the juicy and exquisite softness meat. Must eat food in Miyazaki.
Best place to eat charcoal grill chicken: Many restaurants and izakaya are serving for this delicious local food. We love the charcoal grill chicken from Tsukada Nojo Miyazaki Honten. It tastes so delicious and juicy. One of the best food that we ate during our trip to Miyazaki. Alternatively, visit the Maruman yakitori hoten for some extraordinarily tasty charcoal chicken.
Nanban Chicken
Miyazaki Nanba Chicken
While Nanban chicken can be found all over Japan, Miyazaki claim for the originator of Nanban chicken. The chicken is marinated with sweet vinegar and deep-fried to perfection, topped with tartar sauce when serving. When sample it, the succulent crispy fried chicken is a great combination with in house original tartar sauce, comprised of mayonnaise and diced onions.
Where To eat Nanban chicken: Visit the Ogura Honten for the best Nanban chicken in Miyazaki. This local delicacy was said to have originated from Ogura in the 1960s. It is an old fashioned western-style restaurant with 10 minutes walk from Miyazaki station. Alternatively, most of the restaurants in Miyazaki are serving this delicious chicken Nanban dishes. The restaurant in Sunmesse also famous for this dishes. Many visitors are having Nanban chicken during their visit to Sunmesse Nichinan.
Miyazaki Beef
Another particularly famous Miyazaki delicacy is Miyazaki beef. It is a name only given to beef that raise in Miyazaki which meet strict quality standard. The flavorful brand of beef is graded as high and proud of Miyazaki.
In Miyazaki, many restaurants serve Miyazaki beef and the good news is in a much more reasonable price. But, it is still very expensive for premium beef. You can eat the Miyazaki beef at Hitotsuba Miyachiku or Oyodo Kahan Miyachiku. The price range can be easily from at least ¥5,000 for the finest part of Miyazaki beef. Alternatively, for budget way, try the Teppanyaki Miyazaki Beef for about ¥3,000.
Tropical Fruit Hyuganatsu
Thanks to the temperate climate, Miyazaki is famous for many kinds of fruit. The hyuganatsu (日向夏) is a yellow citrus fruit that has basked under the sun of Miyazaki. It was first in Miyazaki prefecture and widely cultivated throughout the region.
This light yellow hyuganatsu has freshness and invigorating tanginess. Spring is the harvesting season. During this, you can be easily seeing hyuganatsu sold along the roadside. It has has a distinct sweet-sour flavor with a pleasant acid bite, made it popular among lady. The fruit can also be used to make sorbets, ice cream, drink or dessert.
Udon
No doubt, udon is the best local dishes in all prefecture of Japan and widely served across Japan. There are various types of Udon dishes but the most common is served in a hot or cold dish. The thick, wheat-flour noodle is perfectly cooked in a lightly flavored broth, made from soy sauce, vegetable or fish. Normally, a bowl of udon cost less than ¥800. This best cheap eat is the best food for breakfast or a quick bite in Miyazaki.
Where to eat udon in Miyazaki: We had our Udon in Sankaku Chaya Toyokichi udon (三角茶屋 豊吉うどん) located in Miyazaki station. Their long-established main shop was first founded 87 years ago. It is a simple yet satisfying meal after a tiring day. If you would like to try on some Miyazaki’s Udon, Shigenoi is your choice. Shigenoi is famous for Kamaage udon. The hand-cut udon noodles are accompanied by a seasonings dipping sauce with lots of fried tempura batter on top. You can even drink the remaining broth together with dipping sauce.
Bonito Fish in Multiple Way
Must Try Food in Miyazaki: Bonito Fish in Multiple Way
Located about one hours drive from Miyazaki city, Nichinan is popular with local specialty dishes made from high-grade bonito fish. The fresh bonito fish (Katsuo) are caught with single line pole fishing method (Ippon-zuri, 一本釣り) and marinated in an in-house special sauce. Nichinan served bonito fish in its unique and multiple way to enjoy it. Fresh bonito can be eaten raw as sashimi, grilled over the hibachi or pouring hot broth over it together with rice.
Where to eat bonito fish: Gallery Kodama in Obi town, Nichinan served the bonito in a set meal. This katsuoaburi-ju is the best way to enjoy the best local food in Miyazaki. Try it and choose the best way to enjoy the bonito fish.
When you are visiting Takachiho Gorge, make you lead to the restaurant nearby for Nagashi somen (そめん流し). The somen is released in the water flowing bamboo and you need to catch it using the chopstick before it flowing away. Next, dipped the somen noodles into the special sauce provided and continue to catch the coming one. If you miss it, the leftover somen will be collected at the end of the water bamboo slide.
Where to eat Nagashi Somen in Takachiho: Chiho no Ie Teahouse (千穂の家) invented and served this signature food since the 1950s. Although it is a popular summer dish in Japan, nagashi somen is served all year around here.
Overview: Miyazaki Food Guide
Lastly, hopeful you enjoy reading on our Miyazaki food guide. Of course, there is much more best food in Miyazaki awaiting you to discover. While we only have limited time, this is what we ate during our visit. Hope you enjoy it. Thanks for reading.
If you are interested, continue read on our Miyazaki travel blog along to Nichinan coast:
Ultimate Miyazaki travel guide to plan on your Miyazaki itinerary including things to do, food to eat and some useful money saving tips.
Miyazaki (宮崎), capital of Miyazaki Prefecture on Kyushu region Japan. This amazing city is full of tropical nature and historical landmarks. But it is an under-estimated and lesser know place to visit in Japan. It was once the top honeymoon spot with domestic travelers and the best place to spend their summer vacation in Japan. There are many beautiful beaches, resorts and amazing attractions in Miyazaki. It’s one of the must-visit places and should be part of your Kyushu Japan travel itinerary.
Miyazaki is full of attractions and worth to spend one or two days to discover. We visited Miyazaki during our trip to Kyushu. We had a great time there and would like to inspire you to get there. Listed below are what to do and eat during our 1-day itinerary in Miyazaki. While this Miyazaki travel blog is covered on the major sights in Miyazaki city. We also visited Takachiho Gorge, another delightful town in outskirt Miyazaki. Check on our day trip to Takachiho Gorge if you are interest to know.
While this is a complete Miyazaki travel guide, feel free to click in below each session to dive in the travel blog.
Similar to other cities in Japan, Miyazaki has a lot of offers and can be visited all year round. It blessed with long hours of sunlight and rainfall compare with other regions of Japan. So don’t be surprise Miyazaki is full of tropical atmosphere. The best time to visit Miyazaki is depending on what you want to do and see.
Spring starts early as it has warmer climates compare with other regions of Japan. Temperature begins to warm up at around February. You may start to see the first bloom of spring flowers such as sakura and plum tree. You can enjoy the sakura in full bloom in late March.
Summer is the best time for water activities lovers. Miyazaki has many beautiful beaches and resorts for water spot activities. A lot of festival is taking place during the summer month. It can be quite hot to enjoy the natural beauty under the sunny sun.
While autumn is the best time for hiking. Miyazaki does not famous for autumn foliage, but the weather is very ideal if you prefer the milder weather. The Takachiho Gorge is one of the best places for autumn foliage, and normally peak time is around mid to end of November.
Lastly, winter in Miyazaki. Due to its warmer climates, it is rare to snow (except mountain area) compare with other regions in the cold season. Weather remain warm and slightly chill during winter. But still recommended bringing warmer clothes as night time can be very cold with the strong wind.
How To Get To Miyazaki and Getting Around
From Tokyo or Kyoto to Miyazaki, the fastest way would by flying with domestic flights. Depending on the season, sometimes it can be the cheapest option starting from ¥5,000. However, you need to consider the cost of getting to and from the airport. Alternatively, Shinkansen is another option to get to Miyazaki via transfer from Fukuoka. If you are getting this option, consider getting the Japan Rail Pass to save on transportation fees.
Assuming you are already in Fukuoka or other cities in Kyushu, JR Train is very convenient to get to Miyazaki. There is no direct train from Hakata station and required transfer to get to Miyazaki. So it is best to couple up your trip to Kagoshima or Oita prefecture.
From Hakata Station, take the Shinkansen to Kagoshima and then to Miyazaki. This train route takes about 4 hours. While the JR train to Oita and then Miyazaki takes a longer time at about 6 hours. Visitors can save on the expensive train fee by getting All Kyushu JR Pass.
Another option to get to Miyazaki is to take a highway bus. Buses run between the cities and connected with Miyazaki including Fukuoka, Kumamoto, Beppu, Oita, Saga. It might take a long time but much cheaper compare with a train. For foreign visitors, the SunQ Pass Kyushu is worth to consider to save on transportation fee.
Getting around in Miyazaki: The main transportation hub in Miyazaki is Miyazaki JR station with bus and train run frequently to other attractions. Added, the Miyazaki bus terminal is located 15 minutes from the JR train station. Most of the attractions are required transport to get there, either by bus or train. The bus fare is not cheap. Luckily, Miyazaki offers an unlimited bus pass for foreign visitors at ¥1,500. Easy redeem at Miyazaki Airport and Bus Station. Check the Miyazaki Bus Pass from Klook.
For visitors traveling with kids and elderly, self-driving with car rental is the best way to get around in Miyazaki leisurely.
Miyazaki Itinerary: Things To Do in 1-Day
When you are in town, there are many things to do in Miyazaki. Nestled along the southeastern coast of Kyushu island, it is a great idea to spend your time for the sun, sea, and surf in beaches. However, the best thing to do in Miyazaki is to take an excellent day trip to the Nichinan coast and visit the popular attractions. This is what we did on our Miyazaki itinerary. Read on our travel journey by bus.
Here is the Miyazaki itinerary including things to do and food to eat in 1-Day:
Aoshima Island, Devil’s Dashboard and Aoshima Shrine
Pray at Udo Jingu Shrine
Enjoy the Nichinan Coastal View
Try the Nichinan local specialty: Bonito fish in multiple way
Wandering in Obi Castle Town
Find the Moai Statues in Sunmesse Nichinan
Dinner with Miyazaki best local food: Nanba chicken, charcoal grill chicken
Miyazaki Travel Guide Vlog
For a quick idea on how to plan for your Miyazaki itinerary, take a 7-minutes video tour of how we spend one day in Miyazaki. If you like our video, don’t forget to give us a like and subscribe to us on youtube. Thanks!
Aoshima Island
A Visit To Aoshima Island And Devil Dashboard
Firstly, we get to the Aoshima island from Miyazaki city. The unique Aoshima island is one of the main reasons to come to Miyazaki. This beautiful small island is well known for pretty white sand beaches surrounding the island where you can relax and swim during summer.
Aoshima island is connected via a bridge where you can walk to the island from the mainland. Follow the path to Aoshima Island, there is a geological phenomenon which made up of rock layers in the shallow sea. It is the unique rock formations known as Devil’s washboard (鬼の洗濯板, Oni no Sentakuita). Enjoy your time to get closer to this natural wonder.
Aoshima Shrine
Hidden in the center of tropical forest is the Aoshima Shrine. It is a colorful local shrine and home to a powerful matchmaking deity. It is popular among locals who looking for true love. Inside, there are also many unique ways to pray for a better future such as throwing clay disk on the target place.
Ema Walkway in Aoshima Shrine
A round trip circling the Aoshima island can be done within 30 minutes but I doubt you can finish it without inevitably tempted along the walking journey. There are plenty of photo opportunities and worth spending your time wandering around. Don’t forget to check out the big torii gate along the coast.
We enjoyed our time listening to the splashing wave, mesmerized the unique rock formation and enjoy the breezing wind. One of the must-visit places on your Miyazaki itinerary.
Getting there: From Miyazaki Station, take JR train to Aoshima Station (30-minutes, ¥370) or by bus (50 minutes, ¥730). Address: 2 Chome-13 Aoshima, Miyazaki-shi, Miyazaki-ken 889-2162 Opening Hours: Any time
The beautiful Udo Shrine (鵜戸神宮, Udo Jingu) is a historical shine with dramatic settling in the seaside Nichinan coast. Unlike other shrines in Japan which build on the high ground or mountain, Udo Shrine is beautifully painted by the powerful blue waves against the beautiful rock structures.
Udo Shrine inside grotto
One of the unique points of interest in the Udo Shrine is the main shrine is build and hidden in the grotto. Locals are praying in the Udo shrine to hope pregnancy and have a child. While couples wish for good luck and better fortune.
Kaimeiwa
Lastly, don’t forget to try your luck by throwing the small wooden beads (undama) to Kameiwa. It is a special rock by the sea with a rope surrounding a puddle. Your wish will be granted if you manage to throw the undama into the hole.
Building Gate Along The Walkway To Udo Shrine
From the car park/bus stop, there was some distance with ascend and descend steep to get there. Once you reach the entrance, you will be amazed by the view of the pacific ocean and building along the way. A spectacular visit to Udo Shrine in Miyazaki.
Getting there: By bus from Miyazaki station and get off at Udo Jingu Irigushi bus stop (90 minutes, ¥1,510). Address: 3232 Miyaura, Nichinan, Miyazaki 887-0101, Japan Opening Hours: (April – September) 6:00 to – 19:00 and (October – March) 7:00 AM – 18:00
The drive along the Nichinan coast rewarded with amazing views of the Pacific Ocean. The view is spectacular especially from Aoshima Island to Udo Shrine. Our camera was non stop along the bus journey.
It is even a better idea to plan for self-driving with rental car to Nichinan Coast in Miyazaki. Imagine driving along the highway with beautiful ocean, breezing view and listening to a country song. It sounds even amazing if you happen to be passing during sunset.
Try The Nichinan Local Specialty
Must Try Food in Miyazaki: Bonito Fish in Multiple Way
Next, it’s time for looking for what to eat in Nichinan, Miyazaki. There is no way but Nichinan for the best local food in Miyazaki. While Nichinan is well known for best catcher on bonito fish or Katsuo. Fish are freshly caught by using the single hook fishing method, Ippon-zuri (一本釣り).
Gallery Kodama in Obi town served this Nichinan local specialty: Bonito Fish in multiple ways. You can eat in raw, grilled over the tiny hibachi or poured with hot broth. This traditional 120 years old restaurant is located in Obi town, nearby Obi Castle. It is best to couple it together when you are visiting Obi.
Getting there: 3 minutes walk from Obi Bus Station or 13 minutes from Obi JR Station Address: 8-1-1 Obi, Nichinan, Miyazaki Prefecture Opening Hours: Daily from 11:30 to 17:00 (Closed at Tuesday)
Known as Kyushu’s own little Kyoto, Obi town (飫肥) is a highly preserved samurai district with traditional streets and old buildings. The town area is not too big but full of traditional houses from the 18th or 19th century. You’ll feel like back in the time to Edo period while wandering in Obi town.
Wandering in Obi Town
There are numerous of museum, residences and garden are open to visitors. Some may be required with a small amount of entrance fee while some are free of charge. Alternatively, just enjoy your stroll through the serene street, just like what we did. Don’t forget to check out the beautiful koi fish that live in the canals.
Another worth spending time is the Obi Castle Ruin (Obijyo). The impressive Ote-mon main gate, sit at the entrance of Obi Castle ruin. The moat ruin, stone wall are full of history. Although we didn’t spend much time in Obi Castle time but it is worth dropping by while visiting the Nichinan area in Miyazaki.
Getting there: From Miyazaki, take the JR Train to Obi Station or by bus to Obi Bus Station (120 minutes, ¥2,120). Address: 1-1-1 Chuodori, Nichinan 887-0021, Miyazaki Prefecture
Find the Moai Statues at Sunmesse Nichinan
Sunmesse Nichinan Miyazaki
The Sunmesse Nichinan is a seaside park overlooking the pacific ocean. It is home to the Moai statues of Easter Island, the only replicas permitted in the entire world. There are total seven mysterious Moai located inside the park. A great opportunity to touch the Moai statues without getting to Easter Island.
Modern Art in Sun Messe Nichinan
Inside the park, there are also some modern art and a picture-perfect spot for photo opportunity. Worth to spend some time if you are interested in Moai.
Getting there: Take the bus from Miyazaki station and get off at Sunmesse Moai Station (75 minutes, ¥1,450). Address: 2650 Miyaura, Nichinan, Miyazaki 887-0101, Japan Opening Hours: From 9:30 to 17:00 (Closed at first and third Wednesday of every month, open during August and holiday)
We ended our Miyazaki itinerary at one of the popular Izakaya restaurant for dinner. Tsukada Nojo Miyazaki is specialized in chicken dishes with a variety of choices. This is the best place to try the Miyazaki dishes in one place. We ordered the Namba chicken, charcoal grill chicken, lemon pot motsunabe in chicken soup and other mouth-watering dishes.
We especially love the lightly burn charcoal-grilled chicken. Although it might look down on its dark-colored on charcoal-skin. But it taste so juicy and tender. The must eat food in Miyazaki. In short, a satisfying meal after a tiring journey.
Most of the things to do in Miyazaki are situated out of the city area. Expected to spend at least one hour to get to the nearest attractions. Although the JR train is connected to some of the attractions, the bus is the best public transport to visit Miyazaki. It is very convenient to take the bus and visiting Miyazaki and the surrounded area. Miyazaki bus station is located right in front of JR station with a well-display platform.
My one day Miyazaki itinerary is completed by public bus. From Miyazaki station, we took the earliest bus to Aoshima island, followed to Udo Shrine, Obi Castle town and lastly back to Sunmesse Nichinan. Freely to switching the attraction along the bus ride. We arranged this way just to go for lunch at Obi town. Alternatively, there are restaurants and cafes if you are looking for what to eat at each attraction.
While it is a full filling Miyazaki itinerary and we only spend about one hour at each attraction before boarded the next coming bus. So please be aware of the bus schedule and plan your Miyazaki itinerary wisely. For leisure travel in Miyazaki, consider picking two or three attractions within one day. Any of the attractions above are worth to visit.
Onboard the bus, announcements are made in different languages including Japanese, English, and mandarin. The coming stop and bus fare also well display in the front panel. So it will very helpful for foreign visitors.
Moreover, if you are planning your one day Miyazaki itinerary, consider getting the Miyazaki One Day Bus Pass in ¥1,500. It will cover above Miyazaki attractions with an unlimited bus ride within the city. Alternatively, get the SunQ Pass if you are planning to travel to other places in Kyushu like what we did. Both bus buss are value for money and easy to hop on and off when visiting Miyazaki.
Although there are so many things to do in Miyazaki city, it is worth taking an excellent day trip to other attractions nearby. The Takachiho is situated to the north and Kirishima to the southwest in Miyazaki. Both are the best places to plan for a day trip to Miyazaki.
However, if you are only one extra day to space, we highly recommended planning for day trip to Takachiho Gorge. Probably the most stunning scenery in Kyushu, Takachiho Gorge is renowned for its natural beauty. It is a popular attraction among visitors and many people come along the way to appreciate the beautiful scenery.
Rowing boat in Takachiho Gorge
The stunning gorge is formed by the eruption from Mount Aso volcano over 90,000 years ago. The pyroclastic flow was deposited and abruptly cooled down at Gokase River, resulted in the dramatic columnar rock formations. One of the best ways to get closer to Takachiho Gorge is rowing the boat for its best sight.
We visited Takachiho gorge and had an amazing time there. Read on our Takachiho Gorge travel post if you are interested to know more.
Last but not least, this Miyazaki travel guide is part of our itinerary in Kyushu Japan. Don’t forget to read on our visit to Kumamoto, Aso, Kurokawa Onsen, Beppu to know more about our travel stories. Enjoy your trip to Miyazaki.
We tried on Nichinan best food, bonito fish in multiple way at Gallery Kodama Obi. Highly recommended if you are looking for what to eat in Miyazaki.
Known as Kyushu’s own little Kyoto, Obi Castle town is a highly preserved samurai district located from about one hour drive from Miyazaki city. There are many things to do and see in the historical Obi town. However, during our visit to Obi town, we did not spend too much time to visit Obi castle and others attractions. In stead, we came along the way to try on Nichinan’s local specialty, the fresh Katsuo or bonito fish.
Nichinan is known as number one bonito fish catches in Japan, using a single pole-and-line fishing method. This single hook fishing method is called Ippon-zuri (一本釣り) in Japanese. That’s is to mean that fish stock to catch the bonito fish by pole and line fishing is very healthy. This is also one of the most environment friendly and selective by catch method.
The bonito fish is served in unique way in Nichinan city. While there are many restaurant served this best local food. We choose to visit the Gallery Godama, a popular restaurant served this Nichinan’s specialty bonito in multiple eating method. All bonito fish are freshly caught from single pole-and-line fishing. Gallery Godama is a popular restaurant among Japanese and local. There are limited English information can be found for this little gem in Obi town. So glad we get to know this restaurant from my local friend.
Continue read on our food review in Gallery Godama for the delicious grill bonito fish in Obi town. One of the must try food if you are visiting Nichinan in Miyazaki.
Gallery Kodama
After visited Udo Shrine, we decided to go for lunch before continue our one day adventure trip in Miyazaki. Bus from Udo Shrine take about 40 minutes to Obi town.
Gallery Godama (ギャラリーこだま) is the best place to try local bonito multiple ways in a set meal called katsuoaburi-ju. It is a 120 years old retro private restaurant located at the main street of Obi town. Situated at the corner before getting to Obi castle, it required abut 3 minutes walk from Obi Bus station. If you are coming to Obi by train, the Obi train station is slightly away from Obi town with 13 minutes walk required.
Address: 8-1-1 Obi, Nichinan, Miyazaki Prefecture
Operating Hours: Daily from 11:30 to 17:00 (Closed at Tuesday)
Our arrival time consider late lunch hour. So we asked about the lunch was still served in restaurant. We were so glad that lady boss was very welcome us. We were greet and lead to the dining hall. The atmosphere inside the restaurant was very cozy and relax. There were many handmade works on display and full of Japanese traditional feel.
While this is weekday after lunch hour, there was no much customers inside. The seating area are in Japanese style tatami flooring. We choose to seat at the table with a view of garden. We had a great pretty garden view for our lunch in Obi.
English Menu with Well Explanation
Hot tea was served and we had English menu from the friendly lady boss. The English menu also attached with the way to enjoy their charcoal grill bonito fish.
There were also other Miyazaki’s local food served in Gallery Kodama restaurant. Such as Nanba chicken set, healthy Japanese beef set and others Udon and rice set.
Without long consideration, we ordered for the Nichinan number one local dish, bonito fish meal set. It also came with rice, miso soup, Japanese pickled vegetable, side dish and dessert.
While waiting for the meal, we enjoyed our hot tea with beautiful garden view. Soon, our bonito fish set were served. The lady boss briefed about the eating method to enjoy the bonito fish.
There was English instruction to guide you on how to eat the bonito fish differently. There are four pieces of bonito fish were served. You can eat the bonito fish in the recommended three method, which is in raw, grilled and on rice soup. Lastly, save the last piece for the best way you like the most.
How To Eat Bonito Fish in Multiple Way
The bonito fish is served into four pieces and marinated in two kinds of savory sauces. The first one is sesame sauce and second one is soy sauce which mix of garlic and ginger taste.
Firstly, we had a taste of bonito fish in raw. The bonito sashimi were fully covered with the sauce. I prefer on the sesame sauce as it taste fresher compare with soy sauce.
Secondly, we try on the bonito fish which grilled over the tiny hibachi. Place the fish on the charcoal grill placement and and cooked it yourself. The lightly burn fish bonito is flavorful and full of the aroma. Perfect match with plain rice.
Next, nestled it over rice and condiments. Poured the hot tea on it. It is the best way to enjoy the smooth texture of bonito fish with hot broth.
Lastly, enjoy your last piece of bonito fish in any of the three way. I choose to grill the fish on the hibachi as i like taste with slightly burn aroma. You can choose to top up the bonito fee at additional charges the eat your remaining rice. We were full after finish the whole set. Added, we also enjoyed eating the Japanese pickled vegetable and side dishes.
Must Try Nichinan Best Food
All in all, we had a great time in Gallery Kodama to try for bonite fish in multiple way. It was the best bonito fish I’ve eaten. Worth to visit to try on this best food in Obi, Nichinan. One of the suggestion if you are looking for what to eat in Obi Castle, Nichinan.
This Nichinan food review is part of our Miyazaki travel blog. We visited Miyazaki and had a great time here. Read on our travel post if you are looking for what to do and eat in Miyazaki.
Touch the mysterious Moai Statues at Sun Messe Nichinan Miyazaki without flying over to Easter Island. The only restoration is permitted all around the world.
Located at the Nichinan coast in Miyazaki prefecture, Sunmesse Nichinan is a beautiful seaside park with a panoramic view on the Pacific Ocean. However, the secret of Sunmesse Nichinan is not the breathtaking ocean view. There are seven Moai statues placed inside the park. Although these Moai status is replicated, Sunmesse Nichinan is the only place all over the world where their replication is permitted.
We kept debating on the worth to include Sunmesse Nichinan during our day trip in Miyazaki. While Easter Island is too far for us and we are interested in the mysterious Moai statues. It is a great opportunity for us to see the life-size Moai statues.
Due to time limitations, we only manage to have a quick visit to Obi Castle. From there, we boarded the local bus and get off at Sunmesse Nichinan station. There was almost 15 minutes uphill walk after we get off from the bus station.
The entrance fee is well display before getting in. The entrance fee is ¥800 per adult, ¥500 for teenagers and ¥350 for kids. Free for kids below 4 years.
Sun Messe Nichinan Park
The Sunmesse park was bigger than we had expected. From the ticket entrance, you need to walk about 300 meters to the Moai statues. However, we choose the wrong route and meander up the hill. So end up, we had a view on Moai statues at different vantage. Our little hike rewarded us with a beautiful view on with Moai statues with the pacific ocean. So please choose to walk on the left side if you are only want to take a close look at the statues.
The Seven Moai Statues
The pacific ocean creates a wonderful background for the Moai statues. The view on seven Moai statues standing by the coastline was quite a scene, especially from the upper hill. During our visit, the day was bright with a clear blue sky. The good weather make the stunning statues looked very beautiful.
Each of the seven Moai statues is imbued with their own luck such as love, friendship, fortune, jobs, health, and others. People touch the third statues from the left for love. While the second one from right for fortune. Nice place to visit for memorable pictures.
There are also three Moai statues scattered around. Find them out.
Inside the park, there are many picture spots and viewing areas for photo opportunities. The whole area is well maintained, clean, set into a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Worth spending some time for photography or just have a good relax time with your love ones. Kids seem taking fun inside the park.
There’s a bit of modern art to see too. We love the colorful modern art in the Sun Messe Nichinan Park. Any meaning of this seven thinking man facing on Moai statues?
There are golf buggy rental available at ¥1,000 for 30 minutes. It is quite expensive for the 30 minutes ride. But it seems like many Japanese couples enjoy it a lot.
There are two restaurants served the Miyazaki’s specialties if you are looking for what to eat inside the Sunmesse park. Price is reasonable. Grab some bite or snack if you are hungry.
Overview: Visit To Sun Messe Nichinan
In short, Sunmesse Nichinan may look like a tourist trap. The only reason why we visited there was we really interested in Moai. Frankly saying, the entrance is not cheap. So if these replica statues are not your cup of tea, you may skip the Sunmesse Nichinan.
We spend about one hour wandering inside the park, glazing on the peace symbol statues. The view of the surrounding and statues were fabulous. We enjoyed our good time in Sunmesse Nichinan. It took quick some time to reach Sun Messe Nichinan from Miyazaki city. While Sunmesse Nichinan is part of our Miyazaki day trip, it is worth to space sometime when visiting here.
Getting To Sun Messe Nichinan
The bus is the only public transport to get to Sunmesse Nichinan for the Moai statues. Buses run almost one bus per hour from morning until early evening. Please take note of the bus schedule if you wish to board for the last bus. Almost all visitors are boarding the two last bus back to Miyazaki city. It can be very crowded especially during weekends and holidays. It takes about 75 minutes by bus from Miyazaki station with one way cost ¥1,450. Get the One Day Miyazaki Pass at ¥1,500 to save on the return trip journey. Added, SunQ Pass is covered for the bus ride.
Self-driving with a rental car is a good idea for traveling the Nichinan coast. There are many car rental companies at Miyazaki airport. Take a look at RentalCars.com if the rental fee is worth renting one car for a group of families.
Access: 75 minutes by bus from Miyazaki Station. Get off at Sunmesse Moai Station (サンメッセ 日南)
Operating Hour: From 9:30 to 17:00 (Closed at first and third Wednesday of every month, open during August and holiday)
Address: 2650 Miyaura, Nichinan, Miyazaki 887-0101, Japan
Continue Read On Miyazaki Travel Blog
The visit to Sun Messe Nichinan is part of our travel along the Nichinan coast by bus. We visited Aoshima island for its Devil’s Dashboard, Uji Jingu Shrine beautiful settling at the seaside cliff, and Obi Castle. Take a look at our Miyazaki travel blog if you want to know more.
