Miyazaki Japan Activities Must Do
The must do list of things to do in Miyazaki Japan in 2021
There is so much more to Miyazaki Japan than the the Onsen’s , Golf and Aoshima Island.
The Best Things to Do in Miyazaki Japan 2025
Miyazaki is a destination that surprises many visitors. After exploring a few shrines and relaxing in an onsen, you might wonder, “What’s next?”
Many travelers, including my own family, arrive here and feel the same. Miyazaki’s city and prefecture are set up mainly for Japanese tourism, which can make it hard for non-Japanese readers to find the best activities. That’s why my company and this guide were created — to highlight the top things to do in Miyazaki, from mountains and rivers to oceans, shrines, and even golf.
Miyazaki City
Miyazaki City is the capital of Miyazaki Prefecture, located in the southeastern corner of Japan. Known for its warm climate, it has a number of resorts, beaches, and sports facilities. In the 1980s, it was famous across Japan as a honeymoon destination. While its popularity has shifted over time, Miyazaki still offers incredible experiences for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure.
Weather and Outdoor Activities
Most visitors take advantage of Miyazaki’s pleasant weather and explore its famous shrines. These historic sites, including Udo Jinja, Aoshima Jinja, and Miyazaki Jinja, are beautiful.
#1- TREKKING – HIKING In Miyazaki Japan
Hiking and Trekking in Miyazaki
Miyazaki, located in the southeast of Kyushu, is a lush and fertile region with abundant rivers and waterfalls, making every hike or trek unforgettable. Similar to its famous surf spots, Miyazaki offers trails suitable for all levels — from beginners to seasoned adventurers. Whether you’re after a short day hike or a challenging multi-day trek, the mountains and valleys here provide endless opportunities to explore.
Miyazaki Trekking / Miyazaki Hiking
Japan is a country dominated by mountains, with over seventy percent of the archipelago covered by volcanic peaks and snow-capped summits. This geography has fostered a vibrant hiking culture, offering everything from gentle day trips near the city to long multi-day treks through national parks. Trails in Miyazaki vary in difficulty and scenery, from dense forests to panoramic mountain views.
Kaeda Valley
One of our favorite tours takes you to Kaeda Valley, a beautiful ravine just 30 minutes from Miyazaki City. Surrounded by Kumbachi Mountain and Soishiyama, the valley is home to hiking trails and walking paths officially designated for shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing. It’s a stunning destination all year round, perfect for reconnecting with nature.
Tips for Hiking in Miyazaki
While Miyazaki is full of incredible hiking spots, finding trails can be challenging due to the lack of English signage. We recommend either joining a guided tour to see the trails we love or reaching out to us for advice if you prefer exploring on your own.
No matter which path you choose, Miyazaki’s mountains and valleys promise breathtaking scenery, peaceful escapes, and unforgettable adventures.
Trout Fishing in Crystal-Clear Rivers
Trout Fishing in Crystal clear waters
Miyazaki isn’t just about mountains and beaches – its rivers are stunning too. Spend a day fishing for trout, Yamame, and Ayu in crystal-clear waters surrounded by lush scenery. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced angler, tours provide all equipment, fishing licenses, and personal guidance. Small groups mean you get plenty of tips and a truly memorable day in nature, discovering hidden spots only locals know.
#2- Diving In Miyazaki Japan
Diving in Miyazaki, Japan
The waters off Miyazaki are stunning, even for travelers from pristine diving regions like Western Australia. The marine life is abundant and diverse — from tuna and Ishidai to lobster, octopus, and countless tropical fish. Seasonal variations mean that knowing what to expect is key, making a guided experience especially valuable.
Freediving and Snorkeling Experiences
Whether you’re interested in freediving or snorkeling, Miyazaki offers incredible opportunities to explore its clear waters and vibrant coral reefs. Our beginner-friendly freediving tours provide the perfect introduction, combining safety, guidance, and unforgettable encounters with the sea.
Diving… in Japan?
While Japan is famous for samurai culture and sushi, it’s often overlooked as a diving destination. Many divers flock to Thailand, the Philippines, or Indonesia, but Miyazaki’s waters hold unique treasures waiting to be discovered. With the right guidance, you can experience tropical diving, observe fascinating marine life.
Explore Hidden Dive Spots
Japan’s diving locations are spread across the archipelago, so it’s difficult to visit them all in a single trip. That’s why local expertise matters. Our guides can introduce you to Miyazaki’s best-kept underwater secrets, ensuring you experience the most memorable and safe dives possible.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, Miyazaki diving tours offer unmatched beauty, adventure, and a chance to connect with Japan’s lesser-known aquatic world.
#3 – Get a Surf Lesson or a Guide
Surfing in Miyazaki, Japan
Miyazaki is one of Japan’s premier surfing destinations. Whether you’re a beginner eager to catch your first wave or an experienced surfer looking for challenging breaks, Miyazaki has it all. From Curren’s Point and Nagata Left to pristine beach breaks, the variety and quality of waves cater to every skill level.
Surf Lessons and Guided Tours
Our surf guide tours take you to spots that few others know, ensuring you get the best waves while we capture your session on video for lasting memories. Whether you want a private lesson or a full-day adventure, our guides help you make the most of Miyazaki’s surf scene.
A Rich Surfing History
During the 1990s surfing boom, Miyazaki even hosted events on the equivalent of the World Championship Tour due to its diverse reef breaks, river mouths, points, and one of Japan’s most famous wave pools — a predecessor to the Kelly Slater Surf Ranch. Today, the combination of perfect waves and stunning surroundings makes it a must-visit for surfers.
Scenic Beaches and Low Crowds
Beyond the waves, Miyazaki impresses with jaw-dropping mountain backdrops, calm vibes, and uncrowded beaches. Even on weekends or holidays, you’ll find plenty of space compared to many of the world’s most popular surf spots, making it ideal for both surfing and sightseeing.
Check out our videos to get a feel for the Miyazaki surf experience, from local breaks to legendary wave pools and pro surfers like Owen Wright and Julian Wilson.
Book a surf lesson or guided tour in Miyazaki today and experience the perfect combination of waves, scenery, and adventure.
https://youtu.be/7L0KEauY7ughttps://youtu.be/pIg7p1JowT0
Miyazaki Weather
#5 – Miyazaki After Dark – Eat until you cant stop
Miyazaki Beef – A Culinary Treasure
Miyazaki Beef needs no introduction. Known worldwide for its exceptional tenderness and rich flavor. It practically melts in your mouth. While it is a premium product and comes at a higher price, just a bite is enough to appreciate why it’s so highly prized.
Miyazaki Prefecture (宮崎県, Miyazaki-ken) is located on the southeastern coast of Kyushu, Japan. The region’s warm, temperate climate and lush pastures contribute to the high quality of its Wagyu beef.
The Miyazaki Wagyu Council ensures strict breeding standards, carefully controlling the bloodlines to maintain the world-renowned quality. Japan has four main Wagyu breeds:
Japanese Black (黒毛和種 Kuroge Washu)
Japanese Brown (赤毛和種 Akage Washu)
Japanese Shorthorn (日本短角和種 Nihon Tankaku Washu)
Japanese Polled (無角和種 Mukaku Washu)
Miyazaki Wagyu, primarily Japanese Black, accounts for 90% of Wagyu produced in Japan. It is celebrated globally for its fine-grained marbling, speckled fat distribution, and buttery, tender texture.
Its a must-try for any food lover visiting Japan.
Jidori Chicken – Miyazaki’s Unique Delicacy
One of the absolute must-try dishes in Miyazaki is Jidori chicken. A specialty native to only two regions in the world, including Miyazaki. Renowned across Japan, this free-range chicken is prized for its rich flavor and unique texture.
While the meat can be slightly firmer than conventional chicken, the intense, savory taste more than makes up for it. The flavor is so distinct and full-bodied that words can hardly capture it—it’s truly an experience for the palate.
Jidori chicken is often served grilled, roasted, or as part of local dishes, giving visitors a genuine taste of Miyazaki’s culinary heritage. For food lovers exploring the region, tasting Jidori chicken is a must-do culinary adventure.
Miyazaki Chicken Nanban – A Local Favorite
Chicken Nanban is one of Miyazaki’s most iconic dishes. It consists of chicken lightly fried, dipped in a sweetened vinegar sauce, and finished with a creamy tartar topping. This savory-sweet combination has made it a staple throughout Miyazaki Prefecture and a must-try for visitors.
While Japanese cuisine is often associated with light and healthy dishes, Chicken Nanban is a flavorful exception that delights the taste buds. The quality can vary depending on the restaurant, from juicy, tender thigh meat to crisp, fresh-tasting wings. The tartar sauce also differs from place to place, giving each version a unique character.
Perfect for all ages, Chicken Nanban is a delicious introduction to Miyazaki’s local food culture.
#6 – Drink Shochu & Enjoy.
Miyazaki Shochu – Japan’s Southern Spirit
In northern Japan, people often enjoy sake. In the south, shochu is the drink of choice. Miyazaki is famous for its high-quality shochu, especially Kirishima Shochu. Which is exported worldwide and even available at many local convenience stores.
What is Shochu?
Shochu (焼酎) is a Japanese distilled spirit. Typically containing around 25% alcohol, though some varieties can reach 40%. Unlike sake, which is brewed from rice, shochu can be made from a variety of ingredients including Japanese sweet potatoes, barley, rice, and buckwheat. Its unique flavor and higher alcohol content have made it a favorite across Japan for centuries.
How to Enjoy Miyazaki Shochu
Shochu can be enjoyed in many ways:
Straight – savor its true flavor without dilution.
On the rocks – poured over ice for a smoother taste.
Diluted with water or soda – a refreshing way to enjoy it.
Mixed with teas – creating a Japanese-style cocktail.
With its versatility and rich flavor, Miyazaki Shochu is a must-try for visitors looking to experience authentic southern Japan.
Umeshu – Sweet Plum Wine from Miyazaki
Umeshu (梅酒) is a sweet and aromatic Japanese plum wine, made by steeping Japanese plums and sugar in shochu. The drink matures for almost a year, allowing the flavors to fully develop into a smooth, rich, and slightly tangy beverage.
Despite its long preparation, making umeshu is surprisingly simple: just combine the ingredients and let them rest. The result is a delicious, easy-to-drink, and sometimes potent drink that perfectly complements Japanese cuisine or can be enjoyed on its own.
Whether served chilled, on the rocks, or mixed into cocktails, Umeshu from Miyazaki is a must-try for anyone exploring local flavors.
The Shrines We Love Delivered By Video.
#7 – Aoshima Jinja Video.
This Video above gives you an idea of the feel of the prefecture better than most. Slow beautiful and people always seem to return.
6 Udo Jingu – Stunning Cliffside Shinto Shrine
Udo Jingu is a remarkable Shinto shrine located about 45 minutes south of Miyazaki City along the Nichinan Coast. Nestled in a cliffside cave, the honden (main shrine) offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Making it one of the most picturesque sites in Miyazaki.
Inside the cave lies the Ochichi Iwa, or “breast stone,” which legend says fed the kami Ugayafukiaezu, father of Japan’s first emperor, when his mother returned to the sea. Visitors can also purchase mizuame, a sweet candy made from the water of this sacred stone.
Nearby, a small rocky island with two peaks allows visitors to try their luck by tossing small clay balls between the peaks for good fortune. Udo Jingu is dedicated to Ugayafukiaezu, Amaterasu, Amenooshihomimi, Ninigi-no-Mikoto, Hoori, and Emperor Jimmu. It’s particularly popular with couples praying for easy childbirth and a happy marriage.
All images, video, and audio credited to © shiso2012 思想会社 Shiso Productions.
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