Miyazaki Japan Activities Must Do
The must do list of things to do in Miyazaki Japan in 2025
There is so much more to Miyazaki, Japan than just onsens, golf courses, and Aoshima Island—this region is full of hidden nature, surf spots, mountains, shrines, and unforgettable local experiences.
Things to Do in Miyazaki Japan
Looking for the best things to do in Miyazaki, Japan?
From exploring ancient shrines and relaxing in natural hot springs to surfing, hiking, and tasting incredible local cuisine, Miyazaki offers unforgettable experiences for every traveler.
This sunny corner of Kyushu is rich in natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and authentic Japanese culture. You’ll find everything from peaceful coastal shrines and quiet onsens to world-class surf breaks, scenic mountain trails, and fresh local food. It’s a destination that feels both diverse and refreshingly uncrowded.
Many visitors come to Miyazaki, visit a few famous shrines, enjoy an onsen, and then wonder what else there is to do. That’s exactly why Miyazaki Tours was created—to help you go beyond the obvious and discover hidden spots, local favorites, and experiences you wouldn’t find on your own. Whether you’re into beaches, mountains, rivers, golf, or food, there’s something here for you.
Miyazaki City — Gateway to Southern Japan
Miyazaki City, the capital of the prefecture, sits along Japan’s southeastern coastline. Known for its warm climate and laid-back atmosphere, it has long been a popular escape from the busy cities.
During the 1980s, Miyazaki was Japan’s top honeymoon destination. While it’s quieter today, that’s part of what makes it special—fewer crowds, a slower pace, and a more authentic travel experience.
The Weather in Miyazaki
Miyazaki is famous for its mild, sunny weather throughout the year, making it ideal for outdoor activities in every season. Many visitors are drawn to iconic sites such as Udo Jingu, Aoshima Shrine, and Miyazaki Shrine—sacred locations surrounded by lush forests and dramatic ocean views.
If relaxation is what you’re after, the region’s onsens offer the perfect escape. But for those seeking adventure, Miyazaki truly stands out. From surfing and fly fishing to hiking, diving, and coastal exploration, there’s no shortage of ways to experience the outdoors.
If you enjoy adventure, nature, and unique local experiences, Miyazaki has it all.
Here’s our list of must-do experiences in Miyazaki, Japan.
If you like Adventure or Activity Miyazaki Japan has it all.
Here`s our List of Must Do’s in Miyazaki Japan in 2021
#1- TREKKING - HIKING In Miyazaki Japan
Hiking and Trekking
#1 – Trekking and Hiking in Miyazaki, Japan Miyazaki is a hidden gem for trekking and hiking, with lush mountains, dense forests, and crystal-clear rivers creating some of the most scenic trails in Japan. Waterfalls, wildlife, and peaceful surroundings make every hike feel immersive and refreshing. One of the top areas to explore is Kaeda Valley, located just 30 minutes from Miyazaki City. Surrounded by mountains such as Mount Kumbachi and Mount Soishiyama, this area is known for its officially designated shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) trails. These paths are stunning year-round, offering vibrant greenery in summer and rich colors in autumn. While the trails are beautiful, many routes are not well marked in English, which can make navigation challenging for visitors. With Miyazaki Tours, you can join a guided hiking experience or get help planning a custom route, so you can explore with confidence and make the most of your time in nature.
Miyazaki Trekking & Hiking
Japan is a country shaped by mountains. Over 70% of the landscape is covered by volcanic ranges, forested hills, and dramatic peaks—creating endless opportunities for trekking and hiking across the country.
Miyazaki is no exception. With its warm climate and lush, subtropical environment, it offers a unique hiking experience compared to other parts of Japan. Whether you’re looking for an easy nature walk or a more adventurous mountain trek, there are incredible options waiting to be explored.
Kaeda Valley
One of the highlights of our tours is Kaeda Valley, a beautiful ravine located just 30 minutes from Miyazaki City. It’s one of the region’s best-kept secrets, surrounded by Mount Kumbachi and Mount Soishiyama.
The entrance leads into a network of scenic trails officially designated as shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) routes. These paths wind through dense forest, alongside rivers and waterfalls, offering a peaceful and immersive nature experience.
Kaeda Valley is stunning year-round—lush and green in the warmer months, and rich with color as the seasons change. It’s an ideal escape from the city and perfect for those looking to slow down and reconnect with nature.
Exploring Miyazaki’s Mountains
There are countless beautiful locations hidden throughout Miyazaki’s mountains, many of which remain untouched and uncrowded. That’s part of what makes hiking here so special—you often feel like you have the entire place to yourself.
The biggest challenge for visitors is simply finding the trails. Many starting points are not marked in English, making them difficult to access without local knowledge.
That’s where we come in.
Join one of our guided hiking tours and we’ll take you to the trails we know and love. Or, if you prefer to explore on your own, feel free to reach out—we’re happy to point you in the right direction.
#2- Diving In Miyazaki Japan
Miyazaki Japan Diving
The ocean here in Miyazaki is simply stunning even for someone coming from somewhere as pristine as Western Australia. The Fish life are incredible , Tuna , Ishidai , Lobster , octopus , the list is endless, but just so seasonal so you need to know what your fishing for. If you interested in getting wet and free diving or snorkeling in Japan.
Our Free Diving experience is a great start.
#2 – Diving in Miyazaki, Japan
The ocean surrounding Miyazaki is crystal clear and full of life, offering excellent conditions for both diving and freediving. From tuna and lobster to colorful reef fish, the coastal waters are rich in marine biodiversity and perfect for exploring beneath the surface.
While Japan isn’t widely known as a global diving destination, that’s exactly what makes Miyazaki so special. The experience here feels untouched and uncrowded, giving you the chance to enjoy the ocean in a more relaxed and authentic way.
Whether you’re an experienced diver or trying it for the first time, our freediving experiences are designed to introduce you to Miyazaki’s unique underwater environment. With calm conditions, clear visibility, and a variety of marine life, it’s an ideal place to connect with the ocean at your own pace.
#3 - Get a Surf Lesson or a Guide
Miyazaki is easily Japans Best Surfing Location.
Miyazaki Surf Pumps – If you want to learn to surf in 2025 or you completely rip, Miyazaki surfing has it all . They are so many high level surfers in this town its should be named after one of its famous breaks . From Currens point, Nagata left or great beach breaks this place has it all.
Check out surf Guide Tour in Miyazaki. (We take you where others won’t and we film and capture the day for you to enjoy later )
#3 – Learn to Surf or Hire a Surf Guide in Miyazaki
Miyazaki is widely considered one of Japan’s best surfing destinations. With a mix of river mouths, beach breaks, and reef setups, the variety of waves here is hard to beat.
Famous spots like Kisakihama and other locations offer consistent, high-quality surf, while countless surrounding beaches provide options for all levels. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to score the best conditions of the day, Miyazaki delivers.
If you’re new to surfing, you can join a lesson and learn in a safe, supportive environment. For more experienced surfers, our Miyazaki Surf Guide Tours are designed to take you beyond the obvious—finding the right waves based on daily conditions and your ability level.
We can also film your session, giving you the chance to review your surfing or simply take home a great memory from your time in Miyazaki.
Miyazaki has a long surf history. Back in the 1990s, it hosted international competitions and was home to one of Japan’s original wave pools—well before modern developments like the Kelly Slater Surf Ranch. Despite this, the area has kept its relaxed, uncrowded feel, making it one of the most enjoyable places to surf in Japan today.
Miyazaki Weather
#5 - Miyazaki After Dark - Eat until you cant stop
When the sun goes down, Miyazaki’s food scene really comes alive. This is a place where evenings are made for wandering small streets, finding hidden local restaurants, and eating your way through some of the best flavours in southern Japan.
From sizzling grilled chicken and rich Wagyu beef to fresh sashimi straight from the nearby coast, every meal here feels simple, fresh, and unforgettable. The quality of ingredients in Miyazaki is exceptional, and most places are small, family-run, and full of character.
This isn’t about fine dining or rushing through a menu—it’s about settling in, ordering a few dishes at a time, and enjoying the rhythm of local life. One restaurant leads to another, and before you know it, you’ve had one of the best food nights of your trip.
If you’re staying in Miyazaki, make sure you don’t stop at one place—go out, explore, and eat until you can’t stop.
#4 – Miyazaki After Dark: Eat and Enjoy
After a day exploring the coast, mountains, or surf, Miyazaki comes alive through its incredible local food scene. The region is known across Japan for its high-quality ingredients, especially beef, seafood, and chicken dishes that reflect its warm climate and rich natural environment.
Miyazaki Beef
Miyazaki is famous for producing some of the best Wagyu beef in Japan. Known for its exceptional marbling and melt-in-your-mouth texture, Miyazaki Wagyu is carefully raised under strict standards set by the Miyazaki Wagyu Council. The result is rich, tender beef that is highly prized both nationally and internationally.
Miyazaki Sashimi
Thanks to its coastal location, Miyazaki offers incredibly fresh seafood. Sashimi is a must-try here—delicately sliced raw fish served simply to highlight its natural flavor, often accompanied by daikon radish and shiso leaves. The quality of fish caught off Miyazaki’s coast makes it one of the best places in Japan for fresh seafood.
Jidori Chicken
Miyazaki’s local Jidori chicken is known for its firm texture and deep, natural flavor. Unlike standard chicken, it has a satisfying bite and is often grilled or served simply to preserve its taste. It’s a true local specialty that reflects traditional farming methods.
Chicken Nanban
One of Miyazaki’s most iconic dishes, Chicken Nanban features fried chicken coated in a sweet vinegar sauce and topped with creamy tartar sauce. Every restaurant has its own variation, but the combination of crispy, tangy, and rich flavors makes it a favorite among both locals and visitors.
Miyazaki Beef
This one goes without saying , its good , its world famous and for treason , its so soft and tender , it literally melts in your mouth. Be warned though its expensive , and you dont eat much. Just a bite or two is enough for me.. Miyazaki is a Prefecture(宮崎県, Miyazaki-ken) in the southeastern coast of Kyushu island, in Japan.
Known for its beautiful mountainous and coastal scenery, Miyazaki has a good, warm weather all year around, which positively affects the quality of the meat; while Miyazaki Wagyu Council teaches farmers how to breed cattle and strictly controls the bloodline of bulls that can be classed as Miyazaki Wagyu.
There are four unique Wagyu breeds raised in Japan: 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) and Japanese Polled (無角和種 Mukaku Washu)
Miyazaki Wagyu (or Miyazaki-gyu) is Japanese Black Wagyu, which accounts for 90% of Wagyu raised in Japan and is world-renowned for its genetic predisposition to developing fine-grained, speckled marbling and a buttery, tender texture
Miyazaki Sashimi
Sashimi (刺身) is thinly sliced, raw food. It is one of the most famous dishes in the Japanese cuisine. Miyazaki Seafood is incredible and to enjoy a very authentic experince you should eat as is most commonly eaten here as sashimi. Some people confuse sashimi with sushi. Unlike sashimi, sushi includes vinegared rice. Sashimi dishes are available at so many types of restaurants here in Miyazaki. They are also popularly used in teishoku set meals and are a standard dish of traditional kaiseki course meals. The slices of raw food are often presented arranged atop of a bed of shredded daikon and garnished with shiso leaves. If you have never tried raw fish Miyazaki is the place.
Jidori Chicken
For me the absolute favorite food to eat in Miyazaki Japan is Jidori chicken. Apparently only native to two locations in the world and here is on elf them . Miyazaki is famous with Japan for its wild fowl . Its super chewy , but dont be discouroughed , the flavor far out weigh the texture , to say its full of flovor docent even come close to describing its flavor. .
Miyazaki Chicken Nanban
Chicken nanban is chicken fried in oil, dipped lightly in sugared vinegar and then finished off with a tartar sauce topping. A dish that is often seen in eateries throughout Miyazaki Prefecture. Dont be Mistaken maybe all Japanese dishes are super healthy but this is one of the most famous or iconic dishes of Miyazaki and a must to try.
Depending on the restaurant the meat quality can differ between juicy thigh meat and fresh tasting wing meat. The tartar sauce taste can also differ, making this a popular dish liked by people of all ages.
#6 - Drink Shochu & Enjoy.
Miyazaki Shochu
Shochu - In the north of Japan people drink Sake , in the south its Shochu . Served Hot or Cold with a mixer or with out . Kirishima Shochu is agueably the most famous for the prefecture and its exported all over the world. Best bit is you can get it at nearly any 7-11.
#5 – Drink Shochu and Relax
In northern Japan, people drink sake. In southern Japan — including Miyazaki — it’s all about Shochu, a distilled spirit made from sweet potatoes, barley, or rice.
The most famous brand is Kirishima Shochu, which you can find in almost every store. Try it straight, on the rocks, or mixed with soda or tea.
Another popular drink is Umeshu (plum wine), made by soaking plums in Shochu with sugar. It’s sweet, smooth, and dangerously easy to enjoy.
How is Shochu Served?
Straight
On the rock
Whats Umeshu and why is it so delicious?
The Shrines We Love.
#6 – Shrines of Miyazaki, Japan & Sacred Takachiho
Miyazaki is home to some of the most atmospheric and spiritually significant shrines in Japan. Surrounded by ocean, forests, and dramatic cliffs, these sacred sites combine natural beauty with deep cultural history.
Aoshima Jinja
Located on a small island connected by a bridge, Aoshima Jinja is one of Miyazaki’s most iconic shrines. Surrounded by subtropical plants and unusual rock formations known as the “Devil’s Washboard,” it has a peaceful, almost tropical feel. Easy to access and incredibly scenic, it’s a must-visit stop for anyone exploring the area.
Udo Jingu
Around 45 minutes south of Miyazaki City, Udo Jingu is one of Japan’s most unique coastal shrines. Built inside a natural cave overlooking the Pacific Ocean, it offers dramatic views and a powerful sense of atmosphere. According to legend, it is connected to the mythology of Emperor Jimmu’s family line.
Udo Jingu is especially popular with couples, as it is believed to bring blessings for love, marriage, and childbirth. Visitors can also try the traditional “undama” lucky throwing ritual into a small target in the rocks below.
Takachiho Gorge & Amano Iwato Cave
Further inland, about 2 to 2.5 hours from Miyazaki City, lies the sacred region of Takachiho—one of the most spiritual and visually striking places in Japan.
At the heart of Takachiho is Takachiho Gorge, a dramatic canyon carved by volcanic activity, with sheer basalt cliffs and a waterfall cascading into emerald waters below. Visitors can walk along the gorge or rent a small boat to row beneath the waterfall, making it one of the most memorable nature experiences in Kyushu.
Nearby is the legendary Amano Iwato Cave, deeply rooted in Japanese mythology. It is said to be the cave where the sun goddess Amaterasu hid from the world, plunging it into darkness. The surrounding forest is filled with shrines and sacred pathways, giving the entire area a strong spiritual atmosphere.
Together, these shrines and sacred sites show a different side of Miyazaki—one where nature, mythology, and history blend seamlessly into powerful and unforgettable places.
#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 Video
Discover Why We Love Miyazaki Japan
Miyazaki offers incredible weather, outdoor adventures, delicious food, and beautiful shrines. Whether you’re here to surf, hike, or simply relax, this region has endless ways to experience authentic Japan.
Join Miyazaki Tours to explore hidden trails, scenic beaches, and unforgettable local culture
