Miyazaki Prefecture, blessed with a warm climate throughout the year and known as the "hinata" (sunny place) of Japan, has a wide range of faces to enjoy as the autumn outing season gets under way, from seaside spots with a southern-resort feel to nature rich in colorful trees.
Two one-night, two-day model courses have been put together for autumn in Miyazaki, split into two classic routes, the Takachiho area and the Miyazaki and Nichinan area, and mixing scenic spots with local food.
The Takachiho area is a trip through power spots where myths live on, with autumn gorge scenery and traditional night kagura to lift the spirits. The Miyazaki and Nichinan area is a treat-yourself route with a scenic drive along the blue of the Nichinan Coast, plus ise-ebi (Japanese spiny lobster), the king of autumn flavors, and fruit. Each of the two contrasting themes offers its own way to spend autumn in Miyazaki.
Autumn Event: Aoshima Hi to Tsuki Meguri Fest (青島 日と月めぐりフェス)
- Event name: Aoshima Hi to Tsuki Meguri Fest (青島 日と月めぐりフェス)
- Period: Thursday, October 1 to Saturday, October 31, 2026
- Venue: Around Aoshima Beach (宮交ボタニックガーデン青島, the area around the Aoshima shrine approach, AOSHIMA PICNIC CLUB, and more)
Visitors can experience both the comfort of the Aoshima seaside by day and the dreamlike atmosphere of the night wrapped in moonlight at this festival, which is being held for the first time and runs for the whole month of October. The program includes food markets whose themes change every weekend and the sale of a "Gurumeguri Ticket" (グルめぐりチケット) for getting around town at a discount. Special events fill the schedule as well, including Aoshima Shrine votive fireworks that color the autumn night sky, an outdoor film festival, and sky lanterns that send wishes up into the night sky.
Myths and Nature: The Takachiho Area
Day 1
- 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM: Takachiho Gorge (高千穂峡). Look up at the autumn-colored gorge from a rental boat and take in the famous Manai Falls.
- 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM: Amano Iwato Shrine (天岩戸神社) and Amano Yasukawara (天安河原). With the afternoon sun slanting in, the quiet that gradually settles in before dusk gives the area a mystical atmosphere.
- From 8:00 PM: Takachiho Shrine (高千穂神社). Head to the traditional Takachiho Kagura, held every night. It is a special evening in the quiet grounds, drawn into the dance.
Day 2
- 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM: Kunimigaoka (国見ヶ丘), sea of clouds. Autumn is the season with a chance of seeing the scenic "sea of clouds" (unkai), which appears only on cold, clear early mornings.
- 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM: Aratate Shrine (荒立神社). A well-known power spot for the gods of the performing arts and matchmaking. Visitors can pray for a good match at the shrine surrounded by trees.
- From 12:00 PM: Takachiho beef lunch. Enjoy lunch made with excellent wagyu raised in Takachiho.
More Takachiho Recommendations
Tunnel Station (トンネルの駅)
This tourist souvenir hall has a tunnel used for long-term storage of shochu. It stocks a wide selection of local products and traditional crafts nurtured by the land of Takachiho. The tunnel, which stores about 1,000 shochu barrels, can be toured for free, and a tasting after the tour is recommended.
Kamairi-cha (釜炒り茶, pan-fired tea)
This green tea, made by roasting tea leaves in a large pot, is rare even across Japan. The Nishiusuki area, including the town of Takachiho, has the highest production in Japan. A cup enjoyed in the cool autumn air stands out for its clear golden color and toasty aroma. It is a regional specialty that suits a break during the trip or a souvenir for someone special.
Takachiho Beef
Miyazaki beef has won first place in Japan at the National Wagyu Cattle Competition (全国和牛能力共進会) four consecutive times. Beef cattle fattened in the Takachiho area are called "Takachiho beef." Raised amid pure water and nature, the meat is known for its melt-in-the-mouth texture and juicy flavor. On a long autumn night, it can be enjoyed as a superb dinner together with wine or shochu from Miyazaki Prefecture.
Enjoying the Resort: The Miyazaki and Nichinan Area
Day 1
- 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM: Chicken Nanban. A lunch of juicy chicken with sweet vinegar sauce and tartar sauce.
- 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM: Aoshima Shrine (青島神社). Feel the power of the "Devil's Washboard" (鬼の洗濯板), the unusual rock formations surrounding the shrine, and visit the brightly colored shrine buildings wrapped in subtropical plants.
- 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM: Horikiri Pass (堀切峠). A scenic drive spot with a sweeping view of the Pacific Ocean, perfect for taking in the scenery of Miyazaki.
Day 2
- 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM: Sun Messe Nichinan (サンメッセ日南). Seven moai statues stand against the backdrop of the blue sea, completely replicated with official permission from Easter Island.
- 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM: Udo Shrine (鵜戸神宮). Visit the main hall, located inside a cave in a sheer cliff facing Hyuga-nada Sea. Visitors can also try the well-known "undama-nage" (運玉投げ), a lucky-ball throwing experience.
- From 2:00 PM: Obi castle town (飫肥城下町). Known as the "Little Kyoto of Kyushu," the town keeps its stone walls and samurai residences, and visitors can stroll its charming, beautiful streets.
More Miyazaki and Nichinan Recommendations
Surfing Experience
The sea of Miyazaki, known worldwide as a holy land of surfing, offers an easy way to try riding the waves. The waves around Aoshima are gentle and instructors provide careful support, so even beginners can enjoy the southern sea with peace of mind.
Seared Bonito Rice Box (カツオ炙り重)
This is a local dish that Nichinan, the city with Japan's largest catch of pole-and-line-caught bonito, takes pride in. Marinated bonito landed in Nichinan is lightly seared over a shichirin charcoal grill and served over rice. At the end, dashi broth is poured over it to make ochazuke, so the lunch can be enjoyed two ways.
Snack Bars in Nishitachi (ニシタチのスナック)
Miyazaki is said to have the most snack bars per capita in Japan. In "Nishitachi" (ニシタチ), one of the largest entertainment districts in the prefecture, individual shops with a Showa-retro atmosphere are packed together. Chatting with a friendly "mama" and sharing the microphone with local customers make for a warm time, and a deep, humane night out that is unique to Miyazaki.
