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Day Trips from Miyazaki

Day Trips from Miyazaki

Miyazaki Japan Travel Guide

Nearby Destinations

Several alluring locations are within easy day-trip distance from Miyazaki City, including Takachiho Gorge, Nichinan Coast, Saitobaru Burial Mounds, and Kirishima-Yaku National Park.

Explore options for reserving day trips and excursions at GetYourGuide's day trip booking section.

Accessible Locations

  • Takachiho Gorge: Famous for its narrow chasm and Manai Waterfall.
  • Nichinan Coast: Scenic drive with Udo Shrine, Sun Messe Nichinan, Obi Town.
  • Saitobaru Burial Mounds: Japan's largest ancient burial mound sites.
  • Kirishima-Yaku National Park: Volcanic peaks, crater lakes, onsen.

Explore efficient transport and decide between escorted tours or independent adventures, considering time and flexibility.

Transportation Options

Rental cars provide the best flexibility for exploring destinations like Takachiho Gorge and the Nichinan Coast. Public transport is an alternative, though less frequent in some cases areas.

Options for each destination

  • Takachiho: Rental car (1.5-2 hrs), or complex bus route.
  • Nichinan Coast: Rental car or Miyazaki Kotsu buses.
  • Kirishima-Yaku: Rental car or JR train to Kirishima-Jingu Station.

Tour vs. Independent Travel

Organized tours simplify logistics, providing commentary and fixed itineraries. Independent travel with a rental car offers maximum flexibility.

Travel Style

  • Organized Tour: Convenience, English commentary, logistics handled.
  • Independent Travel: Flexibility, explore at your own pace, spontaneous stops.
  • Rental car: Recommended for enhanced experience and hidden discoveries.

Time & Suggested Itineraries

Recommended Duration

  • Takachiho Gorge: Full day (8-10 hours).
  • Nichinan Coast: Full day (6-8 hours).
  • Saitobaru Mounds: Half-day (4-5 hours).
  • Kirishima National Park: Full day or longer for hiking.

Activity Focus

  • Nichinan: Udo Shrine, Sun Messe, Obi Town.
  • Kirishima: Hiking, multiple onsen.
  • Rural areas: Traditional Japanese agriculture.
  • Cape Toi: Wild Misaki horses (longer drive).

Multi-Day Extensions

  • Add 1-2 days with Kagoshima:Sakurajima, Sengan-en, Ibusuki sand baths.
  • Factor IN 1-2 days with Kumamoto:Kumamoto Castle, Mount Aso volcano.
  • Combine for Complete Kyushu Island:Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Beppu.
  • Transportation:JR Kyushu trains, highway buses.
  • Kyushu Loop Itinerary:Fukuoka → Kumamoto → Miyazaki → Kagoshima → Fukuoka.
  • JR Kyushu Pass:Significant deals for extensive train travel.
  • Next Logical Stops:Kagoshima (volcanic, onsen), Kumamoto (history, Aso).
  • Travel between prefectures:Seamless with JR trains.

Helpful Tip

For a full Kyushu exploration, purchase a JR Kyushu Pass for savings on train travel.

Natural Escapes

Miyazaki's surrounding areas present stunning natural beauty for outdoor experiences.

Parks & Reserves

Nichinan Coast Quasi-National Park (marine life, cliffs) and Kirishima-Yaku National Park (diverse ecosystems, volcanic landscapes).

Scenic Landscapes

Takachiho Gorge with basalt columns and Manai Waterfall. Cape Toi with wild Misaki horses. Mount Kirishima with panoramic views.

Activities

Beaches along Nichinan Seaboard for swimming/surfing. Hiking in Kirishima mountains. Discover rural landscapes around Saitobaru.

Cultural Excursions

Go back in time and explore the cultural richness beyond Miyazaki City. Visit historical sites plus without-urban areas.

Historical Sites

  • Obi Town: Well-preserved samurai town, "Little Kyoto of Kyushu."
  • Saitobaru Burial Mounds: Park with ancient ruins with early Japanese civilization.
  • Kirishima-Jingu Shrine: Significant shrine in Kirishima mountains.

Pilgrimage Sites

Takachiho Gorge with its ties to Japanese mythology, is an important spiritual site. Kirishima-Jingu Shrine also a revered pilgrimage site.

Rural Insights

  • Countryside around Takachiho: Rural Japanese life, farming practices.
  • Miyakonojo agricultural plains: Traditional agriculture, serene beauty.
  • Local interactions: Opportunities to interact with farmers, purchase fresh produce.

Seasonal Natural Phenomena

Cherry Flowers:Late March to early April.
Lush Greenery:Rainy season (June-July).
Autumn Leaves:The End of october to November.
Wild Horses:Year-round at Cape Toi.
Subtropical Flora:Year-round, Aoshima Island.
Volcanic Landscapes:Year-round, Kirishima-Yaku National Park.

Explore Kyushu's Natural Wonders

  • Discover ancient forests and energetic volcanoes.
  • Enjoy serene crater lakes and coastal drives.
  • Experience diverse ecosystems in national parks.
  • Witness unique wildlife in natural habitats.
  • Find peace in untouched landscapes.

Multi-Day Extensions

Miyazaki can serve as a springboard for longer regional travel, allowing further Kyushu exploration.

Adding 1-3 Days

Stay longer to nearby prefectures for a wider range of experiences.

Popular Combinations

  • Miyazaki with Kagoshima: Sakurajima, Sengan-en, Ibusuki (2 hrs by JR).
  • Miyazaki with Kumamoto: Castle, Mount Aso (train via Fukuoka/bus).
  • Full Kyushu: Connect to Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Beppu.

Logical Next Destinations

Consider regions that offer contrasting landscapes and cultural understanding.

Areas

  • Kagoshima: Volcanic landscapes, historical gardens, onsen.
  • Kumamoto: History (castle) plus striking nature (Mount Aso).
  • Fukuoka: Shopping, food, urban exploration.

Transportation Connections

Efficient public transport networks make multi-day extensions straightforward.

Travel Modes

  • JR Kyushu trains: Excellent connections to major cities.
  • Highway buses: Budget-friendly options for inter-prefectural travel.
  • JR Kyushu Pass: Recommended for significant savings on extensive train travel.

Suggested Routes

A popular route for seeing a variety of Kyushu's attractions is the Kyushu Loop.

Kyushu Loop Itinerary

  • Begin in Fukuoka: Explore the city.
  • Travel to Kumamoto: Visit castle, Mount Aso.
  • Cross to Miyazaki: Enjoy coast and mythology.
  • Continue south to Kagoshima: See Sakurajima, Ibusuki.

Planning Your Extended Trip

Efficient planning makes multi-day travel in Kyushu rewarding.

Flexibility

Balance planned segments with spontaneous exploration for a richer experience.

Budgeting

Factor in transport costs, accommodation, and activities for each leg of the journey.

Research

Look into local events and attractions within each destination to personalize your itinerary.

Maximize Your Kyushu Adventure

Utilize JR Kyushu trains for fast and easy travel between Miyazaki and other major cities, creating a comprehensive island journey.

Explore booking options for a variety of sights and things to do using GetYourGuide.

Explore Local Transport

1

JR Trains

Connects Miyazaki City to other Kyushu destinations, efficient and comfortable.

2

Miyazaki Kotsu Buses

Extensive network for local travel, especially along the Nichinan Coast.

3

Rental Cars

Perfect for discovering remote areas like Takachiho Gorge and Cape Toi with flexibility.

Top Day Trip Destinations

  • Takachiho Gorge: Scenic boat rides and mythological sites.
  • Nichinan Coast: Udo Shrine, Sun Messe Nichinan, Obi Town.
  • Saitobaru Burial Mounds: Archaeological park.
  • Kirishima-Yaku National Park: Hiking and onsen.
  • Aoshima Island: Devil's Washboard and Aoshima Shrine.
  • Cape Toi: Wild Misaki horses.

Miyazaki City Attractions

  • Miyazaki-Jingu Shrine: Peaceful start.
  • Heiwadai Park: Peace Tower, Haniwa Garden.
  • Tachibana-dori: Shopping, dining, nightlife.
  • Miyazaki Science Centre: Planetarium, exhibits (family-friendly).
  • Miyazaki Phoenix Zoo: Animal encounters.
  • Florante Miyazaki: Seasonal flower displays.

Cultural Insights

Obi Town

Explore a preserved samurai town, referred to as "Little Kyoto of Kyushu."

Takachiho Mythology

Dive into the origins of Japan through its mythological sites.

Rural Life

Experience traditional farming and interacting with the local community in the countryside.

Plan Your Adventure

Miyazaki has a wide array of experiences from natural wonders to cultural depths. Thoughtful planning maximizes your journey.
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