I remember the awkward yet exciting feeling of going to an onsen (hot spring) for the first time in Japan. I was with my Japanese friend. We were good friends, but I wasn’t thrilled to have to see her naked and I certainly wasn’t enthused about people seeing me naked. But I swallowed my hesitations […]
You know that Japanese are used to grab a drink after a long day of work, that drinking with someone is a good way to make friend relationship but, you don’t know where to go and what you should do? Here in Miyazaki, we have a great area called Nishitachi, the largest restaurant/bar/pub street in Miyazaki City. […]
Spring in Japan is synonymous with cherry blossoms and also one of the busiest travelling periods of the year! Miyazaki boasts plenty of beautiful spots where you can enjoy hanami (cherry blossom viewing) from late March to early April, far away from the crowds. Miyakonojo, Miyazaki Part of the greater Mochio-Sekinoo Prefectural Park, Mochio-koen is […]
I can’t say this enough, Miyazaki has so many hidden gems! Aya is yet another example of a town that is well known within Miyazaki, but hardly known at all outside of the prefecture. Aya town has so many things to see and do and is a great choice for a one-day trip from Miyazaki […]
In the 1960s and 70s, several royal couples, including Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko, spent time after their weddings in beautiful Aoshima. As a result, Miyazaki became the most popular honeymoon destination in Japan, attracting 35% of the country’s newlyweds. Eventually, this trend died out and the prefecture became known as a surfing destination instead. […]
Almost everyone is familiar with the various works of Studio Ghibli and Hayao Miyazaki. From My Neighbor Totoro to Princess Mononoke to all the classics in-between, these movies are some of the most emotional and well-known animations ever made. For me, these movies represent a beautiful and nostalgic part of my childhood, as well as […]
Wandering around Miyazaki and going on exploration trips can be pretty exhausting. Sometimes you just need a break to process all the exciting impressions and new experiences of your travel, right? Well, I know just the right place! The Rosa Coffee is a snugly coffee shop specialized in high quality (specialty) coffee. Located in the […]
It might be your first time surfing or your first time here in Miyazaki. Or maybe you have been shredding the waves here for years. In each case, when I first arrived here I would have loved to have a list like this so to save you the trouble I have made a list with […]
NISHIMERA GIBIER FESTIVAL Nishimera, Miyazaki During the month of February, the village of Nishimera hosts a Gibier Festival to promote the wild game industry and its cuisine. Derived from French, the word jibie is used in Japanese to refer to the meat of deer, boar, bear and pheasants. Participating restaurants in the village (and sometimes […]
A classy bar with truly top-notch drinks and a very chic and relaxing atmosphere. Signified by the large polished wooden bar, chandeliers, dim lighting, and mellow tones, I was absorbed in the bar ambiance upon the moment of entry. My eyes next moved to the very particular selection of liquor. A very wide and particular […]
NAKED MAN FESTIVAL Aoshima, Miyazaki The Hadaka Matsuri, or Naked Man Festival, is a purification ritual that takes place on Coming of Age Day in January at Aoshima Shrine. Aoshima-jinja is located on a small island of the same name off the coast of Miyazaki. Although similar festivals are celebrated throughout the country, Naked Man […]
THE HAYAUMA FESTIVAL Mimata, Miyazaki The Hayauma Festival, or Horse Dance Festival, is a supplication festival for the increase of animal stocks that takes place at different venues throughout Japan. Every year on April 29, or Showa Day, you can see it in Mimata Town at Hayauma Park. There, a horse decorated with brightly colored […]
Miyazaki is rich with an abundance of unique cafes and coffee shops, each offering their own distinct atmosphere and variety of tasty treats. With so many options available, it can be a bit overwhelming deciding on where to go. Though every place I have visited has been great, Actors Square Coffee is my favorite cafe […]
A suburban Cafe where you can enjoy home roasted coffee surrounded by antique kimono and a variety of Japanese goods. The kimono and obi can be worn and taken home as a souvenirs on the spot. They promote a casual and original approach to kimono by encouraging “bringing kimono in to our daily lives.” Why […]