Next year the emperor of Japan will abdicate the throne bringing the Heisei calendar to an end. The name of the new era is yet to be decided, however, deciding where to spend my vacation in the last summer of Heisei was an easy choice; Miyazaki! I convinced four of my colleagues to join me […]

No matter whether you read this article from the safety of your home during quarantine or long after things have gone back to normal – If this situation has taught us anything, then it’s to enjoy the simple things – good food, spending time with your loved ones and to appreciate all the possibilities to […]

Though Miyazaki is well known for being one of the sunniest places in Japan, it also receives quite a lot of annual rainfall, particularly during the rainy season (Tsuyu in Japanese). Beautiful ocean, lush mountain forests, and surfing aside, there are still plenty of things to do on a rainy day. Among these options, Round […]

If you hear the word “kimono” you will probably already have some associations and pictures in your head. Of course, we are talking about the traditional garments worn in Japan, often associated with geisha, tea culture, period dramas etc. What you may not have known is that there is not one standard kimono, but that […]

Some of you might, as I have myself, been fascinated by the sheer number of souvenirs sold in Japan wherever you go. Personally, I really admire Japan’s Marketing-Power of turning whatever regional products they have into yuru-kyaras (mascottes) and/or into souvenirs. But why is it that Japanese bring back souvenirs from wherever they go, even […]

In the mountains of Kitago, Nichinan, there is a hidden ravine that has the ability to relieve its visitors of their ailments. Spending time here has been scientifically proven to heal the body and mind. The Inhoae Valley is one of three spots in Miyazaki prefecture has have been certified as “forest therapy bases” by […]

Mimitsu town which prospered as a port town was the trade and cultural gateway to Kyoto, Kobe and Osaka. The township of Mimitsu was bustling with business and used to be called “Thousand houses of Mimitsu”. The old houses and townscape was designated an important historical building preservation area. You may notice that old houses […]

Located within the Mochio Sekino-o Prefectural Park of Miyakonojo, Sekino-o Falls is considered one of the best in the Kirishima Mountain Range and designated as one of the Top 100 Waterfalls in Japan. It’s comprised of three waterfalls, the largest reaching 40 m (131 ft) wide and 18 m (59 ft) high, from water spilling […]

NYUTABARU AIR FESTIVAL Shintomi, Miyazak The biggest of its kind in western Japan, the NYutabaru Air Festival attracts up to 100,000 spectators from all over the country who come to marvel at its biggest attraction: Blue Impulse. The aerobatic demonstration team of the Japan Air Self Defense Force (JASDF) delights visitors with an hour-long air […]

AYA TOWN Aya, Miyazaki In the center of Miyazaki prefecture, approximately 20 km (12 mi) from Miyazaki City, lays one of the Most Beautiful Villages in Japan. Aya Town is home to one of the largest undeveloped forest areas in the country, 30% of which is natural. In the 1960s, a plan was made to […]

What is 夜神楽(Yo-kagura) of Takachiho town? When I am asked this question, as someone who has just moved to Takachiho, I have to think hard to give an appropriate answer. -Expressing a dialogue with Mother Nature through performance Yokagura – a Shinto ritual performing art form that has been performed for over 800 years in […]

Whether you are traveling with a significant other, or you happen to find yourself meeting someone while traveling, a good date plan is a great trick to have up your sleeve. Miyazaki may just be one of the best places to plan a date too, with beautiful beaches, untouched forests, hot springs, wild horses and […]

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. […]