Takachiho Gorge
Takachiho Gorge is an impressive gorge with tall cliffs closing in on both sides of the river, formed by natural forces. You can take a stroll while admiring the scenery from the promenade. Take a rental boat to admire the cliffs from the river or take a look at Manai Falls, listed as one of Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls. Operating hours for rental boats are 8:30 to 17:00. It costs 2,000 yen for 30 minutes on a boat.
Amano Iwato Shrine
If you are at all interested in Japanese mythology, be sure to visit Amano Iwato Shrine along with Takachiho Gorge. This shrine houses the cave rumored to be the one in which the goddess of the sun, Amaterasu, hid when she was angered by the destructive acts of her brother, Susanoo.
Amano Iwato is considered particularly sacred, and visitors are not allowed to enter without being accompanied by a Shinto priest. Photography is likewise prohibited. However, you can visit Amano Yasugawara - the place where the gods are said to have gathered to discuss how to tempt Amaterasu from the cave - without a guide, and taking pictures is also allowed.
Udo Shrine
A Shinto shrine is situated within a cave in the cliff face, overlooking the sea. This shrine is dedicated to the father of Jimmu, Japan's mythical first emperor. You can buy ‘Undama’ (lucky stones) and try to toss them into a depression on the rock shaped like a turtle. Men do this with the left hand and women it with the right hand. If one of the stones lands in the center, it’s believed your wish will come true.
Be sure to throw a stone for good luck. It’s thought that if you manage to throw a small stone into the open hole on the boulder below the cliff, then your wish will come true. Udo Shrine is open from 6:00 to 19:00 between April and September, and 7:00 to 18:00 from October to March.
Heiwadai Park
Heiwadai Park or Peace Tower Park was built in 1940 to celebrate the 2600th anniversary of the ascension of Emperor Jimmu, the mythical first emperor of Japan, on what is believed to be the original site of his capital. Inside the park stands the Peace Tower, or Heiwadainoto, a tower constructed of stones sent from all around Asia and one of Miyazaki's most recognizable landmarks.
At the far end of the park is the Haniwa Garden, a collection of over 400 replica haniwa (burial statues) depicting animals, warriors, dancers, boats and houses arranged along a walking path through the trees. During the Kofun Period, these clay statues were placed around burial mounds in tribute to the deceased.
Seagaia Resort
Phoenix Seagaia Resort is a spacious oceanside resort spanning nearly ten kilometers of coastline north of central Miyazaki City. More than just a collection of hotels, Seagaia is a symbol of Miyazaki's resort heritage and offers its guests a wealth of things to do.
Attractions at the resort include hot springs, spas, restaurants, beaches with excellent surfing, tennis facilities and various outdoor activities. The resort is also home to two golf courses set attractively in the coastal black pine woods, including the Phoenix Country Club, one of Japan's most celebrated courses.