Let’s go sightseeing in Miyazaki with the family! 8 tourist spots that kids will have fun with

Are you a family planning a trip for your holiday? Why not spend a fun time in Miyazaki with your children?

Miyazaki is a tropical resort area with a beautiful sea where the bright red sun shines and lush greenery. The environment is so amazing that it is often called "the Hawaii of Japan." Miyazaki also has a deep connection with Japanese mythology, and there are many tourist spots such as Takachiho. In this article, we will introduce 8 tourist spots in Miyazaki where families with children can have a great time. You will surely find a place where both adults and children can get excited!

Takachiho Gorge

Designated as a natural monument of Japan, Takachiho Gorge is a must-visit tourist spot when visiting Miyazaki. Among them, "Manai Falls," selected as one of Japan's top 100 waterfalls, is a must-see spot that also appears in the legend of the creation of Japan. You can feel a deep sense of tranquility from the waterfall that falls from a height of about 17 meters.

Even just walking along the promenade offers stunning views, but if you want to experience it from a different angle, try renting a boat. There are many highlights, such as three arched bridges, a 100-meter-high cliff called Immortal's Byobu Rock, and a 200-ton Onihachi's Power Stone. Why not give your children the gift of the timeless beauty of nature?

Takachiho Farm

Located in front of the Kirishima Mountain Range, Takachiho Farm has approximately 100 sheep and 100 cows grazing on a vast 42-hectare site. You can experience milking cows, interacting with sheep, and even observing young calves being raised. Various experience events are held daily for tourists, making it a spot where you can enjoy yourself for a whole day.

The DIY experience corner is particularly popular. The menu changes daily, with butter on Mondays and Wednesdays, ice cream on Tuesdays and Fridays, and sausages on Thursdays. On weekends and holidays, you can experience all three types of menus. Of course, you can also enjoy the freshly made products.

For meals, we recommend the outdoor food court with a view of the lush green grounds. You can enjoy fresh soft-serve ice cream, pudding, and even freshly squeezed milk unique to the farm. You can also purchase dairy products, ham, and other souvenirs to be sent by mail, so it's a good idea to buy souvenirs here. Children who love animals will surely enjoy it.

Miyazaki City Phoenix Zoo

Located adjacent to the Pacific Ocean resort facility "Phoenix Seagaia," the "Miyazaki City Phoenix Natural Zoo" is a popular destination. Spread over approximately 130,000 square meters, the zoo is home to around 1,200 animals of about 100 species. In addition to familiar animals such as lions, giraffes, and elephants, you can also see rare animals like red pandas and ring-tailed lemurs.

The amusement park area features about 20 types of rides, making it a popular spot for families with children. Even young children under 4 years old can enjoy most of the attractions if accompanied by an adult. There are also affordable all-you-can-ride tickets available. Additionally, a wave pool opens during the summer.

While the zoo is quite large, making it a bit tiring to get around, strollers and wheelchairs are available for rent. From young children to the elderly, everyone in the family can enjoy their time here. There are benches scattered throughout the park, as well as shops and restaurants, making it a great place to relax and enjoy the Pacific Ocean view.

Miyazaki Science Museum

At the "Miyazaki Science Museum," you can experience the vastness of the universe up close. With its reasonable admission fee, the museum offers a hands-on experience of modern science and technology, attracting many visitors throughout the day. The 27-meter-diameter planetarium, the museum's symbol, is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest of its kind.

The projection program changes with each season, offering a new experience every time you visit. The vastness of the universe is sure to ignite a sense of wonder and inspire dreams in children. The nearby Miyazaki Central Park is a great place to visit for a picnic. Why not enjoy a leisurely time while admiring the Japanese garden?

Children's Country

When it comes to playgrounds for children in Miyazaki, "Children's Country," the largest amusement park in Miyazaki Prefecture, is a must-visit. The beautiful ocean and subtropical forest surrounding the entire site create a paradise-like atmosphere. This long-established park opened in Aoshima in 1939 and has everything you need, including a hotel, golf course, garden, restaurant, and shops.

For those who want to get their bodies moving, there are plenty of attractions such as long slides, treehouses, sandboxes, athletic fields, Segways, and canoe jet coasters! It's great that people of all ages, from young children to the elderly, can enjoy it.

From March to May every year, a flower festival is held. This is called the "Festival of 100,000 Green Plants and Flowers" and is a major event before the summer tropical atmosphere. There are also shows for children, making it perfect for families. The "Rose Festival" held in spring and autumn is also worth checking out.

Sumie Family Aquarium

At the Sumie Family Resort, the "Sumie Family Aquarium" exhibits approximately 800 freshwater fish and rare fish, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in a dense world of fish centered around the Gokase River and Hyuga Nada. Despite its small and cozy appearance, this aquarium is packed with fascinating local fish! There is so much to see.

Children are sure to be excited to see rare fish such as the ruby-eyed Akama, the balloon-like Conger pufferfish, and the spectacle tang that looks like it's dancing. Within the Sumie Family Resort, there is a beach and recreational facilities, making it a great place to stop by during sightseeing.

Aoshima Beach

With its pristine white sand and a row of Washingtonia palms along the road, Aoshima Beach is one of Miyazaki's premier beaches and was once selected as one of Japan's top 88 bathing beaches. In fact, Miyazaki's Aoshima Beach is said to be "Japan's cleanest beach." It's a place where both children and adults can have a blast.

Especially recommended is the "Aoshima Beach Park," which is open only for six months from April to September each year. Beach houses with cafes, hamburger shops, and other establishments line up, and beach yoga is also held, attracting many tourists. During the swimming season, there are also events that everyone can enjoy, such as fireworks, bingo games, and beach flag competitions.

It's also nice to take a romantic stroll along the beach at night while watching the sunset with your family. Aoshima Beach is one of Miyazaki's most popular tourist spots that truly encapsulates the essence of the sea. Even if you don't go swimming, you're sure to be satisfied just by looking at its beauty.

Miyazaki City Nature Recreation Center

or modern people who live hectic lives in urban areas, spending time in nature can be a refreshing experience. The "Miyazaki City Nature Recreation Village Center" is located in a naturally rich area managed and operated by Aoshima Revitalization Project JV.

Within the recreation village, there is a plum grove called "Konrinbai" with 650 plum trees planted, as well as hiking courses for forest bathing and an observation deck. Children will be captivated by the large-scale nature that cannot be experienced in urban areas. After spending time in nature, why not visit the onsen (hot spring) located within the center?

The onsen facility has a large public bath, sauna, walking bath, and a slightly warm spring bath at 32.7 degrees Celsius. There are also barrier-free baths, so you can feel at ease even if you have a disability or are accompanied by an elderly person. Please fully relax in the lush nature and onsen.

Summary

Miyazaki is a fascinating place with tourist spots that combine mythology and the tropics. There are many places where you can relax and enjoy nature, making it perfect for family vacations. If you are planning a family trip, why not visit Miyazaki?