Planning a trip to Kyushu, Japan and looking for an off-the-beaten path experience? Head to Miyazaki Prefecture located on the eastern coast of Kyushu, Japan. It is known for scenic sights, rich cultural heritage, delicious local cuisine and is the ideal destination for families!
Visiting Miyazaki with Kids on a Day Trip from Fukuoka
We share a one-day Miyazaki itinerary from Connie and her family, who chose to travel to Kyushu during the holidays and spent one day and two nights in Miyazaki.
Getting to Miyazaki from Fukuoka Airport
Families heading to Kyushu can fly direct to Fukuoka Airport, then drive 3.5 hours to Miyazaki with kids. There are also direct flights to Miyazaki Airport from Tokyo.
Driving in Japan is relatively easy due to well-maintained roads, clear road signs, fantastic driving etiquette and the same right hand drive system as Singapore.
One-Day Itinerary at Miyazaki with Kids
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Here is a tried-and-tested itinerary to help you plan your visit to Miyazaki with kids!
8 am: Udo Jingu Shrine
First, start at Udo Jingu Shrine, situated on a cliffside overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The shrine was built in 939 AD and was dedicated to Yamasachihiko, the father of Jimmu, the legendary first emperor of Japan. Visitors can throw small stones into a crevice in the cliffside, this is believed to bring good luck, fertility and prosperity.
Visitors should dress modestly and remove their shoes before entering the main hall.
10 am: Visit Sun Messe Nichinan
A mere 12 minutes away is Sun Messe Nichinan – known for its replicas of giant Moai statues at Easter Island. This is a wonderful photo opp for families and the pitstop also yields panoramic views of the coastlines.
12 pm: Lunch at LDK
Grab a quick bite at a local restaurant. Connie’s pick was LDK, an Italian restuarnt in Aoshima. The restaurant has a nice open space with an ocean view. At lunch time, LK offers burgers, pasta, and steak made with Kuroge Wagyu beef from Miyazaki Prefecture and does sweets in the afternoon.
1.30 pm: Relax at Aoshima Beach
It’s beach time next!
Aoshima Beach is a picturesque beach located on Aoshima Island, connect to the mainland by a beach. This is a 30-minute drive from Sun Messe Nichinan.
While the beach has crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling, it depends on the month of visit. There are tide pools to explore with a variety of marine life. Visitors can also find many pretty seashells.
2 pm: Explore Aoshima Shrine
Cross the bridge to Aoshima shrine which has a long history, originally built to worship the goddess of the sea and pray for safe navigation and fishing.
The shrine’s main hall was built in a unique style blending traditional Japanese architecture with elements of maritime culture. The torri gate appears to be floating on the sea during high tide.
3 pm: Discover Devil’s Washboard
Along with Aoshima Beach and Aoshima Shrine, The Devil’s Washboard is a unique pit-stop for families with kids. Walk along the incredible layered rock formations during high tide. The formations were created by the erosion of the island’s volcanic rock shaped by the waves over a long period of time.
6 pm: Dinner at Yakiniku KouKaenn
It’s dinner time after all that exploring. End the day on a high and try Miyazaki’s award-winning beef.
Optional Detour: Visit the Totoro Bus Stop in Takaharu
For Ghibli fans, you might want to head to Takaharu which is 50 minutes away from Aoshima to take a photo at the whimsical Totoro Bus Stop! Take a family shot with Totoro and pretend to wait for the cat bus.
If you are a big Ghibli fan, you may also wish to check out our tips for visiting Ghibli Park from Nagoya.
For more Japan travel ideas, head to our Japan page. If your preference is for road trips, we have another itinerary to share in Central Japan.
We hope that you have a wonderful time planning a trip to Japan.
If you also have a family-friendly itinerary that you would like to share with other parents, do email us at hello@littledayout.com and you may find it appearing on Little Day Out.
