Geography
This prefecture is located in the west of the southernmost of the major Japanese islands - Kyushu. The capital of the prefecture is the city of the same name. The climate here is humid, subtropical, and even in winter the temperature practically never drops below zero.
History
This prefecture occupies a special place in the history and mythology of Japan: it was here, in the town of Takachiho, according to Shinto legends, that Ninigi no Mikoto, the grandson of the sun goddess Amaterasu, descended to earth to teach people how to grow rice. He brought with him three gifts - a bronze mirror, a tsurugi sword and jasper pendants. These items really exist, they are imperial relics and symbolize wisdom, courage and prosperity. And it was from here that Jimmu, the first emperor of the country, began his campaign across Japan. It is thanks to the rich historical past associated with the birth of the country that Takachiho is popular among the Japanese themselves.
Culture, attractions
and entertainment
The city of Miyazaki itself is also of some tourist interest. The Miyazaki Jingu Temple, dedicated to Emperor Jimmu, is inextricably linked with the history of Japan. The temple is located in the forest and is built of natural cedar. Shinto festivals are also often held here.
Aoshima Island is located off the coast and is connected to the mainland by a bridge. This picturesque location is home to a famous Shinto shrine that is believed to bring good luck to married couples. The island itself is surrounded by shallow water, which is a geological phenomenon.
Even further south of the city of Miyazaki is Japan's most famous seaside resort, Shigaya, with its beaches and hotels.
You should also see another Shinto shrine, Udo, located in the Nichinan area south of the prefectural capital. This ancient Shinto shrine is located in a cave on a cliff and is dedicated to Emperor Jimmu's father, Yamasachihiko. It is believed that drinking the water dripping from the rocks where the temple is located brings good luck to the newlyweds and promises a safe birth.
The most important and interesting from a historical point of view is the small town of Takachiho, located in the mountains in the north of the prefecture, on the border with Kumamoto Prefecture. This is one of the most sacred places in Japan: it was here that Ninigi no Mikoto, the grandson of the goddess Amaterasu and the great-grandfather of the first Emperor Jimmu, descended from heaven to earth. There is a memorial stone here, on which it is written that it was in this place that the deity touched the earth for the first time.
And not far from the town in the rock there is a legendary grotto, where, according to the famous myth, the sun goddess Amaterasu hid when darkness fell on the earth. Next to it is one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan, Ama no Iwato. It is also one of the most important shrines in Shintoism.
Accordingly, despite the fact that Takachiho is a small city, the tourism industry is well developed here. In the town, during numerous festivals, you can watch local residents perform ancient ritual dances “kaguro”, depicting scenes from Shinto mythology, including the very myth of Amaterasu.
The prefecture also includes the beautiful Kirishima mountain range, famous for its landscapes and hot spring resorts.
You can fly to Miyazaki from Tokyo by plane from Haneda Airport in about two hours.
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