Located on Kyushu, one of Japan’s southernmost islands, Miyazaki Prefecture is an enriching place where mythology and mysterious hotspots meet breathtaking natural sceneries.
As the setting for numerous mythological tales in Japan, Miyazaki is home to several destinations related to key Shinto deities, such as Amaterasu-Omikami, the sun goddess. The prefecture’s impressive sceneries, including coastal areas and the Takachiho Gorge, are deeply intertwined with the stories, acting as exciting getaways for cultural enthusiasts and outdoorsy adventurers alike. The spiritually-touched lands and grand displays of nature are guaranteed to capture all of your senses. Be sure to bring your camera! Miyazaki has no shortage of photogenic spots.
As a comfortable base for exploring the prefecture’s wonders, Phoenix Seagaia Resort offers the perfect balance of convenience and luxury. This Kyushu resort hotel faces the Pacific Ocean and creates rejuvenating stays centered on accommodating guest rooms, beautifying hot springs, gourmet cuisine, and various onsite activities. With its diverse accommodation types and easy access from major transportation hubs, like Miyazaki Airport and Miyazaki Station, this onsen hotel in Miyazaki is suitable for every traveler.
Learn how you can craft a unique Miyazaki resort stay that combines relaxation with cultural and natural exploration.
Spiritual hotspots and sightseeing in Miyazaki
Let’s begin our journey in Takachiho—a rural mountain town located in northern Miyazaki Prefecture that is greatly connected to Japanese mythology. In fact, the town is the site of one of Japan’s most well known legends. The story goes that Susanoo-no-Mikoto, the god of storms, wreaked havoc on the lands after an argument with the sun goddess. Angered by his actions, the sun goddess hid herself in Amano Iwato—a cave along the Iwato River. By doing so, she plunged the Earth into darkness. The other deities tried numerous tactics to lure her out and eventually succeeded by throwing a rambunctious party that even the sun goddess herself couldn’t resist.
Takachiho is also said to be the place where the sun goddess’s grandson descended to Earth from the celestial realm. According to legend, his great-grandson, Emperor Jimmu, became the first emperor of Japan.
Now that you have some mythological context, let’s explore Miyazaki’s present-day treasures, with a Takachiho Gorge trip. Carved by ancient lava flow, this enchanting gorge features towering basalt cliffs adorned with vegetation that flank the narrow Gokase River. You can venture into the gorge via a rental rowboat to admire its presence from the calm waters or follow a walking path along the gorge’s edge for elevated perspectives. Within the gorge, the 17-meter-tall Manai Falls cascades majestically into the river, adding an ethereal element to the already captivating scenery.
The aforementioned one-kilometer walking trail leads directly to Takachiho Shrine. The serene grounds, encircled by cedar trees, showcase a collection of wooden shrine buildings that beautifully harmonize with the environment. For an extra special experience, don’t miss the shrine’s nightly, one-hour Yokagura performance that retells the story of when the sun goddess went into hiding.
A major part of the sun goddess’s story is the cave where she hid, and Amano Iwato Shrine is located near this legendary cave—albeit on the opposite side of the Iwato River. While you are not allowed to approach the cave, the shrine still offers a reverent environment where you can offer prayers to the sun goddess. Nearby is a path that goes down to the river. As you follow the trail, you will notice countless stone piles left behind by previous visitors to this sacred power spot. The path leads to a modest torii gate and shrine located in a cave named Amano Yasukawara. This cave is said to be the place where the deities discussed their plans to lure out the sun goddess.
Another crucial figure in Japanese mythology is Emperor Jimmu—Japan’s first emperor and a descendant of the sun goddess. While most historians agree that he did not actually exist, legend says that he established the imperial dynasty in 660 BCE in Miyazaki. Unsurprisingly, the prefecture has numerous sites related to this fabled emperor.
Miyazaki Jingu, situated in Miyazaki City, is a magnificent shrine and National Cultural Property dedicated to Emperor Jimmu. Although the shrine is located in the city, the plentiful trees and mesmerizing shrine buildings make it a peaceful retreat. The shrine’s tunnel of vermilion torii gates is an especially photogenic spot and is said to grant good fortune in business.
Nearby, the Miyazaki Heiwadai Park marks what is believed to have been the original site of Emperor Jimmu’s capital. The spacious park was established in 1940 to commemorate the 2,600th anniversary of Emperor Jimmu’s ascension to the throne. The green space is home to numerous points of interest, such as the eye-catching Tower of Peace and unique Haniwa Garden, which is decorated with replicas of over 400 haniwa (burial statues). Stroll along the garden’s path and observe the unique collection of figures against an earthy background.
Now, let’s travel to the ocean to visit Udo Jingu Shrine, a shrine dedicated to Emperor Jimmu’s father. This breathtaking shrine is perched directly on Miyazaki’s coastline. The vermilion structures juxtaposed against the rocky outcroppings and undulating sea beyond create mesmerizing views that are postcard perfect. The main shrine buildings are nestled in an elevated cave that overlooks that sublime scenery. Near the cave’s exit is an area where you can purchase small undama (lucky stones) to participate in a good luck challenge. From the terrace, you will see a target embedded in a turtle-shaped rock and encircled with a sacred rope. If you can successfully throw your undama onto the target, you will receive good luck.
Continue your seaside journey with a visit to Aoshima, a mystical island home to subtropical plants, pristine beaches, and Aoshima Shrine. The island is connected to Miyazaki’s mainland by Yayoi Bridge, which transitions into a sandy path that leads to Aoshima Shrine’s vermilion torii gate. Around the island’s perimeter, eye-catching rock formations called Oni no Sentakuita (the Devil's Washboard) mix with the ocean, creating extraordinary geological views. Aoshima Shrine is regarded as a power spot for matchmaking and is deeply rooted in Japanese mythology.
Our last mythological shoutout will be Eda Shrine. This shrine is related to the couple Izanagi and Izanami—central deities in Japan’s creation myth. According to the story, Izanami died while giving birth to the god of fire. Devastated, Izanagi traveled to the underworld to retrieve her. However, due to numerous complications, Izanami was unable to return to the land of the living. After Izanagi left the underworld, he immediately cleansed his body to rid himself of any impurities. This action gave birth to various deities, including the sun goddess. The site where Izanagi performed the purification ritual is tied to numerous places in Miyazaki Prefecture, including Eda Shrine. Immerse yourself in the quiet, sacred atmosphere of this forest-nestled shrine.
You are likely familiar with Japan’s striking vermilion torii gates. However, did you know that blue torii exist as well? Incredibly, Miyazaki is home to two shrines that feature these rare, blue structures.
Hayaakitsuhime Shrine is a mystical waterfall shrine dedicated to the water deity, Hayaakitsuhime-no-Kami. To reach this sacred site, cross the Yunouchi Suspension Bridge and follow the riverside path. The blue torii is located in front of the main hall. The vivid color symbolizes the power of pure water and is said to bring good fortune. Pass through the torii gate and proceed deeper into the main shrine area to reach the majestic “Great Waterfall.” Before the falls, another torii gate stands, marking the entrance to a space dedicated to dragon deities, water deities, and mountain deities. When sunlight filters through the trees, glittering on the spray, the scene becomes something straight out of mythology. The shrine offers a powerful sense of healing and energy, as if the waterfall's purifying force washes away your worries.
Stepping out of the forest, Minato Shrine is located directly on the coast and overlooks the ocean. This modest shrine stands on a rocky beach and features one standalone blue torii and a five-blue torii tunnel leading to the main shrine building. The uniquely colored torii gates beside the ocean’s hue, make for both a captivating and special shrine view.
Other notable and visually striking Miyazaki destinations include the Saitobaru Burial Mounds (a National Historical Site home to 300 burial tombs and vibrant seasonal flowers) and Sun Messe Nichinan (a theme park renowned for its authentic replicas of the Easter Island’s Moai).
Stay at Phoenix Seagaia Resort
Phoenix Seagaia Resort is a hidden gem that balances luxury and sophistication, offering a quiet, high-end resort stay that is distinct from renowned resort areas like Okinawa. The resort’s Phoenix Seagaia Ocean Tower, overlooking Miyazaki's Hyuga-nada Sea, is a well-kept secret “adult hideaway.” As Miyazaki Prefecture's tallest high-rise hotel, every room offers ocean views. The majestic Pacific Ocean against the deep green hue of the sprawling black pine forests creates a healing retreat from life’s hustle and bustle where you can reconnect with nature's richness.
Diverse accommodations
Phoenix Seagaia Resort features three accommodation types: the Ocean Tower, Forest Condominium, and Forest Cottages. The facilities all have distinct attributes that cater to a variety of visitors, allowing you to realize your ideal vacation.
Standing 154 meters tall in the heart of the resort, the Phoenix Seagaia Ocean Tower boasts countless guest rooms, all with east-facing ocean views. From spacious suites—the largest one being 300 square meters—to standard guest rooms and Japanese-style spaces, the tower truly offers something for everyone. Begin your morning with front row seats to the sunrise, and end your day watching the moon’s reflection sparkle on the tide.
If you are looking to further elevate your resort stay, you can book a room from the 36th floor and above to gain exclusive access to the Club Floor. The special stay includes smooth check-in at the Club Floor lounge, afternoon tea and cocktail hours, and an elevated breakfast experience. Here, you can escape the crowds and savor the luxury of doing nothing, while enjoying the ever-changing views of the sea throughout the day.
The Seagaia Forest Condominium offers homey Japanese-Western-style rooms that are all a generous 72 square meters in size. Each room includes a kitchen, washer, and dryer, making them perfect for long-term and group stays. In July 2025, the lobby and guest rooms were renewed and now feature higher quality spaces with wooden accents and soft, earthy colors.
Immerse yourself in the pine grove’s calming ambience at the Seagaia Forest Cottages. The 72-room cottage complex offers free-standing houses and group lodging units, ideal for private stays. Specialty rooms, such as the Kids Room, Pet Room, and Family Room, offer personalized amenities so everyone in your group can enjoy a comfortable experience. Indulge in outdoorsy dining as well, such as in the garden (only available for certain guest rooms) and poolside barbeque (only available during summer).
Hot spring relaxation and a world-class spa
Resting at the end of a tranquil, pine tree-lined path, the resort’s hot spring facility, Shosenkyu Onsen, invites you into a world of utter relaxation. The steaming hot spring water is located 1,000 meters underground and is rich in minerals that have a beautifying effect on the skin. The facility is home to gender-separated, large indoor and open-air baths, as well as six private open-air baths that are only available through reservation.
Tsukuyomi, one of the facility’s public, open-air baths, offers a restorative soak surrounded by pine trees. From the morning’s dappled sunlight to the evening’s moon view, the warm waters and earthy smell of the pines are guaranteed to rejuvenate you. Shingetsu, another public bath, provides indoor and outdoor moments of relaxation. Inside, the steaming bath is placed beside floor-to-ceiling windows that connect you to the outdoors, and above the bath rests an artistic display of Oshima nuri, a traditional Miyazaki lattice shape. Outside, the equally inspiring open-air bath, treats you to forest views alongside a refreshing breeze.
Book one of the private open-air baths for a truly indulgent experience where the free-flowing hot spring water and peaceful presence of nature provide you unforgettable moments of rejuvenation with yourself, family, or loved ones. The private baths are located in a completely detached bathhouse that also comes equipped with a gazebo, shower room, and washbasin. Reservations are accepted starting one month in advance, and the private baths are priced at ¥6,000 for 60 minutes.
Please note that Ocean Tower guests can access Shosenkyu Onsen for free, while condominium and cottage guests must pay a separate fee.
Given Shosenkyu Onsen’s picturesque and traditional aesthetics, it is the perfect place to wear one of the resort’s rental yukata—a casual, yet similarly beautiful version of a kimono. Visit the yukata rental corner next to the Activity Center on the second floor and choose your favorite colorful design. After donning your yukata, take a stroll along the Yukata Walk, a 230-meter-long outdoor corridor that weaves through enchanting sceneries, including a beautiful wall featuring the 12 zodiac signs. It makes for an ideal photo op no matter the time of day.
For ultimate relaxation, visit the Banyan Tree Spa as well, one of Asia's premier spa brands. The spa uses traditional Thai techniques and aromas to create deeply relaxing experiences.
Gourmet restaurants and Miyazaki Beef dining
Phoenix Seagaia Resort boasts a plethora of dining options that are bound to satisfy your cravings, showcasing Miyazaki’s bounty through exquisite dishes. In the Ocean Tower, savor:
- Expertly crafted sushi at Yashio
- Teppanyaki dishes (food prepared on a flat, iron griddle), including Miyazaki Beef, at Fukami
- Authentic Chinese cuisine at Ranhai
- Italian dishes prepared by a renowned chef at the hard-to-book Ristorante Arco
- … and so much more.
For Miyazaki-themed dishes, be sure to visit Garden Buffet “Pine Terrace,” a buffet-style restaurant filled with local specialties, like its famous Miyazaki roast beef, Chicken Nanban, Hiyajiru (chilled miso soup with rice), and Miyazaki Karamen spicy noodles. All of the restaurants feature refined dining spaces that reflect their offerings, creating moments that are both delicious and luxurious. Even during extended stays, you will never tire of the resort’s rich culinary tapestry.
In addition to restaurants, the Ocean Tower is also home to cozy spaces with plush sofa seating and chic interior designs. Unwind with a cup of coffee or tea at Kazemachi Terrace or sip on a fresh fruit cocktail once the sun goes down at KUROBAR.
On the second floor of the Seagaia Forest Cottages Centre Building, guests are welcome to a nourishing Japanese-Western breakfast buffet, as well as flavorful take-out meals for dinner (advance reservation required).
Unique resort facilities
Phoenix Seagaia Ocean Tower is fully equipped with amenities to ensure you have a comfortable stay, including a gym, a spa, and a shop selling original goods, as well as a vast array of souvenirs from both Miyazaki and Kyushu. At the shop, you can pick up Seagaia’s original sweets, Miyazaki sake, works of art from Kyushu and Miyazaki artists, and so much more! Find a special gift for your friends and family back home or select a personal keepsake to remember your stay.
However, what really sets the resort apart is its “Letter Room,” only available to Ocean Tower guests. This meaningful room, filled with dark wooden furniture reminiscent of a warm library, creates a quiet space to write and reflect. You can choose to write a letter to the future (which the hotel safely stores for 20 years), a letter to someone special (international delivery is available), or a letter without an address. The letters without addresses are displayed in the letter room, where other guests can read them. The activity is a perfect way to immortalize your travel memories or thoughts during this special time.
THE LIVING GARDEN, a refined space where simply being present brings fulfillment, is the main pool area and an outdoor living space lined with waterfront sofas and daybeds. Enjoy elegant moments reading or relaxing with a drink in hand. The kids’ pool features a shallow design for little ones to enjoy safely. Fine, pure white sand covers the pool floor, allowing not just water play but sandbox fun too. The stunning scenery is exceptionally photogenic and a popular spot for family commemorative photos.
Indoor and outdoor activities year-round
Make the most of your time at Phoenix Seagaia Resort by booking an exclusive experience—many of which you can enjoy without leaving the resort! On rainy days, opt for indoor activities, such as lounging by the indoor pool, board game rentals, darts, and hands-on workshops (only available during the summer holidays). Please note that the Haniwa clay figurine-making workshop only offers domestic shipping for finished products. International shipping is not available. For outdoor activities, the resort offers the latest electric go-kart, the Segway Gokart PRO 2, which provides the ultimate driving experience with authentic running performance. You can also enjoy a fun bicycle park, cycling, Segway tours, Mölkky, and horseback riding along pine forest trails and the refreshing coastline.
For golf, head to Phoenix Country Club, ranked among the world's top 100 courses. The course boasts 27 holes, guard bunkers, an ocean breeze characteristic of seaside courses, and pine trees that serve as aerial hazards. With its rare foreign-type grass, it is a strategically rich course that Japan takes pride in.
Adjacent to the resort, the Amino Vital® Training Center Miyazaki is a high-performance training facility used by Japan's top athletes. Chosen as a training camp by professional baseball players, J-League teams, and Olympic athletes, this facility is equipped with state-of-the-art training equipment, natural grass fields, a multipurpose indoor gymnasium, and recovery facilities, enabling full-scale training throughout the year.
The resort’s various seasonal activities allow you to incorporate the charms of every season into your resort experience. During summer, take a dip in the Garden Pool and enjoy marine activities, like sea kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). In all other seasons, the Bonfire Living Room provides a cozy, outdoor setting where you can roast marshmallows and sip on warm beverages, like coffee or whisky. The special nights will remind you to savor the simple pleasure of doing nothing. Be sure to check out the resort’s events page during your stay so you don’t miss an exciting opportunity to make memories.
Example itinerary in Miyazaki: Two nights and three days
If you are looking for some inspiration for your Miyazaki trip, check out our three-day itinerary. For easy travel, this itinerary uses a rental car.
Day 1: “The Rare Blue Torii Gate”
Morning: Start in Miyazaki (rent a car) → Hayaakitsuhime Shrine → Saitobaru Burial Mounds Afternoon: Check in to Phoenix Seagaia Resort and enjoy your resort stay
Day 2: “Nichinan Coastal Drive”
Morning: Aoshima Island travel (via Horikiri-toge Pass) → Sunmesse Nichinan → Udo Jingu Shrine Afternoon: Miyazaki Jingu → Miyazaki Heiwadai Park → Eda Shrine Evening: Unwind at Phoenix Seagaia Resort
Day 3: “Spiritual Hotspots”
Morning: Check out of the resort Morning to Afternoon: Amanoiwato Shrine → Takachiho Evening: Return your rental car (or continue your Kyushu adventure)
Miyazaki: Your gateway to relaxation, nature, and culture
In this enchanting prefecture, Japan’s vibrant mythology lives on, preserved in cultural sites beautifully entwined with nature—from forests and rivers to coastlines. The photogenic spots lure you in with their scenery and then keep you engrossed with their soul-touching auras. Then, at the end of the day, Phoenix Seagaia Resort welcomes you with an immersive stay focused on luxurious rejuvenation and exploration. So, what are you waiting for? Craft an unforgettable journey in Miyazaki.
Access to Miyazaki
Miyazaki Prefecture’s main points of access are Miyazaki Station and Miyazaki Airport, both of which are located in Miyazaki City. Miyazaki Airport services multiple domestic flights from major airports in Japan, including Haneda Airport’s Tokyo-Miyazaki flight (1h 45m flight time), Itami Airport in Osaka (1h 10m), Fukuoka Airport (45m), and Chubu Centrair International Airport in Nagoya (1h 20m).
Miyazaki Station is accessible via the JR Kirishima Line, JR Nichinan Line, Nippo Main Line, and JR Sonic-Nichirin-Hyuga Line. Listed below are routes and travel times from major stations in Kyushu.
- Hakata Station (Fukuoka): Take the Limited Express Nichirin Seagaia No. 5 train on the Sonic-Nichirin-Hyuga Line directly to Miyazaki Station (5h 30m). This train only runs once a day, and exclusion dates apply. Alternatively, you can take the Kyushu Shinkansen from Hakata Station to Kagoshimachuo Station. Then, transfer to the Kirishima Line for Miyazaki Station (3h 45m). You can also opt to take an expressway bus from Hakata Station to Miyazaki Station (4h 35m).
- Kumamoto Station: Take an expressway bus directly to Miyazaki Station (3h 45m). You can also take the Kyushu Shinkansen from Kumamoto Station to Kagoshimachuo Station. Then, transfer to the Kirishima Line for Miyazaki Station. This option is more expensive but slightly shorter in duration at 3h 25m.
- Kagoshima Station: Take the Limited Express train on the Kirishima Line directly to Miyazaki Station (2h 15m).
Phoenix Seagaia Resort offers a free shuttle service from Miyazaki Station (East Exit). Pickup is at 11am and 2pm daily. No reservation is required. If you miss the shuttle, you can also catch a local bus that drops you off directly in front of the resort (Phoenix Seagaia Ocean Tower 1F Entrance Bus Stop). From Miyazaki Airport, you can take the JR Miyazaki Airport Line to Miyazaki Station and then follow the aforementioned steps.
