Things to Do in Miyazaki: A Guide to the Prefecture's Family-Friendly Gems
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Discover the best family-friendly attractions in beautiful Miyazaki, Japan. Enjoy pottery-making, horseback riding, and farm-to-table food. The stunning nature and hands-on experiences make for unforgettable memories. Perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers!
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Tokyo, Japan
MATCHA's promotional account for corporate and local government advertising. We aim to provide useful information to our readers in an enjoyable manner.
Ideal Two-Day Itinerary in Miyazaki Prefecture
If you’re seeking a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, Miyazaki Prefecture in Kyushu is a destination that caters to all, from families with children to couples and solo travelers. Its wide range of attractions, including pottery-making at Yukinotou, horseback riding at South Hill Stable, and soba-making at Kokokyan Guesthouse, provide a perfect mix of culture and fun. The stunning Ebino Highlands and serene landscapes of Mi-ike Crater Lake offer nature-lovers plenty of opportunities to unwind.
For families, it’s a treasure trove of enriching experiences set against serene mountains and lush landscapes, creating moments to bond and explore. Couples and singles, meanwhile, will appreciate the romantic charm of Miyazaki’s peaceful countryside and engaging activities. Below is a suggested two-day itinerary to help you navigate Miyazaki’s must-visit spots, ensuring a fulfilling and unforgettable trip.
Day 1
Picture courtesy of Snow Peak Café Miyakonojo
Morning: Arrive at Miyazaki Airport, kick things off with pottery-making at Yukinotou.
Lunch: Visit Takachiho Farm for a farm-to-table meal and animal interaction.
Afternoon: Enjoy horseback riding at South Hill Stable and a stop at the picturesque Sekinoo Falls.
Evening: Unwind at Snow Peak Cafe Miyakonojo before checking into your hotel.
Day 2
Morning: Start with a trek at Ebinodake, followed by a scenic exploration of the Ebino Highlands.
Lunch: Engage in a soba-making experience at Kokokyan Guesthouse and savor your handmade noodles.
Afternoon: Visit the tranquil Mi-ike Crater Lake to soak in its beauty.
Below are details on some of the handpicked highlights, from immersive cultural activities to serene nature escapes, tailored to suit the preferences of Singaporean travelers seeking unique, enriching, and memorable experiences in Japan. Let the journey begin!
Craft Your Own Masterpiece at Pottery Studio Yukinotou
Picture courtesy of Pottery studio Yukinotou
Perfect for: Art enthusiasts, creative children, and families looking for unique souvenirs.
Kick start your Miyazaki journey at pottery studio Yukinotou, a delightful atelier tucked away in the serene town of Takajo-cho, Miyakonojo-shi. This inviting space lets visitors of all ages dive into traditional Japanese ceramics.
Picture courtesy of Pottery studio Yukinotou
Whether you’re painting vibrant designs on plates and bowls, shaping pottery on a manual wheel, or trying your hand at the electric pottery wheel, every activity is guided by skilled artisans to ensure a rewarding experience.
For families with young children, creating handprint keepsakes adds a touch of personal charm to your visit. With prices starting at just 600 yen, this affordable experience is both enriching and accessible. Seasonal workshops and regular classes bring even more creative opportunities, making it an ideal stop for families, couples, or solo travelers.
Open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (except Wednesdays), Yukinotou offers a perfect blend of tradition, creativity, and relaxation.
Discover Farm Life at Takachiho Farm
Perfect for: Animal lovers and those eager for a farm-to-table experience.
Takachiho Farm is your gateway to rural Japan, where hands-on fun meets fresh country air.
Picture courtesy of Takachiho Farm
Kids will be all smiles as they milk cows, feed goats, and get up close with sheep, while the whole family can dive into workshops making fresh butter, sausages, or creamy ice cream—yum! The best part? You get to enjoy your creations on the spot.
Picture courtesy of Takachiho Farm
Picture courtesy of Takachiho Farm
When it's time for a meal, the restaurant within the farm serves dishes made with local ingredients, such as Miyazaki beef and rich dairy products, allowing you to enjoy the true flavors of the countryside. Surrounded by Miyazaki’s rolling hills, the farm’s wide-open fields are perfect for kids to explore and parents to unwind.
Horseback Riding with Stunning Views at South Hill Stable
Picture courtesy of South Hill Stable
Perfect for: Families craving fun and Instagram-worthy moments.
Imagine trotting along scenic trails—welcome to South Hill Stable, where horseback riding turns into an unforgettable adventure filled with breathtaking scenery. On clear days, you can take in the majestic view of Mt. Takachiho of the Kirishima Mountains, while on the opposite side, Sakurajima floats in Kinko Bay.
Picture courtesy of South Hill Stable
Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a total newbie, the friendly horses and professional guides have got you covered. Little ones can ride safely too, making this perfect for family fun. All the elements combined create an atmosphere that’s both exciting and relaxing.
For Singaporeans, this is your chance to trade skyscrapers for wide-open fields and just breathe. Bonus: it’s great for your photo reel, too!
If you have some more time after visiting South Hill Stable, be sure to stop by Sekinoo Falls, one of Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls. This impressive waterfall, with a width of 40 meters and a drop of 18 meters, is worth a visit.
Seasonal Beauty and Outdoor Fun at Ebino Highlands
Perfect for: Nature-loving families and adventurers of all ages.
The Ebino Highlands are a dream destination for families eager to dive into Japan’s stunning natural beauty. Famous for its serene volcanic lakes and fiery autumn foliage, this area has something for everyone.
Kids who are at least 10 years old can get their adrenaline fix with stand-up paddle-boarding (SUP) on the tranquil waters, while the whole family can kick back and relax in the natural hot spring foot baths dotted around the area.
No matter when you visit, the landscapes are a treat—snow-covered peaks in winter, lush greenery in summer, and vibrant reds and oranges in autumn.
Well-marked trails offer the perfect way to explore the area’s flora and fauna, with helpful signboards adding a dash of education to your adventure.
Make and Eat Your Own Soba at Kokokyan Guesthouse
Perfect for: Families, couples, and solo travelers seeking cultural immersion and hands-on culinary fun.
Nestled in the serene countryside of Miyazaki, Kokokyan Guesthouse offers a refreshing change from the fast-paced urban life of Singapore.
Renovated from a log cabin and an old house by the owner himself, the property exudes charm and warmth. The handcrafted furniture and traditional irori (sunken hearth) in the living room create the perfect setting for a relaxing farm stay.
Guests can immerse themselves in the art of soba noodle-making, shaping buckwheat noodles by hand while soaking in the slower pace of rural Japan. The activity is simple yet fulfilling, making it an engaging way to connect with Japanese traditions.
The cozy farmhouse accommodations, paired with the host's warm hospitality, offer an enriching retreat. For Singaporeans, Kokokyan Guesthouse provides a unique opportunity to escape city life, unwind in nature, and experience authentic rural Japanese living.
If you have time before your stay at Kokokyan Guesthouse, be sure to visit Snow Peak Cafe Miyakonojo. This special cafe offers homemade sweets and craft beer along with the natural surroundings of Sekinoo Park.
Getting to Miyazaki: Travel Tips for Singaporean Families
Planning your travel route from Singapore to Miyazaki is simple, thanks to Kyushu’s accessible airports and transportation options. Here are some tips to help ensure a smooth trip:
- Flights to Fukuoka: There are direct flights to Fukuoka. After arriving at Fukuoka Airport, you can access Miyazaki Prefecture via domestic flights, highway buses, or JR express trains. Alternatively, you can take the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Hakata Station to Shin-Yatsushiro Station and then continue to Miyazaki Station via highway bus. The Shinkansen from Fukuoka offers a scenic ride and is a fun experience for kids.
- Nearby Airports: For those wishing to explore other parts of Kyushu, Kagoshima and Kumamoto Airports are also good options. Both are a few hours drive from Miyazaki, and car rentals are available at these airports for families looking to explore at their own pace.
- Public Transportation: Japan’s trains and buses are family-friendly. Features like reserved seating, strollers on board, and elevators at stations make traveling in Kyushu easy. The JR Kyushu Pass allows unlimited train travel in the area, ideal for families planning multiple stops.
For a family-friendly experience, look for travel accommodations that cater to children, like hotels with play areas or ryokan (traditional inns). Some ryokan even offer private baths for families.
These options not only ensure convenience but also provide a relaxing environment after a day of activities. Some hotels go the extra mile with dedicated kids’ play zones, babysitting services, or meal options tailored to younger guests. Ryokan often add a special touch with traditional tatami rooms and warm, soothing baths that families can enjoy together in privacy.
Private onsen facilities add an extra layer of indulgence, allowing families to soak and relax in a serene, exclusive setting. These thoughtful amenities make it easier for families to unwind, recharge, and enjoy their Miyazaki adventure to the fullest.
Miyazaki, a Refreshing Escape for Singaporean Travelers
Miyazaki offers Singaporean families a perfect balance of culture, nature, and hands-on fun that’s hard to resist. Picture your kids trying their hand at pottery or hopping on a horse for the first time—it’s the kind of holiday where everyone ends up with stories to tell. The region’s slower pace is a welcome change from the hustle of city life, making it a great place to bond, explore, and create memories in a safe, scenic setting.
Couples and solo travelers will also find plenty to love. From peaceful countryside stays to activities like soba-making or exploring serene landscapes, Miyazaki offers the chance to recharge and connect with Japanese culture in a personal way. This is a destination that blends warmth, discovery, and charm, making every trip memorable.
Sponsored by Miyazaki Prefecture
MATCHA's promotional account for corporate and local government advertising. We aim to provide useful information to our readers in an enjoyable manner.
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