| Seki-no-o Falls |
 | Seki-no-o Falls, designated as one of the Top-100 Waterfalls of Japan, consists of 3 separate waterfalls, namely Odaki, Medaki and Otaki, which is 40m wide and no less than 18m high, and is undoubtedly one of the most popular attractions of the Miyakonojo area. The world-scale potholed rock formation caused by water erosion is 600m in length with a maximum width of 80m, and was designated a national natural monument. Nearby activities include camping, swimming, and tennis, as well as ample picnic grounds. Seki-no-o Falls is a lovely place to spend the day and enjoy the beauty of nature. Google Map |
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Mochio Park |
A great place to go for a stroll any time of the year, Mochio Park, designated as one of the Top-100 Cherry Blossom Viewing Locations in Japan, is particularly beautiful in the early spring. The 2600 Somei Yoshino Sakura and Yaezakura (multi-pedaled) trees stretch along the roadside for 2km and are truly spectacular. Traditional performing arts, dancing and various other events are held during the Sakura Matsuri (Cherry Blossom Festival), which takes place from late March to early April. Google Map |  |
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| Hayamizu Park |
 | Hayamizu Park is filled with green trees, beautiful ponds and a natural spring. In late April, one can view thousands of irises blooming in the park. There are many open places to run around and play, and the grounds include several climbing structures for children. Google Map |
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Kanemidake Park |
The Miyakonojo Basin is well suited to sky sports and Kanemidake Park is a famous spot for hang gliding and paragliding. During the day, one can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Kirishimayama (the Kirishima Mountains), and the view of the city at night is quite spectacular. In autumn, more than 30000 falcons pass through on migration and the best time to see them is mid-October. Kanemidake is famous as an ideal location to observe the sea of fog that blankets the basin floor on cold mornings. There is a 2-story resting place on the top of the mountain. Light food such as udon (wheat) and soba (buckwheat) noodles are offered during lunch. A beer garden is also available during summer nights. Google Map |  |
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| History Museum |
 | The museum is built on the ruins of the Miyakonojo castle. Items that are on display reveal the Shimazu Clan’s history, and Miyakonojo’s history, culture, and traditions.
*Admission Costs 210yen for adults 150yen for high school students 100yen for children
Hours of operation : 9:30AM - 5:00PM (please enter before 4:30PM) Closed every Monday and the day after every national holiday.
The Shimazu Clan ruled the Miyakonojo area in medieval times. Google Map |
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Takachiho Farm |
 | You can experience dairy farming at Takachiho Farm. Come play with calves, milk cows, and tour the farm. Fresh hand-made dairy products, hams and sausages are available for purchase in the gift shop. Delicious barbeque is also offered at the restaurant. A great place to take the kids or for a romantic date. Link - Takachiho Farm Official Site (Japanese only) Google Map |
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| Kirishima Factory Garden |
Kirishima Shuzou is one of the largest breweries in the Miyakonojo area. Fresh made beer and various creative dishes are offered at the garden. There are also concert halls available for seminars and concerts. Moreover, the Kiri-no-Kura Museum, located inside the garden, displays artworks and items that introduce local culture. Hours: Restaurant - Open every day, 11:30am - 9:30pm (last order at 9:00pm) Shop - 9:00am - 9:30pm Beer Garden - Open mid-May through mid-September 6:00pm - 9:30pm Bakery - Open every day except Thursday 9:00am - 6:00pm Pizza/Coffee Shop - 11:00am - 3:00pm There is also a ground golf course, open from 9:00am - 5:00pm. Japanese siteGoogle Map |  |
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| Oval Patio |
 | With its colourful Southern European-style complex, the Oval Patio shopping mall features a sports shop, household grocery shop, handicraft shop and restaurants. Located in downtown Miyakonojo, near the old Daimaru Center Mall, it provides a Mediterranean shopping arcade with a relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere. Next to the shopping mall is an area designed for people who wish to start their own business.
Please contact the City of Miyakonojo, Commercial and Tourism Division if interested (Tel 0986-23-2983, Japanese only). |
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| Wellness Plaza |
This is a facility built for the citizens of Miyakonojo. There is a gallery, fully-equipped music hall and meeting rooms available for use.
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| Kumaso Park |
 | The Kirishima Mountains and Seki-no-o Falls are visible from Kumaso’s observatory. The park is divided into eight areas for different usages and abundant outdoor entertainment is offered for people of all ages. Google Map via Miten |
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| Kannon-ike Park |
Kannon-ike Park, known as the symbol of Takajo, is a famous spot for viewing cherry blossoms. There is also a Ferris wheel, go-cart track and grass skiing field available in the park, which makes the park an ideal day-trip travel spot. Paddle boat rentals: 400-800yen (depending on boat) for 20-30 minutes Ferris wheel (1 person, 1 time around): 200yen (Max 4people/car) Go-kart (1000m course): 300yen (1-seater), 400yen (2-seater) Putter golf course: 300yen (including putter rental), 200yen (bring your own putter) 720m Hillside slider course (including lift fee): Adult (older than middle school) - 400yen; Child - 300yen; 2-seater (parent and child) - 500yen Grass skiing (or hill boarding) including 2hr lift ticket - Adult (older than middle school) - 1500yen/2hr; Child - 1000yen/2hr Google Map |  |
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Kannon Sakura-no-Sato |
 | While you're at Kannon-ike Park, you'll probably want to visit the bath house!
Kannon Sakura-no-Sato is located within Kannon-ike Park and features 13 different spas. Outdoor pools are accessible to the public. Besides the pools, a hot spring facility and sauna are also available.
Operating Hours: 9:00am-10:00pm
Closed Wednesdays and every day following a national holiday.
Adults - 400yen Elementary School Students - 200yen All-Day Pass - Adults - 600yen Elementary Students - 300yen |
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| The Old Goto Merchant/Trade Museum |
Goto Isuke and his son Gohei established the Old Goto Merchant in 1900. Koto Gohei contributed greatly to land reclaimation in the Ishiyama area. He was also a great landowner around the Shibushi and Takagi areas. Furthermore, in order to help revitalize the town, Goto Gohei invited silkworm growers from Kumamoto to help bring about a boom in sericulture (silk production). Items revealing the family's history are on display at the museum.
Operating Hours: 10:00am - 4:00pm (Closed Mondays)
Admission Fee Adults - 200yen Children (through middle school) - 100yenGoogle Map |  |
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Tachibana Astronomical Observatory |
 | Tachibana Astronomical Observatory in Takazaki has been chosen as the most beautiful starlit sky in Japan seven times. The famous astronaut Mori Mamoru also visited the observatory before. Professional astronomers are there to assist visitors in discovering the mysteries of the universe. Admission Fee - Adults (300yen) Children (100yen) Google Map| Hours of Operation | Daytime | Sat, Sun, Holidays | 9:00am-5:00pm | | Nighttime | Fri, Sat | 7:00pm-10:00pm | Summer, Winter, and Spring Breaks | Daytime | M-F Sat, Sun | 1:00pm-5:00pm 9:00am-5:00pm | | Nighttime | Every day | 7:00pm-10:00pm |
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| Tsumakirishima Shrine |
Tsumakirishima Shrine is a must-see historical site. Legends from this shrine are well-known by the public such as the steep stairs at the entrance of the shrine built by demons overnight. Another famous legend involves a holy stone cleaved into two by the oldest god in Japan named Izanagi-no-Mikoto. Several large and old trees (700 and 1000 years old) help add to the mystical presence of the shrine. Google Map |  |
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Aoidake Nature Reserve |
 | One can enjoy beautiful scenery during all the seasons at the Aoidake Nature Reserve. There are camping sites, thick sulfur hot springs, wedding and convention venues in the park and the famous nagashi-soumen (lit. “flowing noodles”) dish is offered at the restaurant. |
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Ajisai (Hydrangea) Park |
The park, with an approximate total of 28000 hydrangeas encompassing 21 different varieties, is aiming to become the best hydrangea park in Japan. One can enjoy the exquisite view of Kirishimayama (the Kirishima Mountains) from the 15m tall observatory on top of the hill. Google Map |  |
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| Ichidogaoka Park |
 | The park is situated on a hill with sweeping views of the vast basin area. A 132m roller slide takes you from the top of the hill to the bottom in the blink of an eye, and there is an abundant variety of outdoor entertainment and Kyushu’s largest park golf course. Google Map |
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Inazuma Kyodo Forest |
The Inazuma Mountain is covered with a diverse evergreen forest containing varieties of beech and oak trees, and offers a hiking course with beautiful views of Mt. Takachihonomine and the Miyakonojo Basin. The fresh smell of new growth in spring and the tinted autumn leaves always attract many hikers throughout the year. |  |
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