The Final Meal at Miyazaki Airport
There is always a bittersweet feeling on the last day of a trip. With some time to spare before my flight, I decided to enjoy one last local meal at the Miyazaki Airport domestic terminal. After checking the ratings, I settled on Yumekagura, a restaurant located on the 3rd floor of the terminal building.
Practical Info and Atmosphere
Yumekagura is conveniently located within the airport’s restaurant row. The atmosphere is welcoming, and if you are lucky, you can snag a table with a view of the runway. The restaurant operates from 11:00 to 19:45, with the last order around 19:15. One of the most helpful features for international travelers is the ordering system; you use a tablet that supports Korean, making the process seamless.
Understanding the ‘Engawa’ Dish
When browsing the menu, you might see a dish called ‘Engawa.’ While the name typically refers to fish fin in Japanese cuisine, it is important to note that at Yumekagura, this refers to Miyazaki-style charcoal-grilled chicken tail, or bonjiri. It is a local specialty where the chicken tail is grilled over charcoal and served on a sizzling iron plate with onions.
Taste Experience
I ordered the chicken dish for 1,200 yen and added a rice and miso soup set for 450 yen, bringing my total to 1,650 yen. When the iron plate arrived, it was still sizzling, and the aroma of the charcoal was incredibly intense.
Because the chicken is grilled until the exterior is slightly charred, the smoky flavor is the first thing you notice. The meat itself is fatty, which gives it a wonderfully soft yet chewy texture. The onions served underneath the chicken were a great touch, helping to balance the richness of the meat. The seasoning was just right—not too salty—making it a perfect companion for a bowl of white rice.
Why It’s a Great Final Stop
It is easy to settle for a quick, generic meal at the airport, but I highly recommend seeking out local flavors like this before you depart. Yumekagura exceeded my expectations for airport dining; the quality was impressive, and the convenience of being right inside the terminal made for a stress-free experience. It was a satisfying end to my trip, and I would happily return on my next visit to Miyazaki.
