Miyazaki in the Rainy Season
I recently spent a 2-night, 3-day solo trip to Miyazaki in June. While the rainy season meant I had to plan around the weather, the trip was a refreshing escape. Since information on this region can be sparse, I wanted to share some practical takeaways from my experience.
Where to Stay: City vs. Coast
I initially considered staying right on the beach in Aoshima for the ocean view, but given the rainy forecast, I opted for a hotel in downtown Miyazaki instead. I chose Route Inn Miyazaki near the Yamakataya Department Store.
While the building is a bit older and soundproofing isn’t perfect—common for 3-star hotels in this range—it was a practical choice. It’s located right in front of the bus stop for the airport, Aoshima, and the Aeon Mall. It’s also within a 5-minute walk of Don Quijote, the department store, and various local bars, with Miyazaki Station about a 15-minute walk away. The rooms are relatively spacious for singles, and having a public bath to soak in after a long day was a definite plus, even if it isn’t a natural hot spring.
Getting Around: The Holiday Bus Pass
If you are traveling on a weekend, the Holiday Bus Pass is essential for saving money. It covers travel to Aoshima and the airport. You can purchase it for 600 yen via the Japan Transit app, which is 100 yen cheaper than buying a paper ticket.
Keep in mind that bus intervals can be quite sparse outside the city center, so check your schedules carefully. When heading to Aoshima, note that travel time is about 45 minutes, and there is a difference in duration depending on whether the bus stops at the airport or not.
Shopping and Local Finds
For shopping, the Aeon Mall is the place to go; it’s spacious and features brands like Muji, GU, Uniqlo, and Daiso.
If you are looking for barley shochu like Hyakunen no Kodoku or Nakanaka, avoid buying them at Don Quijote, where they can be priced significantly higher (around 5,999 yen) than the retail price of about 3,800 yen. I recommend visiting specialized liquor stores like Yoshino, which sell them at the standard retail price. You can also find Nakanaka at the mart in the Aoshima Tourist Center for a fair price. A quick tip: these liquor stores are often closed on Sundays, and the airport duty-free shop has a very limited selection of alcohol, so buy your bottles in the city.
Dining Recommendations
During my stay, I enjoyed several local spots in Miyazaki city:
- Ogura Main Store: Famous for their chicken nanban.
- Nankyoku Pudding: A great spot for dessert.
- Unamaru: Highly recommended for eel rice bowls (unagi).
Miyazaki is a charming destination, and even with the rain, I found plenty to enjoy. Just remember to plan your transport ahead of time and pick up your souvenirs in the city before heading to the airport.
