Miyazaki City (宮崎市)

Miyazaki City is the active hub of the prefecture. The ‘Zak, it is also the one that sees the biggest influx of all things hip, current, and progressive, offering a vast array of museums, niche restaurants and nightlife. The ALTs and other foreign folk who live here would certainly attest to no end of things to do, places to discover, and experiences to unearth.

Founded in 1924, Miyazaki City is one of the youngest cities in the entire country. In 2006, as happens with many sprawls taking over the domains of outlying towns and villages, the towns of Sadowara, Takaoka and Tano merged into Miyazaki City. This city has an approximate population of 400,000, and is the second-largest in the prefecture.

City Website: http://www.city.miyazaki.miyazaki.jp/index.html
Tourism Website: http://www.miyazaki-city.tourism.or.jp/

Important Places

Miyazaki Station (宮崎駅)
The main train station is in walking distance to the central business district and an excellent planetarium. NOTE: Minami Miyazaki Station (one stop south) is where you will need to change trains for certain trains that travel onward to the southern part of the prefecture.

Kencho (県庁)
The Kencho is a common destination for ALTs as this is the prefectural headquarters of the program and host to a number of fine Miyazaki JET Programme participants. The Kencho is also a well-known public landmark with its unique architecture and association with famous ex-governor Higashikokubaru Hideo. To get to the Kencho you can follow Tachibana-dori south until you see the tree-lined street leading east (if you reach the City Hall or cross the river you have gone too far). Or go from Miyazaki Station, exit west and turn south onto the road that runs perpendicular to Takachiho-dori, and follow this one south until you reach the tree lined straight that runs west. “Tree lined street” seems vague, but it’s very hard to miss this street, and it is very important since not only is the Kencho on this street, but the Immigration Office (where you will need to go to get visas), and the Central Police Station (where you will need to go if you get in trouble) are situated here.

City Hall (市役所)
On Tachibana-dori at the most southern end before you cross the river is the City Hall, where you will need to go for paperwork involving foreigner registration if you live in Miyazaki City. There is underground parking that is relatively inexpensive (usually free for short stays). Across the street from the city hall is an excellent udon (うどん) restaurant; however it is only open for lunch.