Indoor spots in Miyazaki you can enjoy on a rainy day

This museum features monuments and actual specimens that teach about the plants and animals found in Miyazaki. The diorama that demonstrates the way ancient people here hunted is particularly impressive. The Minka-en on the grounds features four traditional Japanese homes moved here from different parts of the prefecture, each demonstrating unique architectural styles and registered as important cultural heritages by the national and prefectural governments (the permanent exhibit is free of charge).

This facility offers visitors a chance to experience the mysteries of the universe and the fascination of science through experiment-related shows and craft workshops. Here you can take your picture with one of only two full-scale reproductions of the Apollo 11 lunar module or take in a show at Kyushu’s largest planetarium dome, and there are plenty of events for the enjoyment of children and adults.

This museum offers an opportunity to enjoy artworks from artists throughout the world, including local Miyazaki artists such as Ei-Q. The collection exhibit, which is renewed four times per year, features a large number of modern Italian sculptures in addition to paintings, and is open free of charge.

This museum offers exhibits of some of the valuable artifacts uncovered at the Ikime Burial Mounds, one of the largest collections of burial mounds in Kyushu, including clay figurines and gold ornaments. On weekdays, visitors can get a tour of the staff organizing and restoring excavated artifacts free of charge. On weekends and holidays, they offer workshops where participants can try making ancient Japanese Magatama ornaments and Haniwa unglazed earthenware. (*A materials fee is required for the workshops.)

This facility lets visitors see up close many of the living creatures from the Oyodo River, one of the leading rivers in Miyazaki, such as the endangered Japanese lates fish, one of the three largest species in Japan, and a room filled with butterflies dancing in the air. Events such as interactive experiences are also offered. They provide a nursing room so parents can bring their small children without worry. Admission is free.

Built in 1932, this is the oldest government office building in Kyushu. It is popular as a photo spot with its Gothic architectural style and massive columns around the exterior. There is a free tour in which volunteer guides explain the appeals and history of the building.
(*Guides only speak Japanese)

Visitors here can take a sake production tour at Unkai Shuzo, a producer of sake using waters purified by one of Japan’s largest laurel forests. The free factory tour lets you watch robots fill paper cartons with sake, tour the storage warehouse where a massive volume of sake is aged, and even taste some very special beers. (Reservation required)

Aya Castle, a reproduction of the mountain castle built here almost 680 years ago, is constructed entirely of wood and contains a museum inside where numerous traditional crafts are available to see and purchase, made by local artists from Aya Town, including painstakingly crafted silk textiles, woodwork, bamboo crafts, and ceramics. Visitors can also join pottery and textile making workshops.

This campground also offers activities such as canoeing and mountain biking, and even has a fishing pond and swimming pool. On rainy days, they have their own indoor bouldering facility, and shoes are available for rent. There are dedicated instructors on-site to support you, even if you are a beginner.
* All facilities will be closed from April 1, 2024 for a planned one year period for renovations.

The Mori-no-Ehon-kan, a place where you can enjoy relaxing time with your children, contains a collection of roughly 17,000 picture books and original illustrations from around the world. Among their facilities is the Kikorikan, where you can get a light meal and purchase picture books, and the Mori-no-Cottage accommodations.

This wine brewery brews wine using only grapes from local Tsuno, to a high degree of international acclaim. The paid tour takes you around the grape orchards, brewing facilities, and wine cellar guided by a winemaker. Participants can even taste two or three types of wine at the end of the tour.

This admission free museum is located within the Saitobaru Burial Mounds, a collection of over 300 burial mounds constructed from the late 3rd through the 7th century. The museum lets visitors actually touch the displays, something uncommon in Japan, giving you a sense of what life must have been like at the time.

This museum, open free to the public, is located on the site of Nobeoka Castle. The museum gives an easy-to-understand explanation of the history and culture of Nobeoka, from the paleolithic age to the present day, according to themes divided by time period and category. They also have a collection of artworks in addition to the valuable artifacts.

Mimitsu is a town that retains the atmosphere of a port town from the early modern era, and visitors can experience what it’s like to step back in time. One way to enjoy the town is to visit all the renovated traditional homes that now contain cafes and gift shops, and a walk on a rainy day offers its own quaint appeal. 

In addition to traditional performing arts such as the sacred Shiiba Kagura dance, this folk performing art museum, a rare example anywhere in Japan, also features folk performing art from all around Kyushu and Asia. They also offer a display of valuable artifacts such as photographs, folk implements, and ritual implements related to the rituals, customs, and beliefs of Shiiba Village, one of the three most secluded places in Japan. Explanatory text here is translated into English.

This winery produces Gokase Wine made using 100% local grapes from Gokase Town, grown with the town’s pristine waters. The wine is known for its fruity taste that balances sweetness and acidity. Visitors can view the wine being produced beyond a large glass window, as well as taste the wine.

The Shimazu Clan made their mark in history during the drastic changes that occurred in Japan between around 1470 and 1870. This residence is where the family resided in Miyakonojo City from around 1879. The grounds include the main gate, the main residence, a Kendo hall, and the Miyakonojo Shimazu Denshokan Museum that preserves and displays artifacts about the family’s history that were donated by the family.

Visitors to this shochu brewery can walk through the factory and observe how shochu is made at Kirishima Shuzo, a company boasting the top share in sales nationally. The free guided tour is quite popular, so make sure to make reservations in advance. The facility has a corner where you can purchase shochu and craft beer, as well as a restaurant that serves food that goes well with their drinks.

This free library features an award winning excellent design. In addition to reading, we recommend just taking a break here in the relaxed atmosphere surrounded in the fragrance of wood. There is also a cafe and space for working.

This museum offers a variety of historical exhibits related to the former Obi domain, such as traditional Japanese armor and swords.
The museum also uses projection mapping and computer graphics to offer an easy to understand introduction to the streets of Obi and their beautiful stone walls.

Komura Jutaro, who served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs no less than two times, was a great diplomat from the Meiji period who built the foundation of modern diplomacy in Japan, and is known for working to end the Russo-Japanese War in 1905. The museum offers an easy to follow explanation of Komura’s life and achievements using illustrations and dramatized video. They also introduce the Obi Castle Town using a unique approach, such as touch panels that describe sightseeing routes.