Miyazaki Shrine

Coming to Miyazaki, you should not miss Miyazaki Shrine. The whole shrine complex consists of Miyazaki Shrine, Gokuku Shrine and Goshoinari Shrine. Miyazaki Shrine, the main and most important building, enshrines the first emperor of Japan, Emperor Jimmu (710 BC-584 BC), and his parents. Though the exact time of building the shrine is unknown, it’s said that the shrine was originally built by the grandson of Emperor Jimmu to pay tribute to Jimmu’s eastward crusade. The current shrine was rebuilt in 1907.

The shrine complex receives about 60,000 visitors every year. What attract the visitors are not only three unique shrine buildings, but also thick forest and special gates called "torii". Most importantly, visitors come to seek spiritual refreshment and pray for a better life.

The Primary Hall of Miyazaki Shrine

Miyazaki Shrine

Emperor Jimmu (710 BC-584 BC)

It’s said that he was born in Miyazaki Prefecture in around 7th century BC and lived for 127 years. Another story says that Emperor Jimmu is the descendant of the sun goddess Amaterasu.

Emperor Jimmu succeeded in conquering the eastern region to Miyazaki at the age of 45 and unifying Japan, so that he is regarded as the first emperor of Japan. His stories are written in Nihon Shoki and Kojiki, which are two historical books. 

What You Will See in Miyazaki Shrine

Three Shrines Surrounded by Dense Forests

Miyazaki Shrine is made of unpainted cedarwood, which presents visitors with a sense of elegance and simplicity. There is a path leading to the main building, and the path is flanked by traditional stone lanterns hidden among giant trees: cedar, camphor, and pine trees. All the above contributes to a serene environment where visitors can meditate and feel refreshed.

There are two other shrines except for the main shrine. Gokoku Shrine is located to the west of Miyazaki Shrine and enshrines people died for Japan in the wars. Gojo Inari Shrine enshrines the god in charge of agriculture. 

Eye-Catching Toriis 

Red Torii in Miyazaki Shrine

Torii is a kind of giant gate usually made of cedar. Actually, they don’t look like common gates but are more similar to archways
with two pillars and one or two beams. It represents the entrance to the domain of gods and It’s said that torii can prevent anything bad outside the shrine. Whoever comes across the torii should be careful of what they say and what they do. 

The torii in front of Miyazaki Shrine is big in size and unpainted in its original wooden color. Besides, Gojo Inari Shrine stands with a line of smaller red toriis, which makes Gojo Inari Shrine a good place to take photos.

What to Pray for

People come to different shrines to pray for different wishes. Because of Emperor Jimmu’s success in conquering east region, people come to Miyazaki Shrine to pray for passing exams or getting good grades. Besides, since the shrine at the same time enshrines the parents of Emperor Jimmu, people also come here to pray for a harmonious family or a safe birth.

In addition, Gojo Inari shrine responds to wishes for harvests, booming business, and good luck.

Miyazaki Shrine Festival

Miyazaki Shrine Festival, the biggest festival in Miyazaki, is in late October, and around 100,000 people join the parade every year. There are processions of Mikoshi, which gods take to patrol their domains in Japanese myths, Japanese traditional dance performances, dramatic performances, and markets during Miyazaki Shrine Festival. The grand parade usually sets off from Miyazaki Shrine and ends up in the center of Miyazaki.

Miyazaki Shrine Festival

How to Get Here

By Train: Take the JR train for 3 minutes from Miyazaki Station to Miyazaki-jingu Station. The ticket is 160 yen. After getting out of the station, walk towards south and turn right at the first turning. After 6 minutes, you’ll reach Miyazaki Shrine.

By Bus: From Miyazaki Station, you may also take bus bound for Shusen no Mori for 10 stops and get off at Miyazaki-jingu Station, then walk north and turn west at the first traffic lights to the shrine. The total walking distance is about 100 meters (110 yards).

Ticket: Free

Opening Time: All Day

Nearby Attractions

Heiwadai Park: Heiwadai Park is a place to admire the 37-meter-high (121 feet) Peace Monument and enjoy the beautiful view of cherry blossoms and other flowers. Besides, the recreation facilities here can ensure your families to spend quality time. To get to Heiwadai Park from Miyazaki Shrine, you need to walk towards north after coming out of Miyazaki Shrine. Then turn left at the first crossroad and walk straight along the road until you see the park. The total walking distance is no more than 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles).

Miyazaki Prefecture Art Museum: Walking for 4 minutes towards southeast, you will reach Miyazaki Art Museum. The museum displays modern paintings and sculptures. Most importantly, the museum shows works of artists who are either from Miyazaki Prefecture or in some way connected to the prefecture. You may choose to visit the museum if you are interested in the local art style. The ticket is free.