Miyazaki (宮崎市,Miyazaki-shi,Japanese:[mijaꜜzaki]) is the capitalcity ofMiyazaki Prefecture on the island ofKyushu in Japan. As of September 1, 2023[update], the city had an estimatedpopulation of 397,381 in 187,859 households, and apopulation density of 620 persons per km2.[1] The total area of the city is 643.67 km2 (248.52 sq mi).
Miyazaki is located at the southern end of the Miyazaki Plain, with theŌyodo River flowing through the center and bordered by theHyūga Sea to the east. Except for the southern part, which is part of the Wanizuka Mountains, most of the area of the city consists of flatalluvial plains.
Miyazaki has ahumid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and cool winters. During the summer, the city is particularly prone to typhoons, one of which drenched the city with 587.2 millimetres (23.12 in) of rain in one day on 16 October 1939. The wettest month since records began has been September 1886 with 1,259.3 millimetres (49.58 in) and the driest was December 1988, which stands as the only month with no measurable precipitation.
Climate data for Miyazaki (1991−2020 normals, extremes 1886−present)
The area of Miyazaki was part of ancientHyūga Province. In 1551, a merchant market town called Jogasaki was established on the south bank of the Ōyodo River near Akae port, and flourished due to trade along theSeto Inland Sea with theKinai region. This settlement came under the control ofObi Domain ruled by theItō clan in theEdo period, although much of the rest of the area which is now within the city borders was a patchwork of feudal holdings ruled directly by theTokugawa shogunate as well asSadowara Domain,Satsuma Domain and others. With theabolition of the han system in 1871, the Ōyodo River was the border between "Mimitsu Prefecture" and "Miyakonojo Prefecture". When these prefectures were merged in 1873 to form Miyazaki Prefecture, a site near the geographic center was selected as the new capital, and this was the hamlet of Kitta-Beppu, located near the old settlement of Jogasaki. The town of Miyazaki was established on May 1, 1889 with the creation of the modern municipalities system. After the completion of the nationwide railroad system, many new people began to settle in the area.[6]
Miyazaki merged with the neighbouring town of Ōyodo and village of Ōmiya, and was raised to city status on April 1, 1924.[7]
On April 1, 1998, Miyazaki was designated aCore cities of Japan, giving it greater local autonomy.
On March 23, 2010, the town ofKiyotake (fromMiyazaki District) was merged into Miyazaki. Miyazaki District was dissolved as a result of this merger.[8]
Miyazaki has amayor-council form of government with a directly elected mayor and aunicameral city council of 40 members. Miyazaki contributes 12 members to the Miyazaki Prefectural Assembly. In terms of national politics, the city is part of theMiyazaki 1st district of thelower house of theDiet of Japan.
Miyazaki is primarily a regional commercial center. Although eastern Miyazaki is designated as the "Miyazaki SUN Technopolis area", there is no large-scale industry in Miyazaki City as the city is hampered by poor transportation and logistics connections with other areas of Japan. In recent years, the city has been actively attracting the information industry. Rural parts of the city are still agricultural, cultivation of tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and other crops, and food processing factories.Solaseed Air, a regional airline, has its head office in Miyazaki.
Miyazaki has 48 public elementary schools and 25 public junior high schools operated by the city government and one public junior high school and ten public high schools operated by the Miyazaki Prefectural Board of Education. There is also one national elementary school and one national junior high school affiliated with Miyazaki University. The city has seven private junior high schools and eight private high schools. The prefecture operates five special education schools for the handicapped.
Miyazaki Prefectural Office became famous as a tourist spot whenHideo Higashikokubaru, a national celebrity, became the prefectural governor of Miyazaki.
Miyazaki-jingū, a shrine in the city's centre, is one of Miyazaki's sacred dedications to Japan's first emperor,Jinmu.
Heiwadai Tower or "Peace Tower" (also known as theHakkō ichiu monument), in the expansiveHeiwadai Park, is a must-see for tourists. Originally the "Tower of the Emperor," symbolizing Japanese imperial expansion, it was renamed for peace after the events ofWorld War II.[10]
Aoshima Island and shrine boasts some rare rock formations known as the Devil's Washboard among a peaceful beach setting, and it is a popular relaxation and play destination for locals and travellers alike. TheAoshima Subtropical Botanical Garden is also located nearby and is free to the public, including their greenhouse which features colourful lighting during some summer evenings.
The Tom Watson Golf Course was produced byTom Watson, an American professional golfer.
Phoenix Zoo is a combination live animal zoo and child-centred amusement park.[11]
The Citizen's Forest is a large park near the Phoenix Zoo. Located on its grounds is the Misogi-ike, Pond of Purification, that is the birthplace of the sun goddess Amaterasu according to legend.
TheIkime Kofun Cluster includes the Ikime-no-mori Yukokan, Activity Centre, where visitors learn the history of the burial mounds and learn about ancient activities.
Kisakihama Beach, Aoshima Beach, and Shirahama Beach aresurfing spots within the city limits.
Kaeda Valley is a free public park and natural reserve featuring walking paths and hiking trails (various difficulty levels and estimated times to completion). Kaeda is a forested area with a river running through it.[12]
TheKirishima Sports Complex consists of various athletic facilities, such as running trails, a stadium, tennis courts, an outdoor ropes course, etc. as well as some indoor meeting space.[13] The complex hosts various sports games/matches and events throughout the year, including the Aoshima Taiheiyo Marathon.[14]
Florante Miyazaki is a botanical park that features floral displays and a popular winter lights display.[15]
