Miyazaki-ken (Prefecture) is located on the southeast coast of Kyushu on the Pacific Ocean. The area is subtropical and is characterized by the third mildest climate in Japan. Details you will find here.
Miyazaki City
Miyazaki Jingu
Myazaki-Jingu is a shrine in honor of the first Japanese emperor Jimmu. The current building was renovated in 1907 and the foundations are estimated to be around 600 years old.
It is believed that the shrine as such is over 2600 years old.
According to Japanese mythology, Emperor Jimmu was an offspring of the sun goddess Amaterasu. Although the story is not accurate, it is generally accepted that Japanese emperors have ruled for more than 1,500 years and that they all descend from the same imperial family.
Heiwadai Park
Heiwadai Park, or Peace Tower Park, was built in 1940 to celebrate the 2600th anniversary of the ascension of Emperor Jimmu, the mythical first emperor of Japan, on what is believed to be the original site of his capital. Inside the park stands the Peace Tower, or Heiwadainoto, a tower constructed of stones sent from all around Asia and one of Miyazaki’s most recognizable landmarks.The Peace Tower was meant to symbolize a united world. On the front of the tower is the phrase “Hakko Ichiu”, which is attributed to Emperor Jimmu and means “United under one roof”. While it is somewhat ambiguous what he meant, this was often used as a rallying cry for imperialists who believed that peace would reign once Asia was united under Japanese leadership.
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Tsubakiyama Forest Park
The park is located in an area between the southwest of Miyazaki City and the city of Kitago. “Obisugi” (Japanese cedar) grow in the mountains of Miyazaki-ken. The trees were planted after World War II to boost the production of wood. And to replace cut down trees due to the beginning of reconstruction in Japan. Within the park there is a large area called “Yabu-tsubaki” because of the wild camellias that grow there. Tsubaki is the Japanese word for camellia. The “Tsubakiyama Forest Park” camellia park was officially opened on May 1990. Internationally, it was soon recognized as the “Number One Camelia Park” around the world. Around 48,000 different kinds of camellias grow in the park. In between you will find the cedar trees and occasionally a beautiful magnolia tree. The area covers over 40 hectares.
The “mountain” is at an altitude of approx. 400 m, although you have to remember that the start is almost 0 meters above sea level. It takes about 45 minutes by car from the center of Miyazaki City. A bus doesn’t run. A rental car is recommended. Drive carefully, it is on a narrow road.
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