Exploring Miyazaki: A Delightful Journey of History and Culinary Delights

Takuya Shimada
Japan Insider
Published in
4 min readJul 1, 2023

Introduction

In this blog post, I want to share my exciting trip to Miyazaki during the spring season. It was a four-day adventure filled with fascinating discoveries, delicious food, and memorable experiences. Join me as I take you through the highlights of my journey.

Sora-Ben — A Must-Have Mission at Tokyo Haneda Airport

Before boarding my flight, I couldn’t resist the temptation of picking up a delectable Bento box. Tokyo Haneda Airport offers a wide variety of mouthwatering options, making it a mandatory pre-flight ritual for me.

Miyazaki Airport — Gateway to Adventure

After a two-hour flight, I arrived at Miyazaki Airport, where the adorable Exeggutor, a Pokémon mascot, welcomed me. Excitement filled the air as I embarked on my exploration of this unknown town.

Discovering Obi — A Town Steeped in History

As I pondered on where to begin my journey, I stumbled upon the charming town of Obi. Its name intrigued me, and it promised to be a perfect destination for history enthusiasts like myself. It turned out to be an excellent choice.

A short ten-minute walk from Obi station led me to a picturesque street that exuded a nostalgic old-world charm. Some of the buildings were open to visitors, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the ambiance of bygone days.

To my delight, I discovered a local food gem called Ito-tei, renowned for its delicious Chiken-nanban set, a popular Miyazaki dish. The flavors surpassed my expectations, making it the best Chiken-nanban I’ve ever tasted.

Continuing my exploration, I made my way to the magnificent Obi Castle, adorned with cherry blossoms. Inside, I had the opportunity to explore various rooms, including the Lord’s chamber, which transported me back in time, evoking a sense of nobility.

Toki Coffee — A Serendipitous Find

During my stroll back to the station, I stumbled upon a quaint little café named Toki Coffee. The café was run by a friendly elderly gentleman, and I couldn’t resist trying their coffee, despite my previous concerns about caffeine. To my relief, the coffee was pure and free of impurities, allowing me to savor a cup without any negative effects on my health.

The Dormy Inn — A Comfortable Retreat

My hotel was located in a different area from Obi, so I had to take a two-hour train journey. Opting for the cost-effective and reliable “dormy inn” chain, I checked into a comfortable room. One of the highlights was the Natural-Onsen (hot spring) with a sauna, a perfect way to unwind after a day of exploration.

Indulging in Paella — A Culinary Extravaganza

Being a paella enthusiast, I couldn’t resist trying a Spanish restaurant near my hotel. The evening was nothing short of spectacular as I relished the flavors of squid ink paella, seafood, and paired them with a delightful glass of wine.

And that concludes the first day of my extraordinary trip to Miyazaki. From historical treasures to delectable cuisine, this city has captured my heart. Stay tuned for more adventures in the upcoming blog posts!

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Takuya Shimada
Japan Insider

Japanese software engineer who loves traveling & learning about cultures. Rediscovering Japanese culture/history. Interested in various lifestyles.