Miyazaki Prefecture
Miyazaki Prefecture (宮崎県) is in southeastern Kyushu, Japan, along the Pacific coast. It borders Ōita to the north, Kumamoto to the northwest, and Kagoshima to the west. The capital and largest city is Miyazaki; other major cities include Miyakonojō, Nobeoka, and Hyūga. The prefecture covers about 7,735 square kilometers and has a population of about 1 million people.
Historically, the area was known as Hyūga Province. It became Miyazaki Prefecture in 1873, was briefly merged back into Kagoshima in 1876, and became independent again in 1883.
Miyazaki has a long Pacific coastline and mountains. It is home to notable natural features, such as the Hyuganatsu fruit and two virgin palm forests, including a population on Aoshima island near Miyazaki—the northernmost wild palm population in its range. The rare fungus Chorioactis geaster is found in Miyazaki, one of only a few places on Earth.
About 12% of the land is designated as natural parks, including national and quasi-national parks that protect beaches, cliffs, forests, and volcanic landscapes.
The prefecture is popular for outdoor activities like beach-going and hiking, and it hosts various local sports teams and events.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 05:30 (CET).