| Tourists flock to Japan for many reasons. Some want | | | | Aoshima near Miyazaki city, and further north you will |
| to admire the cherry blossoms, rice paddies, futuristic | | | | find an active surf scene at Kanegahama and |
| cities, and ancient ways of a rich culture; but for others | | | | Okuragahama. All these spots are beach breaks with |
| Japan represents adventure. Rather than just observe, | | | | a sand bottom. They are good for all levels of surfer |
| they leap right into the rugged landscapes, hiking lofty | | | | and you will often find large crowds of surfers here, |
| peaks, skiing through fresh powder snows, and | | | | especially on the weekends. |
| plunging down waterfalls in rubber rafts. | | | | For more skilled surfers who want a challenge, they |
| Japan's secrets are still being revealed to foreigners, | | | | will want to try the Nichinan area which has numerous |
| who little by little, are catching on that the land of the | | | | reef breaks that produce powerful waves. If you |
| rising sun has something for everyone. | | | | aren't familiar with the area or the lingo it can be a bit |
| Off the normal travel circuit for foreigners, | | | | tricky to figure out which spots to go to, so if you want |
| Miyazaki-ken has a lot to offer, and in the hot summer | | | | to make sure you get the best possible waves, |
| months the cool breezes and deep blue seas become | | | | contact Typhoon Surf Tours. They can arrange a 10 |
| very appealing. The coastline of Miyazaki also offers | | | | day surf adventure for you. |
| some of the best surfing in Japan, and it may just give | | | | Other Adventures in Miyazaki |
| adventurous travelers another reason to get on the | | | | If the surfs not good in Miyazaki there are also plenty |
| plane. | | | | of other adventures to be had. The mountainous |
| Miyazaki | | | | terrain has many fun hikes, ranging from easy to |
| The Miyazaki area is located on Kyushu, the southern | | | | challenging, and the many rivers create some tranquil |
| most of Japan's 4 main islands. The main city is | | | | swimming holes for a cooling dip. Of course there are |
| Miyazaki City, population 350,000, and it offers a wide | | | | many Onsens (hot springs) as well if you prefer a hot |
| array of hotels, restaurants, and bars. There are many | | | | soak. |
| things to see and do in the region; you can visit the | | | | Kayaking and Scuba Diving opportunities also abound |
| famous Udo-shrine, Aya castle, or the world's highest | | | | in the clear waters of the south, and several operators |
| suspension bridge. But when it comes to adventure | | | | can take you out for a day on the sea. |
| travel, most people head to the ocean or the | | | | When to Go |
| mountains. | | | | Whether you're a surfer or not, summer is a great |
| The real beauty of the area lies in its natural | | | | time to be in Miyazaki. Why not escape the urban |
| environments. The Pacific Ocean is never far from | | | | areas and cool down beside the ocean? Those |
| view, and the southern highways meander through | | | | chasing the big waves will want to come in |
| quaint fishing port towns, nestled between the crashing | | | | September or October. |
| waves and the deep greens of thickly forested | | | | How to Get There |
| mountains. And when it comes to mountains there are | | | | Both JAL and ANA have many daily flights to |
| some big ones! The Ebino plateau has several peaks | | | | Miyazaki Airport from most major cities across Japan. |
| that are worthy of a climb. The fact that one is an | | | | It is about 1.5 hours from Tokyo. |
| active volcano just adds to the intrigue. | | | | Where to Stay |
| Surfing in Miyazaki | | | | This will depend on your budget. Miyazaki city has |
| The jewel in Miyazaki's crown for adventure | | | | several business hotels for around 6000yen per night, |
| enthusiasts is its waves. The whole area has great | | | | the Aoshima and Seagaia areas have some more |
| surfing, from Nobeoka in the north, right down to | | | | luxurious options. For those on a tight budget, try the |
| Nichinan. Surfing can be done all year round, but you | | | | YHA in Miyazaki city. |
| have more chance of finding big waves between | | | | Getting Around |
| August and October because of the Typhoon season | | | | To pack as much adventure as possible into your trip, |
| swells. The water is also nice and warm at this time. | | | | you will need a car. The train system will not get you |
| Surf Gear | | | | far off the beaten track. Rental cars can be arranged |
| If you need surfing equipment in Miyazaki you will have | | | | at Miyazaki Airport. To find your way around you |
| no trouble finding it. The local population is mad keen on | | | | might need a good map. Stop by the Miyazaki |
| surfing and surf shops dot the highways and cities. | | | | International Centre in Miyazaki City and they will help |
| Surf Spots | | | | you out. |
| The main spots for surfing include Kizaki-hama and | | | | |