Making the most of Miyazaki
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Miyazaki is a resort and tourism district in southern Kyushu.
Three ports in Miyazaki Prefecture accept cruise calls. Upgraded in 2015, Aburatsu accommodates Quantum-class ships; Miyazaki suits boutique vessels; and Hososhima can receive ships weighing up to 70,000 tons.
Bring the printable map with you.
Set on the coast and crossed by several rivers, Miyazaki City has scenic outlooks over the ocean and nearby green mountains. A popular resort for Japanese visitors, it offers many attractions, among them SeaGaia resort and event centre and the Phoenix Zoo.
Miyazaki-jingu Shrine is the city's essential sight. Built deep within woodland, it has a Torii gate, or shrine gate, made from simple unadorned timber. The shrine is highly unusual because only cedar is used in its construction.
Money
Japan uses the yen. Its banknotes are ¥10,000, ¥5,000 and ¥1,000, while coin values are ¥500, ¥100, ¥50, ¥10, ¥5 and ¥1.
ATMs across Japan are becoming more useful, and most permit withdrawals from foreign accounts. Post offices provide cash machines as well. Most stores and restaurants in large urban districts accept major cards, but carry adequate cash for rural visits. Japan is still a strongly cash-based society, and certain shops, hotels and restaurants reject cards wherever they are located.
Tipping is considered rude, so do not leave one.
Opening Hours and
Japanese shops and department stores generally trade every day, including national holidays except New Year's, from 10:00 or 10:30am until 7:30 or 8:00pm. Certain specialist shops close on Sundays and national holidays. Department stores sometimes shut for one irregular day each week, but different closing days mean shoppers can always locate an open store.
See the Public Holidays in Japan.