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Miyazaki (city)

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Miyazaki is the capital city of Miyazaki Prefecture. It is located on the island of Kyushu in Japan.

Downtown of Miyazaki City01
Downtown of Miyazaki City01

The city serves as a major regional commercial center for the area. It is situated at the southern end of the Miyazaki Plain. The Ōyodo River flows through the very center of the city. To the east, the land meets the Hyūga Sea. Most of the city consists of flat alluvial plains. However, the southern portion contains the Wanizuka Mountains.

The geography of the city creates a specific climate. Miyazaki has a humid subtropical climate. This means the summers are hot and humid. The winters are generally cool. The city is particularly prone to typhoons during the summer months. One typhoon on 16 October 1939 brought massive amounts of rain in a single day. Records show that September 1886 was the wettest month on record. Conversely, December 1988 was the driest month, with no measurable precipitation at all.

SeaGaia - Miyazaki Ocean Dome - outside
SeaGaia - Miyazaki Ocean Dome - outside

The history of the region is very old. The area was once part of the ancient Hyūga Province. In 1551, a merchant market town called Jogasaki was established. It sat on the south bank of the Ōyodo River near Akae port. This town flourished because of trade along the Seto Inland Sea. During the Edo period, the area was part of various feudal holdings. These included the Obi Domain, the Sadowara Domain, and the Satsuma Domain. The Tokugawa shogunate also ruled parts of the area directly.

Modern Miyazaki began to take shape in the late 1800s. In 1871, the han system was abolished. At that time, the Ōyodo River served as a border between two prefectures. These were Mimitsu Prefecture and Miyakonojo Prefecture. In 1873, these two merged to form Miyazaki Prefecture. The hamlet of Kitta-Beppu was chosen as the new capital site. This site was near the old Jogasaki settlement. The modern municipality was officially established on May 1, 1889.

Heiwadai tower
Heiwadai tower

The city has grown significantly over many decades. After the nationwide railroad system was completed, many new people settled there. Miyazaki merged with the town of Ōyodo and the village of Ōmiya. It was officially raised to city status on April 1, 1924. In 1998, it was designated a Core city of Japan. This status gave the city greater local autonomy. More growth occurred through mergers in 2006 and 2010. These mergers included Sadowara, Tano, Takaoka, and Kiyotake. As a result, the Miyazaki District was dissolved.

Today, the city has a large and diverse population. In 2020, the census recorded 401,339 people living in Miyazaki. The economy is a mix of industry and agriculture. The city is a regional hub for commerce. Some areas, like the Miyazaki SUN Technopolis, focus on technology. However, the city faces challenges with transportation and logistics connections. Because of this, there is no large-scale industry. Instead, the city is actively trying to attract the information industry. Rural areas remain focused on farming. Farmers grow crops like tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers.

Miyazaki Airport 20170318
Miyazaki Airport 20170318

Miyazaki is also a place of culture and tourism. The Miyazaki-jingū shrine is a sacred site for the first emperor, Jinmu. Heiwadai Park features the Heiwadai Tower, also known as the Peace Tower. This monument was originally called the Tower of the Emperor. It was renamed to symbolize peace after World War II.

Aoshima July 2011
Aoshima July 2011

Visitors also enjoy Aoshima Island. It has unique rock formations called the Devil's Washboard. The city is well-connected by many transport links. Travelers use Miyazaki Airport or the Nippō Main Line.

Miyazaki Station 20170219
Miyazaki Station 20170219

The city remains a vital part of Kyushu's social and economic life.

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🖼️ Images & Media (8)
File:Downtown of Miyazaki City01.jpg
Downtown of Miyazaki City01.jpg
File:Miyazaki Airport 20170318.jpg
Miyazaki Airport 20170318.jpg
File:Miyazaki Station 20170219.jpg
Miyazaki Station 20170219.jpg
File:JP Expressway E10.svg
JP Expressway E10.svg
File:JP Expressway E78.svg
JP Expressway E78.svg
File:SeaGaia - Miyazaki Ocean Dome - outside.jpg
SeaGaia - Miyazaki Ocean Dome - outside.jpg
File:Aoshima July 2011.jpg
Aoshima July 2011.jpg
File:Heiwadai tower.jpg
Heiwadai tower.jpg
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