Miyazaki-city Phonenix Zoo

A park said to be the site where the capital of legendary Emperor Jimmu used to stand. The park is known for Heiwadai Tower (平和の塔) or Peace Tower (also known as the Hakkō ichiu monument) built as a symbol of world peace. It's also home to the famous Haniwa Garden with hundreds of haniwa, which were once placed around ancient burial mounds, scattered around.

Features dynamic exhibits about the prefecture's flora and fauna, along with historic and cultural exhibits. Behind the museum are a handful of preserved buildings moved here from villages in Miyazaki Prefecture's interior. The buildings called minka-en (民家園) by locals.

A shrine in the city's center, sacred to Japan's first emperor, Jinmu. There are two shrines in the place: one is the main shrine on the east side, and the other one is the Miyazaki Gokoku Shrine (宮崎縣護國神社) on the west side. The Miyazaki Gokoku Shrine, sacred soldiers who died in World War II, is much smaller than the main one. A path between the two shrines can lead visitors to the Miyazaki Prefectural Museum of Nature and History.

Has a permanent collection but is best visited for its special exhibitions, so it's best to check what will be featured during your visit.

Has a variety of interactive science exhibits and a planetarium.

It is not known when or who built the original castle, but it was expanded by Yoshisuke Ito and used as his residence. One of the palace buildings has been rebuilt as the Sadowara History and Folk Museum (also free). The rest of the former castle can be seen via walking trails on and around the hill.