If you ask Miyazaki tour operators which sights are most popular in this southeastern region of Kyushu, along with Takachiho it is certain that Aoshima will be one of the first mentioned. Every day starting when the red sun rises high above the horizon of the Pacific Ocean until it disappears behind the soft green mountains of the Kaeda Valley, hundreds of people from tour groups visit Aoshima. Aoshima island is truly a place containing many great spiritual values, the eagle worshiping on the beach and the red eagle gate are unmistakable symbols. However, the Aoshima area is more than just idyllic island angels and bedrock volcanic rocks.
Unbeknownst to most visitors to Miyazaki, and many locals, the beautiful Japanese garden is out of sight of highway cyclists and fast travelers. It has all the features of a Japanese garden loved by everyone such as bonsai trees, brightly colored carp ponds, ancient bridges reflecting serenely on the water and the gentle sounds of waterfall as if you were being given some precious treasures. It's so quiet that in the past 6 years I've been coming to the garden, I've never seen more than 4 or 5 people here.
Entering autumn, the Changing Leaves provide a kaleidoscope of striking colors that outline the clear pond surface. You can walk along the well-maintained paths at any time of the day during this season, or rest peacefully in the bamboo huts, feeling like you are in another world, where you can picture Basho writing haiku amid the sounds of koto or shamisen. This is also the best time to take photos of the garden, if you are lucky you will see couples taking wedding photos in traditional kimonos and hakama. The combination of the graceful beauty of traditional Japanese clothing with the beautiful scenery of this Japanese garden will make you realize that the scenery in Japan can be special at any time.
This garden called Hyuga Keishu-en is located inside Miyazaki Undo-koen. There is no entrance fee, customers can visit here on closed days regardless of the season of the year. Miyazaki Undo-koen is an athletic area that supports basketball courts, soccer fields, track fields, track and field, and entertainment areas. The garden is located on the south side of the athletics stadium. One would think that with so many sports fields nearby the garden would be unlikely to be quiet. However, this is a valid case.
Go there
If traveling by car, visitors can park in the parking lot and it only takes 5 minutes to walk to the garden. You will not be charged a parking fee, however on event days you will have to pay a small account for the parking fee. Alternatively, you can also catch the train to Undo Koen station and walk about 15 minutes to the garden. No matter how you decide to visit the garden, it will be a memorable experience.
