Miyazaki

Miyazaki exists as Japan's subtropical escape. While Okinawa requires a flight, Miyazaki offers palm trees and warm beaches accessible by train from Fukuoka. The "Hyuga myth" places some of Japan's creation stories here; Takachiho Gorge and its associated shrines draw spiritual tourism.

Professional baseball teams hold spring training in Miyazaki—the mild climate and good facilities attract teams from across Japan. Golfers follow similar logic. The tourism economy focuses on climate and coast rather than cultural heritage, though heritage exists.

Agriculture emphasizes the warm weather: mangoes, vegetables grown year-round, livestock (Miyazaki beef is premium grade). But isolation from major urban centers limits industrial development. By 2026, Miyazaki tests whether climate-based tourism can sustain a prefecture when competing with overseas destinations that offer cheaper warm weather. The subtropical position is asset and constraint—beautiful but peripheral, warm but distant from markets.