Happy TravellerWelcome to Miyakonojō, a city in Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan. With a rich history, beautiful landscapes, and unique local cuisine, Miyakonojō is a must-visit destination for any traveler. Let’s explore what this city has to offer.
History:
Miyakonojō is known as the birthplace of the Shimazu Estate, the largest shōen (estate or manor) of medieval Japan. The city was founded on April 1, 1924, and has a population of 161,137 as of June 1, 2019. Miyakonojō was one of the cities to abolish the han system after the Boshin War. In 1871, it became a prefecture for a year. On January 1, 2006, the towns of Takajō, Takazaki, Yamada, and Yamanokuchi were merged into Miyakonojō.
Geography:
Miyakonojō has a humid subtropical climate (Köppen climate classification Cfa), but is cooler than other cities in Miyazaki. The average temperature is 16.8 °C (62.2 °F), and it rains less than in Miyazaki City. The areas climate is influenced by its proximity to mountains. Miyakonojō is the largest city in the prefecture in terms of area.
Industry:
Many of Miyakonojō’s citizens work as farmers, producing gobō, meat, and bell peppers. Miyakonojō is also home to some agriculture-related manufacturing. The city is famous for producing traditional Japanese archery bows from the abundant bamboo in the area.
Culture:
Miyakonojō has a rich cultural heritage, with many historical sites and festivals. The Shimazu Estate is a must-visit for history buffs, while the Miyakonojō Castle Ruins offer stunning views of the city. The Miyakonojō Lantern Festival, held in August, is a popular event that attracts visitors from all over Japan. The festival features thousands of lanterns, food stalls, and traditional performances.
Notable residents:
Miyakonojō has produced many notable residents, including Tomoji Tanabe, the world’s oldest man from 1895-2009, Olympic Gold Medalist in Judo Kōsei Inoue, renowned martial arts master Gōgen Yamaguchi, manga artist Jūzō Yamasaki, actor Masatoshi Nagase, and former Governor of Miyazaki Hideo Higashikokubaru.
Current issues:
Like many cities in Miyazaki Prefecture, Miyakonojō is experiencing a declining population. This has resulted in the closure of many schools due to the decreasing number of children.
In conclusion, Miyakonojō is a city that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or just want to experience the beauty of Japan, Miyakonojō is a destination that should not be missed. Plan your trip today and discover all that this amazing city has to offer!
