Sun Messe Nichinan

Sun Messe Nichinan is a sightseeing park themed around “The Sun and South-Sea Romance.” Its most eye-catching feature is the set of seven Moai statues. With special permission from the council of elders on Easter Island—the birthplace of Moai—these are said to be the only fully restored Moai statues in the world. Each statue is about 5.5 meters tall and weighs about 18 tons. Why are Moai here? In the local language of Easter Island, “Mo” means future and “Ai” means to live; the statues are said to convey the message “Live in the future.” The seven statues are believed to bring blessings (from the right when facing them) for academic success, financial luck, marriage luck, overall luck (good fortune), love luck, health luck, and career luck. The green, spacious grounds also feature an observation point with horizon views, swings, a petting ranch, and a World Heritage/Cultural Heritage gallery. Sun Messe Nichinan is operated by a religious group called “Ittoen,” and message boards from 18 religions—including Christianity, Hinduism, and Islam—are displayed. Access: by public transportation, from JR Miyazaki Station bus center, take a bus bound for Nichinan and get off at “Sun Messe Nichinan” bus stop (about 1 hour 20 minutes). By car, about 40 minutes from Miyazaki Expressway “Miyazaki IC.” It’s also about 40 minutes from Miyazaki Airport and about 50 minutes from Miyazaki Station.