Miyazaki Prefectural office

Miyazaki Prefectural Office is the 4th-oldest surviving prefectural office building in Japan and was constructed over 80 years ago. Built in a modern Gothic style influenced by European château architecture and church design, it is the only prewar prefectural office facility still standing in Kyushu. Visitors can freely tour the interior, and the contrast between the plants on the grounds and the historic building creates an exotic, tropical-Miyazaki atmosphere. Depending on timing, guided tours may be offered—check the prefectural office’s official website. The building is also illuminated at night, making evening walks enjoyable. Access: by public transportation, it’s about a 17-minute walk (about 1.3 km) from JR Miyazaki Station via the prefectural-office camphor tree avenue. By bus from Miyazaki Station, ride Miyazaki Kotsu route 821 (bound for Manabino / University Hospital / University of Miyazaki) about 8 minutes, get off at “Tachibana-dori 2-chome,” then walk about 4 minutes (about 400 m). By car, it’s about 10 minutes (about 5 km) from Miyazaki Expressway “Miyazaki IC” via Route 220.