Miyazaki Prefecture, located in southern Japan, is also known as the "Land of the Sun," and is blessed with a warm climate and abundant nature. Known as the setting for mythology, the most spectacular event held here every autumn is the Miyazaki Jingu Grand Festival. Locals call it "Jinmu-sama," and its lavish procession and the local cuisine enjoyed during the festival season epitomize the charm of Miyazaki's culture and cuisine.

In this article, we will introduce the charm of the Miyazaki Jingu Festival and some delicious local Miyazaki cuisine that you can enjoy along with the lively festival, conveying the depth and warmth of Japanese culture.

The magnificent procession of Emperor Jimmu!

The Miyazaki Jingu Grand Festival is the annual festival of Miyazaki Jingu Shrine, which enshrines Emperor Jimmu, the first emperor of Japan. Held annually in late October, the highlight of the festival is the Goshinko Gyoretsu procession, which parades through the center of Miyazaki City for two days.

1. A gorgeous world reminiscent of a Heian picture scroll

The procession is a magnificent spectacle, like a picture scroll from Japan's Heian period brought to life in modern times.

Mikoshi and Priests: The shrine's priests and parishioners (ujiko: local believers) dressed in traditional attire carry the mikoshi (portable shrine) carrying the deity. The solemn atmosphere conveys the weight of Japan's religious traditions. Children's Procession: The procession, featuring adorable children (chigo) dressed in colorful kimonos, adds a touch of elegance to the festival. The decorations and umbrellas they carry are also beautiful, making it a perfect sight for photos.

2. Culture and music that add color to festivals

The procession is further enlivened by traditional local performing arts and music.

Shanshan Horse: In Miyazaki, there was once a custom in which brides would get married on horseback, and the Shanshan Horse is a recreation of this tradition. The sound of bells ringing from the horse's decorations adds a lively rhythm to the festival. Miss Shanshan Horse: Women who will be the highlights of the procession are selected, and they ride horses in beautiful attire, flashing smiles at the spectators along the route. This evokes the fusion of local aesthetics and traditions that remain in Japan's rural areas. The excitement of the procession: The spectators who fill Tachibana Street in the city center and the enthusiasm of the festival participants come together, and the entire city of Miyazaki is filled with great energy.

Miyazaki's local cuisine to enjoy during festival season

The procession isn't the only thing to enjoy at the festival. Autumn, when the Miyazaki Jingu Grand Festival is held, is also the season when Miyazaki's mountain and sea produce is at its most delicious. Along with enjoying the excitement of the festival, you can also enjoy some of Miyazaki's unique local cuisine.

1. Miyazaki soul food "Chicken Nanban"

Chicken Nanban, which is now popular nationwide, is a dish that originated in Miyazaki Prefecture.

Sweet and sour and tartar sauce: The chicken is deep-fried, quickly dipped in a special sweet and sour sauce, and then generously drizzled with rich tartar sauce. A perfect balance of sweet, sour, and rich flavors, this dish goes perfectly with rice. History and evolution: It is said to have originally originated as a staff meal at a Western-style restaurant in Nobeoka, Miyazaki Prefecture. Today, each restaurant has its own unique take on the sweet and sour and tartar sauce, allowing you to enjoy a variety of chicken nanban dishes.

Please also check out "What is Miyazaki's local B-class gourmet food, Chicken Nanban? Introducing its characteristics and history!" ▼▼

2. Learn about Japan's cool culture through hiyajiru (cold soup)

"Hiyajiru" is a representative local dish of Miyazaki, and is loved in the warm climate of Miyazaki during the hot summer and after festivals.

A creative dashi broth: This dish is made by mixing shredded grilled fish (horse mackerel or sardines) with miso paste and ground sesame seeds, then dissolving it in cold dashi. Rice is then added to the broth, and cucumber and tofu are added. Simple yet profound in flavor: While a simple dish, the fragrant aroma of the grilled fish and miso, along with the refreshing cold dashi, stimulate the appetite. This dish evokes the Japanese culture of "ryo," or the wisdom of staying comfortable in the heat.

Please also check out "What is Miyazaki Prefecture's local B-class gourmet food, 'hiyajiru'? Introducing its characteristics and history!" ▼▼

3. The luxurious taste of Miyazaki beef

Miyazaki Prefecture is known as one of Japan's leading producers of Wagyu beef. Due to its high quality, Miyazaki beef has won top prizes many times since 2007 at the National Wagyu Beef Competition, also known as the Olympics of Wagyu beef.

Fine-grained meat: It is characterized by its fine-grained, tender meat and high-quality marbling (fat) that melts in your mouth.

Steak and Yakiniku: Indulging in Miyazaki beef steak or yakiniku on the occasion of the festival is a fantastic taste experience.

4. Specialties Grown in Miyazaki's Sun

Miyazaki is also a major producer of fruits such as mangoes and Hyuganatsu.

Hyuga Natsu: A citrus fruit characterized by its unique refreshing fragrance and the fact that the fluffy white part (albedo) between the skin and the fruit is eaten along with the fruit.

Free-range chicken: Charcoal-grilled Miyazaki free-range chicken, with its firm texture and delicious flavor, is also a popular menu item at local izakayas (Izakaya). The strong aroma of charcoal will whet your appetite.

Miyazaki's attractive spots to add color to your trip

When you visit the Miyazaki Jingu Festival, be sure to experience the excitement of the festival as well as the historical and natural attractions of Miyazaki.

1. A place to experience Japanese mythology

Miyazaki Shrine: The center of the festival, Miyazaki Shrine, is a prestigious shrine dedicated to Emperor Jimmu. In its solemn atmosphere, you can feel the roots of Japanese Shinto. Udo Shrine: This is a rare shrine with its main hall located inside a cave in the cliff, and it is a scenic spot with a beautiful contrast between the vermilion shrine building and the blue sea.

2. Magnificent natural scenery

Aoshima: The entire island is a shrine, surrounded by a unique wave-shaped rock formation known as the "Devil's Washboard." It's a place filled with a tropical atmosphere. Takachiho Gorge: Known as a mythical village, the gorge that flows between steep cliffs is mysteriously beautiful. The view from a rental boat is particularly spectacular.

Travel Tips and Japanese Festival Culture

The Miyazaki Jingu Grand Festival is a rare opportunity to experience Japanese festival culture in depth.

How to participate: Japanese festivals are not just for spectators; they are an integral part of the lives and beliefs of the local people. It is important to feel the enthusiasm of the local people along the roads and enjoy the festival together. Food stalls: Around the festival venues, you will find a line of Japanese food stalls selling takoyaki, yakisoba, cotton candy, and more. Tasting these food stalls is one of the joys of enjoying a Japanese festival.

Location of Miyazaki Prefecture

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The Miyazaki Jingu Grand Festival is an event that symbolizes autumn in Miyazaki, where you can enjoy the solemn traditions that touch on the history of Japan's first emperor, the splendor of a magnificent procession, and the bounty of food cultivated in the "Land of the Sun."

Be sure to visit Miyazaki and experience the excitement of this festival and the delicious local cuisine. The spectacle of the colorful procession and the warm hospitality of the people of Miyazaki will make your memories of your trip to Japan even deeper and more colorful.