When planning a family vacation to Kyushu, the question of transportation is usually the first hurdle. In major hubs like Fukuoka, the subway and bus systems are world-class, making cars optional or even a hindrance. However, as you head south to the sun-drenched prefecture of Miyazaki, the landscape—and the logistics—change dramatically.
Miyazaki is often called the “Hawaii” or “California” of Japan. It features palm-lined roads, expansive ocean views, and a relaxed, tropical vibe. But for parents traveling with children, the most important feature of Miyazaki is its geography: the best sights are spread out along the stunning Nichinan Coast.
Is renting a car in Miyazaki necessary? If you want a stress-free experience with kids, the answer is a resounding yes. Here is your complete guide to driving the Nichinan Coast with family, why it’s the best way to see the area, and how to navigate the roads safely.
Why Miyazaki is Different from Fukuoka
If you have started your trip in the north, you might be accustomed to the convenience of trains. In fact, many parents ask, Do You Need a Rental Car for a Family Trip to Fukuoka? The answer in the city is usually no, because parking is expensive and public transport is efficient.
Miyazaki is the opposite. While there is a train line that runs down the coast, services can be infrequent (sometimes once an hour or less in rural areas), and the train stations are often a significant walk from the actual attractions.
For a comprehensive overview of the region, we highly recommend reading our main pillar guide: The Ultimate Guide to Miyazaki with Kids: Sun, Sea & Myths. As detailed there, the top spots for kids—like the Moai statues at Sun Messe Nichinan or the caves of Udo Shrine—are difficult to access without a vehicle.
The “Nap Trap” Advantage
For toddlers and younger children, the car doubles as a mobile nap station. The drive along the Nichinan Coast is smooth and scenic. Being able to let your 3-year-old sleep in their car seat while you enjoy the ocean views is a luxury you won’t get on a crowded bus.
The Nichinan Coast Road Trip: A Family Itinerary
The drive south from Miyazaki City along Route 220 (the Nichinan Coast Road) is one of the most famous drives in Japan. It is incredibly family-friendly because the stops are spaced out perfectly—roughly 20 to 30 minutes apart—minimizing the “Are we there yet?” chants from the back seat.
Here is a recommended driving route for a day trip:
Stop 1: Aoshima (The Devil’s Washboard)
Just 20 minutes from Miyazaki Airport by car, this is a great first stop. There is ample parking near the bridge connecting the mainland to Aoshima Island. Kids will love running across the unique rock formations known as the “Devil’s Washboard” at low tide.
Stop 2: Roadside Station Phoenix (Michi-no-Eki)
Driving further south, the road winds up into the cliffs. Stop at the “Michi-no-Eki” (Roadside Station) Phoenix for a break. In Kyushu, roadside stations are more than just restrooms; they are local markets. Here, you can buy Miyazaki’s famous mango soft-serve ice cream—a massive hit with children.
Stop 3: Sun Messe Nichinan
This is usually the highlight for children. It is a large park featuring seven massive Moai statues (the only replicas in the world authorized by Easter Island). The park is hilly, so having a rental car to get to the main gate is crucial. Inside, you can rent golf carts, which adds an extra layer of fun for the kids.
Stop 4: Udo Jingu (Udo Shrine)
Located in a cave on a cliffside, this shrine is visually stunning. From the parking lot, it is a bit of a walk with stairs, so leave the heavy stroller in the trunk and use a carrier if you have an infant. Older kids enjoy throwing “undama” (lucky clay balls) into a target on the rocks below.
Driving in Miyazaki: Tips for International Parents
Driving in a foreign country can be intimidating, but Miyazaki is arguably one of the easiest places in Japan to drive.
1. The Roads are Wide and Simple
Unlike the narrow, winding backstreets of Kyoto or the frantic highways of Tokyo, the Nichinan Coast road is wide, well-paved, and flanked by palm trees. The traffic moves at a leisurely pace. It is a very forgiving environment for drivers adjusting to the left side of the road.
2. Navigation is Easy
Most Japanese rental cars come with GPS systems that work via “Map Codes” or phone numbers. You don’t need to type in Japanese addresses. Simply enter the phone number of Sun Messe Nichinan or Udo Shrine, and the car will guide you. Alternatively, Google Maps works flawlessly along the coast.
3. Parking is Plentiful (and mostly free)
Except for the immediate area around Aoshima, most parking along the Nichinan Coast is free and spacious. This removes the stress of trying to reverse-park a minivan into a tiny slot while traffic waits behind you.
Integrating the Drive into Your Kyushu Trip
Miyazaki is often a standalone leg of a larger Kyushu adventure. Many families take the train or fly into Fukuoka, spend a few days there, and then travel to Miyazaki.
If you are trying to figure out how Miyazaki fits into your schedule, check out our Kyushu Family Itineraries: The Complete Guide to Planning Your 3 to 7-Day Trip.
Some families choose to do a rail-only trip for the first half of their vacation. For example, you might follow our 7-Day Kyushu Family Itinerary: Fukuoka, Beppu, and Kumamoto by Train, and then rent a car specifically for the 2 or 3 days you are in Miyazaki. This “hybrid” approach saves money on rental fees during the city portions of your trip where the car isn’t needed.
Renting Logistics: What Parents Need to Know
Child Seats are Mandatory
Under Japanese law, all children under the age of 6 must use a child safety seat. When you book your rental car online, you must tick the box for a “Child Seat” (toddlers) or “Junior Seat” (boosters). Japanese rental agencies take this seriously and will have the seat installed for you upon arrival.
KEP (Kyushu Expressway Pass)
If you plan to drive to Miyazaki from Fukuoka or Kumamoto (rather than renting locally in Miyazaki), ask your rental agency about the KEP card. This pass allows for unlimited highway driving for a flat daily fee. The drive from Kumamoto to Miyazaki involves long tunnels and mountain passes, so using the expressway is much safer and faster than local roads when you have kids in the car.
Luggage Space
If you are a family of four, ensure you rent a class of car that fits your luggage and the stroller. The standard “Kei cars” (yellow plate, 660cc engines) are cheap and cute, but the trunk space is virtually non-existent if the back seats are up. We recommend renting at least a “Compact” class (like a Toyota Vitz/Yaris or Honda Fit) to ensure your stroller fits.
Conclusion
While you can technically visit Miyazaki City without a car, you would be missing out on the very essence of what makes this prefecture special: the freedom of the open coastal road.
Driving the Nichinan Coast allows you to chase the sunshine, stop for sudden ice cream cravings, and let your children explore nature at their own pace. It transforms the travel time from a logistical headache into a memorable part of the family adventure.
For more inspiration on planning your route, don’t forget to revisit our pillar content: The Ultimate Guide to Miyazaki with Kids: Sun, Sea & Myths.