Rent a Car in Miyazaki? Driving the Nichinan Coast with Family

When planning a family vacation to Kyushu, transportation is usually the first hurdle. In hubs like Fukuoka, the subway and bus systems are world-class, making a car optional or even a hindrance.

But 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, with palm-lined roads, expansive ocean views, and a relaxed tropical vibe.

For parents traveling with children, though, the most important feature is geography: the best sights are spread out along the stunning Nichinan Coast.

So 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 started your trip in the north, you may be used to the convenience of trains. In fact, many parents first ask, Do You Need a Rental Car for a Family Trip to Fukuoka?

In the city, the answer is usually no—parking is expensive and public transport is efficient.

Miyazaki is the opposite. There is a train line down the coast, but services can be infrequent (sometimes once an hour or less in rural areas).

Worse, the stations are often a long walk from the actual attractions—a real problem with tired kids in tow.

For a full overview of the region, read 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 reach 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: the stops are spaced roughly 20 to 30 minutes apart, minimizing the “Are we there yet?” chants from the back seat.

Here is a recommended one-day driving route, with the key details parents ask about most:

Stop	Entry Fee (approx.)	Time to Spend	Best Time to Visit
Aoshima & Devil’s Washboard	Free (paid parking)	45–60 min	Low tide (check tide chart)
Michi-no-Eki Phoenix	Free (free parking)	30 min	Late morning snack stop
Sun Messe Nichinan	From ~¥1,000 adult / ~¥700 child	1.5–2 hrs	Morning (cooler, quieter)
Udo Jingu (Udo Shrine)	Free (free parking)	1 hr	Early afternoon

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, so time your visit around the tide chart.

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 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 reach the main gate is crucial. Inside, you can rent golf carts, which adds an extra layer of fun for the kids.

To skip the ticket queue with restless kids, you can book entry in advance:

→ Reserve Sun Messe Nichinan tickets on Klook

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.

Leave the heavy stroller in the trunk and use a carrier if you have an infant. Older kids enjoy throwing “undama” (lucky clay balls) at a target on the rocks below.

Want to keep exploring the water? Family-friendly sea kayak and SUP tours run along this coast too:

→ Browse Nichinan Coast activities & tours on Klook

Where to Stay Along the Coast

Many families base themselves in Miyazaki City and day-trip, but staying closer to Aoshima means waking up to the ocean and beating the crowds.

Compare resorts and family rooms along the coast before they sell out in peak season:

→ Check Nichinan Coast & Aoshima hotel prices on Agoda

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 backstreets of Kyoto or the frantic highways of Tokyo, the Nichinan Coast road is wide, well-paved, and flanked by palm trees.

Traffic moves at a leisurely pace, making it 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 that works via “Map Codes” or phone numbers, so you don’t need to type Japanese addresses.

Simply enter the phone number of Sun Messe Nichinan or Udo Shrine and the car will guide you. Google Maps also 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.

That removes the stress of reverse-parking 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 fly or take the train 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 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.

Then rent a car only for the 2 or 3 days you are in Miyazaki. This “hybrid” approach saves money on rental fees during the city portions where the car isn’t needed.

Local Miyazaki rentals typically start from around ¥5,000–¥7,000 per day for a compact, so it pays to compare providers early:

→ Compare Miyazaki rental car prices in English on Klook

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 online, 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 on arrival—just confirm the count matches your kids.

Booking the right seat is easiest when you reserve ahead in English:

→ Book a Miyazaki rental car with child seats on Klook

KEP (Kyushu Expressway Pass)

If you plan to drive to Miyazaki from Fukuoka or Kumamoto (rather than renting locally), ask your agency about the KEP card.

This pass allows unlimited highway driving for a flat daily fee. The Kumamoto–Miyazaki route involves long tunnels and mountain passes, so the expressway is much safer and faster than local roads with kids aboard.

Luggage Space

If you are a family of four, rent a class of car that fits your luggage and the stroller.

The standard “Kei cars” (yellow plate, 660cc) are cheap and cute, but the trunk is virtually non-existent with the back seats up.

We recommend at least a “Compact” class (like a Toyota Vitz/Yaris or Honda Fit) to ensure your stroller fits.

Quick FAQ for Driving the Nichinan Coast

Do I need an International Driving Permit?

Yes. Most visitors need an International Driving Permit (IDP) based on the 1949 Geneva Convention, carried alongside your home licence and passport.

How long is the full Nichinan Coast drive?

Miyazaki City to Udo Shrine is about 60–90 minutes one way. With four stops, plan a relaxed full day of 6–8 hours.

Is one day enough for the whole route?

One day covers the highlights comfortably. If you want beach time at Aoshima too, an overnight on the coast makes the trip far less rushed with kids.

Conclusion

While you can technically visit Miyazaki City without a car, you would miss the very essence of what makes this prefecture special: the freedom of the open coastal road.

Driving the Nichinan Coast lets you chase the sunshine, stop for sudden ice cream cravings, and let your children explore nature at their own pace.

It transforms travel time from a logistical headache into a memorable part of the family adventure.

For more inspiration on planning your route, revisit our pillar content: The Ultimate Guide to Miyazaki with Kids: Sun, Sea & Myths.