“Shrine cape” Does that sound like a riddle? It is not. It’s part of the meaning of the name Miyazaki. We are standing here in Miyazaki 5-chome. This place carries a name rich in Japanese heritage.
Miyazaki’s name comes from two kanji characters. The first, 宮 (miya), means “temple” or “shrine”. It can also mean “palace”. The second, 崎 (saki), translates to “cape” or “peninsula”. So Miyazaki can be interpreted as “shrine cape”.
But there is even more history behind the name of Miyazaki 5-chome. The place Miyazaki dates back to mythical times. It was once known as “Hyuga no Kuni”. This means “the country that faces the sun.” Miyazaki is closely connected to the legendary figure of Japan’s first emperor: Jimmu. In fact, the name “Miyazaki” may come from “miya”. “Miya” means “imperial palace”. The first imperial palace could have been located in this part of Kyushu.
The area earned its reputation as a sprawling land of nature. Over 75 percent of the mountainous prefecture is covered by forests. Miyazaki has more than earned its reputation as a sprawling land of nature.
Miyazaki Prefecture emerged in 1883 during the Meiji Period. Since then, it has produced many great pioneers. These people helped spread the name of their home prefecture throughout Japan. Yukichi Goto was one of these pioneers. He was a trailblazer of private aviation from Nobeoka. Goto was the first Japanese person to fly around the country.
Miyazaki is also a land of history. Visitors can walk through Japan’s past. This includes the dawn of civilization and the Meiji Period. It is said that the legendary ‘Heavenly Cave’ is located in modern-day Miyazaki. The sun goddess Amaterasu once secluded herself here. You can catch sight of it from the nearby Amanoiwato Shrine.
Between the 4th and 6th centuries, burial mounds were built throughout ancient Miyazaki. These mounds served as the final resting places of Japan’s first rulers. You can find many of them at the Saitobaru Burial Mounds. This massive site covers 58 hectares. It contains 319 tombs. Two of them are regarded as imperial mausoleums.
Miyazaki Prefecture was a battleground. The Ito and Shimadzu clans fought for domination of the island. Their conflicts led to bloodshed and castle construction. Many castles were built across Miyazaki between the 14th and 16th centuries.
So, as we stand here in Miyazaki 5-chome, remember its layers of meaning. It is a place named for shrines and capes. It is a land of sun, nature, and ancient history. It is a place of legends, emperors, and pioneers.