If you are in Japan’s Miyazaki and wondering for any offbeat location then the foremost names that come out will definitely be Aoshima, along with Takachiho. Located in the southeastern side of Kyushu, about 300 kilometers from Hakata, the island of Aoshima is indeed a place of great spiritual value and its seaside shrine and the great red shrine gate are simply iconic. But tourists attractions of Aoshima are just not confine to its idyllic island shrine and ragged volcanic rock shapes, rather it has a lot more to offer. 
In this respect there is a beautiful Japanese garden hidden from the eyes of those on highway buses and rapid tours which perhaps is less known to most of the visitors to Miyazaki and many locals as well. With features like bonsai trees, a pond full of vividly coloured carp, quaint bridges that reflect serenely across the water, and a waterfall with soothing noise, this garden is truly a quintessential of Japanese gardens. Embarking on the spot you will fall in love with its quiescence as you will find only 4-5 tourists populating the place at a time.
In the beautiful Takachiho fall, the changing leaves provide a kaleidoscope of colours that reflects its pond’s glassy surface. You can take a stroll along the carefully manicured paths or rest inside the bamboo pergola and be transported to a different world where you might imagine Basho writing haiku amid the sounds of the koto or shamisen at any time of a year. But particularly during the monsoon the garden is at its best to be photographed. And if you are lucky, you might have a glance of couples embelished in traditional kimono and hakama taking their wedding photos. The combination of the graceful beauty of traditional Japanese attire with the stunning surroundings of the garden, will make you realize what a special place Japan can be !
The garden, named Hyuga Keishu-en, is located inside Miyazaki Undo-koen and it can be accessible only at daytime, all through the year, with a catchy factor of no entry fee.
In addition Miyazaki Undo-koen is a huge sporting area filled with baseball stadiums, soccer fields, a velodrome, athletics tracks and recreational areas. The garden is adjacent to the track and field stadium. Now you might think that with so many sporting grounds nearby, how the garden could be a place of quietude and refuge ? However, this is not the case at all.
Accessing the garden :
If you drive, you can park in the car park and walk 5 minutes to the garden. The car park is usually free, but on event days you might have to pay a small fee. If you are coming to the place from a faraway place, you can opt for a train journey to Undo Koen Station and walk about 15 minutes to the garden. Whatever way you may choose, the garden will offer you an experience that will live long in your memory.
