{"id":6601,"date":"2026-10-05T11:43:44","date_gmt":"2026-10-05T02:43:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/en.gogo-tour.com\/info\/?p=6601"},"modified":"2026-09-29T11:53:33","modified_gmt":"2026-09-29T02:53:33","slug":"sunmesse-nichinan-moai","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/en.gogo-tour.com\/info\/sunmesse-nichinan-moai\/","title":{"rendered":"Sun Messe Nichinan Moai: A Miyazaki Coast Drive"},"content":{"rendered":"

Sun Messe Nichinan Moai: a scenic Miyazaki coast drive<\/h2>\n

Seven Moai statues stand above the Pacific at Sun Messe Nichinan. The park combines one of Miyazaki\u2019s best coastal views with a story of restoration and friendship between Japan and Rapa Nui.<\/p>\n

The sights along the Nichinan Coast are spread out, so a car makes the day easier to plan. Compare Miyazaki rental cars before combining Sun Messe Nichinan with Udo Shrine and other coastal stops. Compare Miyazaki rental cars<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Nichinan<\/p>\n

What does \u201cSun Messe Nichinan\u201d mean?<\/h3>\n

The official theme links the name to a \u201cmessage from the sun.\u201d Nichinan is the city in Miyazaki Prefecture where the park is located. The name is therefore best understood as a place in Nichinan that shares a message from the sun, rather than as a German place name.<\/p>\n

\"Moai<\/p>\n

Why are there Moai statues in Miyazaki?<\/h3>\n

A Japanese restoration team helped raise 15 fallen Moai at Ahu Tongariki on Easter Island in the 1990s. In recognition of that work and friendship, the Rapa Nui council granted special permission to reproduce Moai in Japan. Sun Messe Nichinan recreated the seven statues of Ahu Akivi.<\/p>\n

The statues are listed at about 5.5 meters tall and 18\u201320 tons each. Up close, their scale feels very different from the distant photos taken from the hillside.<\/p>\n

\"Seven<\/p>\n

\"Moai<\/p>\n

What do the seven Moai represent?<\/h3>\n

A popular local good-luck tradition assigns a different theme to each statue. Facing the group, from left to right, the themes are career, health, romance, wishes and overall luck, marriage, money and study. Treat these as a visitor tradition, separate from the archaeological history of the Moai.<\/p>\n

\"Seven<\/p>\n

Best photo spots around the park<\/h3>\n

Start on the lawn in front of the statues, then walk uphill for a wide view that places all seven Moai between green slopes and the Pacific. The stairs, lookout areas and butterfly ground art provide different angles. Comfortable shoes are useful because the park is built on a hill.<\/p>\n

\"Moai<\/p>\n

\"Colorful<\/p>\n

\"Moai<\/p>\n

\"Seven<\/p>\n

\"Steps<\/p>\n

\"Peace<\/p>\n

\"Coastal<\/p>\n

\"Butterfly<\/p>\n

Admission, hours and parking<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Hours<\/th>\n9:30 a.m.\u20135:00 p.m. (last entry 4:30 p.m.)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Admission<\/th>\nAdults \u00a51,000
\nJunior and senior high students \u00a5700
\nAges 4 and older \u00a5500<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Parking<\/th>\nFree parking, 220 spaces<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Closed<\/th>\nUsually closed Wednesday; seasonal and holiday schedules may differ.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Check the official Sun Messe Nichinan calendar<\/a><\/p>\n

Sun Messe Nichinan map<\/h3>\n