Kushima(Japan) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Sugita City, the top choice for families is Sugita Seaside Resort, located right on the Sugita Coast. This resort offers private beach access, a children’s pool, and spacious family suites with traditional Japanese tatami rooms. The hotel features locally inspired design, including wood-panelled walls and sliding shoji screens, with views of the Kyushu Plain and distant Gunton River Estuary. On-site amenities include a kids’ playground and a restaurant serving local specialties like Sugita eel rice bowls and Miyazaki beef sushi. Guests can also easily visit the nearby Sugita Shrine within a 5-minute walk, making it ideal for cultural immersion with children.

The central district of Sugita City is the most recommended area for lodging, situated near Sugita Station and the main shopping street. This vibrant zone hosts a mix of boutique ryokans and modern guesthouses, such as Sugita Machiya Stay, which transforms historic townhouses into charming accommodations with original wooden beams and paper doors. At night, visitors can enjoy the lively Sugita Night Market, sampling grilled eel skewers and local umeboshi sake. From here, it's just a 10-minute drive to Sugita Beach and the Gunton River Natural Park, perfect for day trips and nature lovers.

Don’t miss the Sugita Traditional Textile Workshop, where you can learn to weave Sugita Tsumugi—a natural silk fabric made using ancient looms from Miyazaki Prefecture. Each piece reflects the region’s craftsmanship and heritage. Another highlight is the annual Spring Festival Dance Ceremony at Sugita Shrine, combining rhythmic taiko drumming with traditional folk dances that celebrate local spiritual traditions. For outdoor enthusiasts, try river trekking along the Gunton River, where guided tours lead through hidden waterfalls and lush fern forests, offering a rare blend of ecology and cultural storytelling.

Must-try dishes in Sugita City include Sugita Eel Rice Bowl (Unagi Don), featuring fresh-caught eel slow-grilled and served over steaming rice with a sweet soy glaze—rich, savory, and deeply satisfying. Another local favorite is Miyazaki Beef Sushi, made with tender, marbled beef from grass-fed cattle raised in the region, available at Sugita Central Market stalls. Don’t forget to sample Sugita Ume Shochu, crafted from locally grown green plums—crisp, refreshing, and perfect as a gift or digestif. These culinary delights are best enjoyed at the bustling Old Town Shopping Street and seasonal food festivals.

Sugita City boasts stunning natural landscapes, starting with the Gunton River Natural Park, where clear streams wind through forested trails, home to diverse birdlife and seasonal fireflies. A must-visit is the Sugita Coast Mangrove Wetland, a critical habitat for migratory birds like the Black-faced Spoonbill and White Crane, accessible via eco-guided boat tours. For panoramic views, hike up to the Sugita Observation Deck at the foot of Takamagahara Peak, offering sweeping vistas of the Kyushu Plain and the distant Kirishima Volcanoes. Sunset here is breathtaking—ideal for photographers and nature lovers.

The standout historical site is Sugita Shrine, built during the Edo period, featuring striking vermilion torii gates and a distinctive tōfū roof style. The long corridor lined with stone lanterns and ancient cedars creates a serene atmosphere perfect for morning photography. Nearby, the Old Sugita Town Hall, a Meiji-era brick building now used as a cultural center, retains original wooden carvings and stained-glass windows. It often hosts themed photo events like “Machiya Photo Days,” where visitors can dress in traditional kimono and capture vintage-style portraits in authentic settings.

While Sugita City is rural, it’s well-connected by public transport. Take a bus from Miyazaki Airport to Sugita Station (approx. 40 minutes), or rent a car via the Kyushu Expressway for faster access—just 30 minutes from the city center. Recommended itinerary: Arrive at Sugita Seaside Resort, explore the Sugita Night Market on Day 1; Day 2, visit Gunton River Natural Park and Mangrove Wetland; Day 3, tour Sugita Shrine and Machiya Stay, then shop for souvenirs at Sugita Central Market. Renting bicycles in town makes it easy to navigate between sites comfortably.

Although Sugita City has no major hot springs, the nearby Gunton Onsen Area—just a 30-minute drive—is highly recommended. Stay at Gunton River Spa Ryokan, known for its open-air baths overlooking the river and bamboo groves. The rooms feature full tatami mats and wabi-sabi tea corners, while meals include local ingredients like freshwater fish and mountain vegetables. Some guests even participate in traditional bath rituals taught by the innkeepers. For privacy, consider Forest Onsen Villa, a secluded retreat with private soaking pools and a garden courtyard—ideal for couples or small families seeking tranquility.

The main festival is the Sugita Summer Festival held every August, featuring a massive Taiko Drum Competition and a grand fireworks display along the Sugita River. The sky lights up with thousands of sparks, while hundreds of dancers perform traditional routines in colorful costumes. Another unique event is the Morning Fish Auction at Sugita Port, where visitors can watch fishermen bid on fresh catches—including Sugita eel and tuna sashimi—and taste them on the spot. These lively gatherings offer authentic insights into coastal life and community spirit.

Top souvenirs include Sugita Ume Shochu, made from locally grown green plums—light, crisp, and beautifully packaged. Another must-buy is Sugita Tsumugi Handkerchief, handwoven from natural silk with motifs inspired by Sugita Shrine’s talismans—elegant and meaningful. Sugita Eel Dried Snacks are also popular, vacuum-packed for freshness and perfect for sharing. These items are sold at Sugita Central Market, Machiya Stay Gift Shop, and seasonal pop-up booths, many offering custom wrapping and handwritten notes—adding a personal touch to your gifts.