Sun Messe Nichinan
A seaside park featuring seven officially approved Moai replicas, offering stunning ocean views and a unique, peaceful atmosphere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Sun Messe Nichinan
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A seaside park featuring seven officially approved Moai replicas, offering stunning ocean views and a unique, peaceful atmosphere.
"Surreal sight with seven massive Moai statues standing tall by the sea, offering breathtaking ocean views."
📸 Perfect Photo Spots
Capture stunning shots with the Moai statues against the Pacific backdrop. The 'love statue' is popular for couples. :camerawithflash:
🚶♀️ Explore the Park
Wander through the park to discover unique corners and enjoy the peaceful seaside ambiance. :walking:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Seven Moai Statues
Main park area
Seven officially approved Moai replicas, each representing a different aspect of luck and fortune.
Panoramic Ocean Views
Hilltop overlooking the Pacific
Breathtaking vistas of the endless blue ocean, perfect for serene contemplation and stunning photos.
+1
The 'Statue of Love'
Among the Moai statues
A specific Moai statue favored by couples for photos, symbolizing love and relationships.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Moai Magic
Coastal Views & Quirky Charm
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Perfect Photo Spots
Capture stunning shots with the Moai statues against the Pacific backdrop. The 'love statue' is popular for couples. :camerawithflash:
🚶♀️ Explore the Park
Wander through the park to discover unique corners and enjoy the peaceful seaside ambiance.
💰 Admission Fee
Adults: 1,000 JPY, Ages 12-18: 700 JPY. Check for any updates before your visit.
🚗 Parking Available
Convenient car parking is available on-site for visitors.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Perfect Photo Spots
Capture stunning shots with the Moai statues against the Pacific backdrop. The 'love statue' is popular for couples. :camerawithflash:
🚶♀️ Explore the Park
Wander through the park to discover unique corners and enjoy the peaceful seaside ambiance.
💰 Admission Fee
Adults: 1,000 JPY, Ages 12-18: 700 JPY. Check for any updates before your visit.
🚗 Parking Available
Convenient car parking is available on-site for visitors.
🌦️ Weather Preparedness
Be prepared for potential rain, especially during typhoon season. It can still offer unique photo opportunities.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Sun Messe Nichinan for its unique Moai statues, stunning Pacific Ocean views, and peaceful atmosphere, making it a memorable stop. However, some reviews mention concerns about animal welfare within the park, which detracts from the otherwise positive experience.
"A lovely park to visit, we enjoyed visiting the different points of interest, taking photos, and watching people go by. I'm glad this was fairly lively when we were there – given it's not too central, it may be harder for people to visit. They deserve the recognition for the hard work they put into maintaining this place though, the people here really take pride in the park."
Jonathan Chew
"I included this in our itinerary as a last minute addition as it was a long drive from Kagoshima. The 3-hour drive was worth it and we enjoyed this theme park. Apart from getting good exercise from going up and down the different features of the park, it was enjoyable too. The different attractions were well-made. Spending at least half a day here is probably sufficient though a full-day trip should allow you to truly enjoy the park."
Larry Villasenor
"I was looking forward to visiting the theme park and in particular the Easter Island replicas. Sadly, the plan was upenned by the tropical storm Peipah 琵琶. We drove past the theme park but the heavy rain and strong wind made it impossible to stop and appreciate the park. The miss of course provided us a valid excuse to go back again."
Samuel Leung
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Miyazaki City, you can take a bus towards Nichinan. The journey typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. Some itineraries suggest combining it with a visit to Udo Shrine.
Yes, driving is a convenient option. The park has car parking available, and it's located along the Nichinan Coast.
While possible, it's a long day trip. Many travelers opt to stay in Miyazaki Prefecture to explore its attractions more thoroughly.
The closest train station is Nichinan Station. From there, you would need to take a bus or taxi to reach the park.
Yes, it's often included in Miyazaki Prefecture itineraries, sometimes paired with Udo Shrine and Aoshima Island for a coastal exploration.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is 1,000 JPY for adults and 700 JPY for ages 12-18.
Information on specific discounts is not widely available, but group rates or special promotions might exist. It's best to check their official website if available.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's recommended to check the official website or local listings for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
Advance booking is generally not required for individual visitors. Tickets can usually be purchased at the entrance.
Yes, the park is generally suitable for all ages, offering scenic views and unique statues that can be enjoyed by everyone.
📸 📸 Photography
The Moai statues with the Pacific Ocean as a backdrop are prime photo locations. The 'love statue' is particularly popular for couples.
Drone usage policies can vary. It's advisable to check with park management or look for signage regarding drone restrictions before flying.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the expansive ocean views and the Moai statues.
Don't miss posing with the Moai statues, especially the 'love statue,' and capturing the panoramic ocean vistas from the hilltop.
Mornings and late afternoons often offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for photography. However, even on a cloudy day, the dramatic ocean can create unique shots.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a restaurant on-site that offers food and snacks. Visitors have also mentioned grabbing snacks from a souvenir shop.
The restaurant typically serves casual fare. Some reviews mention a 'Star Trek vibe' to the buildings, suggesting a unique dining atmosphere.
Picnicking rules can vary. It's best to check with the park management or look for designated picnic areas if you plan to bring your own food.
Specific dietary options are not widely detailed. It's recommended to inquire directly with the restaurant staff upon arrival.
Exploring the town of Nichinan itself might offer more local dining experiences. Ask park staff or locals for recommendations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The park's seaside location also offers a pleasant environment for a family outing. Consider bringing snacks or enjoying a meal at the on-site cafe. While the main attractions are the statues and views, the overall relaxed atmosphere makes it easy for families to spend a few enjoyable hours here.
📸 Photographers & Instagrammers
+1 The 'Statue of Love' is a must-capture for couples, and the panoramic ocean views provide endless opportunities for landscape photography. Experiment with different angles to capture the scale of the Moai and the vastness of the sea. Early mornings or late afternoons can offer the best light, but even a dramatic, cloudy sky can add mood to your photos.
+1couples
The peaceful ambiance of the park, combined with the stunning coastal scenery, makes it a lovely spot for a leisurely stroll and quality time together.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Mystery of the Moai
These statues were originally commissioned by a Japanese businessman who was inspired by Easter Island. The park's creation aimed to promote peace on Earth and friendship among nations, a sentiment echoed by the Moai's presence.
The unique setting, with the statues overlooking the vast Pacific Ocean, adds to the surreal and contemplative atmosphere of the park. It's worth noting that while the Moai are the main attraction, some visitors have raised concerns about the welfare of animals kept within the park, specifically tortoises in small enclosures. [^Review] This aspect contrasts with the park's stated ideals of peace and respect for nature, a point that some visitors find disappointing. [^Review]
Coastal Scenery and Park Experience
+1 The open spaces and the sea breeze create a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere, making it an ideal spot to unwind and escape the hustle and bustle of city life. The park itself is designed with a unique, almost futuristic aesthetic in some areas, with buildings that have been described as having a 'Star Trek vibe.' [^Review] This quirky architectural style adds another layer of interest to the visitor experience. Families often enjoy the open grounds for children to run around, and there are often smaller, interesting corners to explore within the park.
While the park isn't massive, it's large enough to spend a couple of hours leisurely exploring, taking photos, and simply enjoying the scenery.
There's a small cafe and a souvenir shop where visitors can purchase snacks and Moai-themed items. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit