Heiwadai Park Overview
Heiwadai Park is a municipal park in Miyazaki city covering 68.8 hectares on a forested hill in the northern part of the city. At its center stands the Peace Tower, one of Miyazaki’s most recognizable landmarks — and one of its most complex. The park was built in 1940 to celebrate the 2,600th anniversary of the ascension of Emperor Jimmu, the mythical first emperor of Japan, on what is believed to be the original site of his capital.
The tower was originally named the Hakko Ichiu Tower, meaning “Eight World Regions Under One Roof” — a slogan of the Imperial Japanese Army. Designed by Jitsuzo Hinago, it was constructed from stones gathered from across the then-current extent of the Japanese empire. After Japan’s defeat in World War II, the militaristic inscription was removed at the insistence of the US military, and the tower was rechristened the Peace Tower. The name change did not fully resolve the controversy: some researchers have noted that a significant number of the tower’s stones came from Japanese colonies and warzones, and debate over the tower’s legacy continues to this day.
The tower also served as the inception point for the torch relay of the 1964 Summer Olympics.
Beyond the tower, the park has plenty to explore. To the north lies the Haniwa Garden, containing over 400 earthenware replicas of burial statues excavated from kofun mounds across Japan. The figures depict animals, samurai, boats and houses — each one unique. The park also has a notable acoustic quirk: standing at the center of the wide lawn and clapping produces a striking echo that bounces back amplified from the tower. A small cafe serving organic, locally sourced food rounds out the visit.
Best Times To Visit Heiwadai Park
Spring and June are particularly recommended, with the park known locally for its purple trumpet flowers that bloom in June. Autumn brings colorful foliage that contrasts beautifully with the tower’s stone facade. Weekdays are generally quieter than weekends, offering a more tranquil experience. Early morning visits also tend to be peaceful, and the hilltop setting provides fresh air and views well before the city heats up. Summers in Miyazaki are hot and humid, so comfortable, breathable clothing is advisable, along with sturdy shoes for the forest paths.