MIYAZAKI — The primary structure of the Miyazaki Prefectural Government, formerly known as “the castle in the rice fields,” has been designated as a national tangible cultural asset.
The building’s tower showcases a neo-Gothic design, highlighting a pronounced focus on upward movement. The entrance garden, decorated with big phoenix palms, haniwa clay statues, and blossoms, radiates a vibrant tropical atmosphere.
Constructed in 1932 by architect Akira Oshio (1881-1968), the structure includes a porte-cochere roof crafted from granite. This, together with the white paving stones, blends nicely with the aged office building.
As soon as they step inside, guests are struck by the majesty of the central staircase. The marble balustrades shine with a golden hue, and in some areas, fossils can be seen.
The primary auditorium, once known as the assembly hall, serves as a venue for the governor’s press briefings and significant gatherings. Featuring a vaulted ceiling and decorative panels, it conveys an air of elegance. The handles and small viewing holes on the wooden doors are placed a bit lower, probably to accommodate the typical height of Japanese individuals when it was built.
Previously, there were no significant structures nearby, which led to it being called “the castle in the rice fields.” It was designated as a national tangible cultural heritage site in 2017.
(Japanese original by Minoru Kanazawa, Kyushu Photo and Video Department)
* * *
The Japanese edition of this article was first released on December 14, 2025.
This collection delves into Japan’s remarkable architecture and the mysteries from the past. Read more articles on Retro Japanhere.
jasdooit 
Leave a comment