Japan Guide
Kyūshū
Heiwadai-kōen
Low hills rise to the north of Miyazaki, where the rather Stalinist "Tower of Peace" dominates a large public park, Heiwadai-kōen. To reach the park take a Heiwadai-bound bus from Depāto-mae stop #1 outside Bon Belta department store (10–20min; ¥270). The 37-metre-high tower was built in 1940 using stones from around the world – the name was coined after the war. The only reason to visit the tower, however, is for its odd acoustic effects; stand on the hexagonal stone on the path in front of the tower, clap your hands and listen to the oddly metallic sound bounce back. Behind the tower you'll find the Haniwa Garden, where dozens of clay statues of houses, animals and people populate a mossy wood. Look out for the charming warriors with elaborate uniforms and the pop-eyed, open-mouthed dancers. These are copies of the haniwa figures discovered in fourth-century burial mounds at nearby Saitobaru; it's believed the statues were used to "protect" aristocratic tombs.