Hiyajiru (‘cold soup’) is Miyazaki’s traditional summer comfort food, a refreshing and nutritious dish perfectly suited to the prefecture’s hot, humid climate. It’s made from a chilled broth of miso blended with grilled and ground fish (often flying fish or aji), toasted sesame and dashi, seasoned and thinned with cold water into a savoury, nutty, umami-rich soup. This is then poured over a bowl of rice and topped with cool ingredients like sliced cucumber, shiso leaf, myoga ginger and tofu. The cold, savoury soup and the fresh toppings make for a light, appetising meal that revives the appetite on a sweltering day — traditionally eaten by farmers and fishermen for a quick, cooling and energising lunch. Also served over noodles as a variation, hiyajiru is a distinctive, healthy local speciality and a delicious taste of a Miyazaki summer.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Miyazaki City & across the prefecture |
| Hours | Restaurant hours |
| Admission | Approx. ¥700–1,100 |
| Time needed | A meal |
| Best time | Summer (year-round at some shops) |
What to Try
- Chilled miso-and-fish soup poured over rice.
- A nutty, umami-rich broth with sesame.
- Cool toppings of cucumber, shiso, myoga and tofu.
- A noodle version as a refreshing variation.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with chicken nanban for a local meal.
- Pair with Miyazaki mango for dessert.
- Read our Miyazaki overview .
Getting There
- On foot: restaurants and diners across Miyazaki.
- In Miyazaki city: shops serving local specialities.
Tips
Try hiyajiru in summer when this cooling dish is at its most refreshing and appetising, pouring the cold soup over rice and mixing in the fresh toppings. Look for it at local restaurants serving Miyazaki specialities, try the noodle version too, and pair it with chicken nanban for a full local meal.
