A hillside park overlooking the Pacific coast that holds the only Moai statues outside Easter Island carved with official authorization from the Rapa Nui community, made in the 1990s as a cultural exchange project. Beyond the seven Moai, the park has coastal lookout points and gardens along a slope facing the ocean. The statues themselves are the draw rather than any deep historical layering, since the site is modern.
Sun Messe Nichinan is a clifftop theme park on the Nichinan Coast best known for its row of seven full-scale moai statue replicas, the only reproductions in the world officially authorized by Chile's Easter Island Provincial Council and restored using techniques from the original Rapa Nui master craftsmen. The statues stand on a grassy terrace overlooking the Pacific Ocean, arranged in the same configuration as the originals at Ahu Tongariki. Beyond the moai, the park includes a small amusement area, a petting zoo with cattle and other animals popular with children, and walking paths along the exposed clifftop with unobstructed ocean views. A typical visit covering the moai terrace, viewpoints, and animal area takes 1.5-2 hours. The clifftop location is windy year-round, so a light jacket is worth carrying even in summer. Late afternoon is the best time for photography, when low sunlight silhouettes the statues against the ocean horizon; this period also tends to have fewer visitors than the midday hours, when tour buses from Miyazaki and Nichinan commonly arrive.
| Admission | Adult ¥1,000 ($6.70) · Child ¥500 |
|---|---|
| Hours | 9:30AM-5:00PM daily (last admission 4:30PM) |
| Typical visit | 1.5-2 hours |
| Best time | Late afternoon for golden light on the moai statues |
| Getting there | Car: 15 min north of Udo Jingu on Route 220; or JR Nichinan Line to Hyugaichida + taxi |
| Address | 3de1 Yamazaki, Nichinan, Miyazaki 889-2501 |
Good to know
- Best for
- photography, families, unique experiences
Location
3de1 Yamazaki, Nichinan, Miyazaki 889-2501
31.6509, 131.4481 View on map
Highlights
- Seven officially authorized full-scale moai statue replicas overlooking the Pacific
- Clifftop terrace arranged to mirror the original Ahu Tongariki layout on Easter Island
- Petting zoo with cattle and small animals popular with children
- Panoramic Nichinan Coast ocean views from the exposed headland
Tips for visiting
- These are the only officially authorized full-scale replicas of Easter Island moai, restored from originals by the same Rapa Nui master craftsman
- The oceanside cliff location makes for exceptional sunset photography with the statues in silhouette
- The park includes cattle and animal interaction areas — popular with children
- Weather can be windy on the exposed clifftop; bring a layer
When to visit
Visit in late afternoon for golden-hour light on the statues and thinner crowds than the midday tour-bus period.
Accessibility
Paved paths connect the main terrace and parking area, making the moai viewpoint accessible to wheelchair users, though some outer clifftop trails are unpaved.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Sun Messe Nichinan take?
Most visitors spend 1.5-2 hours covering the moai terrace, coastal viewpoints, and the small animal park.
Is Sun Messe Nichinan worth it for kids?
Yes; the petting zoo and open grassy terrace make it a family-friendly stop, and the moai statues are a memorable sight for children.
Is photography allowed at Sun Messe Nichinan?
Photography is encouraged throughout the park, and the moai terrace is a popular spot for both daytime and sunset photos.
Why are the moai statues at Sun Messe Nichinan authentic replicas?
They were built with formal authorization from Chile's Easter Island Provincial Council and restored using techniques from the same Rapa Nui craftsmen who restored the originals.