The city developed around the castle built by the Shimazu family in the early 11th century. During the Edo (Tokugawa) period (1603–1867), sericulture and silk manufacture were prominent activities. The weaving and textile industries developed after the Meiji Restoration (1868), and the production of synthetic textiles was introduced after World War II.
Miyakonojō is now a railway hub and trading centre for southeastern Kyushu. Manufactures include textiles, dairy products, and lumber. Agricultural produce includes sweet potatoes, rapeseed, tobacco, and tea. Pop. (2005) 170,955; (2010) 169,602.