[Extend your journey with my tours and enjoy multi-day discount. Please send me a message before booking.]
Escape the bustle of Fukuoka on a refreshing private day trip to Mt. Aso. Walk shaded trails in Kikuchi Gorge to admire crystal-clear waterfalls, then stand at Daikanbō for sweeping caldera views. Visit the crater of one of the world’s largest active volcanoes, and enjoy a handmade soba lunch. Travel in comfort by private car with your personal guide, blending nature, culture, and luxury.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Your Hotel in Fukuoka City
- I am located within a 20-minute drive from Fukuoka Airport, Hakata Station, and Hakata Port, so if you book a hotel near these facilities we can ensure a smooth meeting. Let's enjoy the tour together:)
Estimated travel time is 2 hours
Kikuchi Gorge
Kikuchi Gorge, located in Kumamoto Prefecture, is a pristine valley famed for its crystal-clear spring water and lush forests. Walking trails lead past waterfalls, moss-covered rocks, and cool streams, making it a refreshing escape in summer and a stunning spot for autumn foliage.
- Admission Fee: 300 JPY (Per Person)
- Estimated stay time: 1 hour included 2 waterfalls
Reimei Falls
Reimei Falls, nestled in Kikuchi Gorge, cascades gracefully through a verdant forest, its name meaning “Dawn.” The clear waters tumble over mossy rocks into a serene pool, creating a tranquil scene. In summer it offers refreshing coolness, while autumn adds brilliant colors to the view.
Tengu Falls
Tengu Falls, one of the highlights of Kikuchi Gorge, flows powerfully through a narrow rocky channel surrounded by dense greenery. Named after the mythical mountain spirit “tengu,” the falls create a dramatic yet serene atmosphere, especially striking when framed by autumn leaves.
Estimated travel time to next location: 20 minutes
Daikanbō Observatory
Daikanbō Observatory, perched on the rim of Mt. Aso’s outer crater, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the caldera and surrounding peaks. The sweeping scenery of grasslands and volcanic ridges is especially stunning at sunrise or sunset, making it one of Kyushu’s most iconic viewpoints.
Estimated stay time: 40 minutes
Estimated travel time to next location: 1.5 hours included Lunch Time
Lunch Time: Soba Restaurant
The Aso region is famous for its pure spring water and cool climate, ideal for cultivating buckwheat. Local soba restaurants serve handmade noodles with a firm texture and delicate aroma, often paired with mountain vegetables or tempura, offering a rustic yet refined taste of Aso’s terroir.
ASO SANJO TERMINAL
This is the volcanic activity investigation station for Mt. Aso. Here we receive instructions on whether or not we can enter the mountain. If gases are being emitted by volcanic activity, we may not be able to enter.
The Aso Volcano Crater Observatory
The Aso Volcano Crater Observatory in Japan provides breathtaking views of Mount Aso, one of the world’s largest active volcanoes. Visitors can observe the active crater emitting steam and gases, showcasing its raw volcanic power. The site includes educational displays on geology and safety for a deeper understanding of the area.
-Estimated time spent: 2 hours (including Kusasenri Grassland)
Kusasenri Grassland
Kusasenri is a vast grassy plain near Mount Aso, offering scenic views of the active volcano. It's a popular spot for walking, horseback riding, and enjoying the tranquil scenery, with a small pond reflecting the surrounding landscape. Perfect for nature lovers and photographers alike!
Estimated travel time to next location: 2.5 hours
Farewell time: Your Hotel in Fukuoka City
Please note that arrival time may be delayed due to evening traffic around Fukuoka. Thank you for your understanding, and see you again!
Ending Point
Your Hotel in Fukuoka City
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
-I will be both the guide and the driver.
-Free mobile Wi-Fi
-My own private car (8-seater van “Nissan Serena”)
Non-smoking vehicle
Dual-zone automatic air-conditioning
Front passenger seat with a sliding function for wheelchair users
-Gasoline fee
-Parking fee
-Expressway tolls (Fukuoka Urban Expressway and Kyushu Expressway)
-Free Apple Music and Netflix
-Guide gratuity
-Cost of meals (guide and customers)
-Facility Admission fees (guide and customers)
**Kikuchi Gorge**
300 JPY (Per Person)
1.If you want to do cashless payments on your entire itinerary, please let me know in advance. I will need to have a payment machine ready.
2. Please let me know in advance if you have any food allergies or other dietary restrictions.
3. Extra time is assumed, but it is an itinerary that will be difficult to proceed if the meeting time is delayed. I hope we can meet on time:)
4. My car can accommodate up to 7 guests comfortably.
If your group has 8 or 9 guests, please contact me in advance — I can arrange a rental van (Toyota Hiace Grand Cabin) upon request and provide a customized quote.
Unfortunately, I’m not licensed to operate tours for 10 guests or more, so larger groups cannot be accommodated.
Hi, I’m glad you found my page!
I’m a local guide based in Kyushu who loves sharing the region’s history, food, and landscapes in a relaxed and friendly way. Think of me as someone who can make your trip comfortable and memorable, while keeping things easygoing and fun.
I began guiding to share the history, scenery, and food of my home with visitors from around the world. Before this, I worked in luxury retail, where I learned how important details and genuine hospitality are. Now I bring that same spirit to my tours, making sure every guest feels comfortable, cared for, and free to enjoy their journey.
I specialize in private car tours around Kyushu, so you don’t have to worry about train schedules or carrying luggage. We can stop where you like, take things at your own pace, and enjoy the scenery along the way. Onboard you’ll have free Wi-Fi, music, and a comfortable ride—perfect for families, couples, or friends who want both convenience and a touch of luxury.
Some of my favorite places to share are:
Nagasaki: Peace Park, Atomic Bomb Museum, and the city’s cultural blend
Fukuoka: Dazaifu Shrine, city highlights, and Yanagawa’s river cruise with eel dishes
Kumamoto: Mt. Aso’s volcanic views, Kumamoto Castle, and Kurokawa Onsen
Oita: Hita’s riverside town, plus Beppu and Yufuin hot springs
Saga: Arita’s ceramics and the Yoshinogari ancient site
Takachiho Gorge: A mystical canyon tied to Japanese legends
What I enjoy most is helping guests discover both famous sights and hidden corners of Kyushu, while keeping the experience comfortable and stress-free. Whether you’re drawn to culture, food, history, or beautiful scenery, I can adjust the plan to match your style.
I’d love to share my part of Japan with you and create memories that last long after your trip. If you have any questions or requests, please feel free to send me a message. I look forward to welcoming you to Kyushu and showing you what makes this region so special!
Silke und oliver K.
“Katsu ist der beste Tourführer”
Katsu ist die beste Wahl für eine privat geführte Tour, da wir keine Lust darauf hatten mit vielen anderen Personen (meist Chinesen) eine Tour zu unternehmen. Eine andere Tour hat dies bestätigt, denn sobald die meisten der Personen nicht englisch spricht, macht es keinen Spaß mehr. Ab der Buchung der Tour mit Katsu, waren wir regelmäßig in Kontakt mit ihm und konnten sagen was wir gerne sehen wollen um die Tour so individuell wie möglich für uns zu machen. Katsu war schon vor uns da und erwartete uns. Er führte uns zu seinem Fahrzeug, das sehr geräumig war. Das Fahrzeug war bequem ausgestattet, mit Sitzkissen, Decken, einer kleinen Kühlbox mit Getränken und seiner bebilderten mit Text versehenen Begrüßung zum Nachlesen, sowie perfekter Musik. Die Fahrt führte uns aus der Stadt hinaus, über den Highway in Richtung Kumamoto zum Mt. Aso. Katsu führte uns zu den grünen Wiesen (Kusasenri-Grasland), und erkundigte sich bei der Parkverwaltung ob der Krater auch geöffnet ist. Nachdem die Parkverwaltung grünes Licht gab, denn das Wetter war sehr windig und mit etwas Regen versehen, ging es nach oben auf den Berg. Der Berg war sehr beeindruckend. Für das geplante Mittagsessen hatten wir uns für Rahmen entschieden. Leider war ausgerechnet an diesem Tag das Lokal geschlossen. Die Alternative war ein kleines Privathaus in dem der Besitzer in seinem Wohnzimmer gutes Essen serviert. Die Kommunikation mit Katsu in Englisch war gut, er weiß selber das er etwas mehr englisch üben muss, damit man sich besser versteht. Manchmal ist es etwas schwierig ihn zu verstehen, vor allem wenn er die Wörter im englischen nicht genau kennt, aber mit helfen und langsam sprechen hat das alles perfekt geklappt. Alles in Allem war dies eine perfekt von Katsu organisierte Reise, die wir gerne wiederholen würden. Sollten wir wieder dort sein ist Katsu für uns die erste Wahl für eine private Tour. Katsu, viele Grüße aus Deutschland, wir sehen uns in der Zukunft wieder. Silke und Oliver
Katsu N.
Dear Silke and Oliver, /// Your feedback truly means a lot to me. /// Thank you very much for your kind and generous words. It took me a little time to reply, as I was reading your message while recalling the bits of German I learned back in university. /// As for English conversation, I sometimes tend to speak too quickly when discussing something technical for the first time. I actually remember getting a bit confused when I tried to explain why Japan’s and Germany’s climates are similar — using Köppen’s climate classification, which I learned long ago in my earth science class. /// That aside, I always take great pride in my hospitality and guest care, so please rest assured that you’ll be in good hands when we meet again. /// Warm regards from Japan, Katsuhisa /// P.S. For the benefit of future guests, I’ve included an English summary of your message below. /// Katsu is the best tour guide and the perfect choice for a private tour. We preferred not to join large groups, and after another experience, we realized how much better it is when everyone speaks English. From the moment we booked, Katsu stayed in touch and tailored the itinerary to our wishes. He was already waiting for us before the tour and guided us to his spacious, comfortable car, prepared with cushions, blankets, drinks, and great music. /// Our drive from Fukuoka to Mt. Aso through Kumamoto was scenic and smooth. Katsu checked with park staff to ensure the crater was open despite wind and rain. The green Kusasenri Grassland and volcanic scenery were breathtaking. When the ramen restaurant we planned to visit was closed, Katsu quickly found a cozy local home where we enjoyed delicious homemade food. /// His English communication was good — sometimes a bit challenging, but always clear with patience and teamwork. Overall, this was a perfectly organized and memorable tour. If we return to Japan, Katsu will be our first choice again.
Дмитрий О.
“Amazing nature of Kyushu”
What an amazing trip! From the majestic views of Mount Aso to the stunning beauty of Takachiho Gorge, the nature was awesome. Katsu-san was fantastic—a very safe and smooth driver who made the long journeys comfortable and enjoyable. A perfect, stress-free tour thanks to him!
Katsu N.
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! I’m really glad to hear that you enjoyed the tour, even though we finished a bit later than planned. There are many more beautiful places to explore in Kyushu, so I hope we can meet again someday. I’m already looking forward to that day!
Graeme L.
“Bomb museum was worth the visit for sure”
Katsu is a nice guy and did his best for us Unfortunately we had trouble understanding each other
Katsu N.
Thank you, Graeme, for your honest feedback. I’m truly sorry that communication was not as smooth as I hoped. I appreciate your understanding and your kind words. I’ll make sure to improve from this experience so I can offer an even better tour next time. I’m glad you enjoyed the Atomic Bomb Museum, and I’d be happy to welcome you again to Nagasaki someday. /// Best regards, Katsu
$724/ per group