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Backwoods Miyazaki: Aya Craft Town, Amagajo Castle, and Saitobaru Half-Day By Car
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Joined 2025
Visit a side of Miyazaki where you are unlikely to see any other foreigners! Aya is a craft village about 40 minutes from Miyazaki. Not only are there several artisanal craft shops nestled here, but also two very different Japanese castles, Aya and Amagajo, plus one of Japan's longest and most spectacularly-situated suspension bridges. The nearby Saitobaru Burial Mounds are up to 1500 years old, located on a scenic plateau decked with flowers and spectacular views of fields rolling to infinity.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At the client's hotel in Miyazaki City
- As negotiated with the client
Aya-Jo Castle and Craft Center
It takes about 30 minutes from Miyazaki City to Aya by car. There, a faithfully reconstructed castle originally built by the Kosugi Clan in the 15th century, Aya-Jo, serves not only as one of the few castles in the region but also houses a small museum displaying feudal life in Miyazaki and is adjoined by a fine crafts shop. The view from the top of the castle is particularly impressive. Allow about one hour to tour.
Teruha Suspension Bridge
About twenty minutes by car from the castle, deep in a Quasi-national park, lies one of the largest and most spectacular suspension bridges in Japan. You can walk across it into the deep forest while gazing at the wild river and canyon dropping below your feet. A must-do in Aya. Allow 40 minutes to one hour.
Aya Shusen-No-Mori Winery and Distillery Village
About 15-20 minutes from the Teruha suspension bridge is a shochu distillery set-up like a European mountain village. You can sample the local craft beer and the distinctive shochu liquor while strolling the expansive grounds and even do some souvenir shopping. Allow up to one hour.
Aya Farmer's Market
Our final stop is in the center of little Aya town, with its farmer's market (selling local produce that you'll never find back home). A short meal or snack is recommended here before we return to Miyazaki. Allow 40 minutes to 1 hour plus 20-30 minutes to return to Miyazaki City. The time can be extended by taking lunch here.
Amagajo Castle
A hilltop castle in the Japanese tradition, famous for its cherry blossom trees (in season) and the beautful views of the surrounding countryside of Miyazaki. We stroll the grounds and can enter into the castle (300 yen entry fee). We will spend about 45 minutes to one hour here.
Ending Point
Return to the starting point in Miyazaki City
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Guide fee, transport (Suzuki Solio), gasoline fee, highway toll fees
Entrance fees.
Guide gratuity.
For snacks, entry fees, and lunch, it is recommended that guests bring a minimum of 3000 yen in cash.
Tour Important Information
There are small entrance fees for Aya Castle, Amagajo Castle, and Teruha suspension bridge.
The latter is not recommended to those with a strong fear of heights.
Amagajo Castle is HIGHLY recommended in early April for its spectacular cherry blossom viewing.
Important message from the supplier
Once I know the client's date/time plans and options I can arrange a tour around these.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Joined 2025
About Tour Guide Michael G.
Originally from Canada, I've been living in Japan for 35 years, most of that in Miyazaki. I speak the language and I know the area better than most locals. In Miyazaki, there is a lack of public transport so I'd be happy to drive you to places like Aoshima (a beautiful beach and surfing hub), Udo Jingu (a unique seaside shrine), the samurai and merchant residences of Obi, and introduce you to the best spots for local food, shopping, or nightlife. The volcanic highlands of Ebino and Kirishima are accessible from Miyazaki, as is Takachiho, the center of Japanese mythology with its famous gorge. I know them all well and I’d like to share that knowledge, the wonderful scenery, indeed the whole Miyazaki experience, with you.
Reviews
Nikola W.
“Outstanding Day Exploring Kirishima and Ebino with Michael”
We had a fantastic day touring the Kirishima and Ebino area with Michael, including Kirishima-jingū Shrine and the beautiful volcanic landscapes near the Miyazaki border. He was incredibly knowledgeable about the region, its history and the volcanic landscape, and he made the day both informative and enjoyable. Michael was very easy to chat with and created a relaxed atmosphere throughout the tour. He was also extremely accommodating and flexible, making sure we were able to see as much as possible during our time in the area without ever feeling rushed. We really appreciated his local insights and thoughtful planning, which helped make the experience memorable. Highly recommend this tour and Michael as a guide for anyone visiting Kagoshima and the Kirishima region.
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Michael G.
I had a great day up in Kirishima/Ebino with you Nikola. We managed to get some sunshine, some cooler air, and the seasonal azaleas, which, along the good conversation, made for a fun outing. Have a safe trip back!
Nikki A.
“Five stars!! ”
My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our tour yesterday with Michael. He was friendly, knowledgeable and flexible with tour arrangements. We would highly recommend him as a tour guide. Loved exploring the Nichinan coast, Aoshima and Obi. Very interesting and culturally fascinating
Michael G.
Thanks so much for the kind words, Nikki. Most of all, I'm glad that you enjoyed this little, obscure corner of the country. We managed to have great weather and you and Bruce were very congenial -- making my job a breeze. I must also note that you were the first guests I have ever taken to a Japanese hardware store -- I hope that Bruce was satisfied with his new drill. Anyway, have a good, safe trip back and please spread the word about Miyazaki!
Nancy P.
“Wonderful day from Hososhima Port”
Michael was a great guide. He was prompt and kept us on schedule all day. He was very knowledgeable about the Takachiho Gorge and also the Amanoiwato Shrine. He was able to adapt our itinerary as weather and time dictated. He was conscious of our comfort and safety throughout the day. He had a terrific recommendation for lunch also.
Michael G.
Thank you so much Nancy. All of you were so positive and supportive throughout the day. I’m happy to hear that it matched your expectations. And I’m also happy that you enjoyed the lunch and included me in on it. Have a safe trip back home!
$176/ per group
More tours by Michael G.
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The Nichinan Coast: Aoshima, Udo, and Obi (full day by car)
This full day car tour takes in the beautiful Nichinan Coast, combining spectacular scenery, architecture, and history. We start at Aoshima Beach, known for its island shrine, botanical gardens, and sub-tropical scenery. Then we drive the wild Nichinan Coast, w/plenty of photo ops, to the mysterious Udo Jingu (shrine), precariously carved into seaside rock face. Then, on to the preserved samurai/merchant houses in the castle town of Obi, where coffee can be enjoyed in 300-year old surroundings.
The Nichinan Coast: Aoshima, Udo, and Obi (full day by car)
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Aoshima and Nichinan Coast half-day tour
We start at one of the greatest attractions in Southern Japan, magnificent Aoshima beach and its historical shrine, plus a chance to visit some local shops and tropical gardens. Then, we drive down the beautiful Nichinan seaside coastal road with several recommended seascape photo ops (Horikiri Pass, Futo no Totoro) along the way, to the mysterious and atmospheric Udo Shrine, built into a cliff rock face above the crashing sea before returning to Miyazaki City.
Aoshima and Nichinan Coast half-day tour
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Takachiho: Full day trip by car from Miyazaki!
We meet at the guest's hotel and then take the highway from Miyazaki to Takachiho (about 2 hours). After arriving in Takachiho we'll visit the famous Takachiho Gorge and view the spectacular cliffs and falls. Then we'll go to Takachiho Station where guests will board the spectacular Amaterasu open-air train for a 30 minute journey, crossing Takachiho Bridge. Then, on to the Kawanobori rice terraces and the atmospheric Amanoiwato Shrine. We'll return to Miyazaki and the guests' hotel by 17:00
Takachiho: Full day trip by car from Miyazaki!
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Kirishima: Ikoma Plateau, Kirishima Shrine, and the Ebino Volcanic Area
This full day car tour takes in some of the best mountain scenery in Japan, rarely visited by foreigners. First we drive 1.5 hours to the Ikoma Plateau, known for its views and seasonal blossoming of colorful flowers. After strolling the fields, we drive our way up to the summit into an active volcanic area where we can walk around the surrounding lake view path or among the azaleas near the information center. After lunch! We can also visit atmospheric, and myth-rich Kirishima Shrine
Kirishima: Ikoma Plateau, Kirishima Shrine, and the Ebino Volcanic Area
Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Miyazaki
The Nichinan Coast: Aoshima, Udo, and Obi (full day by car)
This full day car tour takes in the beautiful Nichinan Coast, combining spectacular scenery, architecture, and history. We start at Aoshima Beach, known for its island shrine, botanical gardens, and sub-tropical scenery. Then we drive the wild Nichinan Coast, w/plenty of photo ops, to the mysterious Udo Jingu (shrine), precariously carved into seaside rock face. Then, on to the preserved samurai/merchant houses in the castle town of Obi, where coffee can be enjoyed in 300-year old surroundings.
The Nichinan Coast: Aoshima, Udo, and Obi (full day by car)
Aoshima and Nichinan Coast half-day tour
We start at one of the greatest attractions in Southern Japan, magnificent Aoshima beach and its historical shrine, plus a chance to visit some local shops and tropical gardens. Then, we drive down the beautiful Nichinan seaside coastal road with several recommended seascape photo ops (Horikiri Pass, Futo no Totoro) along the way, to the mysterious and atmospheric Udo Shrine, built into a cliff rock face above the crashing sea before returning to Miyazaki City.
Aoshima and Nichinan Coast half-day tour