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Kirishima: Ikoma Plateau and the Ebino Volcanic Area
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Joined 2025
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 'hells' spouting unusual rock formations, a great place for lunch or even a hot spring dip! On the return trip we can stop by a popular farmer's local market.
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
- At the client's hotel in Miyazaki City, or at Miyazaki airport or train station
Ikoma Plateau
In the gentle foothills of the Kirishima Mountain range, this scenic plateau is famed for its vibrant seasonal displays of flowers. It's an easy stroll full of great photo ops, with plenty of small shops in the area. It takes about 75 minutes to drive here from Miyazaki City. We will visit Ikoma Kogen for about 90 minutes.
Ebino Volcanic Area
From Ikoma, we drive for about 30 minutes to to the summit of the Kirishima mountain range, where Miyazaki borders Kagoshima, and walk among the unusual and active volcanic landscapes of the area, dotted with bubbbling and gurgling 'hells' and small deep-hued lakes. Deer are often spotted in the area. Lunch can be taken here, and even a dip in volcano-fed hot springs if time allows. In winter, even outdoor ice skating is possible! Plan on spending 2-3 hours in the area.
Miyakonojo Farmer's Market and Sake Brewery
We will stop in Miyakonojo. This small city is famous for being one of the Japan's 'breadbasket' towns, except of course, the focus in Japan is not upon wheat but upon unique leafy vegetables, dairy products, and a famous sake brewery (which can be toured, and its produce sampled). This extension trip can be added if time allows or if one of the other attractions of this tour is inaccessible.
Ending Point
Same as the pick up 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
*Private transportation by Suzuki Solio
*Gasoline fee and toll fees (about 5000-6000 yen)
*Guide gratuity
*Visitors should bring a minimum of 3000-4000 yen in cash each for lunch, souvenirs.
Tour Important Information
It is possible that volcanic activity could lead to the summit area being closed. Your guide will check in advance.
This tour is not advised in poor weather.
There will be some walking at both Ikoma and Ebino but it is not strenuous.
It can be quite chilly or downright cold from October thru April. Dress accordingly.
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, as well as let you in on a few hidden secrets of Miyazaki if you have the time.
Reviews
Sheri L.
“Amazing Day with Mike”
We had an amazing day with Mike. He was so accommodating making sure our needs were met. He took us exactly where we wanted to go and shared so much knowledge with us. He is extremely knowledgeable about Japanese history, language and culture. We also appreciated that English is his first language so we had no problems communicating with him. We highly recommend taking a tour with Mike.
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Michael G.
Thank you for the kind words, Sheri. I enjoyed the stimulating conversation and you also helped me get off my beaten path, into the Kirishima area - so thank you for that too. Even though the weather wasn’t the best I’m very glad you enjoyed your final full day in Japan — and hope you will visit again.
Carole anne H.
“Wonderful day in Takachiho!”
We had a lovely day exploring Takachiho with Mike. He was very knowledgeable about details regarding culture, geology and history of the sites. He accommodated our reduced mobility needs. He went out of his way to help us research our bus connection to Kurokawa and dropped us off at our hotel in Takachiho. We highly recommend Mike as a guide!
Michael G.
I’m glad that you and Kyo enjoyed the tour of Takachiho Carole, even though it was a bit crowded (being a weekend). I was happy to help you find out about onward travel details and I’m glad that it turned out smoothly. It was a pleasure hosting you both.
Carole anne H.
“Amazing coastline with historical landmarks”
We had a wonderful morning tour with Mike. He was knowledgeable and gave us a good understanding of life in Japan. He accommodated our reduced mobility needs and did a great job of finding a restaurant with Chicken Nanban. We highly recommend this guide!
Michael G.
Thank you Carole. It was nice to meet fellow Canadians for a tour (two tours actually!). It was a pleasure having many interesting conversations with you and Kyo, especially with his knowledge of kanji and some minutiae of Japanese culture. I hope the rest of your Kyushu trip went as well.
$219/ 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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The Best of Miyazaki City: History, Nature, Shopping, Food and Drink
Miyazaki can be a difficult place to get around by public transport so let me take you to historical Miyazaki Jingu Shrine, the viewpoint at Heiwadai Park, the coast at Sea Gaia, and on foot in the center of the city to the best shopping, eating and drinking spots. I can introduce local specialties like chicken namban, mangoes, hyuga natsu fruit, charcoal-grilled free range chicken, and shochu, a beloved spirit made here. This tour can last 4 to 7 hours with the activities and times negotiable.
The Best of Miyazaki City: History, Nature, Shopping, Food and Drink
Other Popular Car Tour (driving guide) 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)
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Miyazaki Highlights - Private tour with guide's car
A tailor-made English-speaking private tour by car in Miyazaki, just for you. Miyazaki, located at the southernmost of Kyushu is known as “Hinata of Nippon”, translated as “Sunny place of Japan” by its longest sunlight times of the country. Let's explore Miyazaki to the fullest for its unique nature, culture and history!!
Miyazaki Highlights - Private tour with guide's 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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Inohae Valley Therapy Hike in Miyazaki
Located an hour drive from Miyazaki downtown, Inohae valley is a hidden spot for “forest bathing” by walking on a trail along a river and up through rows of evergreen oaks. The valley is also known as a treasure trove of mosses, 300 of the 1.800 species that grow in Japan can be found here, as well as the endemic wild wife to Japan such as reptiles, amphibians, and birds. Let's enjoy hiking and forest bathing at the valley for taking a breather from the bustling town!!
Inohae Valley Therapy Hike in Miyazaki