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Kirishima: Ikoma Plateau, Kirishima Shrine, and the Ebino Volcanic Area

Ikoma Plateau

Ebino walking circuit

Volcanic formations

Guide's car - Suzuki Solio

View from above

Among the azaleas and 'hells'

Kirishima Jingu (Shrine)

Kirishima: Ikoma Plateau, Kirishima Shrine, and the Ebino Volcanic Area

Nature & Outdoor

Car Tour (driving guide)

Joined 2025

Michael G.

5.00 / 5

(23 reviews)

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

Miyazaki

English (Native), Japanese

7 hours

Private tour (only you and Michael G.)

Up to 3 people

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

Itinerary

This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!

08:00 AM

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

09:30 AM

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.

11:30 AM

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', small deep-hued lakes, and stroll among the famous azaleas in season. Deer are also often spotted in the area. Lunch can be taken here, and even a foot 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.

02:00 PM

Kirishima Shrine (Jingu)

This impressive and atmospheric mountain shrine, fronting towering Mt. Takachiho (*note -- not the gorge Takachiho), drips with mythology, while towering over views of Kagoshima Bay. We can spend up to one hour here.

03:00 PM

Return to Miyazaki

We return to the guests' hotel in Miyazaki via expressway (about 90 minutes)

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

What‘s included

*Guide

*Private transportation by Suzuki Solio

*Gasoline fee

What‘s not included

*Guide gratuity

*Visitors should bring a minimum of 3000-4000 yen in cash each for lunch, souvenirs.

*Highway toll fee of 3500 yen to be paid directly to the guide/driver.

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.

*The order of this tour, as well as pick-up/drop-off points can be easily negotiated.

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.

*Note that the highway toll fee of 3500 yen should be paid directly to the driver/guide (this is seperate from the basic tour cost)

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

Michael G.

5.00 / 5

(23 reviews)

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

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

Kristeen T.

5 / 5

Oct 17, 2026

Aoshima and Nichinan Coast half-day tour

Oct 17, 2026

Miyazaki

5 hours

“What an awesome experience!”

My fiance and I booked this trip and a full day trip with Michael during our time in Miyazaki. Michael was very fun to talk to throughout both tours. The places he took us to showed us a side of Japan that we didn’t know existed. Michael was also very knowledgeable in the history and facts about said places. He was also very accommodating with changing our start time to an earlier time. We’re typically not the type to book guided tours but we throughly enjoyed these tours that Michael curated.

Michael G.

I really enjoyed the company of you and Alexys during these two days, Kristeen. In fact, I'd say that you were the type of model guests who make my job very pleasurable with your excellent manners and pleasant conversation. I hope your entire trip to Japan went well and that your new life back in Canada goes even better!

Kristeen T.

5 / 5

Oct 17, 2026

Takachiho: Full day trip by car from Miyazaki!

Oct 17, 2026

Miyazaki

9 hours

“What an awesome experience!”

My fiance and I booked this trip and a half day trip with Michael during our time in Miyazaki. Michael was very fun to talk to throughout both tours. The places he took us to showed us a side of Japan that we didn’t know existed. Michael was also very knowledgeable in the history and facts about said places. He was also very accommodating with changing our start time to an earlier time. We’re typically not the type to book guided tours but we throughly enjoyed these tours that Michael curated.

Michael G.

Thank you for the kind words, Kristeen. And, of course, congratulations! It was an honour to be a tiny part of a big moment and a permanent memory for you. Please spread the word about Miyazaki!

Clinton P.

5 / 5

Oct 13, 2026

Takachiho: Full day trip by car from Miyazaki!

Oct 13, 2026

Miyazaki

9 hours

“The perfect guide to Miyazaki and Takachiho”

Michael was a fantastic guide for our day trip from Miyazaki to Takachiho Gorge. He was friendly, interesting and incredibly informative, sharing great insights into the history, culture and landscape of the region along the way. He took us to parts of Miyazaki we simply would not have reached on our own, and he made everything effortless. From translating for us to helping us buy tickets, he was always one step ahead and genuinely helpful. Overall, it was a spectacular day and one of the highlights of our trip to Japan. We highly recommend Michael to anyone visiting Miyazaki.

Michael G.

Thanks so much for the kind words, Clinton. In return, I’d like to thank you for your enthusiasm and good conversation throughout the day. Japan needs more tourists like you! Please spread the good word about Miyazaki!