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Kirishima: Ikoma Plateau, Kirishima Shrine, 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 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!
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', 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.
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.
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
*Guide
*Private transportation by Suzuki Solio
*Gasoline fee
*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
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!
$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, and Shopping
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The Best of Miyazaki City: History, Nature, and Shopping
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Miyazaki Highlights - Private tour with guide's car
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Miyazaki Highlights - Private tour with guide's car
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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 spots for local goods, markets, or major outlets. This tour can last 4 to 7 hours with the activities and times negotiable.
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