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Rural Miyazaki: Aya Craft Town, Amagajo Castle, and Saitobaru Half-Day By Car
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Joined 2025
Visit the rural side of Miyazaki! 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, one of Japan's longest and most spectacularly-situated suspension bridges, and a European-styled winery/distillery. 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, possibly a meal, 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 fears of heights.
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
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.
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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!
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.
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.
$157/ per group
More tours by Michael G.
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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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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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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 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 '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.
Kirishima: Ikoma Plateau and the Ebino Volcanic Area
Other Popular Car Tour (driving guide) Tours in Miyazaki
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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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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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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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