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Rural Miyazaki: Aya Craft Town and Saitobaru Half-Day By Car

Teruha Suspension Bridge

Aya-jo Castle (entrance)

Aya-jo Castle

Shusen-no-Mori

Farmer's Market Aya

The endless view from Saito Burial Mounds

Saito Burial Mounds area

Flowers surrounding Saitobaru

Guide's vehicle

Rural Miyazaki: Aya Craft Town and Saitobaru Half-Day By Car

Car Tour (driving guide)

Joined 2025

Michael G.

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

Miyazaki

English (Native), Japanese

6 hours

Private tour (only you and Michael G.)

Up to 3 people

Visit the rural side of Miyazaki, where very few foreign visitors ever go! Aya is a craft village about 40 minutes from Miyazaki. Not only are there several artisanal craft shops nestled here, but also a Japanese castle, 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!

09:00 AM

Meeting Point

At the client's hotel in Miyazaki City

- As negotiated with the client

09:30 AM

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.

11:00 AM

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.

12:30 PM

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.

01:30 PM

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.

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

What‘s included

Guide fee, transport (Nissan Note sedan), gasoline fee, toll fees

What‘s not included

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 entrance fees for Aya 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

Michael G.

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, as well as let you in on a few hidden secrets of Miyazaki if you have the time.