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Takachiho: Full day trip by car from Miyazaki!

The open-air train

Boats in the gorge

Gorge pathway

One of many waterfalls

The bridge from below

Rice terraces near Takachiho

Walking to Amanoiwato Shrine

Enjoying a coffee near Amanoiwato!

Amanoiwato Shrine

The home of folklore

Gorge-ous views

Guide's car

Takachiho: Full day trip by car from Miyazaki!

Day Trip

Car Tour (driver & guide)

Joined 2025

Michael G.

5.00 / 5

(21 reviews)

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

Miyazaki

English (Native), Japanese

9 hours

Private tour (only you and Michael G.)

Up to 3 people

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

Itinerary

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

08:00 AM

Meeting Point

Guest's Hotel in Miyazaki City

- Other options: at the airport/central train station as requested (typically at the guest's hotel)

10:00 AM

Takachiho Gorge

After arriving in Takachiho we will go straight to the famous Takachiho Gorge and view the spectacular cliffs and falls. The guests may also choose to rent a rowboat to navigate the river and falls (if boats are available at the time). Even if boats are unavailable, the beautiful walk along the gorge's edge is worth an hour or two.

11:30 AM

Takachiho Station (Amaterasu Open-Air Train)

We'll go to Takachiho Station (only 5-minutes' drive away) where guests will board the spectacular Amaterasu tourist Train for a 30 minute journey crossing Takachiho Bridge. Lots of unique photo opportunities!

12:20 PM

Lunch

We'll have lunch at one of the many local restaurants in the region, where regional menus are highlighted.

02:00 PM

Amanoiwato Shrine

After driving through spectacular rice terraces, it's about a ten-minute drive to the famous and photogenic Amanoiwato Shrine, the source of one of Japan's most famous and endearing creation myths. The walk to the cave shrine, hidden deep in a forest gorge, is a renowned power spot, with the many small stone towers adding to the spriritual atmosphere. We will spend about 90 minutes here.

03:30 PM

Return to Miyazaki City

We return by the same (toll) highway to Miyazaki City, but with some spectacular scenery on the route. Arriving about 17:00

Ending Point

Return to the starting point in Miyazaki City by 17:00.

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 by private car (Guide's car - Suzuki Solio)

Gasoline (about 2500 yen)

Parking fees (about 1000 yen)

What‘s not included

Open-Air Train Tickets (2000 yen pp)

Gorge Rowboats (4100 yen per boat 3pp - 30 minutes)

Highway Toll Fee (about 5000 yen). Please pay to the driver.

Lunch (Cash is recommemded)

Snacks

Souvenirs

Guide gratuity

Tour Important Information

Weather can affect the rental of boats and the open-air train. In case of bad weather, adjustments to the itinerary can easily be made.

Good walking shoes are strongly recommended as there is a fair bit of walking involved.

Note that many places in Takachiho accept cash ONLY so please bring some cash with you.

Note that highway toll charges (about 5000 yen) must be paid to the guide/driver (separate from 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

(21 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

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!

Genevieve A.

5 / 5

Oct 11, 2026

The Nichinan Coast: Aoshima, Udo, and Obi (full day by car)

Oct 11, 2026

Miyazaki

8 hours

“Wonderful guide in Miyazaki!”

Michael was a really helpful and interesting guide. He took us to the main sights in Miyazaki prefecture as well as some unexpected stops. He has a real grasp of the area, history and the Japanese culture. Being Canadian he speaks English and is fluent in Japanese from his many years of being a resident of Japan. He was friendly, kind and we had fun discussing Japan, the USA and Canada. Highly recommended for your driver and guide!

Michael G.

Thank you Genevieve! We covered a lot of distance in our three days together but, thanks to your excellent conversation and easygoing nature, the trips were a breeze for me and it was a pleasure to show you around. Please spread the word about Miyazaki to others back in the US!

Toni R.

5 / 5

Sep 17, 2026

Aoshima and Nichinan Coast half-day tour

Sep 17, 2026

Miyazaki

5 hours

“Beautiful customized Miyazaki seaside tour”

Had a wonderful tour on September 2026 with Michael, where we visited Aoshima, Udo Jingu and enjoyed some amazing lobsters on season. He was very helpful with recommended spots and flexible to make the most out of our very short stay in Miyazaki. Very easy to talk to him and very interesting to know his experience in Japan after 36 years living there. If you are interested in Japanese Shinto and culture he is as knowledge as a local. Totally recommended!

Michael G.

Thanks for the kind words, Toni. You were wonderful guests: appreciative, curious, and easy to talk to on a number of topics. Our half day tour was just a sampling of Miyazaki, but you may agree that this 'minor' prefecture is as beautiful and as enticing as any other place in Japan. I hope you both enjoy the rest of your stay in Japan and that you have the chance to visit Miyazaki again sometime!