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Miyazaki Private Tour - The open-air train
The open-air train
Miyazaki Private Tour - Boats in the gorge
Boats in the gorge
Miyazaki Private Tour - Gorge pathway
Gorge pathway
Miyazaki Private Tour - One of many waterfalls
One of many waterfalls
Miyazaki Private Tour - The bridge from below
The bridge from below
Miyazaki Private Tour - Rice terraces near Takachiho
Rice terraces near Takachiho
Miyazaki Private Tour - Walking to Amanoiwato Shrine
Walking to Amanoiwato Shrine
Miyazaki Private Tour - Enjoying a coffee near Amanoiwato!
Enjoying a coffee near Amanoiwato!
Miyazaki Private Tour - Amanoiwato Shrine
Amanoiwato Shrine
Miyazaki Private Tour - The home of folklore
The home of folklore
Miyazaki Private Tour - Gorge-ous views
Gorge-ous views
Miyazaki Private Tour - Guide's car
Guide's car

Takachiho: Full day trip by car from Miyazaki!

Car Tour (driver & guide)
Miyazaki Tour Guide - Michael G.

Joined 2025

Michael G.
5.00 / 5
(8 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.

01:30 PM

Kawanobori Rice Terraces

This is one of the most beautiful views of this heartland of Japan, cascading rice terraces in a tranquil hillside setting. We can take a short walk among the paddies.

02:00 PM

Amanoiwato Shrine

From the 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)

Highway Tolls (4100 yen)

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)

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.

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
Miyazaki Tour Guide - Michael G.

Joined 2025

Michael G.
5.00 / 5
(8 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, as well as let you in on a few hidden secrets of Miyazaki if you have the time.

Reviews

A Wonderful 2 Days Exploring Miyazaki with Michael

We had a wonderful two days in Miyazaki with our guide Michael. He was friendly, knowledgeable, and made the entire experience enjoyable and seamless. Michael brought us to some incredible places including the Takachiho Station Amaterasu Railway, Amanoiwato Shrine, and the breathtaking Takachiho Gorge. We also explored the beautiful Nichinan Coast with visits to Aoshima Shrine, Udo Shrine, and the charming samurai town of Obi Castle Town. His insights and stories made each place even more meaningful. Highly recommend Michael if you want to discover the hidden gems of Miyazaki!

Ambrose R.

Michael G.

And thank you Ambrose and Andre for your great companionship and kindness over the two days. I hope to see you in Miyazaki again!

Miyazaki coastal tour

Wonderful day tour with Mike who was a knowledgeable guide providing interesting facts about area . Very friendly and welcoming. Thanks

Frances J.

Michael G.

Thank you Frances. It was a pleasure to introduce Miyazaki to you, especially with the wonderful weather we had.

Half Day Tour in Miyazaki

“Our tour guide was excellent — he speaks perfect English thanks to his Canadian background, making communication very easy for foreign visitors. Having lived in Japan for over 30 years, he knows Miyazaki even better than many locals. He guided and supported us wonderfully, and we were very lucky to have him. Thanks to him, we were able to see the best attractions in Miyazaki within our limited half-day schedule.”

Saovalak W.

Michael G.

I’m glad that you enjoyed Aoshima and Udo Jingu. It was a beautiful day and you two were excellent company. Thank you for choosing my services.

Want to Personalize?

$252/ per group

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