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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

(16 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

(16 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

Nikola W.

5 / 5

May 25, 2026

Kirishima: Ikoma Plateau and the Ebino Volcanic Area

May 25, 2026

Miyazaki

7 hours

“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.

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.

5 / 5

May 14, 2026

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

May 14, 2026

Miyazaki

8 hours

“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.

5 / 5

Apr 12, 2026

Takachiho: Full day trip by car from Miyazaki!

Apr 12, 2026

Miyazaki

9 hours

“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!