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Takachiho: Full day trip by car from Miyazaki!
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Joined 2025
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!
Meeting Point
Guest's Hotel in Miyazaki City
- Other options: at the airport/central train station as requested (typically at the guest's hotel)
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.
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!
Lunch
We'll have lunch at one of the many local restaurants in the region, where regional menus are highlighted.
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.
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
Guide fee
Transport by private car (Guide's car - Suzuki Solio)
Gasoline (about 2500 yen)
Parking fees (about 1000 yen)
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
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
Kristeen T.
“What an awesome experience!”
My fiance and I booked this trip and a full day trip with Michael during our time in Miyazaki. Michael was very fun to talk to throughout both tours. The places he took us to showed us a side of Japan that we didn’t know existed. Michael was also very knowledgeable in the history and facts about said places. He was also very accommodating with changing our start time to an earlier time. We’re typically not the type to book guided tours but we throughly enjoyed these tours that Michael curated.
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Michael G.
I really enjoyed the company of you and Alexys during these two days, Kristeen. In fact, I'd say that you were the type of model guests who make my job very pleasurable with your excellent manners and pleasant conversation. I hope your entire trip to Japan went well and that your new life back in Canada goes even better!
Kristeen T.
“What an awesome experience!”
My fiance and I booked this trip and a half day trip with Michael during our time in Miyazaki. Michael was very fun to talk to throughout both tours. The places he took us to showed us a side of Japan that we didn’t know existed. Michael was also very knowledgeable in the history and facts about said places. He was also very accommodating with changing our start time to an earlier time. We’re typically not the type to book guided tours but we throughly enjoyed these tours that Michael curated.
Michael G.
Thank you for the kind words, Kristeen. And, of course, congratulations! It was an honour to be a tiny part of a big moment and a permanent memory for you. Please spread the word about Miyazaki!
Clinton P.
“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!
$253/ per group
More tours by Michael G.
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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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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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Kirishima: Ikoma Plateau, Kirishima Shrine, 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 surrounding lake view path or among the azaleas near the information center. After lunch! We can also visit atmospheric, and myth-rich Kirishima Shrine
Kirishima: Ikoma Plateau, Kirishima Shrine, and the Ebino Volcanic Area
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