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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.
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.
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.
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 (Nissan Note)
Highway Tolls (4800 yen)
Gasoline (about 2000 yen)
Parking fees (about 1000 yen)
Open-Air Train Tickets (2000 yen pp)
Gorge Rowboats (4000 yen per boat 3pp - 30 minutes)
Lunch
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.
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, as well as let you in on a few hidden secrets of Miyazaki if you have the time.
Reviews
Valencia I.
“An unforgettable moment in Takachiho Gorge”
Our tour of Takachiho Gorge was absolutely magical, and it wouldn’t have been the same without our wonderful guide, Michael san. From the moment we met, He made us feel welcome and excited to explore this breathtaking part of Kyushu. Michael san was incredibly knowledgeable about the area’s history, legends, and natural beauty. The way He shared the myth of the Sun Goddess and pointed out hidden details along the river made the whole experience come alive. We also appreciated his patience in helping us get the perfect photos and suggesting the best viewpoints for the waterfalls and basalt cliffs. It felt like we were traveling with a friend rather than a guide. If you’re visiting Takachiho Gorge, I can’t recommend this tour and Michael san highly enough. It was an unforgettable day filled with beauty, stories, and warm hospitality. Thank you for showing us the true heart of Takachiho!
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Michael G.
Thank you. I had a wonderful day with you and Grace, Valencia. As you said, it felt like we were friends and the glorious weather made everything perfect. It was just unfortunate that the boats in the gorge were all reserved. Maybe next time…
Alexander G.
“Aya Tour to Suspension bridge ”
We had a wonderful day with Michael in Aya. He was flexible and accommodating, even when our plans changed at the last minute. Michael took great care of us, was engaging to talk to, and shared a wealth of knowledge. We highly recommend him!
Michael G.
It was great to meet you and your team Alex and I'm glad that I was able to offer some help. You made my job very easy thanks to your thoughtfulness. Have a great rest-of-trip in Kyushu!
Andrea gabrielle R.
“Nichinan Coast day trip with Totoro of Futo”
Had super great day trip to Aoshima! Michael was very knowledgeable and shared interesting stories and local insights throughout the ride. It made the experience even more special and enjoyable. I like most especially how flexible the schedule with the time and the places. Highly recommend this service if you want a stress-free and fun way to explore Nichinan Coast area!!
Michael G.
I'm so glad that you enjoyed the trip, Andrea! You and Rain were both so positive and energetic which made my job that much easier. I hope you take back good memories along with your souvenirs.
$247/ per group
More tours by Michael G.
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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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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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Kirishima: Ikoma Plateau 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 'hells' spouting unusual rock formations, a great place for lunch or even a hot spring dip! On the return trip we can stop by a popular farmer's local market.
Kirishima: Ikoma Plateau and the Ebino Volcanic Area
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