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Miyazaki Private Tour - Aoshima torii (Photo: Winged Jedi)
Aoshima torii (Photo: Winged Jedi)
Miyazaki Private Tour - Devil's Washboard (photo Akito)
Devil's Washboard (photo Akito)
Miyazaki Private Tour - Innermost Aoshima Shrine
Innermost Aoshima Shrine
Miyazaki Private Tour - Aoshima Shrine Grounds
Aoshima Shrine Grounds
Miyazaki Private Tour - Beach at Aoshima
Beach at Aoshima
Miyazaki Private Tour - Path to Udo Jingu
Path to Udo Jingu
Miyazaki Private Tour - The classic view of Aoshima
The classic view of Aoshima
Miyazaki Private Tour - The Inner Shrine pathway
The Inner Shrine pathway
Miyazaki Private Tour - Torii at Udo Shrine
Torii at Udo Shrine
Miyazaki Private Tour - Traditional archery at Obi
Traditional archery at Obi
Miyazaki Private Tour - Obi garden view cafe
Obi garden view cafe
Miyazaki Private Tour - Futo no Totoro
Futo no Totoro
Miyazaki Private Tour - A scene from 'Totoro'
A scene from 'Totoro'
Miyazaki Private Tour - The ocean from Udo
The ocean from Udo
Miyazaki Private Tour - Guide's car - Suzuki Solio
Guide's car - Suzuki Solio

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

Car Tour (driving guide)
Miyazaki Tour Guide - Michael G.

Joined 2025

Michael G.
5.00 / 5
(14 reviews)
Identity Verified
Interview-Based Quality Checks
Miyazaki
English (Native), Japanese
8 hours
Private tour (only you and Michael G.)
Up to 3 people

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.

Itinerary

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

08:00 AM

Meeting Point

At the client's hotel in Miyazaki City

- At the client's hotel in Miyazaki City, or at Miyazaki airport or train station

09:00 AM

Aoshima Beach and Shrine

One of the most famous natural and cultural sites in Southern Japan, sub-tropical Aoshima not only boasts and spectacular beach and garden parks but also one of Japan's most uniquely located shrines, on an island accessible only by a footbridge. There are also several quaint snack and souvenir outlets lining the entrance road that can be enjoyed.

10:00 AM

Devil's Washboard

Take a walk on the geologically rare 'Devil's Washboard' on the shoreline while your guide outlines the mythology of the area, one tied to the founding of the entire country of Japan. We will spend about 90 minutes here.

12:00 PM

Nichinan Coast and Udo Jingu (shrine)

We travel the winding Nichinan coast, known for its amazing seascapes, among the most spectacular in Asia. There are a few great photo op spots along the way, such as Horikiri Pass and Futo no Totoro (yes, as in the famous Ghibli movie) as well as fishing villages and craft shops (total driving time approx. 1 hour, with short stops). We then reach another of Japan's most beguiling shrines, Udo Jingu, carved directly into rock face above the crashing sea. We tour the atmospheric shrine and its wild surroundings. Time at Udo Jingu = 45 minutes to one hour. Lunch can be taken here (40 minutes) or at our next stop in Obi.

01:40 PM

Obi Castle and Samurai houses

Obi is a well-preserved historical castle (ruins) town, surrounded by an atmospheric neighbourhood of walled samurai and merchant houses, some dating back three hundred years. Many have been converted into small folklore museums, cafes, or shops displaying local crafts. Your guide will stroll with you down the best of the back streets and introduce you to some of the local treats. You can even try your hand at traditional archery (450 yen)! Note that entry into the castle museum and nearby samurai houses will cost 600-800 yen.

Ending Point

Return to the starting point in Miyazaki City at approx. 16:00

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

*Private transportation by Guide's car - Suzuki Solio

*Gasoline fee and toll fees

What‘s not included

*Food/drink (Suggest each visitor to bring a minimum of 2000 yen to cover lunch)

*600-800 yen entry fees for Obi attractions (450 for traditional archery including 8 shots).

*Souvenirs

Tour Important Information

A fair bit of walking is involved but nothing particularly difficult. Sneakers are preferable to any kind of dress shoes.

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
(14 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

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.

Nancy P.

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!

Amazing Day with Mike

We had an amazing day with Mike. He was so accommodating making sure our needs were met. He took us exactly where we wanted to go and shared so much knowledge with us. He is extremely knowledgeable about Japanese history, language and culture. We also appreciated that English is his first language so we had no problems communicating with him. We highly recommend taking a tour with Mike.

Sheri L.

Michael G.

Thank you for the kind words, Sheri. I enjoyed the stimulating conversation and you also helped me get off my beaten path, into the Kirishima area - so thank you for that too. Even though the weather wasn’t the best I’m very glad you enjoyed your final full day in Japan — and hope you will visit again.

Wonderful day in Takachiho!

We had a lovely day exploring Takachiho with Mike. He was very knowledgeable about details regarding culture, geology and history of the sites. He accommodated our reduced mobility needs. He went out of his way to help us research our bus connection to Kurokawa and dropped us off at our hotel in Takachiho. We highly recommend Mike as a guide!

Carole anne H.

Michael G.

I’m glad that you and Kyo enjoyed the tour of Takachiho Carole, even though it was a bit crowded (being a weekend). I was happy to help you find out about onward travel details and I’m glad that it turned out smoothly. It was a pleasure hosting you both.

Want to Personalize?

$189/ per group

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