/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/78322/a7e2664e-c59a-4be7-98a9-3cd2b73c7636.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/78322/3a165f87-6b76-4e3a-bdc2-4628697d5eb7.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/78322/3e8104fe-5e15-445b-9317-3a720625e108.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/78322/c1ac49f2-cce9-4c0e-832b-367c70fcfd8c.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/78322/ef23b66a-4627-41f0-a109-f255dee64a96.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/78322/d318af8a-10eb-4814-a5db-bee39d9c8847.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/78322/6fee7763-c149-417c-b9b6-639ae69bea3b.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/78322/8154035c-778f-4e11-8898-90fa402b28e6.png)
Joined 2025
Michael G.
Available Areas
Miyazaki (Living)
Languages
English (Native), Japanese
Response Time
3 hours on average
Availability Updated
2 days ago
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.
Important
Once I know the client's date/time plans and options I can arrange a tour around these.
Tours
All tours can be customized for you. Send me a message with your requests!
Categories
/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/categories/48/highlights-white.svg)
/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/categories/52/art-culture-historical-white.svg)
/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/categories/53/nature-outdoor-white.svg)
/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/categories/49/day-trip-white.svg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19880/e7fa079c-0b1f-4b1d-87d1-f706e877e1fe.jpeg)
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)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19850/ded1df98-a2d9-4456-92f6-b6f767336fba.jpeg)
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
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/20966/9f67f9ff-822b-4e6b-80ef-be63f4dd525d.jpeg)
Takachiho: Full day trip by car from Miyazaki!
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
Takachiho: Full day trip by car from Miyazaki!
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19966/842b4bb0-f410-4b23-84ce-f5d1c970b023.JPG)
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
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19967/1ca09fd3-85f8-4780-b4cc-b9d58c3e5d74.jpg)
The Best of Miyazaki City: History, Nature, and Shopping
Miyazaki can be a difficult place to get around by public transport so let me take you to historical Miyazaki Jingu Shrine, the viewpoint at Heiwadai Park, the coast at Sea Gaia, and on foot in the center of the city to the best shopping spots for local goods, markets, or major outlets. This tour can last 4 to 7 hours with the activities and times negotiable.
The Best of Miyazaki City: History, Nature, and Shopping
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19978/0c157096-3dfb-4cc2-9d2a-6bf251f7324a.jpeg)
Backwoods Miyazaki: Aya Craft Town, Amagajo Castle, and Saitobaru Half-Day By Car
Visit a side of Miyazaki where you are unlikely to see any other foreigners! Aya is a craft village about 40 minutes from Miyazaki. Not only are there several artisanal craft shops nestled here, but also two very different Japanese castles, Aya and Amagajo, plus one of Japan's longest and most spectacularly-situated suspension bridges. The nearby Saitobaru Burial Mounds are up to 1500 years old, located on a scenic plateau decked with flowers and spectacular views of fields rolling to infinity.
Backwoods Miyazaki: Aya Craft Town, Amagajo Castle, and Saitobaru Half-Day By Car
Reviews
Toni R.
“Beautiful customized Miyazaki seaside tour”
Had a wonderful tour on September 2026 with Michael, where we visited Aoshima, Udo Jingu and enjoyed some amazing lobsters on season. He was very helpful with recommended spots and flexible to make the most out of our very short stay in Miyazaki. Very easy to talk to him and very interesting to know his experience in Japan after 36 years living there. If you are interested in Japanese Shinto and culture he is as knowledge as a local. Totally recommended!
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/78322/8154035c-778f-4e11-8898-90fa402b28e6.png)
Michael G.
Thanks for the kind words, Toni. You were wonderful guests: appreciative, curious, and easy to talk to on a number of topics. Our half day tour was just a sampling of Miyazaki, but you may agree that this 'minor' prefecture is as beautiful and as enticing as any other place in Japan. I hope you both enjoy the rest of your stay in Japan and that you have the chance to visit Miyazaki again sometime!
Isabella V.
“Amazing, beautiful day!”
Michael picked us up from our hotel and off we went! He was very knowledgeable of the Miyazaki and the areas and was always happy to answer our questions. The spots we stopped at were so breathtakingly beautiful, also had a delicious lunch stop. Thanks so much Michael for your kindness!
Michael G.
It was a great day Isabella, made even better by the positive vibes I felt from you and your partner. Thanks so much! Even though your tour was a last-minute request, I was really happy that everything went smoothly. I hope the rest of your trip also manages to go well.
Lindsey L.
“Very insightful and interesting tour”
Mike was very accommodating with our group! We booked just two days before and he was available to adjust the itinerary to exactly what we wanted. Mike provided a local’s insight to the surrounding areas and landmarks that we’ve been missing on our other trips to Japan. We would not have been able to see these sights without his guidance, and we are truly grateful he was able to take us around. Thank you for the wonderful tour!
Michael G.
I’m glad that you and your family enjoyed the tour, Lindsey. I especially liked the conversation that accompanied the sightseeing, your parents were great to chat with. It’s also good that you got to see it all before the rainy season set in. Thanks again!
Other Popular Tour Guides in Miyazaki
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/5704/6e1da78f-c14b-4977-b56d-77c54e99fde9.png)
Eiji K.
Hi I'm Eiji, an English-speaking tour guide in Kagoshima and Amami Oshima. Born in Tokyo and left the bustling capital when I was 22 years old with my little backpack. After spent my youth to see and experience the world, more than 25 countries in total, and lived in several areas of Japan, such as Yakushima, Izu, Kochi, and Amami Oshima. Now, I’m based in Kagoshima, still have a wanderlust… Since 2010, I have worked as an English-speaking tour guide in Japan, for INTREPID TRAVEL for 3 years, as a sea kayak tour guide in Izu for 3 years, and as a self-employed in Amami Oshima for 9 years, love to show people around my favorite places. My interests are traveling, birding, playing with nature, and cooking as well... I'm looking forward to sharing our time together!!
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/22264/1b858ced-5505-4637-a829-e61c1aa6cdbb.png)
Kanako N.
Hello! I’m Kanako, a government-licensed guide interpreter based in Kagoshima. I offer tours around Kagoshima City, Sakurajima, Kirishima and Chiran area. As a local guide, I love sharing the hidden charms of my hometown and taking you to places off the beaten path that are truly worth visiting. Let’s explore and unlock the wonders of Kagoshima together! With my background in teaching at school, I strive to make every experience not only enjoyable but also enriching and meaningful. Certified Government Licensed Guide Interpreter EN00070 Certified Tour Conductor Certified Chiran Tea Ambassador Eiken Grade 1 holder ( equivalent to CEFR C1)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/12568/61bd15f1-ec3b-44c3-aa25-2ce22659fdf2.png)