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Joined 2025
Michael G.
Available Areas
Miyazaki (Living)
Languages
English (Native), Japanese
Response Time
3 hours on average
Availability Updated
1 day 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
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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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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!
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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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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
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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
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!
Other Popular Tour Guides in Miyazaki
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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)
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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!!
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