Japan Miyazaki Takachiho Gorge & Aso Volcano Kusasenri Day Tour | Including Wagyu Lunch & Optional Boating Experience | Depart from Fukuoka
- [Takachiho Gorge Rowing] Row through the secret canyon of Kyushu and feel the sensational moment of waterfalls cascading down beside you
- [Mt. Aso & Kusasenri] experience the wonders of the active volcano up closeat the vast and endless volcanic grassland
- [Takachiho Wagyu Lunch] Fill up yout stomach with Takachiho local premium beef set meal, specially arranged for this tour. Taste the Japanese delicacy that melts in your mouth
- [Depart from Fukuoka city comfortable] Skip the hassle of public transport. Hop on the direct bus to the secluded natural site on the border of Miyazaki and Kumamoto. Get easy round trip journey for the day
- [See all the best attractions] Visit Kyushu's iconic natural landmarks in one go and quench your thirst for amazing photography
Package Options
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
| Luggage limit | 1 piece |
| Minimum participant requirement | 4 travelers |
| Tour types | None |
| Meal arrangement | Lunch included |
| Family-friendly | Free for children under 2 (no seat) |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights, Bus tour |
| Transport | Sightseeing cruise, Bus tour |
| Cruise type | River boating |
Product Info
The content of this product is provided by machine translation and may not reflect the actual information, please take this into consideration before booking.
— What You Can Expect —
Start your trip from Fukuoka and explore the natural wonders in the heart of Kyushu.
The first stop is the mythical Takachiho Gorge, where you can row a boat into the deep canyon and experience the ethereal beauty of the Manai Falls up close. Then enjoy a lunch of local Takachiho Wagyu beef, a delicacy only known to locals.
In the afternoon, head to the Aso Kusasenri field in Kumamoto. stand on the edge of the world's largest crater, overlook the smoke rising from Aso Nakadake, and experience the stunning sight of the coexistence of magnificent volcanic landforms and vast grasslands.
This tour is especially suitable for those wanting to explore the natural charm of Kyushu in depth. The itinerary is compact but not rushed, allowing you to easily relish two natural wonders in one day!
—Important Notes—
- Each person can bring one piece of luggage for free, with no size limit (please note your luggage need in the booking remarks).
- The included meal only has the beef option (No other meat, vegetarian, special meals without allergens, etc. can be provided)
- Children aged 0-2 years old can travel for free if they do not occupy a seat; please inform us in advance; children aged 3 years old and above travel the same as adults.
- If you fail to include children under 3 years old who do not occupy a seat in the order, resulting in lack of space on the vehicle, your boarding will be denied and the fee will not be refunded.
- Driver-guide service (small group: 1-13 participants / bus for groups of 14-45 participants. The actual service will be adjusted according to the number of participants in the group on the day).
- Reference vehicle types: 5-8 seater: Toyota Alphard; 9-14 seater: Toyota HAICE or equivalent; 18-22 seater: mini bus; 22 seater and above: large bus. The above vehicles are for reference only and will be adjusted according to the number of participants in the group on the day.
Rowing is the most popular way to visit Takachiho Gorge, and it is also the only way to get up close to the Manai Falls. Row slowly on the clear stream, surrounded by towering basalt cliffs. Awaken your mind as mist from the cascading waterfall and speckles your face
One of the most famous attractions is the Manai Falls (真名井の滝), which cascades down from a high cliff like a silver thread hanging in the air and falling into the emerald green river. This magical land is also endowed with a mythical air. It is said that this is the place where Amaterasu's grandson "Ninigi" descended.
Takachiho Gorge is a famous natural attraction located in the northern part of Miyazaki Prefecture, Kyushu, Japan, and is known as the "Land of Mythology". The canyon was formed by lava from the eruption of Aso Volcano tens of thousands of years ago, and was eroded by the Gokase River for many years, creating a V-shaped landform that is about 7 kilometers long and has cliffs up to 100 meters high on both sides. The canyon is full of greenery, with steep cliffs and gurgling streams. The scenery varies in each season, with cherry blossoms in spring, green in summer, maples in autumn, and snow in winter, all like a picture scroll.
Every year from late October to mid-November is the best time to enjoy the autumn leaves in Miyazaki. The autumn wind blows, and the valley is dyed with layers of red and yellow, forming a picturesque natural scenery. Among them, Takachiho Gorge is the most famous. The maple leaves on both sides of the canyon are intertwined with the basalt cliffs, and the water reflects the red leaves and waterfalls, as if you are in a fairy tale world.
Mount Aso is the symbol of Kumamoto Prefecture in Kyushu, Japan, and one of the largest calderas in the world. The central peak, Nakadake, is still actively spewing smoke, and the volcanic energy is so powerful that it is breathtaking.
Standing on the crater observation deck, you can overlook the Aso crater basin with a diameter of more than 20 kilometers and feel the raw power of the earth. On a clear day, you can also see the magnificent outline of the entire Aso Five Peaks.
Kusasenri is a large plateau grassland next to the Nakadake crater. It is named after the scene of "a thousand miles of green grass and herds of cattle and horses". In spring and summer, the grass is green, and in autumn and winter, it is golden. The scenery changes with the seasons. Visitors can stroll through it or ride horses to experience the pleasant time on the vast pasture. Kusasenri is also one of photography landmark sites in the Aso area. The blue sky, mountains, volcanoes and grasslands are interwoven into a dreamlike natural picture.
In the vast and picturesque Kusasenri Plateau, you will have the opportunity to experience the fun of horseback riding. Visitors can ride gentle horses accompanied by a coach, pace slowly along the edge of the pasture, and feel the breeze and the mountains around. Whether you are a beginner or a a family with kids, you can enjoy this activity with confidence. Some ranches offer short-distance "guided rides" (suitable for taking photos and first contact), and there are also slightly longer routes to walk slowly through the grassland, getting close to the vastness and tranquility of Kyushu's nature.
Purchase Notice
[Tour Conditions]
- Tour departure and destination: Fukuoka/Kumamoto
- Tour duration: Same-day return
- Transportation: Chartered bus
- Bus company name: 株式会社フライ観光 (Fly Kankou)
- Meals: Lunch x1
- Accommodation: None
- Minimum requirement: 4 travelers
- Tour leader: 1
- Tour guide: 0
[Tour Planning/Execution]
- Operating company: 途易集团日本株式会社 (Tuyi Group)
- Address: 722 Shuzenji, Izu City, Shizuoka Prefecture
- License number: Shizuoka Prefecture Governor Registration Travel Industry No. 2-633
- Travel Industry Association Name: Full member of Japan Association of Travel Agents
Reminders
A minimum of 4 traveler(s) are required for the tour to depart. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled. An email regarding tour cancellation will be sent 4 day(s) before the departure date
In the event of inclement weather such as typhoons or snowstorms, a decision on whether to cancel the tour will be made 1 day(s) before departure (local time 18:00). Notifications will then be sent via email
Travelers with the following conditions or other health issues that could be worsened by excessive stimulation should not participate in this activity: High blood pressure, Acrophobia, Pregnant women
Please arrive at the designated location 15 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
This is a fixed route shared tour. You will share the ride with other passengers throughout the trip. The vehicle is not allowed to park at will outside the scenic spots.
The stay time at each attraction has been optimized. Please strictly adhere to the time to avoid affecting the overall itinerary.
Please be sure to meet on time. If you fail to participate in the tour due to personal reasons (late/lost/physical discomfort, etc.), no refund will be given.
This tour does not accept individual booking from customers under the age of 18. If you wish to book, please include your guardian in the booking.
Leaving the group after the trip has started/leaving the group midway will be deemed as voluntary forfeiting of the service and no refund will be given. The passenger will be responsible for their own safety during the time they are not with the tour
The itinerary may be adjusted due to force majeure factors such as traffic and weather. In the event of delays or partial changes, no refunds or compensation will be provided. Passengers who need to take a flight on the same day should take this into consideration or reserve sufficient time.
Traffic congestion may occur during holidays and peak periods. The driver and guide will adjust the itinerary depending on the situation. Please be mentally prepared. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
To maintain the cleanliness of the vehicle, please do not eat or drink onboard. If you cause any damage, you will be charged a cleaning fee based on local standards. Please work together to create a comfortable riding environment.
Please wear light, travel-friendly clothing and shoes for this tour.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 4 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- For cancellations made 2 to 3 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 40% will apply
- Cancellation is not allowed between 0–1 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
- Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once the cancellation is confirmed, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.
FAQ
Takachiho Gorge is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, particularly the majestic Manai Falls cascading into the narrow gorge. Visitors can enjoy walking along the paved path that runs beside the gorge, offering spectacular views of the columnar basalt formations and the emerald-green waters. The iconic view of rowboats beneath the falls is a major highlight, perfect for photography and enjoying the serene environment.
At Aso Volcano Kusasenri Field, visitors can immerse themselves in a vast, picturesque grassland nestled within the caldera of Mount Aso. It offers breathtaking panoramic views of the active volcano's peak and its surrounding volcanic landscape. The expansive green fields provide opportunities for leisurely strolls and photography, showcasing Kyushu's powerful natural forces and a tranquil, open environment.
A highlight of the tour is a specially arranged lunch featuring Takachiho local premium Wagyu beef. This exquisite set meal allows visitors to savor high-quality Japanese beef known for its rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. It provides an authentic taste of the region's culinary delights, offering a satisfying and memorable dining experience unique to the area.
The boating experience at Takachiho Gorge allows you to row through the serene, mystical canyon. It offers a unique perspective of the towering volcanic cliffs and brings you incredibly close to the majestic Manai Falls, where you can feel the mist from the cascading water. This intimate encounter with the waterfall and the gorge's geological formations is a truly sensational moment, typically lasting around 30-40 minutes.
Takachiho Gorge offers beautiful scenery year-round, but spring (March-May) with fresh greenery and autumn (October-November) for vibrant fall foliage are particularly popular for their stunning visual appeal. Summer provides lush landscapes and comfortable boating conditions, while winter offers a tranquil, often misty, atmosphere. Each season presents a different charm, allowing for unique photographic opportunities.
Reaching Takachiho Gorge and Aso from Fukuoka often involves significant travel. While public transport options like trains and local buses are available, they typically require multiple transfers and longer travel times. For convenience, many opt for a direct bus tour that departs from Fukuoka city, providing a comfortable and hassle-free round-trip journey to these secluded natural sites without the complexities of self-driving.
A day tour departing from Fukuoka provides significant comfort by eliminating the need for self-planning complex public transportation routes or navigating unfamiliar roads. You can enjoy a direct, comfortable bus journey to Takachiho Gorge and Aso, ensuring a hassle-free round trip. This allows visitors to relax and fully appreciate Kyushu's natural wonders, including key photography spots, without worrying about logistics.
To fully appreciate Takachiho Gorge, including walking along the promenade that offers various viewpoints and experiencing the optional boat ride, it's generally recommended to allocate at least 2 to 3 hours. This allows ample time to enjoy the scenic views of the gorge and Manai Falls, take photos, and experience the unique atmosphere without feeling rushed.
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