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From Kumamoto: One of Japan's Three Hidden Gems Shiiba Village  1 Day Trip
From Kumamoto: One of Japan's Three Hidden Gems Shiiba Village  1 Day Trip
From Kumamoto: One of Japan's Three Hidden Gems Shiiba Village  1 Day Trip
From Kumamoto: One of Japan's Three Hidden Gems Shiiba Village  1 Day Trip
From Kumamoto: One of Japan's Three Hidden Gems Shiiba Village  1 Day Trip

From Kumamoto: One of Japan's Three Hidden Gems Shiiba Village 1 Day Trip


Booking confirmed within 5 working day(s)
Duration:11 hour(s) 30 min(s)
Guided language: English / 日本語 / 中文
Free cancellation 11 day(s) prior to experience date
Please present the e-voucher on-site

A Journey into Mystery: Visit one of Japan’s Top 3 "Hidden Regions" (Hikyo), inaccessible to most tourists.
The 800-Year-Old Giant: Experience the spiritual energy of "Okubo no Ohinoki," Japan’s most majestic cypress.
Samurai Tragedy & Romance: Hear the legendary love story of the Heike Princess and the Genji Warrior at the historic Tsurutomi Yashiki.
Gastronomy of the Heavens: Taste authentic Shiiba Soba, a rustic delicacy born from World Agricultural Heritage landscapes.
Total Comfort: Seamless private transport from Kumamoto City or Airport, navigating the scenic mountain passes with ease.

[5% App discount] Code: APP5OFF , HK: APP15HK

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Sightseeing Tours

Tour TypePrivate tour
Transportation methodHotel transfer
Departure TimeStandard Departure (8-9 am)
Luggage limitNone
Minimum participant requirement4 travelers
Tour typesGuided tour
Meal arrangementLunch included
Sightseeing typeNatural sights
TransportCharter car

Product Info

Deep within the mountains of Miyazaki Prefecture lies Shiiba Village—a place where time has stood still for over 800 years. This private tour takes you beyond the standard tourist trail to discover the soul of ancient Japan. From the engineering marvel of the Kamishiiba Dam to the sacred dances (Kagura) preserved in the village museum, this is a day of profound discovery and breathtaking nature.
■ Spot Introduction


Okubo no hinoki: An 800-year-old masterpiece of nature. Standing 32m tall with a massive 30m-wide canopy, it is revered as Japan's finest cypress. Its mystical form—a labyrinth of countless branches entwining the trunk—evokes a profound sense of awe and spiritual power.


Oichiyo Observatory (Great Ginkgo Viewpoint):The "Visual Highlight" of the tour. Looking down at the sprawling lake and the dam from this height gives you a true sense of being in "The Tibet of Kyushu."


Yokoidokoro Shiibaya:More than just a restaurant, it’s a hub for local food culture. Their Soba is a gift from the steep, terraced fields of the village.


Tsurutomi Yashiki & Folklore Museum:Discover the "Heike Legend." The unique architecture of the house, with its long veranda, is designed specifically for the steep mountain terrain.


■ Why Choose This Tour?
Shiiba is often called the "Tibet of Kyushu." Because of its remote location, it has preserved a culture unlike anywhere else in Japan. For travelers who have already seen Kyoto and Tokyo, Shiiba offers the "Real Japan"—raw, spiritual, and deeply welcoming.

Purchase Notice

This is a private tour.
This tour will have a maximum of 8travelers.
The minimum number of participants is 4 person.

Reminders

  • Please be at pick up point 10 minutes before pick up time.

  • Times are subject to change with or without notice.

  • Infant up to 5 years old may join free of charge.

Cancellation Policy

  • Cancellations 11 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
  • For cancellations made 4 to 10 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 20% will apply
  • Cancellation is not allowed between 0–3 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
NOTE
  • 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

1. How can visitors reach Shiiba Village from Kumamoto?

Visitors can reach Shiiba Village through seamless private transport, typically arranged from Kumamoto City or Kumamoto Airport. This dedicated service navigates the scenic mountain passes, ensuring a comfortable and straightforward journey to this remote location without the hassle of public transportation.

2. What makes Shiiba Village recognized as one of Japan's 'Hidden Regions' (Hikyo)?

Shiiba Village is renowned as one of Japan’s Top 3 'Hidden Regions' (Hikyo) due to its secluded location amidst scenic mountain passes, making it relatively inaccessible to most tourists. This isolation has preserved its unique cultural heritage, ancient traditions, and pristine natural landscapes, earning it the title of Kyushu's 'Secret Garden'.

3. What is the historical significance of Tsurutomi Yashiki in Shiiba Village?

Tsurutomi Yashiki is a historic site in Shiiba Village deeply intertwined with a legendary love story. It is where visitors can hear the tragic yet romantic tale of a Heike Princess and a Genji Warrior, offering a poignant glimpse into the region's samurai history and cultural folklore.

4. What can visitors expect from the ancient 'Okubo no Ohinoki' in Shiiba Village?

At Shiiba Village, visitors can experience the profound spiritual energy emanating from 'Okubo no Ohinoki,' Japan’s most majestic cypress tree. This impressive 800-year-old giant stands as a testament to nature's grandeur and offers a deeply serene and awe-inspiring encounter with ancient flora.

5. What distinct culinary experience does Shiiba Soba offer in Shiiba Village?

Shiiba Soba offers a distinct gastronomic experience, known as an authentic rustic delicacy. This traditional dish is cultivated and prepared in landscapes recognized as World Agricultural Heritage, reflecting the unique agricultural practices and natural bounty of Shiiba Village.

6. What kind of natural landscapes characterize Shiiba Village, a 'Secret Garden' of Kyushu?

Shiiba Village, often called the 'Secret Garden' of Kyushu, is characterized by stunning natural landscapes. These include dense forests housing giant ancient trees, picturesque scenic mountain passes, and a serene environment shaped by its status as a World Agricultural Heritage site, offering unspoiled natural beauty.

7. How does the journey to Shiiba Village contribute to its 'hidden gem' appeal?

The journey to Shiiba Village, typically involving travel through scenic mountain passes, enhances its 'hidden gem' appeal by emphasizing its remoteness and preserved character. The comfortable private transport allows visitors to appreciate the picturesque route, building anticipation for exploring a region largely untouched by mass tourism.

8. What key experiences should visitors prioritize during a day trip to Shiiba Village?

During a day trip to Shiiba Village, visitors should prioritize experiencing the spiritual energy of the 800-year-old 'Okubo no Ohinoki,' delving into the samurai legends at Tsurutomi Yashiki, and savoring the authentic Shiiba Soba. These highlights encapsulate the village's unique blend of ancient nature, rich history, and local gastronomy.

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