Miyazaki

Although the visit was a bit short, it was worth the ticket price to see so many places in one trip. Takachiho was as beautiful as a fairyland when the weather was nice. Our tour leader, Ms. Wu, was very friendly and even introduced us to famous local products and anecdotes.

No need for a tour guide or large group tours, this "semi-independent" itinerary allows the whole family to enjoy a more in-depth experience! As long as you manage taxi connections and key booking times, even families with elderly members and children can easily conquer Takachiho. 【Itinerary Sharing】(Tested on 2/10) • 09:11 | Depart from Kumamoto Station/Sakuramachi Bus Terminal (take a Kyushu Sanko bus). • 12:19 | Arrive at Takachiho Bus Center. • 12:30 | Takachiho Beef Feast: Upon arrival, a pre-booked taxi will take you to the restaurant. Delicious Takachiho beef is definitely the best start to your trip. • 14:00 | Takachiho Gorge Boat Ride (Reservation Required): Avoid the crowds and enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the gorge waterfall. • 14:30 - 15:10 | Takachiho Gorge Stroll: Explore the trails and admire the magnificent columnar jointed landforms. • 15:15 | Miraculous Taxi Rescue: Two taxis were flagged down at the canyon site, taking us straight to the Amaterasu Railway (former Takachiho Station). • 15:40 | Amaterasu Railway Miniature Train (Last Train): This train was the MVP of the trip! The 105-meter-high railway bridge and the interactive bubble-blowing activity on the train were a huge hit with the kids. • 16:15 | Stroll Through the City: After the miniature train ride, we leisurely walked back to the bus station (approximately 15 minutes). • 16:57 | Return Bus: We boarded the bus back to Kumamoto on time.

The tour guide was warm and friendly, providing clear explanations and reminders, and did his best to assist every passenger. The driver was also very professional and drove smoothly. Remember to check the email sent by the tour guide beforehand to avoid getting lost in the crowd at the morning meeting point.

The tour guide was great, and the scenery was beautiful. Although we weren't able to go up to the crater due to the recent helicopter accident, the entire Kumamoto region was covered in white snow, making for great photos. The shops were also nice to browse! However, Kumamoto plush toys are a bit pricey here!