!['Tour 5 Hidden Gems of Kyushu Inaccessible by Large Bus: Sky Village Shiiba & Gokanosho 2-Day Tour' [Departing from Hakata]](https://image.kkday.com/v2/image/get/c_fill%2Ch_800%2Cq_55%2Ct_webp%2Cw_1240/s1.kkday.com/product_scm_29551/20260907063318_aVa4X/jpg)
!['Tour 5 Hidden Gems of Kyushu Inaccessible by Large Bus: Sky Village Shiiba & Gokanosho 2-Day Tour' [Departing from Hakata]](https://image.kkday.com/v2/image/get/c_fill%2Ch_400%2Cq_55%2Ct_webp%2Cw_500/s1.kkday.com/product_scm_29551/20260907062916_SwpX8/jpg)
!['Tour 5 Hidden Gems of Kyushu Inaccessible by Large Bus: Sky Village Shiiba & Gokanosho 2-Day Tour' [Departing from Hakata]](https://image.kkday.com/v2/image/get/c_fill%2Ch_400%2Cq_55%2Ct_webp%2Cw_500/s1.kkday.com/product_scm_29551/20260907063227_A82Zk/jpg)
!['Tour 5 Hidden Gems of Kyushu Inaccessible by Large Bus: Sky Village Shiiba & Gokanosho 2-Day Tour' [Departing from Hakata]](https://image.kkday.com/v2/image/get/c_fill%2Ch_400%2Cq_55%2Ct_webp%2Cw_500/s1.kkday.com/product_scm_29551/20260907062915_J0At4/jpg)
!['Tour 5 Hidden Gems of Kyushu Inaccessible by Large Bus: Sky Village Shiiba & Gokanosho 2-Day Tour' [Departing from Hakata]](https://image.kkday.com/v2/image/get/c_fill%2Ch_400%2Cq_55%2Ct_webp%2Cw_500/s1.kkday.com/product_scm_29551/20260907062915_W9xTk/jpg)
'Tour 5 Hidden Gems of Kyushu Inaccessible by Large Bus: Sky Village Shiiba & Gokanosho 2-Day Tour' [Departing from Hakata]
- A high-quality and reliable Japan tour planned by 'Club Tourism International Inc', a major Japanese travel agency with over 70 years of history. Accompanied by a tour conductor known for their hospitality, this tour is highly rated by international guests.
- While the guidance is in Japanese, many guests from Taiwan and Hong Kong participate, so first-time visitors can join with peace of mind.
- Visit the hidden gem of Kyushu, 'Gokanosho', for breathtaking views of valleys and autumn foliage that large and medium buses cannot reach!
- Enjoy a sky walk on the 'Umenoki Todoroki Park Suspension Bridge', the longest in Gokanosho, leading to the 'Phantom Falls'♪
- View from the observation deck of the hidden spot 'Sennin no Tanada', also known as 'Shiiba's Machu Picchu'
Package Options
Product Info
＜Touring 5 hidden gems in Kyushu inaccessible by large bus＞
① Sendan Todoroki Falls: Selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls. The contrast between the falls and autumn leaves
② Umenoki Todoroki Park: A sky walk on the 'Umenoki Todoroki Park Suspension Bridge'
③ Gokanosho Heike no Sato: A facility preserving the legend of the Heike refugees
④ Kamishiiba Dam: View from the Goddess Statue Park
⑤ Sennin no Tanada: Visit the observation deck of this hidden spot, also known as 'Shiiba's Machu Picchu'
＜Lunch at a Ryokan - Shiiba's local specialty cuisine at 'Tsurutomi Yashiki'＞
Enjoy a Tsurutomi Gozen meal featuring plenty of seasonal wild plants and vegetables.
Served on a bamboo tray, the colorful, simple, and healthy local gourmet meal is a delight to enjoy.
【Advance Notice】
This product is a 'Request Booking,' and it takes time to confirm your reservation. Since applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis, we may be unable to accept your booking or you may be placed on a waiting list depending on availability. Final confirmation of your booking will be provided upon the issuance of your voucher. In the unlikely event that the tour cannot proceed due to being fully booked, we will contact you within the specified timeframe. Please note that if you do not wish to be on the waiting list, cancellation (with a refund) is also possible.
- This tour is conducted in Japanese only.
Please note that all guidance from the tour conductor during the trip will be provided in Japanese only. However, for the smooth operation and safety of the tour, we will provide information to the extent possible using translation apps (meeting points, departure times, etc.). - Please observe the following when participating:
- Please book with your correct name and email address.
- Please be punctual with meeting times during the tour. If you miss the meeting time, the tour will depart.
◆ Umenoki Todoroki Park - Umenoki Todoroki Park Suspension Bridge & Umenoki Todoroki Falls - Umenoki Todoroki Park features a 116-meter-long, 55-meter-high suspension bridge, the longest in Gokanosho, offering a view from above that feels like walking in the sky. Following the walking path across the bridge, you will find the graceful 38-meter-high Umenoki Todoroki Falls. Although the falls have been known for a long time, they were once called the 'Phantom Falls' because the rugged terrain made them difficult to access. Since the suspension bridge was built in 1989, visitors have been able to enjoy the view of these falls.
Umenoki Todoroki Park Suspension Bridge (Typical peak autumn foliage: late October to mid-November / Image) *Peak foliage may vary depending on weather conditions.
◆ Gokanosho Heike no Sato A themed facility that preserves the legend of the Heike refugees. The museum displays precious artifacts, primarily those related to the Heike refugees who settled in Gokanosho.
Gokanosho Heike no Sato (Typical peak autumn foliage: late October to mid-November / Image) *Peak foliage may vary depending on weather conditions.
◆ Kamishiiba Dam Standing 110m high and 341m long with a total storage capacity of 91.55 million m3, this is considered Japan's first massive arch dam. The knowledge gained from its construction was later applied to the construction of the Kurobe Dam (the largest in Japan). We will view it from the Goddess Statue Park. Kamishiiba Dam (Typical peak autumn foliage: late October to mid-November / Image) *Peak foliage may vary depending on weather conditions.
◆ Sennin no Tanada (Hermit's Rice Terraces) - A view of 'Japan's original landscape' from the Shiiba 'Big Ginkgo Observation Deck' The rice terraces carved along the mountain ridge are called 'Sennin no Tanada' or 'Shiiba's Machu Picchu' (because in the morning, the terraces appear to float in a sea of clouds, as if a hermit lived there). As large buses cannot access this area, we will transfer to taxis for this portion of the tour. Sennin no Tanada (Image)
Purchase Notice
【Travel Conditions】
Departure/Destination: Fukuoka/Kumamoto, Miyazaki
Duration: 2 days, 1 night
Transportation: Chartered bus
Bus Operator: Fukuoka Showa Taxi or equivalent
Accommodation: Yamato-cho, Tsujun Sanso
Room Type: Japanese-style room (with bath/toilet) / Japanese-style room (without bath, with toilet) / Western-style room (with bath/toilet)
*Please note that you may be assigned a room without a bath. In that case, please use the public bath.
Minimum Participants: 15
Tour Conductor: 1
Guide: 0 *No interpreter-guide will accompany the tour.
【Travel Planning/Implementation】
Company Name: Club Tourism International Inc
Address: 1-9-6 Edagawa, Koto-ku, Tokyo
Registration Number: Japan Tourism Agency Commissioner Registered Travel Agency No. 1693
Affiliated Travel Association: Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA) Regular Member
【Entrusted Sales】
KKDAY JAPAN Co., Ltd.
WESTALL Yotsuya Bldg. 2F, 1-22-5 Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0004
Japan Tourism Agency Commissioner Registered Travel Agency No. 2045
Affiliated Organization: Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA)
Reminders
A minimum of 15 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 21 day(s) before the departure date
Please arrive at the designated location 15 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
Please wear comfortable shoes and clothing that are easy to move in. Please bring rain gear in case of rain.
The itinerary may be adjusted or the order of visits changed.
On the first day, the tour will travel along mountain roads by small bus. If necessary, please bring your own motion sickness medication.
The peak time for autumn foliage may vary depending on weather conditions. While the departure dates are set based on typical years, please note that the foliage may not be at its peak on the day of your departure. Even if you cancel your tour due to the status of the autumn foliage, the prescribed cancellation fees will apply. (Typical peak: late October to mid-November)
For meal changes due to food allergies or religious reasons, a fee of 1,500 JPY per meal will be charged, plus any actual cost difference. Please notify us at least 14 days before your departure date.
Delays or non-participation due to public transportation delays, etc., will be subject to cancellation fees. The tour will depart at the scheduled departure time.
Lunch on the first day of the trip is not included in the tour. Please prepare your own meals. *There is no option to pre-order a bento box.
Bus seating may be shared depending on the number of participants, and your seats may not be adjacent.
Some guest rooms may not have private bathrooms. Please use the public bath. Room types are assigned at our discretion. If you are staying in a Japanese-style room, you will be responsible for laying out your own futon. Thank you for your understanding.
The travel fee for children aged 3-5 includes only the bus seat. If you require other services (bedding, meals, etc.), please book under the child category.
FAQ
1. What are the key attractions and features of Shiiba Village?
Shiiba Village is renowned as one of Kyushu's five secret villages, offering a unique blend of untouched nature and traditional mountain life. Its key attractions include the breathtaking Sen'nin no Tanada terraced rice paddies, often referred to as 'Shiiba's Machu Picchu,' which can be admired from an observatory. Visitors can also delight in the village's famous local cuisine, prepared with seasonal wild vegetables and distinctive regional ingredients.
2. What types of facilities or amenities are available for visitors in Shiiba Village?
As a secluded 'secret village' focused on preserving its natural and cultural heritage, Shiiba Village primarily offers essential amenities. While modern facilities like extensive convenience stores might be limited, visitors can typically find local eateries serving authentic regional dishes and traditional guesthouses. It's advisable to plan ahead and secure any personal essentials before arriving due to its remote location.
3. Is Shiiba Village recognized as one of Japan's secret villages, and what makes it unique?
Yes, Shiiba Village is highly recognized as one of Kyushu's five 'secret villages.' Its unique status comes from its profound isolation, nestled deep within mountainous terrain that is often inaccessible to larger tour buses. This remoteness has helped preserve its pristine natural landscapes, including spectacular valleys, and distinctive cultural features like the Sen'nin no Tanada terraced rice paddies, earning it comparisons to Machu Picchu.
4. What are the typical road conditions for reaching Shiiba Village, especially via routes like Himuka Mythology Road?
The roads leading to Shiiba Village, including scenic routes like Himuka Mythology Road, are typically winding and mountainous, making them challenging for large buses. These conditions contribute to the village's secluded charm. Travelers should anticipate narrower passages and ensure their vehicle is suitable for such terrain. It's always recommended to check current road conditions and any advisories before embarking on your journey.
5. Are there alternative access routes or detours available when traveling to Shiiba Village?
Given the mountainous environment and the potential for road maintenance or closures, alternative access routes or detours to Shiiba Village may occasionally be necessary. Travelers should consult local traffic information or navigation apps for real-time updates before their trip. Generally, smaller vehicles are better suited for navigating the intricate and sometimes unpaved roads in this secret village region.
6. What can visitors experience at the Umenokitodoroki Park Suspension Bridge in Gokanosho?
At Umenokitodoroki Park Suspension Bridge in Gokanosho, visitors can embark on an exhilarating aerial walk. This impressive structure is the longest suspension bridge in the Gokanosho region, offering unparalleled panoramic views of the deep valley and lush surroundings. The bridge leads towards the mystical 'Phantom Waterfall,' providing a memorable experience amidst breathtaking natural beauty.
7. What makes the Sen'nin no Tanada terraced rice paddies a notable attraction in Shiiba Village?
The Sen'nin no Tanada terraced rice paddies are a captivating highlight in Shiiba Village due to their magnificent, intricately sculpted landscape. Often referred to as 'Shiiba's Machu Picchu,' these ancient paddies showcase generations of human ingenuity harmonizing with nature. Visitors can witness this stunning agricultural artwork from a specially designated observatory, offering a profound appreciation for the region's heritage.
8. Is it possible to visit Shiiba Village and Gokanosho without a private car?
Visiting Shiiba Village and Gokanosho without a private car can be quite challenging due to their remote, mountainous locations and limited public transportation options. The roads are often narrow and not typically serviced by large public buses. A convenient and stress-free alternative is to join a guided tour designed for these 'secret villages,' which provides appropriate transportation and ensures a smooth, comprehensive exploration of these unique destinations.
