Kyushu, Japan Day Trip | Takachiho Gorge & Ama-Iwato Shrine & Ten'an Riverfront & Kamishimi Kumanozha Shrine | Optional Miyazaki-style Lunch (Departing from Fukuoka)
- Includes a Miyazaki-style lunch
- This tour includes a tour leader who provides services in both Chinese and Japanese, so there's no need to worry about language barriers.
- Departing from Fukuoka, enjoy a comfortable tour bus ride that saves you time, effort, and worry.
- A mysterious journey to the birthplace of Japanese mythology, exploring hidden realms.
Package Options
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
| Departure Time | Standard Departure (8-9 am) |
| Luggage limit | 1 piece |
| Minimum participant requirement | 6 travelers |
| Meal arrangement | Lunch included |
| Seasonal | Spring Cherry Blossom |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights, Temples & shrines, Power spots |
| Transport | Bus tour |
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.
- Itinerary Information -
- Meeting time: 07:50
- Meeting point: In front of the Lawson convenience store on the first floor of the Oriental Hotel, Chikushi Exit, JR Hakata Station.
- Departure time: 08:00
- Trip length: Approximately 10 hours
- Attraction Introduction -
- Takachiho Gorge, located in Takachiho, at the northern tip of Miyazaki Prefecture, is widely known as the setting for ancient Japanese mythology. Within the Ama-Iwato Shrine in Takachiho Village lies a rock-built cave, said to be the dwelling place of the angry god from the "Ama-Iwato Legend," which describes the world falling into darkness. Every night, Takachiho Shrine hosts a Yakagura performance, offering songs and dances to the gods to pray for bountiful harvests, making it a mythological village that inherits the worldview of ancient mythology. Here lies Takachiho Gorge, designated a National Scenic Spot. The gorge is a deep V-shaped canyon formed by volcanic activity of Mount Aso in ancient times, and visitors can take a boat tour to explore the valley floor.
- Recommended attractions around Takachiho Gorge:
- Takachiho Gorge Cruise: Offers close-up views of the waterfalls and scenery of Takachiho Gorge. Guests must arrive at the boarding point independently and queue for the cruise at their own expense.
*Due to limited sightseeing time, our company cannot be held responsible if the boat tour cannot be experienced within the specified time. Please try not to book the experience. Thank you for your cooperation.
Boat tour reservation website: https://eipro.jp/takachiho1/eventCalendars/index#
- Ten'iwado Shrine / Source of the Ten'an River
Ama-Iwato Shrine is a shrine associated with the legend of Amaterasu Omikami. According to legend, Amaterasu Omikami, the goddess symbolizing the sun, was angered by her brother's actions and hid in a cave, refusing to emerge, plunging the world into darkness. Eight million gods gathered in the Ama-an-hara (Mount Ten'an River) to devise a solution, but to no avail, until a goddess boldly performed a bizarre and amusing dance, causing the gods to burst into laughter. Amaterasu Omikami finally peeked out, and light returned to the world. The eastern main shrine enshrines Amaterasu Omikami, while the western main shrine is the Ama-Iwato Cave where she hid; visitors can apply to enter and worship there. Walking upstream from the shrine along quiet mountain paths, you'll reach the sacred site of the Ama-an-hara where the eight million gods once gathered.
- Kamishimi Kumanozha Shrine (location of the filming location for Hotarubi no Mori e) - Visits begin on January 20, 2026
Nestled deep in the mountains of Aso, Kumamoto Prefecture, this secluded shrine features towering stone lanterns lining its approach and is surrounded by a primeval forest, creating a mystical and tranquil atmosphere. Widely recognized as one of the filming locations for the anime film "Hotarubi no Mori e" (Into the Forest of Fireflies' Light), it is considered a spiritually powerful destination. Stepping inside feels like entering a movie scene, allowing visitors to experience both the beauty of Japanese nature and its rich religious culture, making it a popular tourist destination in recent years.
- Starting from January 20, 2026, the itinerary will be adjusted as follows:
08:00 Hakata Station
10:20 Visit Ueshikimi Kumanozha Shrine (approx. 40 minutes)
11:50 Takachiho Gorge (approx. 1 hour 50 minutes)
14:00 Ama-Iwato Shrine & Ten'an Riverbank (approx. 1 hour)
18:00 Hakata Station
※ The entire trip is estimated to take approximately 10 hours.
- Special cherry blossom season itinerary: It is expected to start from late March to early April. Please understand that there may be some adjustments depending on the weather and the blooming period.
Departure from Fukuoka Hakata Station at 08:00
10:40~11:10 Jingzhuan Temple (Cherry Blossom Viewing 30 minutes)
11:30~13:30 Takachiho Gorge (sightseeing and lunch, approximately 120 minutes)
14:00~15:00 Ama Iwato Shrine & Tenan Kawara (about 50~60 minutes)
Return to Fukuoka Hakata Station at approximately 18:00
During the cherry blossom season, the visit to the shrine will be replaced with a trip to Jōzen-ji Temple to view the weeping cherry blossoms
Weeping Cherry Blossoms at Jōzen-ji Temple
Purchase Notice
- This trip is located in a mountainous area and is not recommended for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments.
- Each guest may bring a maximum of one piece of carry-on luggage; if a guest is bringing large luggage, please make a note of this when placing the order.
- Please leave your "contact information during your trip" when you place your order so that we can contact you in case of emergency.
- During the cherry blossom season, we will instead visit Jingzhuan Temple to admire the weeping cherry blossoms.
[Tourism Conditions]
- Travel departure point and destination: Fukuoka and Miyazaki
- Trip duration: Day trip
- Transportation: Chartered bus
- Bus company name: Marino
- Meals: Breakfast 0 times, Lunch 1 time, Dinner 0 times
- Accommodation facilities: None
- Minimum group size: 6
- Team Leader: 1
- Tour guide: 0
【Travel Planning/Implementation】
- Operating company name: (Co., Ltd.) Japan Teleport Co., Ltd.
- Address: 8F, Tenjin Heiwa Building, 1-14-4 Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City 810-0001, Japan
- License Number: Osaka Prefecture Governor's Registered Travel Agent No. 2-2181
- Name of travel industry association: National Travel Industry Association (Osaka Prefecture Branch) - Regular Member
- Regular member of the Osaka Prefecture Travel Industry Association (General Incorporated Company)
- JATA is a cooperative member.
Reminders
A minimum of 6 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 12:00). 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: Pregnant women
Please arrive at the designated location 10 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
Meals are not included for children under the age of 3
Please arrive at the meeting point 10 mins in advance as the bus will depart on time, refunds will not be granted to late arrivals
Please note that the vehicle type is dependent on the number of passengers and if it's a small group, the driver will also be serving as a tour guide and will not accompany travellers off-vehicle
The sightseeing bus is a group itinerary, please be sure to observe the meeting time of each meeting point, so as not to delay the departure and itinerary of other passengers.
Please note this tour provides shared transfer, the vehicle will only stop at designated attractions
It is not recommended to participate in this tour on the day of your arrival at or departure as heavy traffic may cause delays
This package does not include the sightseeing boat ride experience at Takachiho Gorge, please book on your own or enquire about the boat rides on-site
There's limited time at each attraction. KKday is not liable if there's not enough time for the boat ride. It is recommended to not book any experience
After the trip, you can choose not to follow the bus back to the starting point, but please inform in the remarks column in advance; if you make a temporary decision on the spot, please sign the Chinese/English closing letter before leaving the group
Please wear light clothing and shoes for the tour. Please keep your personal valuables in a safe place. If you lose valuables during the trip, you will not be able to compensate.
The itinerary sequence is subject to change based on conditions of traffic, weather, lunch venue, etc
The restaurant will be changed if it is full and a reservation cannot be made. Vegetarian options are available upon request in the order remarks.
Passengers with a meal-free plan cannot take the Takachiho local shuttle bus back to the parking lot and must return to the parking lot meeting point on their own.
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 50% 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 offers a breathtaking natural spectacle. The most iconic activity is renting a rowboat to navigate the emerald-green waters beneath the stunning Manai Falls, allowing for an up-close view of the columnar jointing cliffs. Additionally, visitors can walk along the paved promenade, offering various viewpoints of the gorge, waterfalls, and surrounding lush forests. Photography is highly recommended to capture the dramatic scenery.
Boat rentals at Takachiho Gorge are usually offered on a first-come, first-served basis, especially during peak seasons. You will typically queue at the rental counter near the gorge. Each boat can accommodate up to three people. While specific prices are not mentioned here, costs vary based on factors like demand and operating hours. It's advisable to check the latest information upon arrival to plan your experience accordingly. The boat ride offers a unique perspective of Manai Falls.
To fully appreciate Takachiho Gorge, including walking the promenade and taking a boat ride, it's recommended to allocate at least 2 to 3 hours. If your itinerary also includes nearby attractions like Amano Iwato Shrine or Amano Yasugawara, a full half-day or even a full day might be needed to immerse yourself in the regional experience comfortably. A guided day tour often provides a well-paced itinerary for these multiple sites.
The most convenient way to reach Takachiho Gorge from Fukuoka without self-driving is by joining a guided day tour. These tours typically include round-trip transfer services from Fukuoka, eliminating the complexities of public transportation connections, which can be time-consuming. Such tours often provide comfortable bus travel directly to the gorge and other key attractions, ensuring a hassle-free travel experience.
Amano Iwato Shrine is steeped in Japanese mythology, dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu Omikami. Visitors can explore the main shrine and view the sacred Amano Iwato cave, where the goddess is said to have hidden. Nearby, Amano Yasugawara is a mystical cave by the river, believed to be where the gods gathered to devise a plan to lure Amaterasu out. It's distinctive for the countless stacks of stones left by worshippers, creating a unique and spiritual atmosphere.
A comprehensive guided tour to Takachiho Gorge typically includes convenient round-trip transfer services from Fukuoka. You can expect the company of a Chinese or Japanese-speaking tour leader who provides insightful commentary. Many tours also include a Miyazaki specialty lunch, offering a taste of local cuisine. A key benefit is the guaranteed departure, even for solo travelers, ensuring your plans are secured.
Takachiho Gorge offers stunning views year-round, but spring (March to May) brings lush greenery and pleasant weather, while autumn (October to November) showcases vibrant fall foliage, creating a spectacular backdrop for photos. Summer (June to August) is also popular for boating, offering cooler temperatures within the gorge. Winter visits are possible, but boating may be suspended due to colder conditions or water levels.
For a comfortable day trip to Takachiho Gorge, travelers should prepare comfortable walking shoes, as there are paths and steps to navigate. Bringing water to stay hydrated is essential, especially during warmer months. Sun protection, such as a hat and sunscreen, is advisable. An umbrella or light rain gear can be useful, as weather can change. Don't forget a camera to capture the magnificent scenery and unique experiences.
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