Aso Crater + Takachiho Gorge Day Tour | Lunch Included | Japan
- Guaranteed departure for the following dates: December 28
- Limited Time for Lunar New Year! Guaranteed departure for solo traveler on the following dates: February 14, 21
- Experience the towering presence of Aso Mt. Naka and take in the overlooking panoramic views. Visit Takachiho Gorge, Amanoiwato Shrine, Amanoyasukawara, and more!
- Enjoy a lunch that includes Takachiho beef grilled on a ceramic plate using local ingredients
- Take advantage of the inclusive Charter bus fee and Crater shuttle bus fee
- Join this tour from Kumamoto Station or Sakuramachi Bus Terminal
- Book on KKday with a Chinese interpreter and a Japanese tour conductor included
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
| Minimum participant requirement | 15 travelers |
| Meal arrangement | Lunch included |
| 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.
< Regular Course >
Kumamoto Station (7:30 am) / Sakura-machi Bus Terminal (7:50 am) = (1hr 30min) = Mt. Aso Crater <1hr> = (1hr 30min) = Takachiho Gorge <2hours, lunch starts at 12:00 pm> = (30min) = Amanoiwato shrine & Amanoyasukawara <1hr 30min> = (1hr) = Michi-no-Eki Tsujunbashi <rest for 20min> = (1hour) = Sakura-machi Bus Terminal (arrive 6:25 pm) / Kumamoto Station (arrive 6:45 pm)
*Travelers who get off at Sakura-machi Bus Terminal can shop at Kumamon Village on the 2nd floor in SAKURA MACHI Kumamoto.
- This tour includes Chinese language assistance, such as interpretation of announcements from the tour conductor and communication support, specifically for customers from Chinese-speaking countries. However, customers from Japan or other regions are also welcome to join. *A Japanese tour conductor and a Chinese interpreter will accompany the tour
[Mount Aso Crater] The Aso Caldera, with its rugged lava rock face, is one of the largest in the world, stretching 18km east to west and 25km north to south. Of the five Aso peaks (Mt. Neko, Mt. Taka, Mt. Naka, Mt. Eboshi, and Mt. Kishima) that tower in the center of the caldera, Mt. Naka is the one that continues to be highly active. Mt. Naka is 600m in diameter and 130m deep. From the huge crater with a circumference of 4km, you can see the intense white smoke rising and the dynamic scenery up close. *During periods of active volcanic activity, it may be impossible to get close to the crater.
![[Mount Aso Crater] The Aso Caldera, with its rugged lava rock face, is one of the largest in the world, stretching 18km east to west and 25km north to south. Of the five Aso peaks (Mt. Neko, Mt. Taka, Mt. Naka, Mt. Eboshi, and Mt. Kishima) that tower in the center of the caldera, Mt. Naka is the one that continues to be highly active. Mt. Naka is 600m in diameter and 130m deep. From the huge crater with a circumference of 4km, you can see the intense white smoke rising and the dynamic scenery up close. *During periods of active volcanic activity, it may be impossible to get close to the crater.](https://image.kkday.com/v2/image/get/c_fit%2Cq_55%2Ct_webp%2Cw_960/s1.kkday.com/product_158287/20231211025048_XxZ9s/jpg)
[Lunch at Chiho no Ie] Enjoy Takachiho beef teppanyaki, a dish unique to Takachiho. Aperitif: Kappo sake, small side dish: Abura miso, small side dish: Tomaya, simmered dish, rolled egg, Shiitake mushroom nanban, Soboyama beans, Fried dish: Chicken nanban, Main dish: Takachiho beef teppanyaki, Soup dish: Red miso soup, Rice: Mushroom rice, Dessert: Millet zenzai with shiratama
![[Lunch at Chiho no Ie] Enjoy Takachiho beef teppanyaki, a dish unique to Takachiho. Aperitif: Kappo sake, small side dish: Abura miso, small side dish: Tomaya, simmered dish, rolled egg, Shiitake mushroom nanban, Soboyama beans, Fried dish: Chicken nanban, Main dish: Takachiho beef teppanyaki, Soup dish: Red miso soup, Rice: Mushroom rice, Dessert: Millet zenzai with shiratama](https://image.kkday.com/v2/image/get/c_fit%2Cq_55%2Ct_webp%2Cw_960/s1.kkday.com/product_158287/20231211025044_nzTk6/jpg)
[Takachiho Gorge] Takachiho Gorge, with its beautiful valley, is designated as a national natural monument. There are well-maintained walking paths, making it convenient for strolling. Rental boats are popular, allowing you to get a close-up look at Manai Falls, which has been selected as one of Japan's 100 best waterfalls.
![[Takachiho Gorge] Takachiho Gorge, with its beautiful valley, is designated as a national natural monument. There are well-maintained walking paths, making it convenient for strolling. Rental boats are popular, allowing you to get a close-up look at Manai Falls, which has been selected as one of Japan's 100 best waterfalls.](https://image.kkday.com/v2/image/get/c_fit%2Cq_55%2Ct_webp%2Cw_960/s1.kkday.com/product_158287/20231211025040_ZqqbU/jpg)
[Amanoiwato Shrine] Amanoiwato Shrine enshrines the cave called Amanoiwato, where Amaterasu Omikami hid according to Japanese mythology, as its sacred object, and is the setting for the Amanoiwato myth.
![[Amanoiwato Shrine] Amanoiwato Shrine enshrines the cave called Amanoiwato, where Amaterasu Omikami hid according to Japanese mythology, as its sacred object, and is the setting for the Amanoiwato myth.](https://image.kkday.com/v2/image/get/c_fit%2Cq_55%2Ct_webp%2Cw_960/s1.kkday.com/product_158287/20231211025055_x5ZWn/jpg)
[Amanoyasugawara] A large cave where it is said that when Amaterasu Omikami hid in a cave, the heavens and the earth fell into darkness and the eight million gods gathered on this riverbank to hold a divine council. It is also known as Gyobogaiwaya. Previously, there was only a shrine and it was an object of worship, but before long, stones began to be piled up by people offering prayers. Today, the countless stones piled up here further enhance the mysterious and fantastical atmosphere of Amanoyasugawara.
![[Amanoyasugawara] A large cave where it is said that when Amaterasu Omikami hid in a cave, the heavens and the earth fell into darkness and the eight million gods gathered on this riverbank to hold a divine council. It is also known as Gyobogaiwaya. Previously, there was only a shrine and it was an object of worship, but before long, stones began to be piled up by people offering prayers. Today, the countless stones piled up here further enhance the mysterious and fantastical atmosphere of Amanoyasugawara.](https://image.kkday.com/v2/image/get/c_fit%2Cq_55%2Ct_webp%2Cw_960/s1.kkday.com/product_158287/20231211025051_VpZ5u/jpg)
Purchase Notice
- If the tour is canceled due to a natural disaster or other unavoidable circumstances, KASSE JAPAN will notify you by email the day before or the day of the tour. If you do not receive a notification, the tour will proceed as scheduled
- Please indicate any dietary preferences, such as vegetarian or non-beef, in the remarks column when booking. Changes cannot be accommodated on the day of the tour, but there is no extra charge for changing to chicken
— Travel Conditions —
- Departure/Destination: Kumamoto /Aso / Miyazaki
- Length of travel: 1 day (day trip)
- Transportation: Chartered bus
- Operating bus company: Kyushu Sangyo Kotsu Co., Ltd.
- Meal conditions: Breakfast 0, Lunch 1, Dinner 0
- Accommodation facilities: None
- Number of participants: 15
- Tour conductor: 1
- Guide: 0
— Travel Planning / Operation —
- Company name: KASSE JAPAN Corporation
- Address: 9th Floor, Taiyo Seimei Kumamoto Building, 4-3 Hanabatacho, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City
- Registration number: Kumamoto Prefecture Governor Registration Travel Business No. 2-276
- Member of: Member of the All Nippon Travel Agents Association (ANTA)
— Commissioned Sales —
- KKDAY JAPAN Co., Ltd.
- 2nd Floor, WESTALL Yotsuya Building, 1-22-5 Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0004
- Tourism Agency Director Registered Travel Agency No. 2045
- Member of: 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 10 day(s) before the departure date
Meals are not included for children under the age of 3
Admission tickets will not be included for travelers under the age of 3 and are required to be purchased on-site
While enjoying your free time, please be mindful of the subsequent meeting time - if you do not arrive at the meeting point announced by your guide within the stipulated time frame, the tour will continue.
Takachiho Gorge boat rides are not included in the price, so please make your own reservations in advance.
Due to traffic congestion or bad weather, buses may be delayed. If you plan to use other transportation after the tour, please allow plenty of time for your next transportation.
If a tour is unavoidably cancelled due to a natural disaster or other reason, KASSE JAPAN will contact you by email the day before or on the day of the tour. If no contact is made, the tour will proceed as scheduled.
You may be seated with other customers, and seats cannot be reserved.
The itinerary may be subject to change.
If you don't eat beef, you can change it to chicken. If you are a vegetarian or don't eat beef, please let us know in the comments section when ordering so we can make arrangements in advance. We cannot accept changes on the day.
If the crater cannot be visited due to the effects of volcanic gases, we will guide you to the Volcano Museum and Kusasenri.
FAQ
The accessibility of Aso Mt. Naka Crater is subject to change based on current volcanic activity and gas levels. It is essential to check official local advisories before visiting. While direct access to the crater rim may be restricted at times, visitors can often reach designated observation areas via shuttle bus, allowing for views of the volcano from a safe distance. Safety is the top priority for local authorities.
From Aso Mt. Naka Crater, visitors can witness the dynamic presence of an active volcano, often characterized by plumes of smoke rising from its caldera. The crater lake within can display vibrant colors due to mineral content. The surrounding area offers breathtaking panoramic views of the vast Aso caldera, one of the world's largest, showcasing rolling grasslands and distant mountain ranges, providing a truly impressive natural spectacle.
The most favorable seasons to visit Aso Crater are generally spring (April-May) and autumn (October-November). Spring offers pleasant temperatures and lush green landscapes, while autumn provides clear skies and vibrant fall foliage. Summers are also popular, though warmer. Winters can be cold with potential snow, which might affect accessibility. Always confirm the current volcanic activity and accessibility regardless of the season.
Takachiho Gorge is stunning throughout the year, but spring (March to May) and autumn (October to November) are often recommended. Spring offers fresh greenery and potential cherry blossoms, while autumn showcases spectacular fall colors along the gorge's cliffs. Summer (June to August) is also a popular time for boating, and early summer brings lush, vibrant foliage after the rainy season, enhancing its natural beauty.
The boat ride at Takachiho Gorge is highly recommended as it provides an unparalleled, intimate view of the Manai Falls cascading directly into the gorge and allows close-up observation of the dramatic volcanic basalt columns. However, if boating is not an option, visitors can still enjoy the scenery from several well-maintained walking paths along the gorge's rim. These trails offer numerous stunning viewpoints and photo opportunities.
Visiting Takachiho Gorge is rewarding due to its unique natural beauty, featuring the impressive Manai Falls and distinctive columnar rock formations. The serene boat ride offers a memorable perspective of the gorge's geology and waterfalls. Beyond the natural wonders, the area is steeped in Japanese mythology, with culturally significant sites like Amanoiwato Shrine nearby, offering a rich blend of natural exploration and cultural immersion for travelers.
Accessing the main walking paths of Takachiho Gorge for sightseeing typically does not require an entrance fee. However, renting a rowboat to navigate the gorge and get closer to Manai Falls involves a separate rental fee. Other local attractions like Takachiho Shrine or Amanoiwato Shrine usually do not have admission charges. Booking a comprehensive day trip through KKday can provide convenience by often including transportation and sometimes specific activity fees, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable visit.
Amanoiwato Shrine holds deep significance in Japanese mythology as it marks the location where the sun goddess Amaterasu Omikami is believed to have hidden in a cave. Nearby, Amanoyasukawara is a sacred riverbed cave where the gods are said to have gathered to discuss how to entice her out. Visitors can experience a spiritual atmosphere, observe traditional stone stacking practices, and learn about ancient myths at these unique, serene sites.
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