[Guaranteed Departure for 1] Kyushu Miyazaki Day Tour: Kamishikimi Kumanoza Shrine, Takachiho Gorge, Amanoiwato Shrine & Amanoyasukawara | Limited-Time Complimentary Japanese-Style Snack · Includes Free Shuttle (Departing from Fukuoka)
- Explore Takachiho Gorge: Admire the stunning scenery where steep cliffs and clear streams intertwine
- Step into the World of Japanese Mythology: Visit [Amano Iwato Shrine] and [Ama no Yasukawara] to immerse yourself in a profound mystical atmosphere
- Photography Hotspot Kamishikimi Kumanoza Shrine: It's like stepping into another world, just like in "Princess Mononoke"
- Depart from Fukuoka for an easy one-day round trip, allowing you to explore Japan's profound culture and natural hidden gems
- A top choice for a Japanese-style soul-healing journey, perfect for travelers who love nature, photography, and shrine culture
Package Options
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
| Minimum participant requirement | 1 traveler |
| Tour types | Guided tour |
| Meal arrangement | Arrange yourself |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights, Temples & shrines |
| 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.
Guests participating before June 30, 2025, will receive a special Miyazaki local souvenir worth JPY 800 (The giveaway will be over starting July 1)
— What You Can Expect —
Explore the spiritual secrets of Miyazaki in Kyushu and embark on a fascinating journey blending natural wonders with mythical legends.
This itinerary takes you to some of Japan’s most spiritually powerful destinations.
The first stop is Kamishikimi Kumanoza Shrine, known for its dreamy forest stone steps. Resembling a scene from a Studio Ghibli film, it is serene and sacred, bringing peace to the soul. Next, visit the Amanoiwato Shrine and Amanoyasukawara, key settings in Japanese mythology. Legend has it that the sun goddess Amaterasu once hid in a cave here, plunging the world into darkness. The gods held a divine meeting in this sacred place to bring her back, creating an awe-inspiring spiritual atmosphere.
In the afternoon, head to Takachiho Gorge, one of Kyushu’s most famous natural landmarks. Towering cliffs and clear streams create breathtaking scenery. Guests may opt to ride a small boat beneath the waterfalls for a close encounter with nature’s grandeur (optional activity at extra cost).
This itinerary is perfect for travelers who appreciate Japanese culture, history, shrines, and natural beauty, offering a full immersion deep into the mystical charm of Kyushu
Note: The itinerary sequence may be adjusted due to traffic, weather, or crowd conditions. Thank you for your understanding.
[Important Notes for Takachiho Gorge Boating]
- During peak season, the facilities at Takachiho Gorge may require us to change the order of visits, leading to more variables.
- The time spent at Takachiho Gorge is limited. It takes about 20 minutes to walk from the parking lot to the gorge, and with the 30-minute boating experience, it is difficult to provide exact return time at the meeting point.
- Even during the off-season, we cannot guarantee that we will arrive at the gorge on time according to the guest's reservation.
※Please note that once this boating activity is booked, it is non-refundable. Guests who are willing to bear the risk can make their own reservations.※
— Important Notes —
- Baggage Allowance: Each person may bring one piece of luggage free of charge. Additional luggage will incur a fee of 2,000 JPY per piece, with no size restrictions. Please inform us in advance if you have extra luggage; the additional fee will be collected on-site.
- Children aged 0-2 years old can be held and do not require a separate seat, thus are free of charge.
- Children aged 3 years and above are charged the same as adults.
- If you fail to inform us of a child aged 0-2 years old who does not require a seat, and this results in insufficient vehicle space, boarding will be denied and no refund will be issued.
- Tour Guide Information: The tour guide will not contact travelers in advance. On the day of the tour, travelers must proceed independently to the designated meeting point and report to the guide or staff member wearing a yellow vest or holding a "GOGODAY flag." We appreciate your cooperation and understanding in following the guide's instructions.
- Driver-Guide Service: For groups of under 10 people, a Hiace van with a driver-guide will be provided.
For groups of under 17 people, a Coaster bus will be used.
For groups of 17 people or more, a minibus or coach will be arranged.
The actual vehicle type will be adjusted based on the number of participants on the day of the tour.
Reference Vehicle Models:
5-8 Seater: Toyota Alphard
9-14 Seater: Toyota Hiace or similar
18-22 Seater: Small bus
22+ Seater: Large bus
Please note that the vehicles listed above are for reference only. The actual vehicle type will be adjusted based on the number of participants on the day of the tour.
Other Recommended Tours:
Takachiho Sandan Bridge is located in the upper reaches of Takachiho Gorge and consists of three arch bridges. From the front, there are the "Shinbashi" in the Taisho era, the "Takachiho Ohashi" in the Showa era, and the "Shinto Takachiho Ohashi" in the Heisei era. Takachiho Gorge is the only place in Japan where you can see three arch bridges built in one valley. The oldest Shinbashi is made of stone, the Takachiho Ohashi is made of steel, and the Shinto Takachiho Ohashi is made of concrete. The three bridges in parallel give you a sense of the atmosphere of each era. In particular, the Shinbashi Bridge blends in with the beautiful natural scenery and is very charming.
Takachiho Gorge is a valley formed by the volcanic eruption of Mount Aso long ago.
According to mythology, the god named Ama-mura Unmei moved the water species here because of the lack of water in the area, and it is now called "Tenjin Meijing". It is said that the water gushing out of the well flows down as a waterfall.
Standing tall on the other side of the trail is the "Sennin-no-Shou-Pong-Iwa". Its most distinctive feature is the columnar rock wall that looks like a folding screen. The beauty of the shape formed over tens of thousands of years, coupled with a height of 70 meters, is full of power.
Kamishikimi Kumanoza Shrine is located in Aso, Kumamoto Prefecture. Climbing up the shrine path lined with nearly 100 lanterns, it feels like entering another fantasy world.
It is also famous for being the setting for famous manga works ("Firefly Forest" and "Natsume's Book of Friends"), and attracts many tourists from all over the world.
Amano Iwato Shrine: Amano Iwato Shrine, famous for piling stones on the Amano River for making wishes, is located in Takachiho Town, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture.
Tianyasu River: It is said that if you pile up stones here and make a wish, your wish will come true, so people who come here to make a wish have piled up many prayer stone towers.
Purchase Notice
— Travel Conditions —
- Departure/Arrival Point: Fukuoka ・ Kumamoto/Miyazaki
- Travel Days: Same day round trip
- Transportation: Chartered Bus
- Bus Company Name: Reisei Tourism Industry Co., Ltd.
- Meals: 0
- Accommodation: 0
- Minimum Number of People in a Group: 1
- Team Leader: 1
— Travel Planning/Implementation —
- Name of operating company: TuYi Group Japan Co., Ltd.
- Address: 722 Shuzenji, Izu City, Shizuoka Prefecture
- License Number: Shizuoka Prefectural Governor Registered Travel Agency, No. 2-633
- Travel Agency Association: Regular Member of the Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA)
Reminders
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 18:00). Notifications will then be sent via email
Please arrive at the designated location 10 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
This trip is a fixed-route shared tour. You need to share the ride with other passengers throughout the trip. Parking outside the attractions is not allowed
The stay time at each attraction has been optimized. Please strictly adhere to the time to avoid affecting the overall itinerary.
Depending on the number of participants on the day, we may use a small car and the driver will also serve as the guide. Please cooperate with the staff's arrangements throughout the trip. (small car allows more flexibility, the driver will mainly drive, and the guided service will be relatively brief)
Please be sure to meet on time: If you do not participate in the tour due to personal reasons (late/lost/physical discomfort, etc.), you will not be refunded. Please note that there is no refund
If you leave the group after the trip begins or leave the group midway, you will be considered as giving up the service automatically and no refund will be given. (You are responsible for your own safety while out of the group)
The travel time may be adjusted due to force majeure such as traffic, weather, and crowd flow. In the event of delays or partial changes to the itinerary, we will not accept a request for a refund or compensation based on this. Please forgive us and understand the uncertainty of the journey.
There may be traffic during holidays and peak periods. Please be prepare for the possibility that the driver-guide will adjust the itinerary depending on the situation. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
To maintain the cleanliness of the vehicle, please do not eat or drink onboard. If you cause any damage, you will be charged a cleaning fee based on local standards. Please work together to create a comfortable riding environment.
Since the Miyazaki area is a canyon region with longer walking distances, this tour is not recommended for older travelers or those with limited mobility
It is recommended to wear comfortable and non-slip shoes and breathable and sun-proof outdoor clothing.
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
The path to Kamishikimi Kumanoza Shrine involves approximately 270 stone steps, winding through a dense forest. Visitors should be prepared for a moderate climb. While the ascent can be physically demanding, the tranquil atmosphere and unique moss-covered surroundings make the journey a memorable part of the experience, leading to the shrine's main hall and the impressive Iwato cave.
Kamishikimi Kumanoza Shrine is deeply rooted in ancient Japanese mythology, believed to have been established by Emperor Keiko during his expedition to Kyushu. It's dedicated to Izanagi-no-Mikoto and Izanami-no-Mikoto, deities central to the creation myths. A prominent legend involves Himegami (Princess) Kihachi, who is said to have lived in a cave near the shrine, adding to its mystical aura and spiritual importance as a guardian of the region.
Kamishikimi Kumanoza Shrine stands out for its ethereal, mystical ambiance, often compared to scenes from Studio Ghibli films like "Princess Mononoke." Its distinctive features include the long stone staircase adorned with moss-covered lanterns, towering cedar trees, and the captivating Iwato cave. The natural light filtering through the dense canopy creates dramatic shadows, offering photographers a unique opportunity to capture its profound spiritual and ancient beauty.
Amano Iwato Shrine is famed as the site where the sun goddess Amaterasu Omikami hid in a cave, plunging the world into darkness, until she was lured out by other deities. Ama no Yasukawara is a sacred riverbed cave where the gods gathered to discuss how to entice Amaterasu out. Both locations are central to one of Japan's most important creation myths, making them deeply spiritual sites for understanding Japanese mythology and ancient beliefs.
For a seamless experience, round-trip transportation from Fukuoka is typically included in day tours visiting Takachiho Gorge and the various shrines. This often involves a comfortable shuttle service directly from a designated meeting point in Fukuoka. This convenient arrangement eliminates the hassle of navigating public transport or driving, allowing visitors to relax and enjoy the scenic journey through Kyushu's beautiful landscapes.
Takachiho Gorge offers a breathtaking natural spectacle. Visitors can admire the stunning columnar basalt cliffs formed by volcanic activity, best viewed from a rowboat on the river below the Minainotaki waterfall. The vibrant emerald waters, lush greenery, and the powerful cascade create a serene yet awe-inspiring atmosphere. There are also walking paths along the gorge, providing various viewpoints for photography and appreciation of its unique geological formations.
The Kyushu Miyazaki Day Tour includes a complimentary Japanese-style snack for participants. This thoughtful inclusion offers a taste of local flavors and provides a pleasant refreshment during the journey. Specific amenities beyond this may vary by tour operator, but the focus is on providing a comfortable and enriching experience that highlights the cultural and natural beauty of the destinations.
Visitors planning to explore Kamishikimi Kumanoza Shrine should wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for climbing approximately 270 stone steps and uneven forest paths. As the shrine is nestled in a natural environment, layers of clothing are advisable for varying temperatures, and bringing water is recommended. Due to its spiritual significance and tranquil ambiance, visitors are encouraged to respect the sacred site by maintaining a quiet demeanor.
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