Kyushu, Japan Day Trip | Takachiho Gorge & Ama-Iwato Shrine & Ten'an Riverfront & Kamishimi Kumanozha Shrine | Optional Miyazaki-style Lunch (Departing from Fukuoka)
- Choose an optional Miyazaki specialty lunch to suit different budgets and preferences.
- Chinese- and Japanese-speaking guides are available for a worry-free experience.
- Depart from Fukuoka by comfortable tour vehicle for a convenient journey.
- Explore the mysterious birthplace of Japanese mythology and hidden gems.
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.
— Attraction Introduction —
- Takachiho Gorge
Located in northern Miyazaki, Takachiho is renowned as a setting of ancient Japanese mythology. The area is home to Amano Iwato Shrine, where the legendary Amano Iwato cave is said to be located, and Takachiho Shrine, which preserves the tradition of Yokagura (sacred night dances) performed to pray for a bountiful harvest. Designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty, Takachiho Gorge features a stunning V-shaped valley formed by ancient volcanic activity from Mount Aso. Visitors can also enjoy a boat ride through the gorge and admire its dramatic cliffs and waterfalls up close.
- Recommended experience at Takachiho Gorge:
Takachiho Gorge Boat Ride: Enjoy a close-up view of the waterfall and breathtaking gorge scenery. Guests must make their own way to the boarding area and queue for the boat ride at their own expense.
* Due to limited sightseeing time, the boat ride experience may not be possible within the scheduled itinerary. The company cannot be held responsible in such cases. Guests are advised to avoid making advance reservations for optional activities. Thank you for your understanding.
Boat ride reservation website: https://eipro.jp/takachiho1/eventCalendars/index#
- Amano Iwato Shrine / Amano Yasugawara
Amano Iwato Shrine is a sacred site associated with the legend of Amaterasu, the sun goddess. According to mythology, Amaterasu hid herself inside a cave after being angered by her younger brother’s actions, causing darkness to cover the world. The eight million gods gathered at Amano Yasugawara to find a solution, until a goddess performed a humorous dance that made the gods burst into laughter. Amaterasu eventually emerged from the cave, bringing light back to the world. The shrine’s East Main Shrine enshrines Amaterasu, while the West Main Shrine is located near the legendary Amano Iwato cave, where visitors may apply to enter and worship. A peaceful forest path along the river leads to Amano Yasugawara, the sacred site where the gods were said to have gathered. - Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine (Filming Location of Hotarubi no Mori e)
Visiting starts from January 20, 2026
Located deep in the mountains of the Aso region in Kumamoto, this hidden shrine features towering stone lanterns lining the approach, surrounded by pristine forests that create a mysterious and tranquil atmosphere. Known as one of the filming locations associated with the anime film Hotarubi no Mori e, the shrine is also regarded as a spiritual power spot. Step inside and feel as if you have entered a movie scene while experiencing Japan’s natural beauty and traditional beliefs. - Special Cherry Blossom Season Itinerary
Estimated period: Late March to early April. Schedule may be adjusted depending on weather and blooming conditions.
- 08:00 Depart from Hakata Station, Fukuoka
- 10:40–11:10 Jōsen-ji Temple (Cherry blossom viewing, approx. 30 min)
- 11:30–13:30 Takachiho Gorge (Sightseeing & lunch, approx. 120 min)
- 14:00–15:00 Amano Iwato Shrine & Amano Yasugawara (approx. 50–60 min)
- Around 18:00 Return to Hakata Station, Fukuoka
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.
Get Help
