Journey from Fukuoka to Takachiho via Aso & Kumamoto *Please arrange and pay for your accommodation in Takachiho independently.

Fukuoka - [ Day-1 PICK UP ] 08:00 Your hotel or HAKATA Station, HAKATA Port in Fukuoka city

Upon arrival at the airport, a driver holding a name board will greet you at the arrival gate and escort you to the bus parking area. If possible, please provide your [arrival flight number] in advance.

Fukuoka - Kumamoto - Aso - Takachiho, Miyazaki
*This package does not cover hotel bookings or payments in Takachiho, so please handle these arrangements yourself.

Takachiho - Fukuoka

Kumamoto Castle - [ Day-1 ] 09:30-10:30 Kumamoto Castle, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto

*Entry to the castle is free, with paid rooms in Kumamoto Castle costing ¥800 per adult (approximately $5).

“The Splendid and Stormy 400-Year History of Kumamoto Castle”
The iconic Kumamoto Castle, as seen today, was completed in 1607 by Kato Kiyomasa, the first daimyo (feudal lord) of the castle, utilizing great effort and the latest technology. Since then, Kumamoto Castle has been the backdrop for stories of numerous significant heroes over 400 years of Japan’s history. The Hosokawa clan, swordmaster Miyamoto Musashi, and Imperial Army commander Tani Tateki are among the heroes who have left their mark on the castle’s dramatic history. Relax and enjoy a journey back in time to Kumamoto Castle as it was, up to the present day, spanning 400 years.

Komezuka - [ Day-1 ] 11:45 Komezuka, Otohime, Aso, Kumamoto 869-2226

Descending slightly from Nakadake Crater leads you to Komezuka, a picturesque scoria cone with a circular indentation at the top. Despite its modest height of just 80 m, Komezuka is a true volcano, with the indented peak providing evidence of past eruptions. The gentle slopes are covered in grass that transitions from soft green in spring to barren brown in winter. In stark contrast to the ruggedly majestic scenery surrounding it, Komezuka is a favorite spot for photographers.

Visitors to Kami-komezuka can view a cross-section of the scoria cone, which has an unusually symmetrical shape. Scoria is a type of volcanic rock resembling black pumice stone, with numerous tiny holes. These holes form when magma expelled by a volcanic eruption cools rapidly, solidifying around the tunnels of escaping air.

Kusasenrigahama - [ Day-1 ] Noon-16:00 Kusasenri at the foot of Mt. Aso

*Lunch is available at the “New Kusenri” restaurant on Mt. Aso.

You can also enjoy horseback riding in the grassland in front of you for an additional fee. Other activities can be booked independently.

*Depending on the eruption situation, access to the crater of Mt. Aso may be restricted.
https://www.aso-volcano.jp/eng/

Mt. Aso’s caldera is one of the world’s largest, stretching 18km east-west and 25km north-south. At the center of the caldera are five mountains, Mt. Nekodake, Mt. Takadake, Mt. Nakadake, Mt. Eboshidake, and Mt. Kishimadake, collectively known as “Aso Gogaku.” Mt. Nakadake remains active, with a crater 600m in diameter, 130m deep, and 4km in circumference. You can witness the enormous crater emitting white smoke and the breathtaking scenery up close. When volcanic activity is high, access to the crater may be restricted.
※Access to the crater can be limited due to weather conditions, please verify.

Takachiho-cho - [ Day-1 DROP OFF ] 17:30 at TAKACHIHO town, Miyazaki Prefecture

*Please arrange and pay for the following independently on-site.
e.g.) Solest Takachiho Hotel, 1261-1 Mitai, Takachiho, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki 882-1101

*A popular hotel booking site in Japan.
https://travel.rakuten.com/

*Dinner at rural Japanese inns typically occurs around 6pm.

The bus will return to pick you up at the same location where you were dropped off the following morning.

[ TAKACHIHO KAGURA Night Show ]
*From 8pm, the local specialty “Kagura” will be performed. For more information, please contact the Takachiho Tourist Association.
https://takachiho-kanko.info/en/boat_kagura/

*Evening transportation is not included, so it is advisable to book a hotel as close to the venue as possible.

Visit Takachiho and return to Fukuoka (or Kumamoto)

Takachiho-cho - [ Day-2 PICK UP ] 08:00 Your hotel at TAKACHIHO town, Miyazaki Prefecture

On the morning of the second day, our minibus will collect you from your hotel in Takachiho, Miyazaki.

Takachiho Gorge - [ Day-2 ] 08:15-11:15 Takachiho Gorge *near Ohashi BUS Parking Lot, 1248-4 Oshikata, Takachiho

*Buses cannot access the boat terminal, so enjoy a 15-minute walk along the promenade filled with negative ions from the parking lot.

Takachiho Gorge’s rental boats can accommodate up to three people. The cost is ¥4100 or ¥5100 (approximately USD 30-40) per boat.
Reservations can be made online. You can also arrange for a local guide.
↓
https://takachiho-kanko.info/en/

Takachiho (高千穂) is a town in northern Miyazaki Prefecture rich in Japanese mythology. It is believed to be the site of the legend where Amaterasu, the Shinto Sun Goddess, disturbed by her brother’s mischievous pranks, hid herself in a cave, prompting the other gods and goddesses to coax her out.

Takachiho-cho - [ Day-2 ] 11:30-12:30 at TAKACHIHO town, Miyazaki

e.g. ) Roadside station Takachiho, Takachiho, Miyazaki
*Please choose lunch venues.

Lunch recommendation: “Kagura-Yado is a renowned lunch spot in Takachiho.
https://kagurayado.jp/en/cuisine.html

Takachiho Shrine - [ Day-2 ] 12:45-13:30 Takachiho Shrine, 1037 Mitai, Takachiho

Takachiho Shrine (高千穂神社, Takachiho Jinja), located just west of the town center, is nestled in a grove of tall cedars. During the day, the shrine’s unassuming, unpainted buildings blend naturally with the surrounding trees. The light filtering through creates an atmosphere of calm, peaceful reverence.

Amano Yasugawara - [ Day-2 ] 14:00-15:00 Amanoyasukawara, Iwato, Takachiho

Takachiho is the site of one of the most famous legends in Japanese mythology. In the tale, Amaterasu, the Shinto sun goddess, became so upset by her brother’s mischievous pranks that she hid herself in a cave, refusing to emerge and depriving the world of her life-giving light.

Michi-no-Eki Shichijo Melon Dome - [ Day-2 ] 16:45-17:00 Shichijo Melon Dome Roadside Station, Kikuchi, Kumamoto

Closes at 18:00 If you arrive during opening hours, you can purchase the local specialty melons.

Fukuoka - *Drop-off point at Fukuoka or Kumamoto. (Your hotel, a station, or an airport, etc.)

*If the departure point is Fukuoka, the end point can be either Fukuoka or Kumamoto.

• 7m length Minibus (21 + 6 seats) and an English speaking guide
• Accommodation fees for our crews
• Toll and parking fees

• *Please make your hotel arrangements and payments at TAKACHIHO town, Miyaaki Pref by yourself.
• meal and drink
• Entrance fee of Kumamoto Castle: ¥800(≒5 USD)
• Takachiho Gorge’s rental boats: ¥4100 or ¥5100 (≒30-40 USD) per boat ( -3 pax )
• *From 8pm, the “Kagura” will be performed. For more info, the Takachiho Tourist Association.
• *Evening transportation is not included, so it is best to book a hotel as close to the KGURA venue.

1. On the first morning, the minibus will collect guests from their hotel, station, or airport in Fukuoka Prefecture at no extra cost.

2. The minibus will transport guests from Fukuoka to Kumamoto Castle.

3. From Kumamoto, the journey continues to Mt. Aso. If fortunate, guests may visit the Aso crater. At Kusasenri, light horseback riding is available. Lunch in Aso is renowned for Akaushi beef (meals are self-funded).

4. At the conclusion of the first day, guests will be transported from Kumamoto Castle to their hotel in Takachiho. In Takachiho, the local tourist association offers “Kagura” at 20:00 (optional).

5. On the second morning, guests will be picked up again from their hotel in Takachiho. A typical itinerary includes Takachiho Gorge, Takachiho Shrine, and Amano Yasugawara (~Takachiho Railway if time permits). *Local guide available (optional).

6. After exploring Takachiho, departure for Fukuoka is around 16:00. The journey includes a 3.5-hour drive with a stop at a roadside station famous for its melons.

If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.