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Small rowboats on the river below Manai Falls in the green Takachiho Gorge

Tours & tickets

Tours and day trips in Miyazaki and southern Kyushu

Visit Takachiho Gorge on a day tour, see Aoshima, Udo Jingu and Obi with a private driver-guide, learn to surf near Aoshima or cross to Kagoshima for the volcano of Sakurajima. Tours here are bookable online through Viator.

Takachiho, Aso and Kumamoto

Takachiho is in the mountains of northern Miyazaki, closer to Kumamoto than to Miyazaki city, so most day tours to the gorge start in Kumamoto or Fukuoka. Many combine it with the shrines of Takachiho or the volcano of Mount Aso.

Miyazaki and the Nichinan coast

South of Miyazaki city, the Nichinan coast runs past Aoshima, the cliff-side shrine of Udo Jingu and the castle town of Obi. Private tours and cruise shore excursions from Aburatsu port cover the highlights in a day.

Kirishima and Kagoshima

The volcanic Kirishima mountains straddle the border with Kagoshima Prefecture. Beyond them, Kagoshima city looks across the bay to Sakurajima, one of the most active volcanoes in Japan, about two hours from Miyazaki.

Before you book

Miyazaki has fewer bookable tours than Tokyo or Kyoto, and they are spread out. Most group day tours to Takachiho Gorge start in Kumamoto or Fukuoka, because the gorge is closer to them by road. From Miyazaki city, the best options are private tours with a driver-guide, which can take in Takachiho or the whole Nichinan coast in a day.

If you have a car, you may not need a tour at all. See our guides to visiting Takachiho Gorge and driving the Nichinan coast.

Things to check

  • The start point. A tour from Fukuoka means a long day on the bus.
  • What is included, such as entrance fees, lunch, or the rowboats at Takachiho, which are usually extra.
  • The language of the guide.
  • The cancellation policy, and what happens if a typhoon is coming.

Good to know

Tours FAQ

Are there tours from Miyazaki city?

Some. Private tours with a driver-guide cover the Nichinan coast and Takachiho from Miyazaki city. The widest choice of group day tours to Takachiho starts in Kumamoto and Fukuoka.

Do Takachiho tours include the rowboats?

Usually not. The boats are booked separately and sell out at busy times, and a tour may not leave enough time to wait for one. Check the tour description, and read our guide to visiting Takachiho Gorge.

Can I take a tour from a cruise ship?

Yes. Ships call at Aburatsu port in Nichinan and at Hososhima in Hyuga. Shore excursions from Aburatsu usually visit Obi and Udo Jingu. Book a tour that guarantees your return to the ship.

Can I cancel a tour if my plans change?

Many tours booked through Viator offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start, but not all. Check the cancellation policy on the tour page before you book. Trips may also be cancelled when a typhoon is coming.

Are tours in English?

Many tours sold online are in English, or in English and other languages. Check the language on the tour page, as some local tours are in Japanese only.

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