Full-Day Guided Tour of Takachiho Gorge & Miyazaki from Fukuoka with Lunch

From Fukuoka to Miyazaki's Cultural & Natural Treasures

The tour starts with a pickup from Fukuoka, taking you to Shirakawa Suigen, a famous river recognized by Japan's Environment Agency, accompanied by a Chinese-speaking guide. Here, you can see and even collect water from the wellspring that feeds the Shirakawa River, the heart of Kumamoto City. Following this, enjoy a sumptuous Teishoku lunch, a traditional set meal, at Takachiho. Now a part of a national park, the Takachiho Gorge was shaped by the erosion from ancient pyroclastic flows from Mt. Aso. The vivid greenery in the summer and the radiant colors of the autumn leaves around Manai Falls, the symbol of the gorge, are breathtaking. For a closer look, rent a boat and drift through the serene water.

Ancient Tales of Amanoiwato & Amano-Yasugawara Shrine

The afternoon commences with a journey back in time to the ancient Amanoiwato Shrine and Amano-Yasugawara Shrine, where mystical tales and spiritual history intertwine. The shrines honor the sun goddess Amaterasu and the holy rock cave, Amanoiwato, where she took refuge. A 10-minute walk away is the Amano Yasugawara cave, a spiritual gathering place for 8 million gods, according to ancient records. This is the place where these deities supposedly discussed how to lure Amaterasu out of her cave. End the day with a visit to the Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu shrine, adorned with ancient stone lanterns amid the mossy landscape, before comfortably returning to Fukuoka.

Itinerary

• Shirakawa Suigen

• Teishoku lunch

• Takachiho Gorge & Manai Falls

• Amanoiwato & Amano-Yasugawara shrine