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Offered languages
- English
Discover the mythical realm of Takachiho on this enchanting day trip from Kumamoto. Led by a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter, this private tour delves into Japan's rich mythology and natural beauty. Begin your journey at Amanoiwato Shrine and Amanoyasu Dry River Bed, sites steeped in legends of the sun goddess Amaterasu Omikami. Next, visit Takachiho Shrine, the principal shrine of the region, boasting important cultural properties including its Main Sanctuary and ironwork guardian dog statues.
The tour culminates at the breathtaking Takachiho Gorge, a natural wonder formed by ancient volcanic activity and erosion. This majestic landscape epitomizes Kyushu's mystical scenery.
Throughout the day, your knowledgeable guide will illuminate the area's rich history and cultural significance.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Meet in front of Kumamoto Station Tourist Information Center. Access: Inside Kumamoto Station Building *Customers who are late for the departure time will have their reservations canceled. Please give yourself plenty of time
Itinerary
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1
Amanoiwato Shrine is a shrine associated with Amaterasu Omikami, the sun goddess in Japanese mythology. It is said that Amaterasu Omikami once became angry at the mischief of her younger brother, Susanoo, and hid herself in a cave called Amanoiwato. In addition, customers can walk for about 10 minutes from Amanoiwato Shrine to the Amanoyasu Dry River Bed where 8 million gods are said to have gathered to call forth Amaterasu Omikami when she had been hiding in the cave.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2
Lunch (meal charges not included in the tour)
45 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3
Tour around Takachiho Shrine, the head shrine of the 88 shrines in the 18 neighborhoods of Takachiho. Its Main Sanctuary and ironwork guardian dog statues have been designated as important cultural properties of Japan. Within the grounds are the famous Meoto Cedar Trees (Married Cedars), which are two cedar trees growing from intertwined roots. It is said to be a power spot that can bring good fortune in finding a good partner, a harmonious relationship, and a wealth of children.
40 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4
Rising up to a hundred meters and stretching 7 km east to west, Takachiho Gorge is a valley that was formed when pyroclastic flows from the eruption of Mt. Aso cooled, solidified, and then were eroded. Amidst this beautiful valley created by the power of nature, must-see highlights include the beautiful columnar joint walls and the famous Manai Falls, which has been selected as one of Japan's top 100 waterfalls. *Boat rental not included during the stroll at Takachiho Gorge.
1 hour 15 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please note that participants may not join partway through the tour. Also, participants may join only from the meeting location specified in advance.
- While transportation will be by private vehicle for each group, each experience included in the itinerary may be shared with other customers.
- Depending on road conditions or other reasons, arrival time at each location may be considerably delayed.
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Additional info
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please note that participants may not join partway through the tour. Also, participants may join only from the meeting location specified in advance.
- While transportation will be by private vehicle for each group, each experience included in the itinerary may be shared with other customers.
- Depending on road conditions or other reasons, arrival time at each location may be considerably delayed.
- Itinerary locations and itinerary order may be changed depending on the weather and operating conditions of locations to be visited.
- Tour booking charge refunds due to the above changes will not be issued.
- Children up to 5 years old may join free of charge, but will not be provided with hired car seats. If seats are required, please make a booking under the adult rate.
- Customers are free to have lunch at the Takachiho Roadside Station. Customers are to pay for their own lunch as it is not included in the tour booking charge.
- Please participate in an outfit easy to walk in as the tour will be walking along an approx. 1 km path at Takachiho Gorge.
- As large luggage such as suitcases cannot be brought during the tour, please leave them in a locker or at your hotel before participating.
- Parental permission in writing is necessary for all tour participants under the age of eighteen. Any participant under the age of fifteen or not yet enrolled in middle school must be joined by a parent or guardian on the tour.
- Tour's total duration is 9 hours 30 minutes, although the total duration listed in the itinerary is 4 hours 10 minutes. The remaining hours are allotted for travel time.
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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