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Offered languages
- English
Discover Takachiho, one of Kyushu’s most sacred regions and a cornerstone of Japanese mythology, on this private full‑day tour from Kumamoto. Travel comfortably by chartered vehicle with a National Government Licensed English‑speaking guide, exploring legendary sites where gods are believed to have descended to earth. Visit Amanoiwato Shrine and the Amanoyasu Dry River Bed, central to the myth of the sun goddess Amaterasu, before stopping at Takachiho Shrine, known for its ancient architecture and symbolic married cedar trees. End the day with a scenic walk through Takachiho Gorge, a dramatic valley shaped by ancient volcanic activity and home to the iconic Manai Falls, before being conveniently dropped off at your hotel in Kumamoto City.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Meet your guide holding a JTB Sunrise Tours sign in front of Kumamoto Station Tourist Information Center, located on JR Kumamoto Station.
The tour ends with drop-off at your hotel in Kumamoto City. Hotel drop-off service is limited to hotels within Kumamoto City, and your guide will confirm your accommodation during the tour.
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
The tour will stop by Takachiho Roadside Station where customers can purchase and enjoy their own lunch.
50 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.
35 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
- 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
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
- 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
- Please be aware that boat rental is not included during the stroll at Takachiho Gorge
- During the tour, the guide will confirm with you your hotel for drop-off on the return trip. Drop-off is available only for hotels in Kumamoto City
- There will be an accompanying National Government Licensed English Guide Interpreter from the tour meeting location to the tour end location
- 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 child 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. In addition, please also bring cash just in case as electronic money and credit cards may not be accepted
- 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
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Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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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