Miyazaki day tour from Fukuoka: Takachiho Gorge and shrines

Stone lanterns line the approach to a shrine that looks like an entrance to another world.

A guided tour departing from Fukuoka visits three sacred sites: Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine with its 97 stone lanterns in moss-covered grounds, Takachiho Gorge with its 17-meter waterfall and volcanic cliffs, and Amano Iwato Shrine where visitors stack stones to make wishes. A multilingual guide leads the shared group tour in a climate-controlled vehicle. The Takachiho Gorge boat ride comes with the option that includes the boat ticket.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit shrines and Takachiho Gorge

• Visit Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine
• Explore Takachiho Gorge
• Visit Amano Iwato Shrine and Amano Yasugawara Cave

The experience

The tour leaves Fukuoka and moves through three distinct stops. A multilingual guide narrates the route and explains the mythology and history at each site. You travel in an air-conditioned shuttle with other guests from various countries, and the operator covers highway tolls and parking fees.

Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine opens the itinerary. The approach winds through 97 stone lanterns set into mossy, shadowed ground. A setting that has drawn attention on social media for its otherworldly appearance. Sunlight filters through the canopy and illuminates the green, creating the visual effect the shrine has become known for. The main shrine building (haiden) sits at the end of this lined approach.

Takachiho Gorge comes next. The gorge formed from ancient volcanic eruptions and is defined by steep cliffs on both sides, with the Manai Waterfall dropping 17 meters into the river below. Three bridges span the gorge and add to the landscape. If you want to experience the gorge from the water, choose the option that includes the boat ticket. You row the boat yourself. Without the boat, you view the gorge from the rim and the bridges.

The final stop is Amano Iwato Shrine and Amano Yasugawara Cave. The shrine is dedicated to a sacred cave believed to house divine spirits and is known as a site for spiritual healing and good fortune. At Amano Yasugawara Cave, visitors stack stones and make wishes. The cave floor holds countless stone towers built by people seeking fulfillment. The shrine sells sacred seals and amulets. Carry some cash, since not every stop on the route takes credit cards. Weather and traffic may shorten sightseeing time or alter the itinerary, so avoid booking other activities or transport immediately after the tour ends.

What’s included

• Multilingual guide in English, Chinese or Japanese.
• air-conditioned shuttle bus service.
• pickup and drop-off at Lawson Fukuoka Oriental Hotel.
• highway tolls and parking fees.
• visits to Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine, Takachiho Gorge and Amano Iwato Shrine with Amano Yasugawara Cave.

Options for this experience

2 options

Excluded boat ticketGuide in English, Japanese or Chinese · 08:30Boat ticket not included

Including boat ticketGuide in English, Japanese or Chinese · 08:30Including boat ticket

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (13 to 80 years) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 40

Live guideEnglish, Chinese and Japanese

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Hotel Takitei

Is this one for you?Book this shared group tour if you want a guide explaining the mythology at each shrine and gorge viewpoint. Choose the option with the boat ticket if you want to experience the gorge from the water rather than just viewing it from above.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Chinese and Japanese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 12 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I take a boat ride through Takachiho Gorge on this tour?

Yes, if you book the option that includes the boat ticket. You row the boat yourself through the gorge.

What is Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine known for?

Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine is known for its approach lined with 97 stone lanterns set into moss-covered ground, which creates a shadowed, ethereal atmosphere when sunlight filters through. The scenery resembles an entrance to another world and has become popular on social media.

What should I bring on this tour?

Bring cash, as credit cards are not accepted at certain locations along the route. Check the weather before departure and dress accordingly for outdoor walking at the shrines and gorge viewpoints.

What is Amano Yasugawara Cave?

Amano Yasugawara Cave is a sacred site where visitors stack stones and make wishes, believed to lead to their fulfillment. The cave floor holds countless stone towers built by previous visitors seeking divine protection and good fortune.