Miyazaki day tour from Fukuoka: Takachiho Gorge and shrines

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Free cancellationTravelers' pickLikely to sell out

1/15

Duration10h

GroupUp to 40

LanguagesEN · CM +1

Mobile ticketAccepted

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

A 10-hour guided tour departing from Fukuoka visits three sacred Miyazaki 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 with hotel pickup and drop-off included; the Takachiho Gorge boat ride is optional and booked separately.

10h

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 in the morning and runs 10 hours total, moving through three distinct stops across Miyazaki Prefecture. A multilingual guide—speaking English, Chinese or Japanese depending on the group—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; pickup happens at Lawson Fukuoka Oriental Hotel, with drop-off at the same location at the end of the day.

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, a rowboat ride is available—but the boat ticket is not included in the tour package and must be reserved online in advance. 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. Bring cash, as credit cards are not accepted at all locations on the route. 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.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for 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, with pickup from central Fukuoka—choose the add-on boat ride if you want to experience the gorge from the water rather than just viewing it from above.