Takachiho Gorge & Mount Aso tour from Miyazaki: Helicopter option

Basalt cliffs, a 1,900-year-old shrine, and an active volcano in one day

A private full-day tour from Miyazaki in a 7-seater vehicle visits Takachiho Gorge (columnar basalt cliffs rising 80–100 m above the Gokase River), Takachiho Shrine (connected to Japanese mythology and featuring a 1,200-year-old cedar), and Mount Aso (one of the world's largest active volcanic calderas). Lunch is served at Mount Aso with views of volcanic landscape. A boat ride at the gorge and a helicopter flight over the caldera are optional add-ons. Guide speaks English or Japanese. Hotel pickup is included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Takachiho Gorge and Mount Aso

• Hotel pickup in Miyazaki
• Visit Takachiho Gorge
• Optional boat ride at Takachiho Gorge
• Visit Takachiho Shrine
• Lunch at Mount Aso
• Optional helicopter flight over Aso Volcano

The experience

You start from your Miyazaki hotel and head to Takachiho Gorge, where columnar basalt cliffs carved by volcanic forces over tens of thousands of years rise 80–100 m above the emerald waters of the Gokase River. The gorge changes with the seasons: vibrant greens in spring and summer, fiery reds and golds in autumn, misty hues in winter. An optional boat ride lets you see the cliffs and waterfalls from the river itself.

Next is Takachiho Shrine, hidden among towering cedar trees in the mountain town. The shrine spans over 1,900 years of history and is deeply connected to Japanese mythology. Its peaceful grounds feature a famous 1,200-year-old "husband and wife" cedar, believed to bring good relationships and harmony to those who walk around it hand in hand. The atmosphere offers a quiet contrast to the dramatic scenery of the gorge.

The tour continues to Mount Aso, one of Japan's most powerful natural landmarks and home to one of the world's largest volcanic calderas. Surrounded by sweeping grasslands and rugged peaks, the Aso region lets you experience an active volcano up close. At the center lies Nakadake Crater, where you can observe steaming vents, dramatic rock formations, and, when conditions allow, the striking emerald-colored crater lake. Lunch is served here, surrounded by volcanic scenery. An optional helicopter flight offers aerial views of the caldera and lava fields. This is booked and paid for separately at checkout.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and return.
• entrance fees.
• lunch at Mount Aso with volcanic landscape views.
• a guide in English or Japanese.
• optional boat ride at Takachiho Gorge to see cliffs and waterfalls from the river.
• optional helicopter flight over Aso Volcano available as a paid add-on.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:30

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Child (5 to 15 years) · Infant (under 5): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Japanese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 5 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteJP¥ 4,100

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomeInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Miyazaki Tours

Is this one for you?Book this private tour if you're arriving in Miyazaki and want to see three major sites (gorge, shrine, and volcano) without splitting them across multiple days. Choose the helicopter add-on for aerial caldera views or skip it for ground-level exploration only.

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Japanese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 15 years); Infant (under 5): 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.

What are the columnar basalt cliffs at Takachiho Gorge like?

Takachiho Gorge features soaring columnar basalt cliffs rising about 80–100 m above the emerald waters of the Gokase River, carved by volcanic forces over tens of thousands of years. The dramatic backdrop changes with each season: vibrant greens in spring and summer, fiery reds and golds in autumn, and peaceful misty hues in winter. An optional boat ride lets you see them from the river.

What is Takachiho Shrine and why is it significant?

Takachiho Shrine is one of Kyushu's most spiritually significant Shinto shrines, with a history spanning over 1,900 years and deep connections to Japanese mythology and the legendary descent of the gods to earth. The shrine's peaceful grounds feature ancient cedar trees, including a famous 1,200-year-old "husband and wife" cedar, believed to bring good relationships and harmony to those who walk around it hand in hand.

Can I see the crater at Mount Aso?

Mount Aso is one of the world's largest active volcanic calderas, and at its center lies Nakadake Crater where you can observe steaming vents, dramatic rock formations, and, when conditions allow, the striking emerald-colored crater lake. The ever-changing volcanic activity makes every visit unique.

Is the helicopter flight included in the tour price?

The helicopter flight over Aso Volcano is optional and costs extra. You can choose to add it at checkout. It offers unparalleled aerial views of the caldera and lava fields.

How long is this tour?

The tour runs for a full day: 12 hours from hotel pickup to return.