Kumamoto Bus Tour to Takachiho Gorge & Premium Miyazaki Black Wagyu Lunch

Visit Amano Iwato Shrine and Amano Yasukawara, believed to be the setting of the “Ama-no-Iwato myth” in Japanese mythology.

In Japanese mythology, Amaterasu, the sun goddess, is said to have grown upset due to the playful antics of her younger brother, Susanoo-no-Mikoto. She withdrew into the cave known as “Amano Iwato,” causing the world to fall into darkness. This cave is regarded as a sacred site at Amano Iwato Shrine.

Close by, “Amano Yasukawara” is thought to bestow wishes and blessings for success. It is believed that if you pile stones while making a wish, your desire will be fulfilled. The numerous stone stacks scattered throughout the area create a captivating and mystical ambiance, enhancing the sacred and ethereal essence of the location.

Note: This tour mainly involves walking. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Enjoy A4-grade or higher Miyazaki black wagyu beef teppan-yaki and a pre-meal sake called “Kappo-zake.”

This dining experience takes place in a traditional farmhouse that has been around for 260 years, featuring a dedicated performance area known as a “Koniwa,” where sacred Kagura dance is performed. Guests can enjoy their meal in this unique atmosphere while savoring premium Miyazaki wagyu beef cooked on ceramic plates alongside “Kappo-zake,” a local pre-meal sake specialty from Takachiho.

The meal also includes a selection of local delicacies such as Miyazaki chicken nanban and Takachiho’s secret “abura-miso,” crafted with the intention of nurturing both body and spirit through regional cuisine.

Amatsumurakumo Takachiho Beef Gozen

Menu

• Pre-meal drink: Takachiho specialty “Kappo-zake” (served in small cups)
• Small dishes: Takachiho secret abura-miso / spicy Takachiho shiitake
• Traditional side set: simmered dishes, rolled omelet, shiitake nanban, vinegared dish, and wild soybeans from Mt. Sobo
• Main dish: Takachiho beef ceramic grill (teppan-style plate)
• Fried dish: Miyazaki chicken nanban
• Soup: Aka-dashi miso soup
• Rice: Mushroom mixed rice
• Dessert: Warabi mochi zenzai with rice dumplings

Menu items may change depending on ingredient availability.

See “Manai Falls,” one of Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls.

The Takachiho Gorge was formed in ancient times through pyroclastic flows from the volcanic activity of Mount Aso, which cooled and solidified before being sculpted into steep cliffs. The gorge features dramatic cliffs that rise up to 100 meters, averaging around 80 meters in height, stretching approximately 7 kilometers from east to west.

Within the gorge lies the renowned “Manai Falls,” recognized as one of Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls, serving as the symbolic landmark of Takachiho Gorge.

At the conclusion of the walking route, each visitor will receive a complimentary bottle of the highly sought-after local “Hyuganatsu 100% juice.”

Note: This tour mainly involves walking. Comfortable walking shoes are strongly recommended.

Visit two of Takachiho’s most famous power spots, both popular even among celebrities.

Takachiho Shrine

On the grounds of Takachiho Shrine, there are numerous objects thought to bring good luck. Among the most notable is the “Meoto Sugi” (Couple Cedar), a sacred cedar tree linked to fostering good relationships. It is said that if couples or married partners hold hands and circle the tree three times, three wishes will be granted: marital harmony, family safety, and the prosperity of descendants.

Aratate Shrine

This shrine is celebrated for blessings associated with performing arts and matchmaking. At the “Shichifuku Tokujubanbō” ritual, it is believed that striking the wooden plaque seven times with genuine intent will make your wish come true. The sound of the wooden mallet resonating through the forest creates an intensely sacred and spiritual environment.

Shop for Takachiho souvenirs at Takachiho Tourist Product Center “Tunnel Station.”

Takachiho Tourist Product Center “Tunnel Station” is a no-cost tourist facility featuring a former tunnel that spans 1,115 meters, now utilized as a storage location for aging shochu.

Visitors can enjoy free tastings of shochu stored in the tunnel, and a wide variety of Takachiho souvenirs are available for purchase, making it a favored stop for travelers.

Information about the tour

Place of departure and destination: From Kumamoto to Miyazaki
Number of days of travel: 1 day
Means of transportation: Bus
Name of bus company: Yamato Kanko
Meal(s): Lunch 1
Minimum number of passengers to operate: 15
Number of GUIDE: 1

Tour Operator Information

Company Name: H.I.S. Co., Ltd.
Department Name: Inbound Travel Sales Division DMC Department Kyushu Group Northern Kyushu Team
Address: Tenjin-heiwa Building 8F 1-14-4 Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka, JAPAN, 810-0001
Tel: +81-050-1742-3921
Registration No.: No. 724 by the Commissioner of Japan Tourism Agency
Membership: Full Member of the Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA)

Contact Information

Department Name: Inbound Travel Sales Division DMC Department Kyushu Group Northern Kyushu Team
Address: Tenjin-heiwa Building 8F 1-14-4 Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka, JAPAN, 810-0001
Tel: +81-050-1742-3921
Opening hour: 10:00~18:00
(Closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays)

General Travel Services Manager: Megumi Hisatomi
*The Tour Operations Manager is responsible for transactions related to your travel at the sales office handling your travel arrangements. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the explanations provided by the staff about this travel contract, please do not hesitate to contact the above-mentioned Tour Operations Manager.

Please read and understand the Terms and Conditions below.

• Travel Terms and Conditions: Domestic Package Tours
• Travel Agency Terms and Conditions: Section of Package Tour Contract

Highlights

• Explore Amano Iwato Shrine and Amano Yasukawara, thought to be the backdrop for the “Ama-no-Iwato myth” in Japanese folklore.
• Savor A4-grade or better Miyazaki black wagyu beef teppan-yaki along with a pre-dinner sake known as “Kappo-zake.”
• Witness “Manai Falls,” recognized as one of Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls.
• Discover two of Takachiho’s renowned power spots, which are favorites among celebrities.
• Purchase Takachiho mementos at the Takachiho Tourist Product Center “Tunnel Station.”

Itinerary

• Departure from Kumamoto Sakuramachi Bus Terminal
• Amano Iwato Shrine & Amano Yasukawara (Free exploration / Approx. 45 min)
• Restaurant Kagura-yado (Lunch / Approx. 60 min)
• Takachiho Gorge (Free exploration / Approx. 60 min)
• Takachiho Shrine (Visit / Approx. 30 min)
• Aratate Shrine (Visit / Approx. 30 min)
• Takachiho Tourist Product Center “Tunnel Station” (Shopping / Approx. 30 min)
• Arrive at Kumamoto Sakuramachi Bus Terminal

Price Details

Included

• Lunch
• Japanese guide
• Bus
• Admission fee

Not included

• Expenses not mentioned
• Personal expenses

Important Information

• After the scheduled departure time, the tour will depart at the discretion of our staff. Please make sure to arrive at the meeting point on time.
• The scheduled times and itinerary details may change due to road conditions or other circumstances.
• In the event of a delay causing you to miss connections or requiring taxi use or accommodation, we are unable to cover any related costs.
• Depending on the number of participants, the vehicle may be changed to a medium-sized or small bus.
• Please note that there is no restroom available on the bus.
• Smoking is prohibited on the bus. Reclining seats are generally not permitted (except for some courses).
• The arrival location may differ from the meeting location.
• Lost items will be kept for up to 2 weeks after the end of the tour. However, perishable food items or items that are difficult to store will be disposed of immediately.
• Pets are not allowed on the tour.
• Bus seats will be assigned by the tour operator.
• In case of emergencies, guests may be seated together with the tour escort. Thank you for your understanding.
• Facility admission fees included in the tour price may differ from the publicly listed prices. No refunds or additional charges will be made after the tour begins due to price differences.
• If the minimum number of participants (15 people) is not reached, or if operation becomes impossible due to unavoidable circumstances such as natural disasters or accidents, the tour may be changed or canceled. This decision may be made by 3 days before departure (or 13 days before departure for tours including accommodation).
• We may not be able to accommodate requests regarding seating arrangements, hotel smoking/non-smoking preferences, or allergies. We may contact you in advance and decline such requests after explanation.

Purchase Notice

• This tour is conducted in Japanese. The tour conductor will provide language support using a translation device (Pocketalk).
• Participants are required to bring their own smartphone with an internet connection and earphones (optional for audio translation).
• If the minimum number of participants is not met between 15 and 7 days before departure, the tour will be canceled. We will notify you by email, so please make sure to check it.
• If the tour becomes non-operational after you have booked and paid, the tour fee will be refunded.
• Guests under 20 years old must have parental consent.
• For groups with an odd number of participants, please note that you may be seated next to another guest on the bus.
• Meal contents are subject to change without prior notice.
• Due to traffic congestion or other factors, the stay time at each stop may be shortened.
• Seat selection is not available.
• The route may be partially changed depending on weather and sea conditions.
• If the “Pearl Queen” cruise is canceled due to bad weather, the tour will instead visit “Kujukushima Aquarium Umi Kirara.” (No refunds will be issued.)
• In the event of unexpected vessel inspections on the day, another sightseeing boat such as “Mirai” may be used instead.

How to Use

Voucher will be sent via email. Please show your e-voucher at designated location.

Cancellation Policy

Cancel on after the tour start time, will charge 100%

• 11 or more day(s) before the activity date: 0% cancellation fee
• Between 8 and 10 day(s) before the activity date: 20% cancellation fee
• Between 2 and 7 day(s) before the activity date: 30% cancellation fee
• 1 day(s) before the activity date: 40% cancellation fee
• On the activity date: 50% cancellation fee