Kyushu Takachiho Day Trip | Takachiho Gorge Boat Ride, Kamishikimi Kumanoza Shrine/Takachiho Railway, Mount Aso, Kusasenri (Starting from Kumamoto)
Mount Aso is currently closed, so we’re going to Kamishikimi Kumanoza Shrine instead. Depart from Kumamoto Station, take a direct bus to Aso + Takachiho’s core attractions, and enjoy a relaxing day trip. Takachiho Gorge + boat ride, experience the stunning scenery of waterfalls and cliffs up close. Visit the Mount Aso crater + Kusasenri, and experience the awe-inspiring power of nature. Takachiho Railway, with its cute pink carriages, is very eye-catching amidst the natural scenery and is a popular experience for visiting the Takachiho Gorge area in Miyazaki Prefecture.
What to expect
Today, we will take you to Takachiho and Mount Aso, including 4-5 attractions/experiences: from a boat ride in Takachiho Gorge, the Takachiho Amaterasu Railway, Kusasenri, and the Mount Aso crater, to the special trip to Kamishikimi Kumanoza Shrine. The itinerary is rich and offers excellent value for money! ⚠️On the third Thursday of every month, due to the Takachiho Amaterasu Railway being closed, the itinerary will be changed to Takachiho Gorge + Takachiho Boat Ride + Kamishikimi Kumanoza Shrine + Kusasenri + Aso Volcano Square. Kind Reminder Due to potential issues with online ticket purchases for the Takachiho boat ride, if you have purchased a package that includes tickets, we will do our best to secure them for you. If we are unable to purchase them, we will notify you via email at least 4 days in advance. Thank you for your understanding! First Stop: Takachiho Gorge Boat Ride Drift in a small boat between the strange rock cliffs on both banks, looking up at the Manai Falls cascading from above, with the waterfall splashing directly into the clear stream. Being in this setting is like stepping into a secret realm of Japanese mythology, both magnificent and romantic. [Single travelers may share a boat with other passengers; thank you for your understanding.]
Second Stop: Takachiho Amaterasu Railway Board the nostalgic sightseeing train, traveling on the old railway bridge, passing through tunnels and viaducts, overlooking the magnificent Takachiho Gorge. The moment you ride with the wind, you can’t help but want to take out your camera and capture a postcard-perfect memory of your journey.
Third Stop: Kusasenri Endless grasslands stretch at the foot of Mount Aso, with blue skies and white clouds reflecting the green grass. The scene of cows and horses leisurely grazing is picturesque and refreshing.
Fourth Stop: Mount Aso Crater Visit one of the world’s still-active volcanoes, observing the churning volcanic smoke and the massive crater up close. The震撼 (shocking) scene of Earth’s primal power is definitely worth experiencing at least once in a lifetime. If the volcano is closed, the itinerary will change to Kamishikimi Kumanoza Shrine or Aso Shrine.
Special Itinerary: Kamishikimi Kumanoza Shrine (Limited Route) From December 1st to February 28th, visit Kamishikimi Kumanoza Shrine, a mysterious shrine known as the “entrance to another world.” Stone steps are covered with moss on both sides, and the approach to the shrine is filled with a tranquil atmosphere, like a hidden realm穿越时空 (transcending time and space). The cinematic scenery is an excellent spot for photography and checking in.
This full-day itinerary covers natural wonders and cultural secrets. Come join us and explore the beautiful scenery of Kyushu! ⚠️The round trip to Takachiho Gorge requires a 20-30 minute walk. Please wear comfortable shoes. This tour is not suitable for those with mobility issues. Thank you.














Reviews
I wanted to go on a tour to Takachiho, and even though I'm Korean, the reason I chose this place was because the itinerary was excellent! Tours available in Korean required a minimum of 4 people and were quite expensive, but here, they put together exactly the places I wanted to visit at a reasonable price, so there was no reason not to choose them. Especially, even though our guide, KONG, seemed to be feeling unwell with a cold, he provided detailed explanations to each and every one of us and was incredibly kind. Despite it being a Chinese-language tour, I didn't feel uncomfortable at all. Also, he explained necessary parts in English, so there's absolutely no need to worry about being left behind, haha. If you're looking to tour Aso and Takachiho, I think you can choose this without any worries! It was a fun and fulfilling trip :^) P.S. If you like Indian curry, try the Indian curry restaurant for lunch, haha. The garlic naan comes with a sprinkle of chili and it's absolutely delicious. Even level 5 spice isn't spicy at all, haha. And definitely try the ice cream at the ice cream shop!
Kumamoto Takachiho Gorge Day Trip 👉 A chance encounter with a treasure of a tour guide ☆👍 Knowledgeable about the scenery, full of stories, witty, and warm-hearted ✌️ Laughter and kindness all the way ♡❤️ This short trip was incredibly worthwhile! Listening to local stories and admiring the beautiful scenery before us. A short day, but the views were captivating, and joy filled our hearts~ The scenery is always along the way, but it's often the people and events encountered during the journey that are the most moving and touching... P.S.: This was a Kyushu Takachiho Day Tour booked on Klook | Takachiho Gorge Boat Ride・Kamishikimi Kumanoza Shrine ⛩️ / Takachiho Railway・Mount Aso (canceled due to weather)・Kusasenri (departing from Kumamoto) #FirstTimeBookingALocalJapanDayTour #ExcellentExperience✌️ #TheVideoTheGuideTookWasGreat👍 📍Kumamoto
I would give it 5 stars for all categories except it was raining all day with thick fog covering mount Aso and the crater pools as well as masking the stunning beauty of Takachiho Gorge as well as no boat ride becos of the weather. otherwise I had the best red beef lunch and milk ice cream. Special mention of our guide J78 小玉who was very informative enthusiastic and conducted the tour very well, she also gave excellent lunch and souvenir recommendations she deserves⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!
Today's itinerary was packed, and it felt wonderful. First, there was the mini-train, which the kids are sure to love; the driver even blows bubbles at the end! Then, the canyon was beautiful and very photogenic; I really enjoyed the scenery as we strolled along. My personal favorite was the Kumano Shrine; it had a very, very serene atmosphere, with ancient moss-covered lanterns and towering old trees looking down on everything. It started raining at our last stop, so we ate Kuroge Wagyu barbecue on the second floor of Kusasenri, looking out at the lush green landscape. All my senses were delighted. Many thanks to our guide today, Mr. Miyamoto, who was very attentive and thoughtful. Not only did he give us a perfect day, but he also gave us posters on the way back, and I got my favorite, "Spirited Away"! I'm so happy.
Today (June 21st), the weather cleared up after the rain, and I'm so glad we were able to book this wonderful Takachiho day tour. First, I want to give a special thank you to our lovely tour guide, Ms. Kong Yan. Her kind and professional explanations and guidance not only allowed us to enjoy the fresh air but also taught us a lot about Kumamoto. Our first stop was the Kusasenri scenic restaurant for shopping and lunch. The milk ice cream was delicious, and the unagi don (eel rice bowl) and salmon roe don were also tasty. Unfortunately, we were on a tight schedule and didn't get to try the legendary coffee. It was also a bit foggy, turning it into "Fog-senri" instead of Kusasenri (meaning "grass thousand li"). However, we were lucky enough to catch a glimpse of cows and sheep when the sky briefly cleared, leaving us with something to look forward to on our next visit. The second stop was Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine, where we respectfully appreciated the mystery of the mountains, forests, and spirits, and also enjoyed the fresh air. Our hardworking guide, Ms. Kong, even helped everyone take beautiful photos that made their legs look long! The third stop was Takachiho to ride the sightseeing train. In the tunnel, the driver even invited everyone to stand up and used a bubble gun, allowing us to experience a "forest bath" surrounded by bubbles. Finally, we arrived at Takachiho Gorge, where we experienced the beautiful mountains and waters of nature. We also enjoyed delicious horse meat skewers and mango shaved ice, and even took a photo with the enthusiastic owner, creating many wonderful memories. Additionally, I want to extend a special thank you to our bus driver, Mr. Ueda, for safely and comfortably driving us throughout the tour. I highly recommend this tour with a five-star rating, and I look forward to meeting again soon!
This time, I chose to join this one-day tour in Southern Kyushu. Although the weather wasn't ideal, and it was still raining when we were on the train, it didn't affect the overall experience of the itinerary. The environment was serene, and the air was refreshing, allowing one to calm down and appreciate the essence of nature. Without a doubt, this is a must-visit attraction in Kumamoto. I also have to commend our tour guide, Mr. Sun Peng. He was very well-prepared regarding the attractions and itinerary, and his commentary was both engaging and humorous. Along the way, he meticulously helped group members with their questions and maintained excellent prior communication with local staff, ensuring a smooth process. He also gave us ample time to explore the attractions and take photos, providing truly thoughtful service that deserves praise. Although we couldn't go up Mount Aso due to rain and an unexpected incident, Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine, which was the alternative itinerary, is also a very worthwhile attraction and I recommend visiting it. Additionally, even though we could only enjoy the scenic train ride in the rain, it was a bit hectic but still didn't detract from the overall experience. We were still able to appreciate the misty beauty of Takachiho in the rain (I look forward to experiencing the scenic train on a sunny day next time!). The canyon scenery was also quite pleasant. I highly recommend slowing down from your usual fast pace and quietly enjoying the natural atmosphere. If there are similar tours in the future, I will definitely participate again! I hope those of you who are still hesitating and planning your Southern Kyushu trip will consider joining this one-day tour. It can arrange a day's itinerary for you, and you can also clear your mind for a day. It's a highly recommended travel option!
The Takachiho Gorge boat ride was simply breathtaking. Being able to paddle through the crystal-clear waters surrounded by towering cliffs and the beautiful Manai Falls was an unforgettable experience. The Amaterasu Railway add-on was equally impressive, offering stunning panoramic views and a unique experience crossing the high railway bridge. What made this tour truly special was our guide, Kong Yan. As a solo traveller, I was initially worried about the boat ride, but Kong Yan kindly offered to ride the boat with me. Her thoughtfulness and willingness to go the extra mile made me feel welcomed and included. Throughout the tour, she was friendly, attentive, professional, and always ready to help. Her enthusiasm and care for the guests greatly enhanced the overall experience. The transportation was comfortable, the schedule was well managed, and every part of the tour ran smoothly. I highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Kyushu.
The tour was so much fun that I'd love to come back again if I get the chance! Our guide was incredibly friendly too! Even though there was a language barrier, communication was excellent. It was great that they pointed out photo spots and recommended the best restaurants for the tour. I received some caramel from the guide, and it was so delicious that I plan to buy some on my way home! They also gave me a super cute keychain! My younger sibling took it, but it was still a very enjoyable trip. Thank you! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ By the way, the orange ice cream was absolutely terrible ^^ but the mango one was decent.
Our tour guide, Sun, was the best! He was so knowledgeable and accommodating. I booked this tour expecting not to understand anything since I don’t know Chinese (it was the only option from Kumamoto) but Sun was so kind and really made the effort to translate things for us and prepare English descriptions and instructions at each stop!! It did rain for days before so Takachiho Gorge waters weren’t blue and there were no boats but it was still a great experience overall. There was a lot of walking but there was enough time for each attraction and the views were spectacular! I enjoyed all stops and especially loved our lunch at Kusanseri (Kumamoto beef). Thank you so much! I definitely had the best time!
Having a day tour like this is incredibly convenient for travelers unfamiliar with Japan's roads! We joined this day tour and visited Takachiho Gorge, rode the scenic train, explored Kamishikimi Kumanoza Shrine, and saw Kusasenri. Our guide, Kong Yan, provided detailed introductions to each attraction before we arrived, sharing must-try local foods, must-buy souvenirs, and even pointing out the best photo spots. She also recommended delicious food and fun activities in Kumamoto. She is truly the most professional and dedicated guide I've ever met. Furthermore, our driver, Mr. Shingai, drove very smoothly throughout the entire trip. Even on mountain roads, the ride was incredibly stable with no excessive shaking. We arrived early at almost every destination, which was amazing. I'm so grateful to both of them for leading our group today!
Good to know
- For guests participating in the [Boat Tour Experience], please note that May-June is Japan’s rainy season, and the boat tour operator will decide whether to operate on the day based on water levels. If the boat tour is suspended, a refund of 2000 JPY per person will be issued. We appreciate your understanding. Due to potential ticket purchase failures for the Takachiho boat tour online, if you have purchased a package including tickets, we will do our best to secure them for you. If we are unable to purchase them, we will notify you via email at least 4 days in advance. We appreciate your understanding!
- Pre-trip Notification • Please ensure that the communication app you have provided can be used to contact you during your trip to Japan. We will contact you one day in advance. We will send vehicle and guide information for the next day’s trip to your email before 8 PM on the day before your departure. Please check your email (it may be in your spam folder). To ensure a smooth trip, please be sure to contact your guide or driver promptly. Thank you. • If the number of participants does not meet the minimum required for a tour, you will be notified of cancellation by email one day before departure. In case of extreme weather such as typhoons or heavy snow, a decision on cancellation will be made by 6:00 PM local time one day before departure and communicated via email. Seating and Vehicles • The itinerary is a shared tour, and seat allocation follows a first-come, first-served principle. If you have special requests, please note them, and we will do our best to accommodate, but the final arrangement will be determined on-site. • The vehicle model used will be arranged according to the number of participants; specific models cannot be designated. For smaller groups, the driver may also serve as an attendant, and explanations may be brief. • If you need to bring luggage, please inform us in advance. If you bring luggage without prior notice, the guide has the right to refuse boarding, and no refund will be issued. Eating and drinking are prohibited inside the vehicle. If damage occurs, compensation will be required according to local standards. Itinerary Adjustments and Safety • Japanese law stipulates that commercial vehicles may not be driven for more than 10 hours per day. Overtime will incur additional charges (ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 JPY per hour). • The itinerary is for reference only. Actual transportation, stopovers, and sightseeing times may be adjusted due to weather, traffic jams, facility maintenance, etc. The guide may reasonably change or omit attractions based on actual circumstances. • If ropeways, boat tours, or other facilities are suspended due to weather or force majeure, the itinerary will be changed to other attractions or the stopover time will be adjusted. • No refunds will be issued for late arrivals, temporary changes to meeting points, or early departures due due to personal reasons. Any accidents or additional expenses incurred after leaving the group will be your responsibility. Season and Scenery • Seasonal activities such as flower viewing, autumn foliage viewing, snowscapes, and fireworks festivals are highly affected by climate. The blooming period and peak autumn foliage may be earlier or later than expected. Even if the expected scenery is not met, the tour will proceed as scheduled, and no refunds will be issued.
Other Notes • Please arrive at the meeting point on time. No waiting for latecomers, and no joining midway. • We recommend wearing light clothing and shoes. For winter or mountain itineraries, please bring your own warm clothing.
* The itinerary does not include personal travel or accident insurance. We recommend purchasing your own. Outdoor activities and high-risk sports carry certain risks; travelers should register cautiously based on their health conditions.
* After the tour departs, if it is forced to be suspended due to natural disasters or force majeure, no refund will be issued, and travelers will be responsible for their return journey or additional accommodation expenses.
* During Japanese public holidays and weekend travel peaks, there are often severe traffic jams or attractions closing early. It is recommended not to book flights, Shinkansen, or dinner for the same evening, and to bring light snacks and a power bank.
Contact us
You might also like...
Mt. Aso & Takachiho Gorge Full-Day Guided Exploration
【Departing from JR Aso Station】Takachiho Gorge including lunch
Miyazaki Classic Tour: Takachiho Gorge & Kamishikimi Kumanoza Shrine | Includes Japanese Desserts & Shuttle Bus | Optional Takachiho Boat Ride
JR Kyushu Rail Pass
【Private Tour】Mt.Aso and Takachiho All-inclusive tour From Kumamoto
Fukuoka Takachiho Gorge & Amanoiwato Shrine Full-Day Guided Tour
Fukuoka Takachiho Gorge and Scenic Train Day Trip
Kumamoto Aso Volcano & Takachiho Small Train Day Tour




