Day Trip to Mythical 'Takachiho' from Fukuoka with Minibus:7m 'The Roots of Japan, Takachiho'

Embark on a Takachiho Bus Tour from Fukuoka and delve into the mythical origins of Japan. Visit shrines enshrining gods from Japanese Mythology and explore the Mythical Village. Book now!

Duration: 11 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Fukuoka - 8:00 < PICK UP > Your Hotel or HAKATA Station, HAKATA Port in Fukuoka city

At the airport, a driver holding a name board will meet you at the arrival gate and guide you to the bus parking lot. If possible, please provide your [arrival flight number] in advance.

*It takes about 3 hours from Fukuoka City to Takachiho Town, Miyazaki Prefecture via the expressway to Kumamoto (including a break on the way).

  • Michi-no-Eki Shichijo Melon Dome - 9:30-9:45 < regal break > Shichijo Melon Dome Roadside Station, 306 Shichijomachi Okada, Kikuchi, Kumamoto

If it’s in season, you can purchase the local specialty melons at this roadside station.

Road Station Shichijo Melon Dome is located on National Route 325 in Okada, Shichijo Town, Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture. It features a building with a melon motif, which is a special product. It opened as a specialty center on April 29, 1995.

  • Kagurayado - 11:15-12:15 < lunch > e.g.) “Kagura-yado”, 1254-3 Oshikata, Takachiho, Nishiusuki, Miyazaki

A recommended lunch spot: “Kagura-Yado” is a renowned place for lunch in Takachiho.

https://kagurayado.jp/en/cuisine.html

*Please reserve and pay by yourself. Our guide will assist you!

  • Takachiho Gorge - 12:30-14:30 < free walk > TAKACHIHO Gorge

*You arrive here around 12:15 and stay until 15:15 including lunch time

*15 minutes from < bus waiting > Ohashi Parking Lot, 1248-4 Oshikata, Takachiho: Buses are not allowed to go to the boat terminal, so take a 15-minute walk along the promenade full of negative ions from the parking lot.

Takachiho Gorge’s rental boats can accommodate up to three people. The cost is ¥4100 or ¥5100 (approx. USD 30-40) per boat. You can make your own reservation online. You can also arrange for a local guide. ↓ https://takachiho-kanko.info/en/

Takachiho (高千穂) is a town in northern Miyazaki Prefecture that is steeped in Japanese mythology. It is the supposed site of legend where Amaterasu, the Shinto Sun Goddess, disturbed by her brother’s cruel pranks, hid herself in a cave, prompting the other gods and goddesses to try and lure her out.

  • Takachiho Shrine - 14:45-15:15 TAKACHIHO Shrine

Takachiho Shrine (高千穂神社, Takachiho Jinja), located just west of the town center, is nestled in a grove of tall cedars. During the day the shrine’s nondescript, unpainted buildings blend in naturally with the surrounding trees. The light that filters through brings with it an air of calm, peaceful reverence.

The town of Takachiho is the site of one of the most important and well-known legends of Japanese mythology. In the story, Amaterasu, the Shinto sun goddess, became so outraged by her brother’s cruel pranks that she hid herself in a cave, refusing to come out and depriving the world of her life-giving light.

All of the other gods and goddesses gathered to lure her out. They tried everything they could think of to no avail until one goddess performed an outrageously ribald dance that caused the other gods to roar with laughter. Amaterasu left the cave to see what all the fun was about, and in doing so she returned her light to the world.

  • Amano Yasugawara - 15:30-16:00 < Mystery > AMA-NO-YASUGAWARA, Takachiho

About 10 minutes on foot from Amanoiwato Shrine Nishihongu along the Iwato River, when Amaterasu Omikami hid in Iwato, it became dark and eight million gods were on this riverbank. A large cave that is said to have been gathered and deified. It is also known as “Gyobogaiwaya”. Previously, there was only a company and it was the object of worship, but before I knew it, stones were piled up by the hands of prayers. Today, countless piled stones further enhance the mysterious and fantastic atmosphere of the Cheonan River.

  • Michi-no-Eki Shichijo Melon Dome - 17:45-18:00 < regal break > Shichijo Melon Dome Roadside Station, 306 Shichijomachi Okada, Kikuchi, Kumamoto
  • Fukuoka - 19:30 < DROP OFF > Your Hotel or HAKATA Station, HAKATA Port in Fukuoka city

The food stalls in Nakasu start appearing from around 6pm. It’s only a short subway ride away from Hakata Station, so if you have the time, why not go there yourself?

What's Included
  • 7m length Minibus (21+6 seats, no trunk)
  • English speaking guide
  • Toll and parking fees
What's Not Included
  • Takachiho Gorge’s rental boat : -3 pax. The cost is ¥4100 or ¥5100 (approx. USD 30-40) per boat.
  • meal and drink
Additional Information

‘Unearthing Japan’s Genesis, Takachiho’

Takachiho is home to numerous shrines honoring deities from Japanese Mythology. The Amanoiwato Shrine is dedicated to the Amanoiwato, where the deity Amaterasu-Omikami found refuge. The Kushifuru Shrine, situated on Kushifuru-no-mine, venerates Ninigi-no-mikoto, the progeny of Amaterasu-Omikami. Within this lineage as per Japanese Mythology, the inaugural emperor Jinmu is the direct successor of Ninigi-no-mikoto.

For those looking to journey to the Mythical Village from Fukuoka as a group, this tour offers an ideal choice! Our bus will make sure your journey is smooth and enjoyable throughout.

*Facial masks are no longer a requirement in Japan, hence the choice is yours.

    • It is not recommended for those who are worried about physical health because they would take a bus for a long distance (about 250 miles) in one day.
Location
Fukuoka
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
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Elizabethdu5820up
Jan 8, 2024
Pleasure to communicate with Hidenori Hikake - I recently booked this tour for an upcoming holiday in April 2024, but didn’t realise it was for a group of visitors. We were only a couple. I cannot fault the communication with Hidenori Hikake, the person in charge of the bus company. He was efficient and very pleasant with his responses and gave me some great advice. I was sorry that I didn’t have a group and therefore I had to cancel my booking.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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