Private Tour

Mt. Aso and Takachiho Gorge 1-Day Highlights Tour From Kumamoto

Overview

Available languages

Japanese

English

10 hours

Mobile ticket

This one-day tour takes you from the bustling streets of Kumamoto City to the majestic heights of Mount Aso, the serene Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine, and the breathtaking Takachiho Gorge.

The first stop is Mount Aso, one of the world's largest volcanoes, where you can see the active, intense white smoke and dynamic scenery.

For lunch during the tour, you can enjoy local Aka beef.

Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine, known for being the setting of a popular manga comic, is a mysterious place that has long been preserved in unspoiled natural surroundings.

The last stop is Takachiho Gorge, where you can detoxify your mind and body in the mysterious scenery created by the abundant nature.

This tour will be able to experience Japan's wonderful traditions and aggressive nature all at once, making it an one of unforgettable memory.

If you wish, it's also possible to participate in these tours as a day trip by Shinkansen!

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

It will be 10 hours including round-trip transportation and time spent in Aso and Takachiho.

If we are unable to reserve a boat or the boat is unable to operate due to bad weather, we will guide you to an alternative sightseeing spot

To avoid any unforeseen circumstances, we do not guarantee reservations for the Takachiho Gorge Cruise. Especially during peak season, it may be very difficult to secure a seat at the last minute.

Cancellation Policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

What‘s Included

Private transportation

Tour Guide Fee

Lunch

Air-conditioned vehicle

Admission fee

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

What To Expect

JR Kumamoto Station

You can also join the tour as a day trip by Shinkansen from Hakata Station! We recommend taking Sakura #401 from Hakata Station 7:58 – 8:36. Please purchase your Shinkansen ticket by yourself.

Admission Not Applicable

Mt. Aso Nakadake Crater

Explore the Aso Volcano Museum to learn about the region’s volcanic activity and geology. or, visit the Aso Volcano Crater, one of the largest active volcanic craters in the world. Enjoy the breathtaking views and take memorable photos. ※Access to the crater is subject to weather conditions and may not be able to enter.

1 hour • Admission Included

Options

Private Plan for 2 People

Private Plan for 5 to 6 People

Private Plan for 7 to 8 People

Pickup included

Private Plan for 3 to 4 People

Reviews

4.97

37 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Must Do Tour
Courtenay M,
Nov 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
We did a private tour and our guide Tomomi was so amazing. She went above and beyond in making sure we had the best time. We greatly enjoyed speaking with her and she made sure to explain about the areas we were visiting and also little tidbits about other parts of Japan and its history. She also showed interest in our lives and asked questions about our country. It was a wonderful cultural exchange and the tour was a highlight of our trip that we will never forget. Our driver Mika was very sweet as well and transportation was smooth, clean and spacious. This private tour is well worth the cost as we did group tours as well which did not compare to this experience. Highly recommend private tour.
A brilliant day
Amanda M,
Oct 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
We have had the best day! Mr.Takaya Seri was our guide and our amazing driver. Mr.Takaya Seri was extremely patient and informative. He was a kind of guy that just went with the flow which was lovely and we didn’t feel rushed. Lunch was amazing and seeing the crater and the gorge was beautiful! Highly recommend!
Just brilliant!
Amanda M,
Oct 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We have had the best day! Mr.Takaya Seri was our guide and our amazing driver. They both were extremely patient and informative. Mr.Takaya Seri was the kind of guy that just went with the flow which was lovely as we didn’t feel rushed. Lunch was amazing and seeing the crater and the gorge was beautiful! Photos don’t do it justice! Highly recommend!
Awesome trip
ohlanlan,
Oct 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Our guide Satomi San and our driver Akemi San are both so friendly! Our ride is smooth and we are able to see everything we wanna see in 1 day! They are nicely takin photos for us as well. Wonderful experience!
Tsuji Shinoda was an...
Danila i,
Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Tsuji Shinoda was an excellent guide, we learned a lot about the Kyushu region, and we smoothly hit all of our stops in efficient fashion. He handled all aspects of the trip very well.
Amazing!
U8844HCarielt,
Oct 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Wonderful experience with Mr. Takaya Seri - great guide, friendly, insightful, and very enjoyable! unforgettable day!
Fantastic day !!!!
Cat3069,
Oct 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Fantastic day with an outstanding guide (Tomi) and driver. Beautiful sites where we had plenty of time to visit. Thanks to Tomi who was checking regularly we could see the volcano! Do not miss this day!
As advertised- a trouble free day tour of fascinating Mt Aso, Takachiho Gorge and historical shrines.
davidpC2122PY,
Oct 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Thankyou Takaya for your punctuality, knowledge and gentle good humour. You can be our guide any time! From booking to drop off all went to plan, excellent communication a feature. No stress for a family with a primary school aged child. The scenic delights, both natural and man made, were delightful. Would recommend.
Excellent guide, variable experience
Passenger594565,
Sep 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
Our guide Takaya and driver Akima were excellent (5 stars). However if you want to take a rowing boat out on the gorge check before you pay if this definitely available as they are often fully booked as they were when we went. The gorge is great to see but a long drive to look at it and get back in the car. Food was excellent. Weather at the crater is inevitably very variable.
Best experience while in Japan
B7943PKstaceyh,
Sep 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Mieko and our driver were the best!! We had some bad weather and they made the most of it - still felt safe driving and still had a great experience. Mieko was so kind and accommodating. It was educational and fun with beautiful and unique scenery. The lunch was delicious and the weather cleared up afterwards. We were in Japan for 16 days and this was everyone's favorite day.