From Miyazaki Station, take either a limited express (70 minutes, about 3000 yen, hourly) or a local train (100 minutes, 1650 yen, hourly) to Nobeoka Station. From Nobeoka Station, take a bus to the Takachiho Bus Center (90 minutes, 1880 yen, hourly). The train is covered by the Japan Rail Pass and Kyushu Rail Pass, but the bus is not. There used to be a train service between Nobeoka and Takachiho, but it was discontinued in 2005.
Above fees and schedules are subject to change. Be sure to check current yen exchange rates.
Takachiho lies in the mountains of northern Miyazaki Prefecture along the border with Kumamoto Prefecture. Mount Aso is just across the border and is often combined with a trip to Takachiho.
Most of Takachiho's attractions are scattered in and around the town center and can be accessed on foot by good walkers (the gorge is about a 30-40 minute walk from the bus center). The exception is Amano Iwato Shrine, which stands ten kilometers outside of the town center and is accessible by infrequent bus or taxi.
The local bus network is centered at Takachiho Bus Center which is also served by the buses from Nobeoka and the highway buses to/from Kumamoto and Fukuoka.
Because public transportation is rather infrequent and inconvenient, rental cars are a convenient means to get around town. Rental outlets can be found in nearby Nobeoka City, around Mount Aso and at Kumamoto and Miyazaki Airports. Alternatively, electric bicycles are available for rent near the Takachiho Bus Center for 500 yen per hour.
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