Takachiho: Getting there and around

Getting to Takachiho

By air via Kumamoto
  • 5-6 h
  • ¥23,000 - 29,000

JAL, ANA and Solaseed Air operate frequent flights between Tokyo's Haneda Airport and Kumamoto Airport. Flight duration is 110 minutes. The regular one way fares by JAL and ANA are around 44,000 yen, but discount tickets are usually available for between 20,000 and 26,000 yen. The fares by Solaseed Air are roughly 15-25 percent lower than the ones of JAL and ANA.

From Kumamoto Airport, there are direct buses to the Takachiho Bus Center (2 hours, 2400 yen one way, 1 bus/day). They are operated by Kyushu Sanko Bus and Miyazaki Kotsu (Miyakoh) and can be reserved online via Willer.

Airfares from Tokyo to Kumamoto over the next 30 days June 15, 2025 - July 14, 2025
AirlineLowest fareAverage lowest fare
JAL16,610 yen24,045 yen
Solaseed14,732 yen21,713 yen
ANA16,610 yen24,767 yen
ANA Wings17,870 yen28,867 yen
Jetstar Japan6,300 yen10,601 yen
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By air via Miyazaki
  • 6-7 h
  • ¥26,000 - 30,000

JAL, ANA and Solaseed Air operate numerous flights per day between Tokyo's Haneda Airport and Miyazaki Airport. Flight duration is 105 minutes. The regular one way fare of JAL and ANA is around 43,500 yen, with discount tickets usually available for between 20,000 and 23,500 yen. Fares by Solaseed Air are typically around 10-20 percent below those of JAL and ANA.

From Miyazaki Airport, take the JR Nichirin or Hyuga limited express to Nobeoka Station (80 minutes, about 3500 yen, 1 train/hour) and transfer to a Miyazaki Kanko bus to the Takachiho Bus Center (90 minutes, 1880 yen, hourly departures). There used to be train service between Nobeoka and Takachiho, but it was discontinued in 2005.

Airfares from Tokyo to Miyazaki over the next 30 days June 15, 2025 - July 14, 2025
AirlineLowest fareAverage lowest fare
Solaseed13,150 yen21,193 yen
ANA15,960 yen24,524 yen
JAL15,960 yen23,969 yen
J-Air (JAL)15,960 yen24,029 yen
ANA Wings15,960 yen24,401 yen
Jetstar Japan5,680 yen8,605 yen
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By train and bus
  • 9-10 h
  • ¥29,000

Take the Tokaido/Sanyo/Kyushu Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kumamoto with one transfer of trains along the way, typically at Shin-Osaka or Hakata Station (6-7 hours, around 27,000 yen). From Kumamoto, take a bus to the Takachiho Bus Center (3 hours, 2700 yen one way, 1 bus/day). The buses are operated by Kyushu Sanko Bus and Miyazaki Kotsu (Miyakoh) and can be reserved via Willer.

Above fees and schedules are subject to change. Be sure to check current yen exchange rates.

Getting around

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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Links and Resources

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