Takachiho: Getting there and around

Getting to Takachiho

By air via Kumamoto
  • 4.5 h
  • ¥15,000 - 23,000

JAL and ANA operate numerous flights per day between Osaka's Itami Airport and Kumamoto Airport. Flight duration is 70 minutes. The regular one way fare is about 35,000 yen one way, but discount tickets are usually available for between 12,000 and 20,000 yen.

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 Osaka to Kumamoto over the next 30 days September 2, 2025 - October 1, 2025
AirlineLowest fareAverage lowest fare
ANA Wings10,265 yen16,098 yen
J-Air (JAL)11,990 yen17,196 yen
Amakusa Airlines10,000 yen15,908 yen
Book Now
By air via Miyazaki
  • 6 h
  • ¥17,000 - 23,000

JAL and ANA operate numerous flights per day between Osaka's Itami Airport and Miyazaki Airport. Flight duration is 70 minutes. The regular one way fare is about 35,000 yen one way, but discount tickets are usually available for between 11,000 and 17,000 yen.

From Miyazaki Airport, take the JR Nichirin or Hyuga limited express to Nobeoka Station (80 minutes, about 3500 yen, one train per hour) and transfer to a bus for 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 Osaka to Miyazaki over the next 30 days September 2, 2025 - October 1, 2025
AirlineLowest fareAverage lowest fare
J-Air (JAL)11,230 yen16,954 yen
ANA Wings9,894 yen17,199 yen
Peach5,966 yen10,380 yen
Book Now
By train and bus
  • 6-7 h
  • ¥22,000

Take the Sanyo/Kyushu Shinkansen from Osaka (Shin-Osaka Station) to Kumamoto (180-210 minutes, around 19,000 yen) and then take a bus from Kumamoto 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.

Questions? Ask in our forum.

Links and Resources

Japanese

Page last updated: