Highway buses between Fukuoka and Nobeoka stop at Takachiho along the way. The one way trip between Fukuoka (Hakata Station) and Takachiho Bus Center takes 3.5 hours and costs 4100 yen one way. A round trip ticket is available for 7330 yen and must be used within ten days. There are four buses per day, operated by Nishitetsu Bus and Miyazaki Kotsu (Miyakoh). Online reservations are possible via Willer.
Take the Kyushu Shinkansen from Fukuoka's Hakata Station to Kumamoto (50 minutes, around 5000 yen) and then take a bus from Kumamoto to the Takachiho Bus Center (3 hours, 2700 yen one way, 1 bus/day). Buses are operated by Kyushu Sanko Bus and Miyazaki Kotsu (Miyakoh) and can be reserved online via Willer. The train ride is covered by the Japan Rail Pass, but the bus ride is not.
Take JR limited express trains from Fukuoka (Hakata Station) via Oita to Nobeoka (4.5 hours, around 9000 yen one way, 1 connection/hour) and transfer to a bus to Takachiho (90 minutes, 1880 yen, 1 bus/hour). The train ride is covered by the Japan Rail Pass, but the bus ride is not.
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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