Reviews
Learned a lot about Japanese mythology in this convenient and fun tour
My best friend and I went on a tour with Koichi-san this past January. It was very convenient as he picked us up from our hotel and then dropped us off in our next destination (Kurokawa, a hot spring town that is somewhat difficult to access except by car). The Mt. Aso region is tricky to get to with public transportation, so it was very nice to be able to use a car to visit all sites.
Koichi-san was responsive and communicative throughout the process. He shared the itinerary with us weeks before and confirmed it closer to the date itself, after checking the weather. We got to see basically everything we wanted in the region: Takachiho Gorge, the two nearby shrines, and Mt. Aso from several different views. If you enjoy taking pictures I think it's a very good tour!
Koichi-san also shared a lot about the local mythology, which is a topic I'm very interested in. I had no idea this region is the site of Japan's "origin" legends (having to do with Amaterasu, Susano-o, etc). I enjoyed learning more about these tales, and Koichi-san also answered the many questions my friend and I had about Japanese culture, society, etc. I study Japanese and was able to ask him some questions about vocabulary, which I appreciated. Koichi-san has a calm demeanor and is a good driver. :)
We had Koichi-san's wife's bento for lunch, which was delicious. But we were also lucky enough to share one serving of Nagashi somen (thin wheat noodle), since my friend and I really wanted to try it. We felt that the trip was worth our money since we were able to see so much. If you would like a local guide to provide an English tour in Kumamoto, I would not hesitate to recommend Koichi!
Isabel from US, January 2020
Wonderful tour of Takachiho and Aso with a great tour guide!
Our guide, Koichi-san, was informative, fun to talk to, and very helpful. He adjusted the itinerary to our needs. He picked us up from our hotel in Kumamoto, and dropped us off in Kurokawa Onsen village at our request. We initially requested for the Takachiho tour, but Koichi-san modified the itinerary so that we could also see parts of the Aso region as well.
In Takachiho, we did a boat ride in the gorge, visited beautiful shrines, and learned a lot of interesting things about Japanese mythology and Shinto beliefs. In Aso, Koichi-san showed us breathtaking views of the mountains and gave us time to explore the Kusasenri Grassland.
Koichi-san also sells his wife's homemade bento for lunch. I highly recommend trying his wife's bento. It was delicious!
Lastly, I also recommend going during January/winter to avoid the crowds. My friend and I had our tour on January 18. Despite it being a Saturday, there were few people due to winter being a low season.
Thank you, Koichi-san, for this wonderful experience! :)
Maddi from Philippines, January 2020
"Awesome and unforgettable tour!"
Very happy and fulfilling day trip! Feeling the magnificence of Aso, taking the soul from deep inside to another level, fascinating, and the hometown of myth, Takachiho, the myth story I have seen before is explained by the tour guide, as if vivid. The Koichi tour guide is also very nice and attentive. Before the departure, remind the weather conditions, chat with everyone on the way, talk about many myths in detail, introduce the story of Aso, the changes of the mountains in the morning and evening, the correct method of worship at the shrine, Tenwato Shrine The myth, Takachiho's beautiful waterfall, caught the surprise of the flowing water line and much more. Let this journey acquire a lot of knowledge and have a deeper understanding of the cultural background. Thanks to the tour guide and friends for enjoying this trip together, and gained a lot of ideas and gains. It is highly recommended to those who want to go to Kumamoto and Kagoshima for in-depth travel
Li Yun from Taiwan, January 2019
An unforgettable day with amazing people and experiences
How happy we are we found Koichi and Emiko in time to take us on an amazing day’s adventure from Kumamoto. Communication with Koichi was so easy and together with Emiko, met us at the train station right on time. We then journeyed through the beautiful countryside to visit a family of samurai sword makers in their home and saw how the most beautiful swords in the world are made - we then shared tea with the family. The excitement was raised at the next stop where we met the Director and staff of a samurai academy and had coaching in using the swords. An absolute highlight was being invited to the Director’s own home to share the delicious traditional Japanese food prepared by Emiko. We were left with memories we will treasure and two new Japanese friends - thanks so much Koichi and Emiko
Paddi Brown from Australia, November 2019
A historical journey to takachiho george and mt aso
We had one of the most memorable trip in kyushu. Mr Kochi was very friendly and accommodative to our travel schedule. We love his sharings on the myth and legend. If you are planning to take his tour, we recommend to get the home made bento prepared by Mr Koichi's wife. Would definitely recommend him to our friends and relatives.
Erik Tan from Malaysia, November 2019
"Wonderful tour with an excellent guide"
In search of a private tour provider for the Takachiho Gorge and Mt. Aso, we came across Koichi. Communication before the tour was very easy as Koichi speaks perfect English. We and his wife Emiko picked us up directly from our hotel in Kummamota by car. On the way to Takachiho Gorge, Koichi told us a lot about Japanese culture and its myths. Emiko and Koichi are a well-coordinated team. While Koichi was telling us about the place we were visiting, Emiko had usually bought tickets or looked where there was a good place. We chose the Emiko lunch box, which was simply delicious and we enjoyed in a beautiful, quiet place in the sun. It was a perfect day for us. We couldn't have imagined a better guide. If you are looking for a tour guide in Kyushu, you definitely can't go wrong with Koichi and Emiko and I can highly recommend them.
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Veronika from Switzerland, April 2019
"Beautiful experience with a very good guide!"
We turned to Mr. Koichi for a guided tour to Takachiho, Mount Aso and Kamishikimi shrine. By e-mail we customized the stages of the tour following the precious advice of Koichi, who suggested going to Takachiho as a first stop, as it is very popular with tourists and therefore very crowded. Koichi and his wife Emiko came to pick us up directly at the hotel in Kumamoto and during the drive to Takachiho they told us about the various traditional legends related to the places we would visit during the day, and in particular they explained the religious nuances linked to the area of Mount Aso. We greatly appreciated all these explanations because thanks to these we had the opportunity to understand well the religious and spiritual aspects linked to the places we visited. Koichi and Emiko were very kind and very nice: talking to them we deepened our knowledge of Japanese culture and lifestyle. Once in Takachiho, as the wait for the boat trip in the gorge was long, Koichi suggested an unscheduled visit to the Amanoiwato shrine; we followed our guide's advice and so we visited this beautiful shrine surrounded by nature. For lunch we have chosen the lunch box prepared by Emiko: a real Japanese lunch box with tasty and well presented food (also customizable according to your tastes). After lunch our turn came for the boat ride in the Takachiho Gorge: a wonderful experience. In the afternoon we visited the beautiful Kamishikimi Shrine and then headed to Mount Aso. The natural beauty of the places we visited was enriched by the explanations and curiosities that our guides gave us during the trip. Koichi and his wife Emiko are very kind and prepared: they have made us immerse in the local culture and traditions. They speak good English but above all they are very interesting and nice people. During the trip Emiko had thought of everything: sweets, fresh water to refresh us from the great heat and fresh towels to dry the sweat! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED !!!!
Carlotta from Italy, August 2019
Awesome Tour Guide Makes an Awesome Tour
The tour was great but having Koichi and his wife made it extra special. Loved hearing stories and learning the myths behind the places we went to. Also, it was very inspiring to see him and his wife learn and work together.
He also took us to a samurai dojo to learn how to use a real katana. That was a very very unique and great experience. Also, he brought us to the park by a castle where we got to eat a special lunch prepared by his wife. Loved it! Enjoying the memory even while I'm writing this.
Kaedrian from Philippines, July 2019
We had a wonderful and fruitful day tour of both Takachiho Gorge and Mt Aso area with Koichi san. He was a knowledgeable guide and a good driver, and planned full details of the tour including timing and alternative plans. We covered all we wanted to see in time and did not have to queue due to his good planning. Koichi san is fluent in English and his patient and gentle manners makes it enjoyable to tour with him. We would recommend anyone wanting a customized tour of this area to use his services. Pick up and drop off can be arranged at your convenience too. It’s really great for people on a tight schedule and not familiar with local conditions.
Cecilia and Charles Lee from Singapore, Feb 2019
We would like to thank Koichi and your wife for the wonderful day that we spent with you in Takachiho! The two of you together allowed us to experience Takachiho in the best way imaginable, and this day with you will remain one of the highlights of our trip to Japan. You had planned everything beautifully in advance (taking into account that Takachiho would be very crowded that day …), you shared so many interesting stories with us, entertained us and gave us so many explanations, so that we had a very pleasurable and interesting time and learned a lot about Takachiho, Kyushu and Japan in general. And your wife’s bento was delicious!
Ulrike Naerger from Germany, Nov 2018
If I could give Koichi 10 stars, I would! Out of our 14 day cruise this was the port we most looked forward to and Koichi did not disappoint. I had arranged an 8 hour tour for 6 of us. He met us at the port in a minivan he had rented for the day. He suggested flipping the schedule from what we had arranged, to better manage our time. We trusted him to know what was best and as I said he didn't disappoint. We arrived at Mt. Sakurajima, the active volcano before the crowds. We saw only 2 other people while we were there and easily got unobstructed pictures in front of the very active volcano. The hot springs foot baths were a treat as Koichi was prepared with towels to dry our feet after a luxurious soaking. Lunch was the highlight of the day and we appreciate all he and his wife did to make it so special. We ended with a stop at the Chiran Gardens samurai village and returned to our ship with plenty of time before sail-away. If you want a first class tour with the best tour guide, Koichi is who you should contact.
Debbie Hart from US, Oct 2018
Thanks Koichi for the tour to Takachiho Gorge, shrine and Aso! The trip was perfect. Koichi told a lot of interesting stories about the origins of the places. Koichi and his wife are so nice and sweet that they have prepared a birthday gift to my mum! I would definitely recommend the trip with him.
Celia Tsui from Hong Kong, Jun 2018
Sincere, flexible, and very helpful. Very Nice guide in Kagoshima.
Nopanun from Thailand, Apr 2018
Fabulous day with Koichi. The highlight was having lunch in his home. His wife went all out to make our lunch very special. The table was set beautifully. We learned so much about the Japanese culture. His English is excellent & a fountain of information. He was the driver & guide so a comfortable day. You will not go wrong booking a day with Koichi.
MJ from Canada, Apr 2018
In Kumamoto our Family booked a tour with Koichi. We visited a valley and did view the Buddha of fire. Afterwards we did visit a shrine and we learned how to pray in the shrine. At lunch the whole Family had lot of fun: at first we had a lesson in Sushi making and afterwards we did eat our selfmade Sushi. Many thanks to Koichi for that nice tour.
Annette Bock-Heinz from Germany, Oct 2017