Northern Kyushu Day Tour Akiyoshido Cave and Motonosumi Inari
Description
Discover the stunning landscapes and geological wonders of Northern Kyushu on this day tour. Begin at the Mekari Parking Area with breathtaking views of the Kanmon Strait before exploring Akiyoshido Cave, Japan's second largest limestone cave, filled with fascinating geological formations. Visit the picturesque Motonosumi Inari Shrine, famous for its striking red torii gates and unique offering box challenge. Finally, take in the scenic beauty of Tsunoshima Bridge, a must-see for photographers. Don't miss this chance to explore some of Japan's most beautiful natural sites. - Visit Akiyoshido Cave, a 10.7 km long limestone cave - Explore Motonosumi Inari Shrine with its 123 red torii gates - Enjoy the scenic views from Tsunoshima Bridge - Tour duration: approximately 10 hours, with multiple stops and free time
Tour Options
Itinerary
Start Your Beautiful Journey Meeting Point & Pick-up: 08:30 – Lawson (Oriental Hotel Fukuoka Hakata Station Chikushi Exit) ※ Please arrive at least 15 minutes before departure. The bus will leave on time and will not wait for late arrivals. 09:40 – Kitakyushu | Mekari Parking Area (Approx. 20 min, free time) Take a short break at Mekari PA, a popular rest stop overlooking the beautiful Kanmon Strait. From the observation deck, enjoy panoramic views of the strait where Honshu and Kyushu meet. Visitors can also browse local specialties and souvenirs from both Kitakyushu and Shimonoseki — a perfect spot to enjoy the scenery and pick up regional treats.
10:50 – Yamaguchi | Akiyoshido Cave – One of Japan’s Largest Limestone Caves. Akiyoshido, a designated Special Natural Monument, stretches 10.7 km, making it Japan’s second longest and one of the largest limestone caves. Located 100 meters underground beneath Akiyoshidai Quasi-National Park, the cave features a 1 km sightseeing route. With a constant temperature of around 17°C year-round, it stays cool in summer and warm in winter. Inside, you’ll see stalactites, stalagmites, and massive terraced limestone formations that serve as precious geological specimens. Formed over a million years ago, Akiyoshido offers visitors a mysterious underground world showcasing Earth’s ancient history and the wonders of nature.
14:00 – Yamaguchi | Motonosumi Inari Shrine Selected by CNN as one of the most beautiful places in Japan, Motonosumi Inari Shrine in Nagato City is famous for its 123 red torii gates stretching from the hillside to the cliffs overlooking the sea, creating a breathtaking contrast with the blue ocean and sky. Challenging Offering Box: Unlike ordinary shrines, its offertory box is placed 6 meters high on a torii gate. Successfully tossing a coin in is said to bring good fortune! For those who miss, a standard offertory box is also provided nearby. Ryugu no Shiofuki (Dragon Palace Blowhole): In winter, crashing waves force seawater through rock crevices, spraying up to 30 meters high with a roaring sound like a dragon’s breath. Under sunlight, rainbows sometimes appear — a spectacular sight! If the Motonosumi Inari Shrine closed, will be replaced with Fukuoku Inari Shrine .
15:20 – Yamaguchi | Tsunoshima Bridge One of Japan’s most scenic bridges, Tsunoshima Bridge stretches 1,780 meters across the sparkling blue sea. Frequently featured in TV commercials, the stunning harmony of the bridge with the turquoise waters makes it a photographer’s dream. 15:50 – Return Journey End of the day’s tour and start heading back. 18:30 – Fukuoka | Lawson Hakata Station Chikushi Exit Tour ends.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- During the Obon holiday period (August 9 – August 17) and on weekends and national holidays from September to November (September 15, September 23, October 13, November 3, and November 24), visits to Motonosumi Inari Shrine will be replaced with Fukuoku Inari Shrine (30–40 minutes stop).
- This is a group tour with guests from various countries. The guide will provide explanations in multiple languages.
- Due to the booking platform's privacy settings, we can't see your email address， please inform us your email address after booking. We will send you an email around 9 PM the night before your departure, which will include information about the guide, driver, and vehicle license plate.
- Vehicle type will be arranged based on the group size and cannot be specified in advance
- Bring some cash, as credit cards may not be accepted at certain Locations.
- Please note: Bad weather, traffic conditions, or crowding during Japanese holidays and peak seasons may cause delays in return time. As a result, some attractions may be shortened, rescheduled, or canceled. We recommend not scheduling other activities or transportation after the tour.
- The guide will be at the meeting point with a yellow Gogoday flag.Simply provide your booking name to join.Be sure to arrive 15minutes early.No refunds will be given for latecomers or those who don't show up.
- If the participants less than 13 person, the tour guide will also service as the driver，and only provide basic commentary
Reviews(8)
The guide is nice and good. But we can’t access the shrine in the picture. A little bit disappointed.
Everything was flawless and great. I learned a lot and got a lot of recommendations from the tour guide
Love this place, the Inari just on the edge of the sea, the massive cave and the end of the cave were mesmerizing and unforgettable moments.
We had a great time. Tour guide and driver were awesome! Just FYI - there’s A little walking and stair climbing.. Cave is not well lit in certain areas. Winding roses - potential for motion sickness
Tour showcases a bunch of lovely locations with the cave and shrine being particular highlights, our guide Nanami was also incredibly friendly and helpful as well!
The trip was well-organized and relaxed. Ella was personable, easy to talk to, and attentive to everyone.
Great views and knowledge on these locations that's typically a bit difficult to get to. Lots of time to explore at your own pace. Ella had insightful knowledge on all of the historical sites and helped take photos while also providing recommendations.
All the places in the itinerary were worth visiting, especially Motonosumi Inari Taisha. The pace was just right too. Not hurried. Our guide, Emily, gave clear instructions and good information. Great guide.
