9 Best Boat Cruises by Train in Kyushu

These pair the Takachiho rowboats with a rail ride, either the open Amaterasu cart over the old railway bridge or the slow Minami Aso line across the caldera floor. Neither is a quick way to get anywhere, which is rather the point.

1.Kyushu Takachiho One-Day Tour | Takachiho Gorge Boat Ride-Kamishikimi Kumanoza Shrine/Takachiho Mini-Train-Mount Aso-Kusasenri (Departing from Kumamoto)

Compare boat and no-boat options on this full-day Kumamoto tour to Takachiho Gorge, Kusasenri and Mount Aso, with practical notes on tickets and timing.

Most Popular★ 4.9

“Thank you, Sister Xiaoyu, for your professional explanations all the way and for taking such patient care of us. We will definitely request Sister Xiaoyu (Lihong) by name if we have the chance next time!”

Check Availability →Read my full review →

3.From Fukuoka: Takachiho Gorge & Railway Tour with Boat

Discover the natural beauty of Kyushu on this full-day tour from Fukuoka, featuring Takachiho Gorge, scenic railway, and sacred sites with expert guides.

★ 4.8

“The guide Moon’s enthusiasm, keeping in mind everyone is coming back on the right time and explaining all the points diligently. Also the gorge was gorgeous and boat trip awesome.”

Check Availability →Read my full review →

4.Kyushu Miyazaki | Takachiho Gorge, Takachiho Small Train, Forest Secret Cafe, Amano Iwato Day Trip | Optional Takachiho Boat Tour (Departing from Fukuoka)

Spend a long day from Fukuoka at Takachiho Gorge, ride a rural sightseeing train, visit a forest cafe and explore a mythic cave.

★ 4.8

“A fun, and fulfilling tour in Takachiho! ✨ The whole experience was well-organized and truly worth it. Our tour guide (Ms Ada Wong) was very approachable, accommodating, and helpful throughout the trip, making the tour even more enjoyable and comfortable. Definitely a memorable experience and…”

Check Availability →Read my full review →

5.Departing from Kyushu Kumamoto | Aso Kusasenri & Minami Aso Railway & Takachiho Gorge Day Trip (Boat Ride Optional)

Travel from Kumamoto to Takachiho Gorge, Kusasenri and the Minami Aso Railway, with an optional gorge boat ride and guide-led transport.

★ 4.9

“I highly recommend this tour! Unless you're someone who can drive a rental car and enjoy things at your own pace, it would be difficult to experience the gorge, Kusasenri, and the train so thoroughly. Most of the participants were Chinese, with only one Korean…”

Check Availability →Read my full review →

7.Kyushu Landscape Overview | Mount Aso & Minami Aso Train Experience & Takachiho Gorge (Optional Boat Ride) Day Tour

Pair Mount Aso’s volcanic scenery with a rural railway, Takachiho Gorge and shrine on a full-day tour from Kumamoto.

★ 4.8

“Our tour guide, Ning Ning, was excellent. She helped us understand Japanese culture correctly. We were originally scheduled to take the Sky Train, but due to the hot summer weather and concerns about sunburn, we switched to the Minami Aso Railway, which was equally beautiful.”

Check Availability →Read my full review →

8.Fukuoka: Takachiho Gorge, Optional Boat Ride & Vintage Train

Discover Kyushu’s natural beauty and legends on a day trip from Fukuoka featuring Takachiho Gorge, a vintage train ride, and Amano Yasugawara Shrine.

★ 4.9

“The Takachiho Gorge Train tour was perfect—shoutout to Betty and JRT! Betty’s knowledgeable commentary brought the scenery to life, and she was so warm and helpful. The company’s itinerary was seamless, making this a highlight of our trip. Highly recommend!”

Check Availability →Read my full review →

9.Guided Train and Boat Tour of Dazaifu & Yanagawa From Fukuoka

Explore the hidden gems of Dazaifu & Yanagawa on an unforgettable guided train and boat tour from Fukuoka. Discover the beauty that awaits!

★ 5.0

“It was the river cruise and the visit to the shrine. Riding in the train was equally exciting. Our tour guide Mayumi was very friendly and nice to talk to. She gave us all the information we need to know about the Japanese culture and…”

Check Availability →Read my full review →