Takachiho Gorge

Takachiho Gorge is a gorge along the Gokase River located in Takachiho Town, Nishi-Usuki County, Miyazaki Prefecture, and is designated as both a National Scenic Spot and a Natural Monument. Columnar jointed cliffs formed when pyroclastic flows from Mount Aso flowed along the Gokase River approximately 120,000 and 90,000 years ago and cooled rapidly, reaching heights of approximately 80 to 100 meters and spanning about 7 kilometers. The grand canyon's beauty is considered unrivaled in scale throughout Japan.

The greatest highlight of Takachiho Gorge is 'Manai Falls.' The majestic sight of approximately 17-meter-high waterfalls cascading down the gorge's cliff face is befitting of the famous waterfall chosen among Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls. The falls are said to have their water source from 'Ama-no-Manai,' where Amenomurakunonokami is believed to have transferred water during the heavenly descent, creating a mystical spot where the mythological world and natural beauty fuse together. Emerald green river water spreads around the falls, and combined with the columnar jointed rock walls, creates a fantastical landscape as if you've stepped into a mythological world.

The best way to enjoy Takachiho Gorge is by rental boat tour. You can board a hand-powered boat and slowly navigate the gorge's water surface, getting close enough to experience Manai Falls up close. The cliffs seen from below while showered by waterfall mist and the green arch spreading overhead are special experiences that can only be felt from a boat. The tour takes approximately 30 minutes, and is particularly beautiful during spring foliage and autumn colors seasons, when the gorge's hues are stunning and attracts many tourists. During peak season, waits can be 2-3 hours, so early morning visits are recommended.

A walking trail of approximately 1 kilometer is maintained along the gorge, allowing you to enjoy the canyon's beauty without taking a boat. The trail offers excellent photo spots with a direct view of Manai Falls, and the views from three bridges (Kamibashi, Takachiho Bridge, and Shintokachiho Bridge) overlooking the gorge are equally spectacular. Along the trail, circular holes called 'potholes' formed by cooling lava are scattered, allowing you to observe up close the amazing sculptural power of nature.

Takachiho is known as the stage of Japanese mythology, and Ama-no-Iwato Shrine and Ama-no-Yasukawara are must-see spots. At Ama-no-Iwato Shrine, which enshrines the Heavenly Rock Cave where Amaterasu Ōmikami is said to have hidden, you can pay remote respects to the cave under the guidance of shrine priests. Ama-no-Yasukawara, reached by walking about 10 minutes from the Heavenly Rock Cave, is a cavern where the eight million Shinto deities are said to have gathered to discuss bringing Amaterasu Ōmikami out of the cave. The sight of countless stacked stones here evokes an otherworldly atmosphere.

Every evening at 8 PM, 'Takachiho Kagura' is performed at the Kagura Hall of Takachiho Shrine and is designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of the nation. Originally a 33-part all-night kagura performance, a condensed 4-part performance of approximately one hour is offered for tourists. You can experience highlights from Japanese mythology with vivid realism, including the 'Dance of Taijikao' where Ama-no-Uzume dances before the rock cave. Admission is 1,000 yen with no reservations required. It's a must-see experience when visiting Takachiho.

Takachiho's cuisine is known for popular dishes like Chicken Nanban and charcoal-grilled local chicken. Steaks made with Takachiho beef and salt-grilled sweetfish caught from the Gokase River are also exceptional. Additionally, local sake crafted from rice grown in Takachiho's terraced paddies and pure spring water offers distinctive flavors.

Access is approximately 1.5 hours by car from Kumamoto Airport and about 1.5 hours by bus from JR Nobeoka Station. As public transportation options are limited, visiting by rental car is recommended. Why not visit and witness with your own eyes the memory of the land passed down since the age of mythology?