Famed for its dramatic gorge, Takachiho is a small town in northern Miyazaki that is considered of profound religious importance. It is steeped in Japanese mythology and is the believed site of several legends, with Shinto shrines and natural “power spots” among its attractions.
Things to do in Takachiho
Carved by the Gokase River, the Takachiho Gorge is a spectacular chasm and one of the area’s most popular tourist destinations. Rental boats are available for admiring its volcanic basalt columns from the water, together with the 17-metre-high Minainotaki Waterfall. Alternatively, you can follow the paved walking trail that hugs the edge of the gorge and offers magnificent views of the river below.
Surrounded by a grove of tall cedar trees is the Takachiho Shrine, which hosts nightly Yokagura dance performances depicting scenes from Japanese mythology. Accompanied by traditional instruments, the show details the story of Amaterasu (the Shinto sun goddess), who hid herself in a cave to deprive the world of light, only to be lured out by the other gods performing a riotous dance.
For magnificent views across the area, head to the Kunimigaoka South Observatory, which is particularly stunning in the early hours of the day when clouds blanket the landscape. On the other side of Takachiho is the historic site of Amenoiwato Station and a series of arched bridges spanning the Takachiho Gorge. In addition to the 1955-built Takachiho Bridge is the 105-metre-high Unkai Bridge.
Getting around Takachiho
Takachiho is around 1.5 hours’ drive from Kumamoto and just over an hour from Aso Kumamoto Airport, which has flights to destinations across Japan. The much larger Fukuoka Airport is 2.5 hours away. Regular buses connect to Takachiho and the town is small enough to explore on foot.