Takachiho Gorge
The narrow chasm cut through the rock by the Gokase River. The nearly sheer cliffs lining
the gorge are made of slow forming volcanic basalt columns which resemble the scales of
a dragon where the stone twisted and flowed as it formed. There are two perspectives from
which to enjoy the gorge. The first is from below which is done by rowing down the river.
Rental boats are available at the south end of the gorge, and the water is calm and easy to
navigate.
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Exploring Takachiho Gorge
There are two perspectives from which to enjoy the gorge. The first is from below which is
done by rowing down the river. Rental boats are available at the south end of the gorge,
and the water is calm and easy to navigate. This highly recommended route offers a close
up view of the cliffs and waterfall.
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The most recommended activity at Takachiho Gorge is riding the river that flows down the
base of the gorge on a rental boat. The spot you can see waterfalls and the columnar shaped
valley together is rare in the world. Please enjoy this amazing view from the boat.
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General information
| Address |
Mitai-oshioi, Takachiho-cho, Nishi-Usuki-gun, Miyazaki-prefecture |
| Access |
100 minutes by a vehicle from Kumamoto IC 130 minutes by a vehicle from Oita IC 130 minutes by a vehicle from Miyazaki |
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Takachiho shrine
The shrine has long history, established 1900 years ago, worship the deity of agriculture,
marriage, traffic safety and protection against misfortunes. Located just west of the town
center, is nestled in a grove of tall cedars. During the day the shrine’s nondescript, unpainted
buildings blend in naturally with the surrounding trees. The light that filters through, brings
with it an air of calm, peaceful reverence.
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Today this legend is reenacted as Yokagura in a series of 33 episodes depicting the divine
quarrel as well as other deeds of the gods. On winter weekends, people gather to watch
all-night performances of these episodes at different locations each week, sometimes at
private homes. The performances are held on Saturday evenings from mid November to
mid February.
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A massively shortened version of Takachiho Yokagura is performed for tourists every night
throughout the year at the Takachiho Shrine. The one-hour show consists of just a few
scenes of the story, performed by masked dancers and accompanied by traditional instrument.
It is held at the Yokagura performance hall, just a few steps from the shrine’s main building.
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General information
| Address |
1037 Mitai, Takachiho-cho, Nishi-Usuki-gun, Miyazaki-prefecture |
| Access |
100 minutes by a vehicle from Kumamoto IC 130 minutes by a vehicle from Oita IC 130 minutes by a vehicle from Miyazaki |
Takachiho Gorge boat riding
The most recommended activity at Takachiho Gorge is riding the river that flows down the
base of the gorge on a rental boat. The spot you can see waterfalls and the columnar shaped
valley together is rare in the world. Please enjoy this amazing view from the boat.
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Amano Iwato Shrine
Takachiho is a birth place of Japanese indigenous religion, Shinto. There is a story of Shinto
origin in the Cave behind of Amano Iwato Shrine, and Amano Yasugawara. In the story,
Amaterasu, the Shinto sun goddess, became so outraged by her brother’s cruel pranks that
she hid herself in a cave, refusing to come out and depriving the world of her life-giving light.
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All of the other gods and goddesses gathered to lure her out. They tried everything they
could think of to no avail until one goddess performed an outrageously ribald dance that
caused the other gods to roar with laughter. Amaterasu left the cave to see what all the fun
was about, and in doing so she returned her light to the world.
Amano Iwato Shrine
About ten kilometers outside of central Takachiho, Amano Iwato Shrine was built near
the Cave where Amaterasu is said to have hid herself away.
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The cave cannot be approached, however, there is an observation deck behind the shrine’s
main building from where you can gaze across the river. In order to access the observation
deck, you need to inquire at the shrine entrance, and a priest will give you a quick guided tour.
Amano Yasukawara
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This is said to be the cave where the gods and goddesses met to discuss their strategy
of luring Amaterasu out of hiding. The natural beauty of the cave and river lined by
countless stacks of stones make Amano Yasukawara a place not to miss.
General information
| Address |
1073-1 Amano-iwato, Takachiho-cho, Nishi-Usuki-gun, Miyazaki-prefecture |
| Access |
120 minutes by a vehicle from Kumamoto IC 150 minutes by a vehicle from Oita IC 150 minutes by a vehicle from Miyazaki |
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Gokase Winery
Gokase Winery is located near Takachiho, in the beautiful plateau at an altitude of 600m.
All the wines are being made from locally grown grapes. There is the tasting corner, you
can enjoy sample wines. Winery also can be visited.
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At the Tenku restaurant, you can enjoy local cosines while looking beautiful scenery of plateau.
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