Takachiho travel guide
Takachiho Gorge
 |
A narrow chasm cut through the rock by the Gokase River, the gorge is lined with nearly sheer cliffs of volcanic basalt. These slow-forming columnar joints resemble the scales of a dragon, tracing the twisted paths where the molten stone once flowed and took shape. |
 |
The most recommended activity at Takachiho Gorge is renting a boat to experience the river from the very base of the canyon. The view from the water—where you can witness cascading waterfalls and dramatic columnar cliffs simultaneously—is a rare spectacle found in few other places in the world. |
|
Looking to ride the boats? As part of our Customized Private Tours, we handle the entire boat reservation process for our guests. |
|
 |
Located just west of the town center, Takachiho Shrine is nestled in a grove of tall cedars. During the day, the shrine’s modest, unpainted buildings blend naturally with the surrounding forest. In the evening, visitors can experience the traditional Takachiho-no-Yokagura. |
 |
Takachiho-no-Yokagura is a sacred Shinto ritual that has been dedicated to Ujigami (the local guardian deity) from November to February in each settlement for centuries. For those unable to attend the seasonal festivals, four highlight episodes are performed nightly from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Takachiho Shrine Kagura-den Hall throughout the year. |
|
Complete Your Spiritual Night in Takachiho For our Customized Private Tour guests, we are happy to assist with your Takachiho-no-Yokagura ticket reservations. |
|
 |
This attraction utilizes the facilities of the discontinued
Takachiho Railway. The 5.1 km course from Takachiho
Station to the Takachiho Railway Bridge takes
approximately 30 minutes to complete.
The rail car seats 30 people and is pulled by two power
vehicles — one at the front and one at the rear—each
equipped with a 2,500cc diesel engine.
|
 |
Takachiho is the birthplace of Shinto, Japan’s indigenous religion. It is the setting for one of the most famous legends in Japanese mythology. According to the tale, Amaterasu, the Sun Goddess, was so outraged by her brother’s cruel pranks that she hid herself in a cave, depriving the world of her life-giving light. |
Local cuisine , Somen nagashi
 |
Somen are thin wheat noodles typically eaten cold with a savory dipping sauce. “Somen Nagashi” is a traditional way of enjoying these noodles, where they are slid down a water-filled bamboo flume, as seen in the video below. “Nagashi” literally means “flowing.” |
Takachiho
WhatsApp: Chat with us