Takachiho travel guide
Takachiho Gorge
Takachiho is located in the south is Aso and offers dynamic nature Takachiho Gorge.
The gorge has been created by volcanic activity of Aso for many years.
The V-shaped narrow and deep gorge formed by columnar joins is made by erosion
due to water flow of the Gokase river over many years.
In addition, here is the birthplace of Japanese mythology.
It is the supposed site of legend where Amaterasu, the Shrine
Sun Goddess, disturbed by her brother’s cruel pranks, hid herself in a cave, prompting
the other gods and goddesses to try and lure her out.
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A 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. |
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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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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. In the evening, you can enjoy the Takachiho-no-Yokagura.
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Takachiho-no-Yokagura is a Shinto ritual which has been dedicated to Ujigami-sama from November to February for each settlement since a long time ago. For the people who cannot enjoy Takachiho-no-Yokagura, leading 4 episodes are performed from 8pm to 9pm at Takachiho Shrine Kagura-den Hall throghout the year. |
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The attraction uses the facilities of the discontinued Takachiho Railway. It takes 30 minutes to run the 5.1km course from Takachiho Station to Takachiho Railway Bridge. It seats 30 people and is pulled by two power vehicles, front and rear, each equipped with a 2500cc diesel engine. |
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Takachiho is a birth place of Japanese indigenous religion, Shinto. Takachiho is the site of one of the best known legends of Japanese mythology. 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. |
Local cuisine , Somen nagashi
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Somen is a kind of noodle which is made by wheat and is usually eaten by dipping style. Somen nagashi is the way of eating Somen with waterslide traditionally made by bamboo like as video below. Nagashi means flowing. |
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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. |
General information
| Address | Town hall : 13 Mitai, Takachiho-cho, Nishi-usuki-gun, Miyazaki-prefecture |
| Access |
1 hour and 10 minutes by a vehicle from Aso-city 1 hour and 50 minutes by a vehicle from Kumamoto-city 2 hours and 50 minutes by a vehicle from Nichinan-city 2 hours and 10 minutes by a vehicle from Miyazaki-city 1 hour and 15 minutes by a vehicle from Hyuga-city |
| Population | 13,600 Population density 50 |
Takachiho
