Takachiho is the birthplace of Shinto, Japan’s indigenous religion. The origin story of Shinto is set in the cave behind Amano Iwato Shrine and at Amano Yasugawara. According to the myth, 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.    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.   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 A short walk down the road from Amano Iwato Shrine is a path  that leads down to the river below. After a few minutes on this  path you will see neat little piles of stones stacked along the …

Amano Iwato Shrine…の続きを読む

  The Takachiho Gorge is a narrow chasm carved by the Gokase River. Its sheer volcanic basalt cliffs feature unique columns that resemble twisted dragon scales. Visitors can experience the gorge from below by rowing a rental boat down the calm, easy-to-navigate waters at its southern end.     Exploring Takachiho Gorge For a unique perspective, row a rental boat down the calm, easy-to-navigate waters at the south end of the gorge. This highly recommended experience offers breathtaking, close-up views of the sheer cliffs and the majestic waterfall.         Takachiho Gorge boat riding The most recommended activity at Takachiho Gorge is exploring the river by rental boat. The opportunity to witness majestic waterfalls and unique columnar joints together in one place is truly rare. We invite you to experience this breathtaking view from the water.     Design Your Kyushu Trip We arrange tailor-made Kyushu private tours. Connect below via your preferred method:

Takachiho Gorge…の続きを読む

  The shrine has a long history, having been established 1,900 years ago. It enshrines the deities of agriculture, marriage, traffic safety, and protection against misfortune. Located just west of the town center, it is nestled in a grove of tall cedars. During the day, the shrine’s simple, unpainted buildings blend naturally with the surrounding trees. The filtering light brings with it an air of calm, peaceful reverence.     Today, this legend is reenacted through Yokagura, a series of 33 dances depicting the divine conflict and other deeds of the gods. On winter weekends, people gather to watch all-night performances held at different locations each week, including private homes. These performances take place on Saturday evenings from mid-November to mid-February.     Takachiho-no-Yokagura Today, this legend is reenacted through Yokagura, a series of 33 dances depicting the divine conflict and other deeds of the gods. On winter weekends, people gather to watch all-night performances held at different locations each week, including private homes. These performances take place on Saturday evenings from mid-November to mid-February.       Design Your Kyushu Trip We arrange tailor-made Kyushu private tours. Connect below via your preferred method:

Takachiho shrine…の続きを読む

  Nestled on the northern slopes of Mount Aso, Kurokawa Onsen is celebrated as the premier hot spring destination in the region. Famous for its breathtaking open-air baths, it stands as one of the ultimate places to immerse yourself in traditional Japan. Here, more than 20 exquisite ryokans and local boutiques line the tranquil Tanoharu River—a headstream of the Chikugo River—creating a nostalgic and deeply relaxing atmosphere.   Onsen Tegata With an “Onsen Tegata,” a pass made of cedar wood, travelers can enjoy three different open-air hot springs.     Exclusive Luxury Ryokan Concierge Service Find Your Perfect High-End Stay in Kurokawa Onsen   Finding the perfect traditional accommodation can be overwhelming when planning your dream getaway. As local destination experts based in Kyushu, we specialize in Kurokawa Onsen luxury stay booking, ensuring a seamless, worry-free reservation process tailored entirely to your personal preferences.   Whether you are looking for a secluded hideaway or a premium suite featuring a stunning Kurokawa Onsen private open-air bath (Rotenburo), we communicate directly with the area’s finest properties on your behalf.   We handle everything from securing exclusive room types to coordinating specific dietary needs, such as premium Wagyu beef preferences or strict food allergies.   Don’t let language barriers or complex booking systems stand between you and the finest       Design …

Kurokawa Onsen…の続きを読む

Located south of Aso, Takachiho offers breathtaking natural beauty, best represented by the dynamic Takachiho Gorge. Formed by volcanic activity from Mount Aso, this narrow, V-shaped chasm features dramatic columnar joints sculpted by the Gokase River over thousands of years.   Takachiho is also famous as the cradle of Japanese mythology. Legend has it that the Sun Goddess, Amaterasu, once hid in a local cave here to escape her brother’s pranks, leading the other gods to devise a plan to lure her out and restore light to the world.     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.   Takachiho Gorge boat riding 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.   Takachiho shrine Located just west of …

Takachiho travel guide…の続きを読む