Takachiho travel guide
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Takachiho is located south of Aso and offers stunning natural beauty, highlighted by
the dynamic Takachiho Gorge. The gorge was created by years of volcanic activity
from Mount Aso. Its narrow, deep V-shape, characterized by dramatic columnar joints,
was formed by the long-term water flow and erosion of the Gokase River.
Takachiho is also the birthplace of Japanese mythology. According to legend, this is
the supposed site where Amaterasu, the Sun Goddess, hid in a cave after being
disturbed by her brother’s cruel pranks, prompting the other gods and goddesses
to try and lure her out.
A narrow chasm cut through the rock by the Gokase
River, the gorge is lined with nearly sheer cliffs made
of volcanic basalt. These slow-forming columns resemble
the scales of a dragon, where the stone twisted and flowed
as it took shape.
Takachiho Gorge boat riding
The most recommended activity at Takachiho Gorge is renting a
boat to experience the river flowing at the base of the gorge.
The view from the water, where you can see both the waterfalls
and the columnar-shaped valley cliffs together, is incredibly rare
in the world. Please enjoy this amazing perspective from your boat.
Takachiho shrine
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
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.
Amaterasu Railway
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
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Miyazaki-prefecture