Takachiho Gorge boat riding
This travel guide is curated by Japan KYUSHU Tourist to help you make the most
of your journey.
Based in Fukuoka, we are a dedicated travel agency specializing exclusively
in the Kyushu region.
The most recommended activity at Takachiho Gorge is renting a boat to experience
the river at the base of the canyon. The view from the water—where you can see
the cascading waterfalls and dramatic columnar cliffs simultaneously—is a rare sight
found in few other places in the world.
Don’t miss this breathtaking perspective from your boat.
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Map of Takachiho
Amaterasu Railway
This Tourist information has been created by Japan KYUSHU Tourist to assist
with your travels.
We are a travel agency in Fukuoka specializing in Kyushu, Japan.
When you are planning a trip to Kyushu, please feel free to contact us by sending
an Enquiry.
This attraction utilizes the tracks and facilities of the former Takachiho Railway.
The round-trip journey takes approximately 30 minutes, covering a 5.1km course
from Takachiho Station to the breathtaking Takachiho Railway Bridge.
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The cart seats 30 passengers and is powered by two engines—one at the front
and one at the rear—each a robust 2500cc diesel. Tempered glass panels are
built into the center of the floor, allowing you to watch the tracks rush by and
look straight down into the valley from the bridge’s highest point, a staggering
105 meters above the ground.
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Takachiho
Takachiho-no-Yokagura
This Tourist information has been created by Japan KYUSHU Tourist to assist
with your travels.
We are a travel agency in Fukuoka specializing in Kyushu, Japan.
When you are planning a trip to Kyushu, please feel free to contact us by sending
an Enquiry.
Takachiho-no-Yokagura is a sacred Shinto ritual that has been dedicated to
Ujigami-sama (the local guardian deity) by various settlements from November
to February since ancient times. For those who cannot attend the full seasonal
festivals, four representative episodes are performed nightly from 8:00 PM to 9:00
PM at the Takachiho Shrine Kagura-den Hall throughout the year.
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First three episodes (The dance of Tajikarao, Uzume, Totori) are based on Iwato
Mythology. The dance of Goshitai is a dance of a married couple (Izanagi and
Izanami) living happily together. It expresses a prayer for a rich harvest, happily
married, smooth delivery and pregnancy.
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Takachiho
Takachiho Gorge
This Tourist information has been created by Japan KYUSHU Tourist to assist
with your travels.
We are a travel agency in Fukuoka specializing in Kyushu, Japan.
When you are planning a trip to Kyushu, please feel free to contact us by sending
an Enquiry.
The Takachiho Gorge is a narrow chasm carved through rock by the Gokase River.
Its nearly sheer cliffs are made of slow-forming volcanic basalt columns, which
resemble dragon scales where the stone twisted and flowed during its formation.
Visitors can enjoy the gorge from two perspectives. The first is from below by rowing
a boat down the river. Rental boats are available at the south end of the gorge,
where 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,
by rowing a boat along the river. Rental boats are available at the south end of the
gorge, where the water is calm and easy to navigate. This highly recommended
route offers a breathtaking close-up view of the sheer cliffs and the majestic waterfall.
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The most recommended activity at Takachiho Gorge is exploring the river by
rental boat. The chance to see majestic waterfalls and unique columnar joints
together in one place is truly rare in the world. We invite you to enjoy this
breathtaking view from the water.
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Takachiho shrine
This Tourist information has been created by Japan KYUSHU Tourist to assist
with your travels.
We are a travel agency in Fukuoka specializing in Kyushu, Japan.
When you are planning a trip to Kyushu, please feel free to contact us by sending
an Enquiry.
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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Amano Iwato Shrine
This Tourist information has been created by Japan KYUSHU Tourist to assist
with your travels.
We are a travel agency in Fukuoka specializing in Kyushu, Japan.
When you are planning a trip to Kyushu, please feel free to contact us by sending
an Enquiry.
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.
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Aso Takachiho road
This Tourist information has been created by Japan KYUSHU Tourist to assist
with your travels.
We are a travel agency in Fukuoka specializing in Kyushu, Japan.
When you are planning a trip to Kyushu, please feel free to contact us by sending
an Enquiry.
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Gokase Winery
This Tourist information is created by Japan KYUSHU Tourist for enjoyment
of your travel. We are a Travel Agent in Fukuoka specializing in Kyushu.
When you have an idea or a plan for traveling in Kyushu, Japan, please contact
us by sending an Enquiry. Make an Enquiry
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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