Takachiho Gorge
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.
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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.
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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.
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Takachiho shrine
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.
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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.
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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.
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Amano Iwato Shrine
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.
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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.
Amaterasu Railway
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 twin 2,500cc diesel
engines at the front and rear. 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 gorge.
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Aso Takachiho road
The route connecting Aso and Takachiho offers a breathtaking transition from
volcanic landscapes to mystical deep gorges.
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Takachiho-no-Yokagura
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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Complete Your Spiritual Night in Takachiho
For our Customized Private Tour guests, we are happy to assist with your
Takachiho-no-Yokagura ticket reservations.
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.
Don’t miss this breathtaking perspective from the river level
Looking to ride the boats?
As part of our Customized Private Tours, we handle the entire boat reservation
process for our guests.
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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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