Day 2 Takachiho
Takachiho offers dynamic and beautiful Takachiho Gorge and 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. Enjoy the dynamic and beautiful
nature of Takachioho Gorge and find the roots of Japanese culture in the birth place of
Japanese mythology.
Itinerary
lunch at Takachiho, Somen nagashi
Where to explore
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 Yokagura Dance.
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Lunch
Somen nagashi
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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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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About ten kilometers outside of central Takachiho the 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.
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