[Takachiho Gorge Travel Guide] Enjoy Mystical Scenic Views in the Setting of Japanese Mythology

The scenery that symbolizes Takachiho Gorge is Manai Falls, and it is one of the highlights you absolutely should not miss when sightseeing.
The sight of Manai Falls cascading down a 17m drop in harmony with the surrounding landscape is truly spectacular, with even a sense of refined elegance.
What is especially noteworthy is that you can view Manai Falls from a boat.
Seen from close range while looking up, Manai Falls and the cliffs of Takachiho Gorge are powerfully impressive.

A walking path has been developed along the gorge, where you can enjoy Takachiho Gorge's unique terrain and interesting sights such as giant rocks.
On the opposite side as seen from the walking path stands Sennin no Byobu Iwa, or the Immortals' Folding Screen Rock,
and you will likely be amazed by the grand scale of its columnar joints, which make it look like a folding screen.
Another sight not to miss is Onihachi no Chikaraishi, a giant rock estimated to weigh 200 tons.
It is said to have been thrown by the powerful demon god Onihachi and is located near Sennin no Byobu Iwa.
The narrowest part of the Gokase River is called Yaritobi, and a bridge named Yaritobi Bridge also spans it.
Before the bridge existed, a warrior fleeing from enemies after the fall of his castle is said to have crossed by planting the shaft of his spear on rocks in the Gokase River, which is where the name Yaritobi comes from.

An ancient shrine said to have been founded about 1,900 years ago during the reign of Emperor Suinin.
It enshrines Takachiho Sumegami and Jissha Daimyojin as its deities.
It is also known for hosting the traditional Takachiho Yokagura every night of the year, 365 days a year. Takachiho Yokagura is an ancient dance passed down through generations and designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan.

Amanoiwato Shrine in Takachiho Town, Miyazaki Prefecture, enshrines as its sacred object the Amanoiwato cave where Amaterasu Omikami hid, as told in Japanese mythology.
Amanoyasukawara, located about a 10-minute walk along the Iwato River from its Nishihongu, is said to be the place where the myriad gods gathered to discuss how to bring Amaterasu Omikami out of the cave.
One highlight is Gyoboga-iwaya, located along the mountain stream. Inside the large cave is a shrine dedicated to the myriad gods, surrounded by countless stacked stones that create a mystical atmosphere.

An ancient shrine that preserves the Amanoiwato myth recorded in the Nihon Shoki and Kojiki.
It enshrines as its sacred object the large cave called Amanoiwato, where Amaterasu Omikami hid herself in anger over the violent behavior of her younger brother Susanoo-no-Mikoto.
At the Nishihongu, there is a worship hall from which you can view Amanoiwato, and shrine staff guide visitors there at set times.
Seeing the setting of this famous myth up close is sure to leave you feeling a mysterious power.

The Takachiho Railway was once popular with tourists but sadly discontinued in 2005.
Today, the tracks are used for a sightseeing Grand Super Cart powered by a diesel engine.
Passing through two tunnels along the way, it travels 5.1km round trip from Takachiho Station to Takachiho Bridge at 20km/h over Approx. 30 minutes.
Takachiho Station still retains its old Japan National Railways-era station building, giving it a very nostalgic atmosphere.

A roadside station located along National Route 218, about a 5-minute drive from Takachiho Gorge, one of Kyushu's leading spiritual spots and a place associated with the myth of the heavenly descent.
It stands in a wonderful natural setting with sweeping views of Takachiho Gorge, designated as both a national Place of Scenic Beauty and a Natural Monument, as well as the Jinto Takachiho Ohashi Bridge, known for its graceful arch-shaped girders.

Takachiho no Yokagura is a folk performing art passed down in Takachiho Town, Miyazaki Prefecture, and is dedicated in prayer for a rich harvest.
After visiting sightseeing spots connected to mythology, enjoy performing arts based on those myths as well.
It was established between the late Heian period and the Kamakura period, and what had been dedicated by priests of Takachiho Shrine until the late Edo period was organized into 33 kagura performances and passed down by each village.
It is a precious tradition that conveys Japanese culture to the present day and is designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan.
At the Kaguraden Hall within the grounds of Takachiho Shrine, Takachiho Kagura is performed for the public every night from 8pm.
Dancers from different villages appear on a rotating daily schedule and perform four representative dances from the 33 kagura pieces, including Tajikarao no Mai and Uzume, over about one hour.
If you want to experience the world of Japanese mythology and folk performing arts, be sure to visit.

Takachiho Beef won the Prime Minister's Award, the highest prize in the beef cattle division, which evaluates meat quality, meat quantity, and fat quality, at the National Wagyu Ability Expo, held once every five years to determine Japan's best wagyu.
This JA-operated restaurant offers Takachiho Beef at reasonable prices. Only Japanese Black cattle graded A4 or higher and raised and fattened within the Takachiho District Agricultural Cooperative area can bear the name, and the beef is known for its tender texture and rich flavor.

A friendly izakaya in central Takachiho that is easy for travelers to visit.
The lineup includes sashimi, small dishes, zosui rice porridge, and monthly recommended specials, so you won't get tired of it even after multiple visits.
In addition to classics such as Miyazaki specialty chicken nanban, it also offers plenty of original dishes, including the giant rice ball called Bakudan and Goshiki Natto, a must-try for natto lovers.

A soba restaurant with excellent access, about a 5-minute walk from the Miyazaki Kotsu Takachiho Bus Center.
The soba flour is produced in Takachiho, ground with a stone mill, and served handmade. It is nihachi soba, known for its rich aroma and smooth texture.
Using sacred spring water from Akimoto Shrine, known for its pure water, along with homegrown pesticide-free rice and vegetables, this is a place where you can fully enjoy the blessings of Takachiho.

A conveniently located hotel for sightseeing, standing about an 8-minute walk from Takachiho Bus Center.
It offers healing through food and space to visiting travelers, creating a special adult escape with modern interiors.
There are four types of guest rooms to choose from depending on your travel purpose and companions. In addition to the Special Japanese-Western Style Room with Ryukyu tatami, a garden, and a bathtub in each room, it also has Standard Twin Rooms and Standard Double Rooms for casual stays focused on sightseeing.

On elegant grounds with a refined Japanese atmosphere, four detached buildings house a total of eight guest rooms spaced generously apart.
With Japanese-modern Japanese-Western rooms, Western-style rooms with Simmons beds, and relaxing Japanese-style rooms, the guest rooms are themed around the beauty of nature and each has its own distinct character, allowing you to choose according to your preference.
All rooms come with a private bath, another welcome feature that lets you enjoy a soak whenever you like.

A ryokan full of Japanese charm, located close to Takachiho Shrine, where Takachiho Kagura is performed every night.
Set on spacious grounds with a Japanese garden, it has 15 guest rooms. In Takachiho, known as the place of the heavenly descent, you can spend a relaxing time surrounded by Japanese comfort.
All rooms are equipped with an open-air bath full of openness and an indoor bath made entirely of Japanese cypress with a refreshing fragrance. You can soak at your leisure whenever you like and ease the fatigue of travel.

Within walking distance of both Takachiho Gorge and Takachiho Shrine, it is an ideal base for sightseeing.
At the front desk, cushions for kagura viewing are available free of charge, so you can enjoy the evening kagura performances in comfort.
Its pride is the semi-natural hot spring Amaterasu no Yu, made with Komeiseki stone. The water, composed of calcium chloride, calcium bicarbonate, and sodium chloride, is colorless, clear, and soft on the skin.