All Reviews of Takachiho Gorge

I had long heard about the magnificent scenery of Takachiho Gorge, but it wasn't until I visited in person that I truly felt its impact and beauty. It was deeply captivating and incredibly soothing.

I especially captured one classic view: Manai Falls, like a strand of white silk, gently cascading into the deep emerald-green gorge. The scenery was so beautiful it hardly seemed real. Whenever I look back at the photos, the light, shadows, and atmosphere from that day remain vivid, as though they were deeply etched into my mind. This one-of-a-kind, breathtaking gorge, shaped by the extraordinary forces of nature and paired with just the right enchanting light and shadows, is truly a profound memory that will last a lifetime.

Visiting the famous natural wonder of Takachiho Gorge in Takachiho, Miyazaki Prefecture, you can witness the breathtaking columnar-jointed gorge and spectacular waterfalls in person!

The swift, clear Gokase River runs between towering volcanic lava cliffs, while the famous Manai Falls cascades from above directly into the emerald-green gorge. Walking along the trail beside the gorge, you can look down on the relaxing scene of small rowboats passing between the waterfall and cliffs. Renting a rowboat yourself is also highly recommended, letting you experience the spray from the waterfall up close and take in the grandeur of the V-shaped gorge. Filled with a mythical atmosphere and abundant negative ions, this nationally designated Place of Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument is something you absolutely shouldn’t miss when visiting Miyazaki in Kyushu!

The trail stretches along the Gokase River gorge, flanked by towering cliffs dozens of meters high, made of columnar basalt formed when lava from Mount Aso's eruptions cooled. The finely detailed patterns running vertically along the rock walls look as if they were carved with knives and axes, revealing the magnificent power of nature shaped over millions of years. As you walk through, sunlight filters through the lush green canopy and falls on the clear, emerald-green water. Surrounded by rugged boulders and dense trees, with the faint roar of flowing water in the background, every step feels like walking through a painting.
After crossing the rustic and elegant Shinbashi Bridge, you reach Takimidai, the main observation point along the trail. From here, you get a wider, more complete view of Manai Falls—the pure white stream drops straight through a gap in the cliffs like a ribbon of white silk into the deep green pool below. Even from a distance, you can still feel its surging power and the remote, mystical atmosphere of this land of legends. Looking down at the gorge, usually filled with sightseeing boats, the absence of boats at that time instead gave it a more pristine and tranquil beauty.
Two weeks earlier, I had gotten up right on time specifically to book a boat ride at Takachiho Gorge and was lucky enough to get one of the tickets that sold out in seconds. I've been to Kyushu several times, but Takachiho Gorge was the one place I had never visited. I was looking forward to rowing through the magnificent gorge toward Manai Falls and feeling the spray from the 17-meter-high waterfall beside me.
Unexpectedly, the day before departure, I was notified that the water level was too high and the boat rides had been canceled. It was a little disappointing, but every trip leaves you with a reason to come back next time.

Admire the beauty of Takachiho while rowing a small boat through the lush gorge of the Gokase River. You can also walk along the trails and enjoy the fresh forest air. Riding the little open-air train lets you take in the mountains, forests, and countryside amid the bubble-filled gorge. There are beautiful surprises everywhere, making this place feel like a fairyland. The remarkable contours here showcase nature's craftsmanship.

The first time I saw Takachiho Gorge, I was amazed by the scenery. The rock walls on both sides, clear stream, and waterfall come together to showcase the beauty of nature.
Walking slowly along the trail with the mountain breeze blowing felt very pleasant, and the whole setting was quiet and relaxing. Although it's a bit far, seeing the beautiful scenery in person made it feel well worth the trip. It's a highly recommended spot on a trip to Miyazaki.

On this trip to Kyushu, Japan, I visited the beautiful Takachiho Gorge. As soon as I entered the gorge, I was greeted by towering basalt cliffs and a crystal-clear, emerald-green stream. The scenery was truly spectacular. Walking along the trail, listening to the flowing water, and breathing in the fresh air made me feel completely relaxed, as if all my worries had disappeared.

Takachiho Gorge’s famous Manai Falls cascades down from above, creating a stunning natural picture against the lush green forest. It was absolutely breathtaking. This trip not only allowed me to take in the magnificent scenery, but also gave me a greater appreciation for the beauty of nature. I hope to visit Takachiho Gorge again someday to see it in different seasons and make more wonderful memories.

Takachiho Gorge in the wind and rain had its own poetic charm.

On 20260627, after being greeted by a rare morning rainbow over Kumamoto Castle, my very first trip to Kyushu, Japan began. Following the journey, I arrived at Takachiho Gorge in Miyazaki Prefecture. Although the area was under the outer circulation of Typhoon Mitag, with a steady drizzle along the way, it made the mountains and forest look even more lush. Mist drifted through the gorge, like an ink-wash landscape painting. The rushing stream surged past. I couldn’t get close to Manai Falls, and I also missed the chance to take a leisurely boat ride through the gorge. Still, the rain and mist created a different kind of quiet beauty and emotion.

Travel doesn’t always go exactly as planned, but the wind and rain made the experience even more meaningful. It also made this Kyushu memory feel even more precious and unforgettable.

Takachiho Gorge was one of the most breathtaking spots on this trip. As soon as we stepped onto the trail, we were surrounded by lush greenery, and the air felt fresh and comfortable.

The towering gorge, vibrant green forest, and clear stream complemented each other beautifully. Along the way, we could also enjoy the famous Manai Falls, which made the scenery feel incredibly soothing.

Sunlight filtered through the treetops, and a gentle breeze made the whole forest feel even more alive. Walking along the trail, we could hear the sound of flowing water from time to time, and it really helped us relax.

There’s none of the noise of the city here, only the pure beauty of nature. It makes you want to slow down and fully enjoy the peace and emotion brought by all this greenery.

Visited in early summer, and from the entrance all the way to the gorge, everything was lush and green. Super soothing.
The walking path was easy too, so it was a really comfortable way to get close to nature.
The columnar volcanic rock formations had a unique kind of beauty, and we were lucky to get great weather.
It was a little hot, but seeing the scenery in the sunlight with my own eyes was even more beautiful than in the photos.

Miyazaki is a place full of myths, especially stories like 'Tenson Korin' and 'Ama-no-Iwato.'
'Tenson Korin' is about Ninigi-no-Mikoto, the grandson of the sun goddess Amaterasu, who came down here to rule the world. The first Japanese emperor, Jimmu, is said to be a descendant of Amaterasu.

Takachiho Gorge was formed by lava from Mt. Aso cooling rapidly and being eroded by the Gokase River, creating this stunning V-shaped valley.

You can stroll here for about 40 minutes to an hour.
When you visit, you have to try the local specialties:
- Nagashi somen (flowing noodles)
- Rowboat ride through the gorge
You can also ride the Takachiho Amaterasu Railway, which takes about 30 minutes (10 trips a day, 30 people per trip).