The tall tower gate is very solemn and impressive. There’s also a unique horizontal approach, and you can see the Aso volcano group in the distance.
I heard this is a famous power spot, and walking around here really did feel peaceful and refreshing.
The sacred spring at the entrance was incredibly cold. I was a little disappointed I didn’t have a water bottle with me... I couldn’t take any of the spring water to drink.
Aso Shrine (Kumamoto) | Review by Wen
Other Reviews by Wen
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Amaterasu Railway
Takachiho Railway, the favorite of tourists, was unfortunately closed in 2005. Now, using those railways, a grand diesel engine super cart is run for tourists. It goes through two tunnels from Takachiho Station to Takachiho Bridge and comes back on its 5.1km round trip at 20km/h for roughly 30minutes.
So! In!cred!i!bly! beautiful!
When the weather is nice, every photo turns out great. The scenery along the way is lovely, and when you pass through the tunnel, there’s even a little LED light show on the ceiling.
The classic stop in the middle of the high railway bridge goes without saying. Looking down over the gorge is spectacular, and the staff even blow bubbles so everyone can take photos. It feels totally dreamy!
Since it’s designed to let passengers enjoy the views better, it’s completely open-air with no roof. The direct sun can be a bit hot, so be sure to bring sun protection. But honestly, if you’re lucky enough to see this amazing scenery in good weather, a little sun along the way is totally worth it. -
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Manai Falls
Takachiho Gorge, designated as a National Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument, is a stunning landscape formed by the erosion of pyroclastic flows from Mount Aso's eruption. The result is a unique gorge with striking columnar cliffs, known as columnar jointing.
Such a beautiful, dreamlike waterfall. The terrain and scenery, together with the lush greenery in summer, are gorgeous and so soothing.
Watching the little boats glide slowly below also feels peaceful. I didn’t go down for a boat ride myself, but just taking in the view was really relaxing. -
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Takachiho Gorge
Takachiho Gorge is a narrow v-shaped chasm made over thousands of years by the Gokase River’s erosion of Mt. Aso’s volcanic rock. This spectacular place is surrounded by cliffs that average 80 meters in height (reaching up to 100 meters) and extend along for 7 kilometers. Takachiho Gorge has been designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty.
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. -
