Takachiho Railway Bridge (高千穂鉄橋): The biggest highlight of the trip. As the open-air train with no roof overlooks the panoramic valley and mountain scenery, dreamy bubbles suddenly appear. Projections and music in the illuminated tunnel make this place different from anywhere else. Send a postcard to bring the beautiful scenery home, and look forward to being a traveler again: “Take part in life, enjoy life.”
Amaterasu Railway | Review by 謝美芳
Other Reviews by 謝美芳
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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.
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.
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Mameda Town
Hita City, neighboring Fukuoka and Kumamoto, was a prosperous “Tenryo (directly ruled by the Shogunate)” merchant town in Edo Period. The city is still dotted by classic buildings and earthen walls, which earned the nickname “Little Kyoto in Kyushu.” Roughly a 15-minute walk from Hita train station will take you to Mameda Town, where houses of merchants still remain who were providing goods to the Shogunate during the Tenryo Era.
I fell in love with the beauty of Mameda Town. Despite the blazing sun, its charming old-fashioned streets felt especially peaceful beneath the blue sky and white clouds.
Hita yokan, century-old soy sauce and miso, and wooden geta sandals are must-try souvenirs. Against the backdrop of white-plastered walls, it’s easy to imagine the Edo-period townhouses and the dedication of their artisans. It feels like stepping into a painting from history. These wonderful memories and reflections are the most precious treasures of any journey ^_^ -
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Tsuetate Onsen
Tsuetate Onsen, nestled along the Tsuetate River in Aso District, Kumamoto Prefecture, is known as Kyushu's inner parlor. Its history dates back 1,800 years, with legends tracing its origin to being the first bath for the child who would become Emperor Ojin. The waters here are a mix of weak alkaline simple springs and chloride springs. They are also rich in metasilicic acid, which enhances the therapeutic effects of the hot springs, leaving the skin smooth and moisturized after bathing.
I love the beauty of the mountain mist, and the sound of the flowing stream felt like it was welcoming us. After soaking in the natural riverside hot spring, I felt completely refreshed and healed. If you’re looking to explore a hidden gem, this place is perfect. This hot spring village is waiting for us to enjoy the beauty of nature together ^_^
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